This DIY isn’t my usual style, I have to admit, but sometimes stretching ourselves to make something out of our comfort zones is what sewing is all about, am I right?
For this make, I used a pattern from Prima magazine from last year (and available here if you want to buy it). I’d had it cut out for quite a while and finally got round to making it a few weeks ago when I was briefly reunited with my sewing machine. I’m really pleased with how it turned out and it’s so warm too. A win all round!
When winter comes along, I immediate associate the season with tartan and plaids and these past few months have been no different.
While home at Christmas, I decided to make a dress for the festivities and decided on another smock dress to add to my ever growing collection.
For a little while now I’ve toyed with the idea of making a co-ord top and skirt. I’ve seen others wearing them together and they look great, but I’m not sure I could pull of the whole midriff-on-show thing, so I think my best bet is to make an overlapping type of garment.
Perhaps something a little like this (click through for the original link – found via Pinterest):
I like the idea of a pale blue, but I would like to make something a little more wearable this autumn/winter. A darker gingham would be perfect, don’t you think? I really love this one in navy blue from Ebay. I might even make another in this tartan because tartan dresses always remind me of Christmas for some reason. I think it’s because the classic Yellow Pages advert was always on when I was a child.
As for a pattern, the top is made using this sewing pattern and this Salme skirt pattern could also work for the bottom. I think it would even be achievable to make my own skirt pattern.
If you want any more co-ord inspiration, I’ve pinned lots on my ‘DIYs and Crafts’ board. See here.
This week, I’m channelling autumn. I love everything about this season; the crunchy leaves underneath our feet, the colder nip in the air, snuggling up to scarves when we venture outside, the autumnal smell in the air, a roaring fire.
Red tartan blanket scarf, £15, River Island
One way I can tell I’m getting excited about autumn is that I start dreaming of wearing tartan. One place I always think of when searching for my new tartan piece is River Island. The shop has an endless supply of plaid pieces come this time of year and what better way to prepare for autumn than with this beauty of a blanket scarf? I feel a shopping trip coming up.
Lille ankle boots, £89, Jones
Next up, of course, is a sturdy, yet lovely pair of boots. I literally live in boots in autumn and winter and, sadly, my current chelsea boots are just about to give up the ghost. I was in Bath at the weekend and I saw these and, knowing my love of a classic pair of footwear, it has proven hard not to buy them. These ones are from Jones, a company that I first discovered while at uni. Although a little pricey, you can’t beat the quality of their shoes and really, isn’t it worth investing in a decent pair of boots? Can you tell I’m trying to convince myself?
Cecile sweater, £99, Toast
And finally, one of the must-have items for this colder weather is a cosy jumper and this raspberry coloured one, from Toast, would make the perfect addition to an autumn wardrobe. I’ve loved this colour for as long as I can remember and, as well as a mustard coloured jumper, this piece will be going on my wishlist. Plus, it can be worn with almost anything as the colour is so versatile.
What’s on your wishlist this week? Have you embraced the colder weather yet?
