We've got some great new fabrics in the Sewing Studio, perfect for fall inspiration! We're going to use a slightly new format this time: a My Body Model Croquis and fashion flats from our favorite patterns to create a paper doll story for our fall wardrobe planning.

First up, let's be honest. While we are over wearing loungewear 24/7, elastic-waisted pants, skirts, and high volume are still the go-to items while we enter into this hybrid-sometimes-remote life. So we're going to plan this fall with a mix of TNT (tried-and-true) patterns mixed with cool new looks that are fairly easy sews, but more elevated than the leggings and t-shirt looks of last year.


We found some really great rayon/linen blends to stock in the shop. We are ALL OVER this sage/citrus/peach tropical print and paired it with the wide leg version of Sew House 7 Free Range Slacks. This print while bold goes with SO much. It pairs great with this soft peach modal knit, this sage ribbed knit, and this Eileen Fisher orange wide rib really makes it pop. Make one of those edgy, trendy tanks with one of those rib knits and pair with a cool, loose blazer or sweater, and you've got an outfit that can be worn anywhere. 


There are now over a dozen, yarn-dyed Robert Kaufman flannels in the shop, 3 of which are organic and priced ONLY 50 cents over the conventional cotton! Don't you love that? They're all just over 6 oz in weight, which is that perfect thick, spongy middle level. While of course you can use it to make the classics like PJs and button up shirts, but did you know it's also perfect for elastic waist pants like Seamwork Joss, SH7 Free Range Slacks, or the latest favorite, Untitled Thoughts Chandler Pants? Or how about a new skirt? With the yarn-dyed fabric, the right and wrong side are identical, making it super easy to make the insides look as nice as the outsides. We like the wrap, faux wrap, and vented skirts for this one so you can brag about the inside looking so good. The Karen LePage Wander Skirt is a strong favorite as is the Seamwork Laura wrap, and ultimately we mocked up the Seamwork Pauline for the croquis planner. We love that extra long vent and the gathered waist from the pattern bonus add-on for members. We used this beautiful organic eucalyptus green plaid which will go so well with so many chunky sweaters. 


Next up, one of our favorite tops, the SH7 Remy raglan got a bonus hack pack! We are so excited to try some of the new organic poplins and lawns with the sleeve expansions. We mocked up the 3/4 sleeve in this gorgeous National Audubon Society-meets-Charley Harper bird print. With the already half dozen SH7 Free Range Slacks in the closet, it will be a great fit.

And last for this post, but not least, are some dresses. We are thinking high volume, light weight dresses so that they can be layered over thick tights and leggings but also we won't have to rush to make summer dresses when the heat comes back. It strikes us as filling the needs we have now for comfort and layering, but also fills long term planning needs so life doesn't feel hectic when we want to relax next summer. 


First dress is going to be this incredible golden mustard with art nouveau floral print in deep purples and blues. Aubrey Beardsley florals have always made the heart sing, and in these rich colors, it's a must for every wardrobe. Can you believe these saturated colors are OEKO-TEX certified?! Earth-safe options have come a long way and it makes us so happy. Sampled here in a Seamwork Benning.


And the last dress for this planning session is going to be this pink with daisies double gauze. This pink is a comfort pink - it's not bright pink, and it's not a dusty pink, it's that juuuust right pink. The double gauze is that really high quality, flat gauze. It will bloom and even crinkle a bit when it's washed, but if you wash in cold and dry on medium or even air dry, the fiber will bloom, will press back flat mostly if not entirely, and be very easy to sew. The magic of double gauze is that in the summer it wicks away moisture to the outer layer so it evaporates, but under a sweater it's warm and insulating. It's such a magical-fiber. We mocked this fabric up in the new Seamwork Mina dress. It's the perfect length to throw over leggings, lots of freedom of movement for any activity, and it has this cute mock-top-over-skirt design we just love. 

What do you think? Do you like the new croquis planner? Do you enjoy having a sewing planner? What's your favorite planning method?

Would love to hear from you and how you are planning your upcoming sewing projects! 

Enjoy your fall sewing - Karleen