This week’s Fabric Friday inspiration is all about sewing with cosy woollen fabric as we have had loads more wintery fabrics in this week!
I know it’s been very mild for this time of the year, but as I’m sure you can imagine wool projects can take a bit longer to sew, especially if they are lined as well, so I’m going with the theory that by the time they are finished it might actually be pretty cold.
Readers of my SEW magazine column might remember that back I September I was talking about taking a bit more time over a project and not rushing to get it all done and finished in one stretch. I’m planning a new winter coat using this pdf pattern from Lekala. They work things a bit differently. You have to put your measurements in and then they send you a one size pattern based on those measurements - so in theory it should fit like a glove - providing I've measured myself correctly!
I feel in love with the bow! I’ve decided to make it in this beautiful pinky/blue wool fabric – it even has sparkles in it! Amazing!
I’m going to take my time with it, so much so that I’m just in the process of making a toile. I don’t normally do that and just batter straight onto the real thing – in fact half the time you’ll be lucky if I pre-wash (do as I say and not as a I do here – we all should be pre-washing, unless it’s a dry-clean fabric of course!)
These fab wool coatings (which come in Emerald Green, Royal Blue, Rich Red, Jade and black (not pictured)) would also be perfect for my Bow Coat and well suited to the Colette Anise Jacket , Lady Grey Coat, and the Named Yona Coat (that is soon to be featured in our Pattern Club). Or if your feeling very generous with your time and want to make one for the man in your life the Walden Albion Duffle Style Coat would work as would Thread Theory Peacoat.
A full on winter coat is a lot to take on, but there are lots of options for wooly seperates too, like...
From top left to right..
Colette Ginger Skirt
ByHand Charlotte skirt
Named Nascha Mini Skirt
Colette Iris Shorts (oooo...with think tights underneath - lovely!)
Colette Beignet Skirt
Sewaholic Thurlow Pants/trousers
I'd pair these patterns with more medium weight wool or wool blend fabrics like...
this fluffy black herring bone or textured dark dreen fabric...
This Navy Poly wool is so snuggly (I've got a dress in it too) and this black one with coloured flecks is really cool,
Or for something really bright and funky this pink and black jacquard will certainly stand out - and it looks just as good on the back as it does on the front...
These fabrics would also work well in a dress. Last year I made a ByHand Elisalex Dress is this orange wool and it is seriously so cosy! Thicker fabrics work well with the style of dress as it helps to give the tulip skirt a nice shape.
With wooly projects like these ones its best to use a non-static lining so help them slip on and off more easily and to stop the whole 'skirt/dress clinging to your tights and riding up moment'! We've got a lovely range of plains and have just had this lovely black and olive one and a cute black one with white spots.
What cosy sewing projects do you have planned?