Sewing Clothes For Fall

Sewing clothes for fall is probably my favorite time of year for sewing.  There is something about the fall season that brings excitement in the air.  Maybe it’s just the crisp, cool days of the season change, the memories of new beginnings or the opportunity to refresh my wardrobe.

I love all the great options that fall brings to create a balanced and proportioned look for my body.  And, that is why I start sewing fashion clothes for fall as soon as I can.

My goal is to find a pattern that flatters my body shape, so I will first take my measurements to make that determination.  If I’ve used the pattern recently, then it’s probably a good fit unless my body has dramatically changed.  Rarely will I consider making a garment twice from the same pattern if it did not flatter my body.

This is the summer version of Vogue pattern 8876.

And, this is my transition to fall; just add a denim jacket.

One of the quickest ways to sew fashion clothes for fall, or for any season is to use a pattern that you have sewn before, but in a heavier fabric or a new, trendy fall color.

The beauty of sewing your own clothes is that sometimes, it could mean just adding long sleeves to your sleeveless summer version or throwing a classic denim jacket over your shoulders.

I used the pattern below during the summer of 2019; Vogue 8876, version B; the sleeveless view with front zipper.  It can easily be worn with a denim jacket for fall or can be remade in a different fabric with long sleeves and front buttons.

Next, I check the pattern description and Vogue’s 4-Figure Flattery Guide on the back of the pattern envelope.

The designer’s description:  Loose-fitting dress has collar with casing, yokes (self-lined back, cut on crosswise grain), princess seams, side pockets, back pleat, and hem band. A, C: Self-lined cap sleeves. B: Sleeveless. C: Stitched hem on long sleeves and contrast fabrics. B, C: Front zipper. Purchased drawstring for collar.

Plus, the 4-Figure Flattery Guide shows it’s good for all body shapes, which works out great for me even if my body has changed.

Afterwards, I will take a look at the line art drawing for any additional details that are not clearly shown in the picture on the pattern envelope. The line art drawing reveals shaping of the princess seams in the front and back bodice that pulls the eye to my mid-section which will create a much needed waistline. Plus the added hem band helps to pull the bottom of the dress away from my body and create movement.

The pattern offers a variety of options, so in order to sew more fashion clothes for my fall wardrobe, I can sew the version with long sleeves and add buttons or a front zipper.  I prefer either sleeveless or long sleeves; not short sleeves that hit me right across my bust or 3/4 length sleeve that hits me at the hips.  Therefore, I will lengthen the sleeves to stop at my wrist.

Next, I’ll review the yardage information on the back of the patttern envelope:

The designer recommends a woven fabric such as linen, broadcloth and gauze.  And, not suitable for obvious diagonals.  The long-sleeve version requires a minimum of 4 yards of 60 inch wide fabric.

Lastly, I go to my fabric stash to find 4 yards or more of medium weight, woven fabric that’s 60 inches wide that I feel will be suitable for this pattern.  If nothing’s in my stash that stands out, I will shop for fabric.

These are some fabrics that I currently have in my stash that were purchased at Fabric Mart Fabrics.

10 yards – Blueberry/Pink Lavender/Ruby/Multi 100% Silk Watercolor Splotches Chiffon 52W

10 yards – Cool Blue 100% Cotton Voile – 44W to use as lining with the chiffon

6 yards – Coffee Brown/Off-White 100% Cotton Abstract Streaks Voile 58W

4 yards – Muted Black/Oat/Cherry/Multi 100% Cotton Border Abstract Print Voile – 54W

4 yards – Medium Blue Denim 100% Cotton 54W (looks gray in the picture)

All of these fabrics are relatively light weight and will need to be lined, except the denim.  Right now, I am currently leaning toward the 6 yards of Coffee Brown/Off-White 100% Cotton Abstract Streaks Voile 58W or the 10 yards – Blueberry/Pink Lavender/Ruby/Multi 100% Silk Watercolor Splotches Chiffon 52W.  However, I could change my mind if I happen onto something else that catches my eye before it’s cut-out.

That’s it.  That’s the process I use to sew a quick, transitional garment for a changing season.

So let’s review:

• find a pattern that flatters your body shape
• take your measurements to make that determination
• if you’ve used the pattern before,  it’s probably a good fit unless your body has dramatically changed
• check the pattern description and
• if it’s a Vogue pattern, check the 4-Figure Flattery Guide on the back of the pattern envelope to find out if the pattern flatters your body shape
• look at the line art drawing for any additional details that are not clearly shown in the picture on the pattern envelope front
• review the yardage information for the amount needed to sew the version you want
• check for the type of fabric recommended by the designer
• be sure to look at the fabric types to avoid, unless you’re going for a different look
• check your fabric stash for suitable fabrics with the amounts required before shopping

What about you?  How do you decide which items to sew to enhance your wardrobe for fall?  I am really looking forward to transitioning from summer to sewing fashion clothes for fall.