My Winter Sewing Plans ~ A Bumper Edition!

The temperatures have plummeted here in the Old Town of Hastings and there has even been a flurry or two of snow! The Winter weather has inspired me to think of some new season sewing plans which I thought I'd share with you.

First of all, I shopped my stash to see what fabrics I had squirrelled away and found some real beauties that I knew what I wanted to make into and then I doodled away happily on my Mildred croquis that comes with The Dressmakers Journal ~ a really useful and enjoyable way to plan ideas. Project plan sheets are also included and I find them invaluable for organising my sewing!

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The first couple of things are my version of a Milkmaid dress which was a Patreon pattern cutting and sewing tutorial. I've wanted this style dress in my wardrobe for EVER but couldn't find a version I felt would work with my voluptuous figure ~ until I drafted the Hansel Milkmaid Dress. It's one of my favourite ever dresses I've made!

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This beautiful romantic gauze fabric with flocked roses is from Nomad in St Leonard's. A really beautiful sustainable fabric shop!

For the second version of the Hansel Dress, I'm thinking about this gorgeous stripe from Merchant & Mills. It gives me the opportunity to play around with the directions of the stripe and make something really interesting. I bought the plum colourway but they only have a black stripe in the online shop at present.

I also want to revisit a skirt I pattern cut a long while ago on my YouTube channel which I called the Dita skirt as it was inspired by one worn by Dita Von Teese ~ I'm nothing if not imaginative when it comes to naming my projects! I want to make it out of a black leopard print brocade I bought recently and then style it in a Dame Vivienne Westwood way {More on this another day!}. I'm thinking a little fitted waistcoat to match?

It's pattern cutting at it's quickest and simplest and is a really flattering cut, especially on my curvy body! You can watch the video tutorial here ~

Then I have a weather resistant coat on the list. I've been meaning to make one ever since I moved to the seaside {over 15 years ago!} but have only just come up with a concept I love, again a Patreon project.

The fabric is from Fabric Godmother and it's SO PRETTY! I can't wait to make this and wear it with pretty dresses, a KITTEN Bonnet and my Memery Edwardian boots. Thinking about my makes in terms of the whole outfit is really inspiring and gets me motivated as I really want to wear the whole ensemble asap!

The Kitten Bonnet ~ PDF Sewing Pattern

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This bow quilted fabric, called Ruben, is double sided and has the prettiest little bows embroidered and sprinkled across it which creates the quilted effect ~ Magical!

If I have enough fabric leftover, I might make a Merchant & Mills Audrey Hood and maybe even a sweet little bag to match!

I'm giving some serious thought to trousers this Winter and my problematic relationship with Jeans! I pattern cut a lovely trouser pattern over on my Patreon last year called the Helen Trousers and they're a really fabulous fit.

I've been thinking about them in denim, a way to fill that gap in my wardrobe, giving a nod to traditional jean features but without being actual jeans. Now is the time and I'm very excited at the idea of making my couture 1930's style jeans with cobwebs topstitched on the derriere pockets!

I also want to sew the Juno Culottes by Merchant & Mills in the black leopard fabric but I will toile these up first to check fit and proportion. If they're a winner, I can see myself sewing up a few pairs as I think they could be styled up really interestingly. Watch this space!

I'm in the middle of a Dirndl OBSESSION and the last couple of makes are inspired by a favourite designer of mine ~ Lena Hoschek. She creates a modern interpretation of the traditional Dirndl alongside her heritage brand and I love her elegant, vintage and refined style.

I have a lovely check for a full circle skirt version and a needlecord for a more traditional style. I'll be using the Folkwear Traditional Austrian Dirndl which is a fantastic pattern and one I've already sewn and love!

The dirndl is a really practical winter garment as it's perfect for layering but is also glamorous so no need to sacrifice aesthetics for practicalities! So much opportunity for some cosy styling.

I'm really excited about my Winter Sewing Plans but I really had better get sewing as there's rather a lot to get through ~ all of them are filling me with excitement and will keep me joyful and stylish this winter season. I can't wait to share the finished pieces with you over the next few months!

Tara x

Ps ~ Disclaimer ~ Some of these links contain affiliate links which means I get a small commission at no extra cost to you, should you buy through them.