What I love most about designing patterns is seeing how the sewing community can really get creative and reimagine what a garment can be.
In this vein, the Wardrobe Workshop not only covers 5 garments, but also provides the skills to use them as a base for an unlimited number of pieces that can be styled and made for any time of the year.
Here's a couple ideas for how I'd approach making the designs in the Wardrobe Workshop for winter...
Frida Shirt as a jacket?
The idea for a Frida Shirt/Jacket was inspired by a make sent to us by Wendy (top left, grey with floral binding). I love how the use of quilted fabric has immediately transformed the pattern into more of a jacket.
It's so exciting to see quilted fabric move to the forefront of womenswear (though trend culture and fast fashion are so entwined). I hope this attention comes from an appreciation of how unique the texture is and how practical the extra layers of warmth are for winter. If you do try to make your own, consider losing the french seam and applying binding instead to reduce bulk.
Cara Top as a vest?
The Cara Top is a quintessentially summer pattern, but it could also be the perfect layer on top of a long sleeve or jumper. The standing mandarin collar and the more flared silhouette would be so interesting in a thicker, more wintery fabric.
Corduroy or wool felt would be a more straightforward make, and quilted fabric would be more of a body warmer/gilet look. The perk with wool felt is that the cut edges don't fray so you wouldn't need to hem, saving you from sewing through tougher thicker bits.
Over Shirt as a windbreaker?
The Over Shirt is one of our most versatile and popular patterns. I previously made a version that is already more of a windbreaker with a drawstring hack, though I think a corduroy collar and pocket lining would elevate it into more of a winter piece. The contrast between the more crisp poplin and the textured corduroy would really add to your outfit on more chilly days.
Daphne and Worker Trousers
To be honest, the Daphne and Worker Trousers are perfectly winter friendly as is. A thicker denim or corduroy are go-tos for both patterns and it's amazing to see so many members of the community make trousers in multiple fabrics to cover their bases in their forever wardrobe.
If you want to make your wardrobe with your creativity first, learn all of the skills you need to reimagine patterns confidently with the 5 workshops included in the Wardrobe Workshop.
If you have any questions about our workshops, please do let us know! We're currently wrapping up a workshop for the Darcy Coat which will be launching very soon...
Hetty x
