This is a nice simple pattern with a gentle a-line shape. It’s super-easy to make. No zips or waistband. Just elastic casing around the waist. Very comfy!
It also makes a great early pregnancy or postnatal skirt too. Because, let’s face it, if you want to sew maternity clothes, there’s not exactly a truckload of options to choose from.
While we’re on the topic of floaty summer tops in Nani IRO florals, I’ve recently uploaded this fabulous new Make it Perfect Shearwater Kaftan pattern to the shop.
I’ve been waiting for someone to do a nice simple kaftan and Toni from Make it Perfect has come through with the goods!
I’ve made a few kaftans in the past but I’ve never been happy with the patterns I’ve used and I’ve had to tweak each one to within an inch of it’s life to get a good result. I haven’t tried the Shearwater pattern yet, but will try it soon. Toni describes it as “just the right balance between floaty and fitted” which is exactly the look I’m after. It’s a great sleeve length for this time of the year: a long sleeve with a tab to button up to 3/4 length.
So, what fabric to use? I think double gauze is perfect or something else light like a voile or lawn to give the floaty effect. I probably wouldn’t use quilting weight cotton if you’re after the floaty effect. Even a slightly open weave linen like Fuccra Rakuel below would be nice.
As summer draws to a close, it’s not too late for a summer fling! This one is made up in the gorgeous Fucccra Rakuel Floral from the Nani IRO collection.
I omitted the trims and sash from the pattern because I didn’t think this fabric needed anything else. It looks great with jeans or long khaki shorts. The double gauze makes it really comfortable and I get lots of comments every time I wear it.
These are one of the new Bettsy Kingston patterns I’ve just uploaded to the fabric store. There are some great baby and kids patterns like the Peekaboo Dress below, and also a really nicely cut a-line skirt for women and girls.
I’ve just added the new Kaleidoscope pattern book by Melanie Hurlston (of Melly & Me) to the store. It really is inspiring! The projects are gorgeous and I particularly love the photography and styling in this book. Melanie’s done a fabulous job of lifting contemporary craft into the realm of something really special.
After searching for ages for a nice jacket for my 3 year old daughter, it seems that clothing manufacturers don’t think that girls need to stay warm in winter. I found lots of cool boys’ jackets but the really nice ones for girls were super-expensive. So when Toni from Make it Perfect released this one recently, I was delighted! It’s a snappy little jacket called Uptown Girl and is easy to make and reversible!
Here’s another little pre-Christmas project that I’ve just got around to photographing. It’s made from Simplicity 3742 and this Oriental Baubles fabric. This fabric sews up beautifully and drapes well. Although it’s 100% cotton, it feels like it contains some silk. It would also work well in dresses or skirts (particularly this one).
Looking for gorgeous, contemporary patterns for children? Then look no further than Oliver + S. The range was created by Leisl Gibson, fashion designer and author of the well known blog distressed. Love the designs, and love the paperdoll illustrations – just beautiful!
The patterns are being released in the US in February next year. We’ll be stocking them in the store hopefully not long after that.
I’ve had a few enquiries about when we’ll be getting the new Amy Butler patterns. The Sophia Carry-all and the Lotus Tunic & Cami will be available in our store early December and the Kimberly bag and Anna tunic will be available early January (or maybe late December).
Here’s a really nice, classic bag pattern. The bonus is that it’s reversible!
