6 Sew Alongs Plus a Fabric Haul, Style Review, Pattern Review, Alteration Tips, Royal Exhibition, and 2 Book Reviews.
Let’s talk about spring and summer fashion trends you can sew. You don’t have to be Victoria Beckham to look fashionable. Trends like ruffles are having a major moment, and adding at least one boho dress will amp up your style in a major way.
The information below works in conjunction with my YouTube video, but will also work as a stand alone highlighting all the patterns and fabrics I have worked through from the cutting table to my closet.
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Spring And Summer Fashion Trends Video
View the video below for a wardrobe planning sewing adventure — Spring and summer sewing projects will hopefully inspire you to get creative in your sewing projects. And, maybe even pick up a new technique or two.
1. Vogue 9199 Sew Along – Princess Seams
Vogue Pattern 9199 is a knit fit and flare dress with princess seams and a scoop neckline. The high/low hem is a flattering look because it elongates the body but lightens up the almost full length dress by showing a little leg. Alternatively, you can cut the short dress for a more traditional look. The two sleeve lengths give you options (I ended up making a 3/4 sleeve).
The Pattern
How cute is Vogue 9199 — i’m a sucker for a high-low hemline.
The Fabric
I bought this Nicole Miller scuba knit from Joann several years ago. It’s been waiting for just the right project. It’s not available anymore as far as I can find.
The Class
You can read about all the details and access the sew class at Sew Along Vogue 9199.
2. Butterick 5456 Sew Along –
This Butterick Pattern is a cute loose fitting dress with a lined bodice. The style lines are clean and flattering and the construction requires only a few pieces.
The Pattern
Butterick 5456 offers a cute color block option and a maxi dress option. I love both for their cute summer styles.
The Fabric
It is difficult to find fabrics that are made to go together. This linen is the perfect option, it gives your garment a true designer look. The Minerva Oleans 100% Linen Fabric in Lemongrass comes in a stripe and solid. It is a perfect combo for your spring-summer fashion trends dressing.
The Class
Follow along with Butterick 5456 Sew Along and perfect your full bodice lining and gathering skills.
3. Simplicity 9702 Sew Along – 2 Boho Dresses
I have already sewed up this pattern twice and I have a third on the cutting table in a fall beige knit.
Simplicity 9702 is a beautiful Boho style sewing pattern. I made the maxi version with a three tiered skirt and three quarter long sleeves gathered at the end. The empire dress with several length and sleeve variations is fun and flirty.
The Pattern
Simplicity 9702 is a great pattern for an advanced beginner. With this sew along, it will be easy to construct.
The Fabric
This dress is made with a floral from Liberty, Jungle Trip Tana Lawn Cotton. It is $37/meter and for a long, flowy dress you would need 3+ meters. You can find other Liberty Cotton Lawn prints on Minerva at a lower price point to ease the budget a bit — that way you can make a few to fill up your summer wardrobe.
The Class
Check out how to construct this stunning dress at Simplicity 9702 Sew Along.
Shop Ready To Wear
Boho gathered dresses are everywhere, this midi version from River Island was an inspiration for my first version.
4. Vogue 9050 Sew Along – Sheath Dress
The perfect sheath dress is a closet staple. You can dress it up or make it casual, any way you wear it is a time-tested classic.
The Pattern
Vogue 9050 is the only sheath dress pattern you’ll ever need. It has great fitting lines, several sleeve length options and two skirt options. This classic sheath dress is perfect for summer fashion and year round dressing. All you need is a jacket or sweater to extend your sheath dress wardrobe.
The Class
Master The Sheath Dress: Vogue 9050 Sew Along
Shop Ready To Wear
Get all the inspiration you need to craft your stylish sheath dress by paging through some designer ready to wear sheath dress creations.
5. McCalls 7948 Sew Along – Ruffles And Gathers
If you are liking the casual look of the current summer design filled with ruffles and easy wearability, you will love this pattern.
The Pattern
McCall’s 7948 is available at Minerva — Sorry, the pattern is no longer free.
The Fabric
As a Minerva Ambassador I chose this cheery yellow gingham fabric.
The Class
Visit McCall’s 7948 for the Sew Along and learn how to get your free pattern while they are available.
Shop Ready To Wear
If you are loving the summer gingham trend, you can find lots of pretty options at Nordstrom.
6. Simplicity 9729 Madalynne Intimates Sew Along
Sewing pretty undergarments is very personal. One of the easiest to sew is a slip – not really clothing trends, but a necessary part of your wardrobe. It’s like a white tee or a great fitting pair of denim jeans, you need them to make everything else you’re wearing pop.
The fit doesn’t have to be perfect, and it is a great way to practice your construction skills. Simplicity’s 9729 slip pattern is rated as easy-to-sew and I agree, with a little bit of instruction, you can learn how to sew a slip pattern.
The Pattern
Simplicity 9729 a Madalynne slip pattern offers three slip pattern styles and two different length options.
The Fabric
The pattern is suitable for slippery fabrics like Charmeuse, Crepe de Chine, and othr silky types. I chose the Jessica Stretch Satin from Mood.
The Class
Check out all the information and access the Sew Along at How To Sew A Slip Pattern.
Shop Ready To Wear
Kim Kardashian’s sought-after SKIMS lace trimmed slip is a close match, the Simplicity pattern is a little more delicate and fancy.
7. Alterations: How To Shorten A Sleeveless Bodice
Sometimes we need to alter a garment to get a better fit. IT can happen when we lose weight. Other times our sewing projects don’t quite measure up to our expectations. Or, you may purchase ready to wear clothing that you love and it needs a bit of fitting to make it more flattering. Simple alterations can help get the job done.
