Getting Ready for Summer Sewing

I am really looking forward to getting ready for summer sewing after the brutal winter of 2017 in the southeast.  It snowed twice when we rarely get snow to stick on the ground.  The snow was beautiful and the grandkids really enjoyed the extra days out of school to play in it.  But now, we are all ready for the sunshine.

Spring was not as warm as it has been in previous years, so that means we just might have a really hot summer.  Getting ready for summer sewing includes looking for breathable fabrics, like cottons and linens in bright colors, florals and prints.  These are some of the best fabrics to wear in hot weather.

Before heading to our local fabric and craft stores like Joann’s and Hobby Lobby, I normally review my stash for fabrics to sew that will keep me cool.  I found a number of pieces leftover from previous summers:

• 100% linen medium-weight mustard
• 100% linen medium-weight pale yellow
• 100% cotton black & white; one stripe and bamboo linen
• 100% linen light-weight, red and pink floral
• 100% cotton shirting red paisley on black
• 100% linen, white, black and purple print
• 100% linen, light blue and cream stripes
• 100% linen, grey and white stripes

I really want to sew as many garments as possible to use up all the leftover summer fabrics to prevent longer periods of storage.

Next, I’ll review my pattern collection for designs that I think will complement my fabric stash.  If I can’t find any patterns in my collection, I check the stores for their next pattern sales event or go online to order from pattern companies.

But first, I want to complete an unfinished garment that I discovered among my fabric stash that was already cut-out and marked from last summer.   The fabric is a 100% cotton, dotted swiss large floral print in beautiful colors that can be worn with a pair of brown leggings or jeans and sandals.  I’m almost done.

So in my preparation for summer sewing, I have nine pieces of some of the very best breathable fabrics and, an almost completed floral, dotted swiss top to add to my wardrobe for the hot, humid days ahead.