Autumn and Winter Sewing Plans

The summer is coming to an end and soon we will be exchanging summer dresses and sandals for winter dresses and boots. I've been taking stock of my wardrobe, looking for gaps and deciding what garments I could add for the autumn and winter. Here's my current wishlist of garments I would like to make:

1. Black denim skirt

I received a copy of Simple Sew's Chelsea pattern collection with issue 29 of Love Sewing magazine. I love all the patterns in this collection, but what caught my eye is version A of the skirt. There is a lovely denim version in the magazine and I really want one in black denim. This would match a lot of my t-shirts and cardigans and would be great with tights and my tan closed-toe clogs. The magazine includes instructions for flatfelled seams, which would be a nice detail on this skirt and a new technique for me.

2. Collette Wren wrap dress

I've been on the search for dresses and tops suitable for breastfeeding and came across the Wren dress by Colette patterns. This wrap style dress features two types of skirts and comes with 4 different sleeve variations, so is a very versatile pattern. I have previously made Colette's Moneta dress (here and here) which have been worn many, many times and are now looking a bit tatty. I'm hoping the wren dress will also become a much loved part of my wardrobe.

3. Sewaholic Belcarra blouse

I currently don't have a go to pattern for a simple woven t-shirt. I've been lusting after Sewaholic's Belcarra blouse blouse for a very long time. I love all three variations, including the cute pocket and the pintuck sleeves. I think this would look great tucked into skirts or worn loose with skinny jeans. I'm thinking this will be great in some bold patterns or prints.

4. GBSB Breton T-shirt

My husband bought me the book from series 4 of the Great British Sewing Bee: From Stitch to Style by Wendy Gardiner, as a treat shortly after I had my baby. I was immediately drawn to the Breton t-shirt and would love to add a few to my wardrobe. In particular, I like the cap sleeves which are part of the body of the t-shirt.  I really like the red short sleeve version in the picture and plan to make my own version!

5. Tilly and the Buttons Bettine dress

I've sewn quite a few patterns from Tilly and the Buttons but wasn't immediately sold on the Bettine dress. I usually go for full or A line skirts, so the tulip skirt didn't appeal to me. However, I've recently purchased a ready-to-wear nursing dress in a similar shape with a scoop neck, tulip skirt and elasticated waist, which I love! This has made me re-think the Bettine dress. I love the pocket and cuff details and can see this in some lovely printed viscose.

6. Self drafted Modern Shirt Dress

It's probably obvious by now from my blog that I love a shirt dress. There are so many variations to shirt dresses that I never get bored. They can be dressed up or down, I can wear them to work and they are also breastfeeding appropriate. I love this modern version of the Shirt Dress which features in Issue 30 of Love Sewing magazine. It is a self-drafted pattern which intrigues me and I love the simple style. Again, I think this would be nice in a printed viscose or maybe some chambray.

7. Sew over it Tea Dresses

Tea dresses are another favourite of mine and I really like Sew Over It's patterns, although I have never made one. I love both the Doris Dress and the 1940's Tea Dress. Both dresses have a fitted bodice with vintage details and a plain skirt. I can't decide which pattern I prefer, but can envision them both in a floral ditsy print.

Starting from October, I plan to try and make a minimum of 1 garment a month. We are moving house at the end of this month so I won't have time for sewing at the moment as I am busy packing etc. I also have limited time for sewing, so this seems like a reasonable target.

What are your sewing plans for Autumn and Winter?