The Pattern
The dress is Deer and Doe Belladone. The style has a custom fitted look and works for my body type.
The jacket is Vogue 9338 Jacket Pattern — super easy to construct.
The Class
Check out all the information and access the Sew Along at How To Shorten A Sleeveless Bodice.
8. Sew Over It Nicole Dress Pattern Review
The Sew Over It Nicole Dress is a charming vintage shirt dress with a full button placket, midi a line skirt, and traditional shirt cuffs in both of the two sleeve styles. Offering a feminine silhouette, this classic shirt dress comes in a flat fronted skirt or a gathered skirt style.
I recently reviewed and sewed the Nicole Dress for Threads Magazine’s Summer 2023 (Number 222) Pattern Review section
The Pattern
The Nicole Dress is available at Sew Over It in a PDF pattern only. It comes in sizes 6-30 as a PDF pattern or a PDF & Printed Pattern. You can check out my Assembling A PDF Pattern for some quick pdf pattern tips and tricks.
The Class
Sew Over It Nicole Dress Pattern Review
Shop Ready To Wear
Diane Von Furstenberg has a classic floral shirt dress with a modern gathered skirt. Super cute, a lovely inspiration to make your own and save several hundred dollars.
9. Crown To Couture Exhibit
Works of art that are worn by celebrities grace the rooms of Kensington Palace. The Crown To Couture Exhibition was an explosion of color and a veritable feast for any fashionista. Feather trims, over the top moments, gothic glamour, other en vogue designer flights of fancy are on display. Placing historic court dress juxtaposed to contemporary red carpet fashion keeps the exhibition at Kensington Palace interesting and entertaining.
Take a peek at my Crown To Couture adventure. It’s like years of London Fashion Week rolled into one exhibit.
10. French Riviera Fashion Trends
French Riviera fashion trends are airy, comfy, and very pretty. Made with floaty soft fabric, you will love the cruise wear styles for summer and beyond. After a fun trip to the south of France I have put together pattern/fabric inspirations to Sew Dresses From The French Riviera.
11. London Fabric Haul and Plans
London is a wonderful place for fabric shopping. I brought an extra duffle carryon bag just to haul home my fabrics. It is important to go with a plan and a budget — I went a little over budget on this London Fabric Haul — don’t tell anyone! Yikes!
12. Book Reviews
Learning and growing is a big part of sewing. I’m always learning something new. I reviewed two of my favorite recent reads.
The Fashion Designer’s Directory of Shape and Style Book Review — With pages and pages of illustrations and glossy fashion model photos, this book will inspire you to amp up your personal style and sewing designs. The profusely illustrated idea book will help you sew each garment with unique and interesting finishes.
Sewing For a Royal Baby Book Review — It was inspiring to see the stunning royals gowns at King Charles’ Coronation. I love making heirloom christening gowns from family wedding dresses. They hold so much sentimentality and are perfect to pass down from generation to generation.
Fall Preview
I have a few things lined up for fall and I can’t wait to share all the fall designer trends. I’ve watched a lot of designers’ runways and the styles are filled with sexy glamour, of course. What we need to do is translate them into everyday wear while holding on to the style trends. And also adding a few timeless pieces that transcend seasons and fads.
Lined up on my cutting table is Mood’s Ercilla Suit – jacket and pants (free pattern), wild wide leg pants, an Elie Saab inspired knit rendition of Simplicity 9702, a pair of denim Isla Jeans from Chalk & Notch, Easy to sew Christmas gifts, and more.
Be Your Own Fashion Stylist
Phew! That was quite a list. Summer wardrobe fashion trends are cool, easy style dressing. I love wearing dresses with a pair of sandals and sneakers — you see a lot of sneakers when traveling. Adding a fashionable outfit or two to your summer wardrobe is a great way to keep it fresh and trendy.
Take inspiration from all the designers. Some of my favorites: Max Mara, Elie Saab, Bottega Veneta, Ted Baker, Tory Burch, Dries Van Noten, and whatever designer hits your fashion style. Some of these designers’ fashion shows are wild, but you can extract a fashion trend to enhance your personal style.
So get out your machine and add a few spring and summer fashion trends you can sew to your cutting table. There are still plenty of warm weather days left in the months ahead — plus you’ll be ready for snowbirding and cruise season. Summer fashion trends with layering — think sweater or leather jackets — will take you into the shoulder season.
Happy Sewing,
Sandi
PS:
Weight Watchers has helped me lose over 15 pounds — many more to go. You can check out their website here.
I love my Bernette 38 Sewing Machine. It is perfect for sewing beautiful garments.
Make your garments better with my 21 Tips To Take Your DIY Garment From Homemade To High End
Do you love Sew Alongs and Sewing Tips and Tricks? My Youtube channel Barrett’s Custom Design is filled with great sewing techniques served up with a few laughs.
Sewing With Sandi Etsy Shop has over 500 hard to find women’s, men’s, and children’s patterns. You will find little girls’ bows, a few sewing notions, sewing kits, but mostly lots and lots of patterns. You will find little girls’ bows, a few sewing notions, sewing kits, but mostly lots and lots of patterns.
Love all of these Spring and Summer Fashion trends that you can sew! I’m a fan of sheath style dresses and the one you made has such a cute rock and roll vibe because of the fabrics you chose. I love it!
We’re headed to our state fair in the next few days. I’m always so amazed at what others can sew! I think the Butterick 5456 would be my favorite for summer fashion!
There are so many great helpful options! This makes seeing so much easier!
I love theses spring and summer fashion trends. The idea to be my own fashion stylist is fantastic.
Your dresses are gorgeous and so well made! You should be so proud of your skills! My grandmother was a keen sewer in her day and every time I look at an old fashioned Signer I think of her.