Summer Sewjo, Destiny Wardrobe Style!

Everyone has a favorite season, and though there's something special about each change in the weather, the summer solstice is one of my favorite days of the year. It's the longest day of the year and all that warm sunshine inspires me in so many ways!

Not only to just be outdoors...

But also to think about my summer clothes - 

put away the jackets and sweaters and bring out the summer fabrics!

We're creating our Destiny Wardrobes, so we choose clothes and fabrics that fit in with our love of summer. This warmer weather calls for lighter-weight fabrics and nothing says summer like:

• Ikat
• Linen
• Gauze/Double Gauze
• Cotton
• Rayon
• Silk

I'm still a working girl (you knew that, huh!) so the design choices that I make have to fit in with my no-hassle lifestyle.  I don't like to be too encumbered with fussy styles, sleeves that get in my way, necklines that are too revealing, or clothes that I have to keep "adjusting" throughout the day.  I like my summer work clothes to be simple, but with flare...cool, but not too bare...and just like you, I want my clothes to scream ME - "Zan, that is soooo YOU!"

Lela tunic in double gauze

Kalle shirt in Ikat

I have an ongoing love affair with Ikats ( you knew that too, huh). Ikats come in all weights, but for summer, I love the lightweight ones. So I'll choose a pattern accordingly - something breezy, like the Kalle Shirt from Closet Case Patterns.

A couple of things you may want to remember with sewing ikats in general, and this Kalle Shirt in particular:

1) Since these fabrics are woven, both sides are beautiful! You can use either side as the "right side."

2)  It seemed logical to interface the pocket, as the fabric was so lightweight, but alas, the pocket became too stiff for the bodice. So be sure to choose a very lightweight interfacing.

 Pocket Heaven!

3)  The Kalle pattern features a back yoke, which is self-lined.  The instructions call for the "Burrito Method" for sewing the yoke, which results in a "no-seams showing" clean inside.  It's a little tricky, but so worth giving it a go - think of it as a delightful addition to your sewing repertoire.

Can I get beans and rice with this?

The Kalle is a great addition to my Summer wardrobe!

What summer wardrobe would be complete without the all-purpose cami?  And I am probably the last to the "Ogden Cami Club", but I wanted to try it, so I had Laurel whip up a trial run.  And when I say it's a quick make, believe it. Another 1-hour wonder.  And a total stash-buster!

Ogden Cami by True Bias

We made up a wearable muslin out of some extra fabric from an older make.

Laurel adjusted the pattern for herself in her first muslin - she says it still needs work but looks promising!

Summer Indie patterns abound at Stonemountain.  We have several others we want to try, so we will keep you posted. The Megan Nielsen Matilda looked like one that would fit nicely.

 We've already whipped up this little cutie out in a Tencel Twill. Make sure you allow plenty of time for the layout - we counted over 40 separate pieces.  Take your time!

The Matilda Dress by Megan Nielsen! 

We love a woven Tee-shirt pattern so we had to try this Sewaholic Belcarra Blouse!  We chose double gauze! 

How 'bout a summer blouse?  There's also a dress version by Leisl + Co. called the Weekend Getaway, and we've chosen a tie-dyed rayon.

Laurel's making this Washi Dress pattern by Made by Rae (very popular amongst the Instagram sewists) in a double gauze. Linen would work too.

And the Terrace Dress by Leisl + Co - not sure what fabric we want, but it speaks totally summer, doesn't it?

Linen? Ikat? Double Gauze? Silk? Rayon?

Why not drop by or go online and check out our summer fabrics and Indie patterns?  Some people just know what they want and what's going to work for them.  Other just like to touch and feel the fabrics to be sure. Either way, we are here to help you make your Destiny Wardrobe dreams a reality.  And we do send swatches if you're not local!

It's so great to be part of a community of sewists who share their successes real-time in the store - we learn from each other and we support and encourage each other in this adventure. If you need inspiration or misplaced your SewJo, remember to check out my post about choosing clothes that matter and that fit your lifestyle.

Summer is all about fun and creativity, and we hope that you share a little piece of yours with us! Send us your pictures and stories about your Destiny Wardrobe.

What a great time it is to be a fabric lover - the best indie patterns and amazing fabric choices!

Celebrating creativity!

Suzan

Summer is for family gatherings too! Here we are celebrating my parents 50th wedding anniversary. Cheers!