The evenings are getting chillier, the leaves are changing and pumpkin flavoured drinks are back on coffee shop menus – which all means that autumn is just around the corner. I don’t know about you, but I find that my inspiration for sewing, or ‘sewjo’ as it’s often referred to on social media, returns with a passion during autumn/fall.
I love sewing clothes for my handmade wardrobe, and autumn provides the perfect opportunity for layering your ‘me-mades’.
I’ve put together five sewing patterns which I think are perfect for this time of year (and year around, really). I’ve made all of them, so I can recommend them with confidence. One little disclaimer is that one of the sewing patterns is actually mine – the Bilbo Vest.
I hope you enjoy this little list – we’d love to know if you’ve made any of them, or if you decide to give them a go! You can find all the haberdashery you need to accompany your project. at William Gee.
Happy autumn sewing!
1. The Bloomsbury Blouse by Nina Lee London
This is the perfect, romantic frilly blouse, in my opinion. I think Nina Lee’s instructions are very clear, which makes this pretty top more accessible than it looks. The only tricky thing that I find is doing the buttons up on the back.
I made it in a muted mustard check, and I love the contrast between the frilliness and the more muted fabric.
2. The Zadie Dress by Paper Theory
You may have seen or made the Zadie Jumpsuit by Paper Theory before – I’d go as far as saying it’s probably the most made sewing pattern that I’ve seen. Tara has created an expansion pack for the pattern, which means you can turn the bodice into a gathered wrap dress. I’ve love this, because I find the Zadie bodice such a comfortable fit, and the dress is perfect for layering over t-shirts or lightweight turtlenecks on cooler days.
3. The Bob Pants by Style Arc
The slightly unusual shape of the Bob Pants legs make them stand out from the crowd (there are lots of options for elasticated waist trousers!) I’ve seen them on a range of different people, and they’re known for being comfortable. I’ve made them in a mid-weight linen, but I’m considering them in something slightly heavier for colder days. Just make sure not to go too heavy with your fabric, as it still needs to gather at the waist without excessive bunching.
The only thing I would say that makes these less ‘easy’ is that the instructions are less thorough than other patterns I’ve seen. I think if you’ve made elasticated waist trousers before it should be absolutely fine, but if not, perhaps have a look at the Pomona Pants or the Ninni Culottes?
4. The Bilbo Vest by Thread and Yarn
I released the Bilbo Vest last winter as I love a quilted waistcoat! I think they’re great pieces for layering over tops, light jumpers or dresses, and perfect for keeping your core warm in that inbetween-type weather.
There’s an option for a patchwork quilted vest, or a fully lined waistcoat. I wanted it to be beginner friendly, and great for using up your scraps or remnants. It’s also fully reversible, so you can change the look of it whenever you fancy. I hope you enjoy it if you give it a go!
5. The Ottoline Jacket by Merchant and Mills
This one is for intermediate sewists, or those who’d like a bit more of a challenge. This is a beautiful jacket, with lovely topstitching details and the professional touches that M&M often add into their designs. I made one a couple of autumns ago, and I wear it constantly.
I hope you liked seeing these patterns! Are there any others you are itching to make for this cosy season?
Lorna x
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