Spring, in Draft

So, what are we making this Spring ?

Every season we ask the same question “what are we wearing this season?”

And the answer should be easy: we wear the same clothes we wore in winter¹, and the same clothes we wore last spring, summer and autumn. We just wear the clothes we already own.

But as sewists and knitters, we also have the strong need to make something, right? So for today’s newsletter, I would love to share what I’m planning to make and wear this spring, and that I’ll definitely continue to wear in summer (and also autumn and winter, if well layered).

Hopefully this might serve as inspiration for you, or maybe you’ve already made one of these items. I would love to know! So without any further ado, let’s discover my spring plans.

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Tops

ÀLAMAIN – Pleat Top

I prefer to buy basic T-shirts in stores so that I can focus on making tops that inspire me the most. And currently, I’m kind of obsessed with this asymmetric top. It’s also a very easy pattern, suitable for beginners. I’ve already made one in light blue, but I would love to make it again in a green fabric I thrifted, and also in a dark chocolate brown linen.

The Assembly Line – Oversized Shirt

Button-up shirts are such an essential for me. It also looks good in almost any kind of fabric. I already own one pattern that I like, the Karl blouse by Sewing Machina, but that pattern is made for loose oversized shirts; it’s not meant for structured ones. That’s why I’m committing to the Oversized Shirt by The Assembly Line, a sewing brand that I absolutely trust. I own two patterns by TAL and I know how well they’re made and explained. I feel like with this pattern I could easily make a dozen shirts in different colors.

Petite Knit – Novice Slipover

Spring in Belgium is usually warm (obviously not as warm as summer) with lots of rain. So it’s definitely the perfect season for knitted vests. I already own one from Rows Knitwear, but I would love to have a more basic one in grey. This pattern by Petite Knit ticks all the boxes.

Knitwear

Ozetta – 1031 Sweater

We still need good crewneck sweaters for cold mornings or chillier evenings. This one by Ozetta has an open gauge because it’s knitted with bigger needles, which means it won’t be extremely warm to wear. I’ve already talked about this current WIP on Notes, but I honestly can’t wait to see the finished result. I love the pattern and its construction so much that I might make more in different colors as well.

Ozetta – Air Cardigan

I’m planning to alternate between my trench coat and this cardigan. It’s one of the latest patterns by Ozetta, and because it has the same gauge as the 1031 sweater, I figure I can use the same yarn and needles. I’m not sure about the color yet, so if you have any suggestions, let me know in the comments. I would probably prefer to stay within the dark autumn palette.

Skirts

Wardrobe By Me – Claude Skirt

I feel like I haven’t worn many skirts lately, which is probably because of the colder seasons. But now that the sun is coming back, I really want to get back into them. And can you actually go wrong with a well-made waistband skirt? Especially with this quick and easy pattern.

Soften Studio – Cleo Bias Skirt

Same with this bias skirt by Soften Studio. I feel like everyone has made this already, and I totally understand why, it’s definitely a great essential if you enjoy wearing skirts. I’m also thinking of making a midi version.

ÀLAMAIN – The Spindle Skirt

But then again, I also think it’s time to make skirts fun again. This one is high on my priority list, I totally fell in love with this shape. I can already see myself wearing it with small heels.

Trousers

Daughter Judy – Worship Jeans

I always love a good challenge, and making jeans definitely feels challenging. But I’m up for it, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about Daughter Judy’s patterns, they all look stunning. I do have my eye on a couple of other patterns by them, but this pair of jeans is really calling my name. It looks like the perfect everyday spring jeans for days when you’re not that inspired and just need to grab something and go.

TAL – High-Waisted Trousers

Honestly, trousers are for every season. But for spring I really want to make them in colors that suit my complexion better, and in lighter fabrics. I already used this pattern and hacked it into Bermuda shorts last year, so I’ll definitely be making them again.

TAL – Barrel-Leg Trousers

Another item to make my outfits a bit more fun. I feel like I have quite a minimal style, but by adding interesting shapes, such as barrel-leg trousers, it keeps the silhouettes more interesting. I also think they would look great with the pleat top.

Dress

Silversaga – Elsa Dress

Will this spring be the moment that I finally surrender and buy a pattern by Silversaga? It’s definitely a splurge, but I do think it will be worth it. I’ve been thinking about this dress for almost a year, and now I feel more sure than ever that I want it. Because I’ll attend a few weddings this summer, I feel like this dress might be perfect as a wedding guest outfit.

Accessories

MFTK – Scarf No.5

Another pattern that instantly grabbed my attention. Such a simple but beautiful design. What I also love about this pattern is that it comes in three different sizes. I’m thinking about making the biggest size with yarn I bought last year in Portugal, a cotton-silk blend, perfect for the warmer seasons. My idea is to wear it around my waist as a fun layering piece.

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As per usual, this is not a fixed list, rather a guide that will serve as my own inspiration board. It’s also a way to highlight this wonderful community of talented pattern designers who put so much effort into helping us make our own clothes instead of buying them from larger stores. It always feels more meaningful to support small businesses that are also doing their part for a more sustainable approach to fashion.

I hope you’re also looking forward to working on your spring plans.

Thank you for reading,

This newsletter is written independently and is not sponsored. However, if you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you.

1. but we can finally ditch the winter coats and thick knits