Sewing Ideas: 5 Patterns to Inspire Your Creativity

I have so many sewing projects on my wish list that I think it would take me years to accomplish them all, if not decades. Not to mention how how many matcha lattes I cold buy with the fabric I would need to buy!

Even though my creative wish list seems to be a bottomless pit, I’ve compiled my top patterns I wish to accomplish (or am in the process of creating) within the next year.

1. Garden Dress/Blouse -Frux Studio

Last year I made Frux studio’s children’s garden dress for my daughter. I found the pattern to be very well written and easy to follow even though some of the techniques used in this pattern were new to me, and so I had to add making my own garden dress and blouse to my sewing wishlist. I absolutely love the pleated detail and oversized fit of this pattern. She also adds very easy instructions on how to tailor the design to fit your body type better. This pattern features pleats and french seams (my favourite seam method). It creates a garment that will withstand many years of good use. I hope to finish my first garment from this pattern this year and will definitely be creating more in the years to come.

2. Matching mother/daughter Garden dress – Frux Studio

My almost 5 year old is at the stage where she wants to match clothes with me and it gives me such a good reminder of how much she looks up to me and how much my being shapes her little mind. Okay, sappy stuff aside, she has been asking over and over for me to make her and I a matching dress. I did make us one last year using two slightly different dress patterns but I want to tackle this again, this year using the frux studio garden dress. I made the children’s garden dress for my daughter last year and she has worn at least once a week since, the garment has gone through many many washes and it is still holding up beautifully. Another testament to how well constructed frux studio patterns are. Light fabrics work very well with this dress as there is a lot of fabric gathered in the pleats and I think a heavier fabric would feel too heavy.

3. Margot Maxi Dress – InMay Studio

I love the open back and tailored look of this garment. I find a lot of beginner-intermediate patterns are very boxy or oversized to provide room for error and provide a more universal fit. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good oversized moment but, InMay studio does a great job at making a tailored look while also being able to have room for error if you are not exactly sure which size to make. She created this silhouette using princess seams and an elastic in the waist band. The tie back option and elastic waist provide that beautiful silhouette while still giving wiggle room while moving through different seasons of life. I’ve actually finished this garment and found it came together so quickly. InMay studio also provides a video tutorial on YouTube if you are stuck on a step, which is a major plus for those new to sewing who want to tackle a project like this. This is the perfect weekend project if you just want to sew while putting on your favourite comfort show or audio book.

4. Teddy Dress -My Keeper

Similarly to the Margot Maxi Dress, The Teddy Dress provides a more tailored silhouette at a beginner-intermediate pattern level. This pattern has the cutest side tie detail and square neck. This pattern will really feed into my alt rocker girl persona. As you can see in the image above, there is lots of inspiration to make a more contrasted look with the ties or a more seamless look using the same fabric for all components of the dress. I can’t wait to make this dress and wear it with a pair of oxford shoes or my trusty old doc martens.

5. Lane Pants – Syd Graham

I’ve made two of Syd Graham pattern’s so far and I have been so pleased with how well she writes and constructs her patterns. These pants are next on my list. I’m hoping to make one or two linen/cotton pants for summer or warm spring/fall days. Something comfy but still stylish so I’m not always wearing athleisure. I want to make one fun pattern (maybe some red gingham or stripes) and one solid colour for versatility. I also have it on my list to do her hack to make shorts from this pattern. I think the short hack would be an easy way to use up scrap fabric I have lying around (I love when I don’t have to go buy new fabric to make a pattern).

If you’ve made it all the way to the end, thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this blog post please subscribe and you’ll get a notification whenever I post on here. :) Hopefully I’ve inspired you to get creative!

Sophia's World