We may not want this warm weather to end, but the seasoned sewer will know that the best way to extend your wardrobe is to be always one step ahead. So we thought we would lead by example and start looking at the best fabrics and patterns for your trans-seasonal wardrobe so you are prepared for when the weather changes.
It's All About the Layers
This guide will be handy when we get those weird days when it’s chilly in the morning and evening but still pretty warm in the middle of the day. We figured it’s like our Mums always say: it’s all about layers, which gives each garment in your wardrobe even more longevity as it can be worn alone or with other things. In these strange days of temperatures soaring or decreasing to extremes, it might be a good idea to bulk-make your layering clothes, as they may turn out to be the most worn items in your wardrobe.
Your trans-seasonal clothing items
Pinafore Dress Patterns
Pinafore dresses are a great trans-seasonal item as they look just as good with a t-shirt underneath as a jumper. Our favourite pinafore patterns are
- Tilly and the Buttons Cleo
- Fieldwork Pattern Katy Pinafore Dress
Both of these would be great for that in-between period between Summer and Autumn as well as all year around. We quite fancy them in our denim or cotton twill ranges. The Stripes of our Cotton Twills or Hickory Stripes would make an especially exciting pinafore dress.
Cotton Denim Hickory Stripe and Cotton Twill Medium tripe
T-shirt Patterns
Now you have made the pinafore dress, but don't know what to wear underneath? Well, for the warmer days you are really looking for a simple t-shirt. If you are looking for a classic t-shirt shape which you can make over and over again, you can’t go wrong with these patterns.
- True Bias Rio Ringer T-shirt
Which can also be made in a dress, which is a great option for even colder times (and they are coming) under jumper dresses.
2. Fibre Mood Afra T-shirt
What is great about both of these T-shirt patterns is that they will fit nicely under a pinafore dress or even a pair of dungarees for this weird in-between season. They can also be worn alone with shorts in the warm weather or layered under a jumper when it is deeply chilly.
We were thinking of making a slightly more luxurious t-shirt collection from our recently acquired organic linen jerseys.
Organic Cotton and Linen Jersey in Grey and Green
But that is not all; if you were looking to make some slightly more fun T-shirts, our jersey collection is packed with prints for all the family so everyone can be fully layered up and ready for those cooler evenings.
Sweatshirt Patterns
We at FG are big fans of a sweatshirt, in fact ask Paul about his favourite FG sweatshirt and he will tell you ALL about it. But anyway, we know it seems mad to mention these following the peak of a heatwave. But we cannot mention trans-seasonal dressmaking without mentioning the Charlotte Emma Patterns Clove Vest.
Charlotte Emma Clove Vest Pattern
It has rave reviews from all over the Sewing Community owing to its simple design which is perfect for pulling on when you need a little something to keep the chill at bay. It’s also perfect for making from any sweatshirt fabric and could be worn with warmer layers underneath to keep wearing it into Autumn.
Cardigan Patterns
We all know that the Queen of layering pieces is the humble cardigan. They are perfect as you can either wear them alone with a camisole underneath or when it gets cooler with a long sleeved t-shirt or even another jumper. We have mentioned before how much we love the True Bias Marlo Cardigan:
True Bias Marlo Cardigan Pattern
It can be made with light-weight fabrics such as a jersey or in something heavier such as a bouclé, or a French Terry making it a great trans-seasonal pattern to have in your arsenal.
Trans-seasonal Fabrics
Now you have the patterns, but you might be wondering what fabric to use. Don’t worry as we have that covered.
Double Gauze
Now you may find this surprising but the fabric we are most thinking about for this weird in-between time of year is double gauze. With its many layers of cotton, it will add a layer of warmth but without feeling too stuffy. Furthermore, it is light weight enough to be worn over the top of something else for when there is just a chill in the air. It would be the perfect fabric for a simple sweatshirt or cardigan, but check beforehand if the pattern needs a little stretch as the double gauze doesn’t have that.
For more information on how great double gauze is, read our Complete Guide to Double Gauze.
Sweatshirt Fabric
As we have already mentioned it’s at this point that sweatshirts really come into their own. A simple tip we have learned is that if you have a sweatshirt in a brighter colour, it will make you still feel a bit summery. So with that in mind we just had to have this tropical printed sweatshirt, didn’t we. Another top tip if you wanted a warm and snuggly sweatshirt, maybe look towards a brushed back sweatshirt fabric. But, if you're looking to a lightweight layer to take the chill off, a loop backing might be better.
Palm Print Loop Back Organic Sweatshirting
They say that the devil is in the detail and the same can be said for dressmaking. Wanna make your sweatshirt even better than before? Then what about adding a jazzy striped ribbing on the cuffs and collars? We have some super cute colours in our ribbing collection right now and they have been waiting for it to be sweatshirt season.
Bamboo Fabric
Now again bear with us on this, but bamboo jersey is so light-weight and drapey, it makes great base layers for wearing alone during the warmer weather as well as all year round; underneath other t-shirts, jumpers or under a slip dress if you fancy a 90’s twist. Bamboo fabric is also one of our more sustainable options with a manufacturing process which is far better for the environment. Not only that, but it is meant to be a great option for underwear so any scraps can be used for that.
Discover Trans-Seasonal Fabrics at Fabrics Galore
You have the patterns and you have some fabric ideas but really, you need to head on over to the website where you will find hundreds of dressmaking fabric options to find the perfect trans-seasonal fabric for your makes. All are in stock and available for fast delivery at Fabrics Galore online.
