Header image: the Over Shirt, our much-loved autumnal sewing pattern.

With the temperature hitting over thirty degrees in London today, the studio fans are working overtime and we've braved the streets for a lunchtime ice cream run. Our current focus however? All things cosy.

Right now, we're sampling a new garment to launch in the cooler months this year. It feels a little strange to wrangle with cosy fabrics mid-heatwave (and the fitting process has to be swift!), but summer truly is the best time to start sewing ahead for chillier days.

Planning Ahead

Starting your winter sewing when sunshine still stretches long into the night gives you the breathing room to really consider what's missing from your wardrobe. To make clothes that will truly last, it’s important to be very intentional with each part of the making process.

In many ways, sewing for a season that hasn't arrived yet is the epitome of slow fashion: giving yourself space and time to enjoy the process from start to finish. Thoughtfully sourcing the perfect heavier fabric, fitting a coat properly and sewing without time pressure sets you up ready to debut a garment on the perfect breezy day.
The Worker Trouser works really well for winter in sturdier fabrics such as corduroy.

Winter Sewing Patterns

These are the garments our community are wearing on repeat once temperatures drop:

• The Over Shirt is our utility inspired take on a cotton chore jacket. Ideal worn open over a t-shirt, then buttoned up once the cold properly sets in. Learn more about the inspiration and sewing process with Hetty’s deep dive here.
• The Jaime Jacket is a casual menswear pattern that has become a firm favourite with everyone, thanks to its two-way patch pockets.
• The Worker Trouser is ultra-comfortable and practical by design. When sewn in denim or corduroy, these are especially suited to being worn all winter. Already sewn a pair? Get inspired by our community’s hacks to refresh the pattern here. 

And for our community who are based in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, those chillier days have already arrived! Find your perfect outerwear sewing pattern here.

The Paloma Top in crisp cotton poplin, and a lovely light linen.

Summer Sewing Patterns

If you’re looking to sew a more breezy garment, we’d recommend these summer sewing patterns:

• The new Rowan Skirt and Paloma Top. Paired together, the adjustable gathering on the Paloma and pretty gathered side pockets on the Rowan keep things beautiful and breezy when a structured shirt or trouser feels too much. 

• The Sienna Dress features pretty pintucks and a drop waist, with the added practicality of side pockets. We’d recommend sewing in linen for casual daily wear, as seen here on Amari.

• The Cara Top is the perfect sleeveless blouse pattern for beginners or ambitious sewists alike, beautifully finished with French seams, binding and neat hems. 

• A light, lovely make is the Racer Vest. A high neck and narrow shoulder elevates this vest, whilst crucially, low scoop under the arms to avoid sweatiness.

 

Want more?

• Looking to master the skills to sew clothes that truly fit and last? Create a full capsule wardrobe with the Wardrobe Workshop online tutorial - sign up here.

• Hetty shares her top tips on how to make a Summer Capsule Wardrobe here.