The weather in the UK is pretty chilly at the moment and it definitely feels like autumn is on its way. All the lightweight tops and sundresses will be packed away in the not too distant future, which means a new season of sewing can begin. I don't have any concrete plans for autumnal sewing, but there are a few gaps in my wardrobe that I'm keen to fill. One of them is for semi-posh going out clothes. I don't need many as I'm not constantly out on the lash, but it would be good to have a nice choice for the few occasions I do get to escape!
Top of my list are evening tops that can be worn with slim trousers (or a pencil skirt) and heels. A current favourite in this category is my Sew Over It Anita Tie Top, which is dressy, comfortable and absolutely perfect for glamming up a pair of skinny jeans.
I can see at least one more version in the making, perhaps using another Liberty print as it worked so well last time. I've also just bought Sew Over It's Anderson Blouse pattern.
I'm optimistically hoping that sewing it will magically transform me into its classy and sexy namesake - Gillian Anderson. Highly unlikely, but I'll give it a whirl. I think rayon would be perfect for this kind of drapey top and I've seen several lovely ones recently….
I think this navy viscose print is so elegant. It also comes in a red or black colourway.
I love the colours in this bright floral rayon challis print.
Or maybe I should go for a big, blousey floral print instead? Like this Joel Dewberry rayon challis.
On the cocktail dress front, I'd still like to use the skirt and bodice blocks I made on last year's pattern cutting weekend to make myself a little black dress. I don't actually own such a thing, and although black isn't the greatest colour on me, I think I need one in my life. I have in mind a princess seamed dress with slight cap sleeves that I'm planning to make with Prada crepe-backed satin. The fabric is self lined which means I can really concentrate on getting the fit right.
I'd also like to make the lace cocktail dress which has been dancing around in my brain ever since I first clapped eyes on Karen's red lace dress. Sadly, the lace dress class that she took isn't held at a time that suits me, so I'll be teaching myself as I go along. This could turn out well or it could be a total disaster, there's only one way of finding out isn't there?!
I'd also like to make the lace cocktail dress which has been dancing around in my brain ever since I first clapped eyes on Karen's red lace dress. Sadly, the lace dress class that she took isn't held at a time that suits me, so I'll be teaching myself as I go along. This could turn out well or it could be a total disaster, there's only one way of finding out isn't there?!
I'll probably use a combination of my bodice and skirt blocks and this Amazing Fit pattern which I picked up in a Weaver Dee sale last month.
I really like the style lines of View B, with the lace overlay shown in View C (but not the long, flouncy bit). I'm also going to treat myself to a Craftsy online course - The Essential Guide to Sewing with Lace, which just received a good review by Fabrikate. I think it could be the ideal stepping stone between attending a course in person and trying to work things out for myself!
Of course, I'll need to keep warm alongside swanning around in drapey tops and cocktail dresses, so I'll still be sewing myself a few basics. But that's another blog post! Have a good week. x