Quick and Easy Late Summer & Autumn Sewing

.It's that time of year, when there is still promise of hot summer days, but the cooler autumn days are approaching.  

Here are some of our ideas for some quick and easy projects that you can sew up quickly to make the most of the remaining warm weather, or wear them with an extra layer or two to see you through the changeable autumn days ahead. 

Megan Nielsen Opal Pants and Shorts

View B of the Opal Pants

Aimee and Calley have made a few of these pants and shorts and the pattern has established itself as a firm favourite! They have made View B the most, a loose pair of pants with an elasticated waist. It doesn't have zips or buttons making it a really quick sewing project. 

We have made a pair in the Tencel Rayon Flint and teamed it with the Unisex Tee Shirt made from Japanese Cotton Shirting with Ochre and Black ribbing.

We could see some great pairs being made with either the Floral Shade in Calm Grey or the Boulevard Laundered Linen - White.  The Floral Shade would make such a great statement pair, and the fabric is so lovely to wear.  Layer with a little cardigan, or a longer duster coat for cool mornings or autumn/winter days. 

The Assembly Line V-Neck Cuff Top

This sewing pattern features a V-Neck and gathered sleeves.  A light and breezy top and could also be used as a layering piece with a light merino underneath when the weather gets a little cooler. 

A beautiful linen cotton fabric or a viscose crepe would show off the drape and flow of the pattern, especially the sleeves. 

Pictured below are two fabrics that we think would pair beautifully with the top.  On the left is the Laundered Linen Cotton in Hellebore and on the right is a Viscose Crepe in Night. 

Friday Pattern Company - The Wilder Gown

We have made this pattern up as a sleeveless version but it is such an easy sewing project to sew in a light linen with sleeves - either as a dress or perhaps a top paired with jeans? 

Some of the fabrics that we suggest would be the Cotton Gauze in Native off White (pictured on the left), if you are worried about this being see through then we would suggest lining it with a white cotton lawn. The fabric pictured on the right is the Shelter Black, Linen Cotton Seersucker.  A heavier weight than the gauze it would make a great statement dress. 

Merchant and Mills Unisex Tee

The unisex tee has been designed for woven fabrics, elevating it to be suitable for the office or a casual evening out - it's all just a matter of fabric choice.  And of course, it is super simple and quick to sew!

We made it up in some of the Indian Printed Cotton that we had earlier in the season and it was a great success, light and airy but giving a put together feeling.  

Here is Emma wearing it with her much worn Shepherd Skirt

Other options include our Sketchbook Bouquet cottons or a viscose poplin or lawn. 

 I Am Patterns Cassiopee Dress 

The raglan sleeves of this dress make for an easy fit and comfortable dress - with no zips and a loose fit, it comes together really quickly.  Emma has made a couple and wears them all year round, layering up with a merino top, tights and boots for winter. 

The simple lines of this dress are great for showing off your favourite fabric - some of the fabrics would be the a cotton lawn print such as Lush Living or try our Reveal Linen Viscose for a luxurious version - hands down our favourite range of fabric in the store.  (unfortunately this range has been discontinued, so what we have left is it!) 

The Assembly Line - Elastic Waist Maxi Skirt

The Elastic Waist Maxi Skirt is a comfortable skirt, with pockets and as it says on the label, it has a wide waist and a full skirt - definitely an all season style. Some of the fabrics that we think it could be paired are the (from left to right) stunning Appleyard Check Laundered Linen and our Classic Ecru 8oz Organic Sanded Twill 

Closet Core Patterns - The Cielo Top and Dress

The Cielo Dress & Top is an easy, breezy take on a boxy tee and shift dress. Loaded with interesting details and interchangeable features, it will fast become a wardrobe building favourite.

It has definitely become a favourite with Calley, it’s her wardrobe workhorse - she’s confessed she’s made 18 of them now! (It's probably more now.) A simple make that is great at showing off beautiful fabrics. Here Calley is wearing the simple tee version, she used some of our Indian Hand Printed Cotton in the top in the photo.