Back at the very beginning of spring, I wrote a post about how I like to plan and make a seasonal wardrobe with core pieces.  And then… I never followed up with the process or how it went. Life does get in the way sometimes!

But I did make most of the garments I planned and have been wearing them frequently and mixing it with pieces I already have. I’m looking forward to getting to wear some more as the weather beings to cool down. What a great time this would be for a seasonal wardrobe update! Don’t forget to read on to learn how I made four shirts that I hate.

The pants

I did end up making two pairs of ponte pants that I love with fabric from GK Fashion Fabric.  It goes without saying that this pattern is so good that love to make another pair as part of matching loungewear set again.  I love the matching set trend and I have matching set fever now.

The Skirts

I used the same purple and navy ponte to make two Sporty Lounge Skirts from Pattern Emporium and these are the true workhorses of my wardrobe. They look professional but sporty, coordinate with everything and have awesome pockets.  Plus they have an easy fit that is so comfortable.

Moreover, I decided to make a matching set of skirt and top out of the DBP instead of a dress, so I could mix and match more.  I haven’t worn this Dream on Tiered Skirt from Pattern Emporium as much as I thought I would, and I can’t put my finger on why but I do like the skirt. I will try to mix it with more pieces and see what I can come up with. The top is a Styla Patterns Sausalito.

The Leggings

To make this pair of skirted leggings, I mashed together the Styla Laconia Skirt and the 5oo4 Adventure Skort patterns. The fabric is athletic double-brushed polyester.

Let me say, the Adventure Skort leggings were perfect for this hack. The waistline sits perpendicular to the floor, meaning the attached skirt hem is also perpendicular to the floor without having to make modifications.

I know this type of garment is mostly seen in modest-dressing circles. However, I think it is so convenient, especially in colder weather.

Four Shirts I That Hate

Now for some mixed news. I took a trip to sewing mistake town on most of my tops. The reason for this was my fabric choices for the patterns I was using.  Both the fabric and the patterns were great, just not together. This is how I made four shirts that I hate. Notwithstanding, there are some successes here, too. So, hang on!

Styla Sausalito

As a result of the cotton spandex being too stiff for the pattern that I chose, the white and pink tops just didn’t turn out. Additionally, I shortened the pattern based on another type of knit and it just turned out too short in the cotton spandex.

In contrast, the bamboo rib knit I used grew too much and just totally failed in a Styla Sausalito.

One top that did turn out well was this Styla Sausalito in Double Brushed Poly that I mentioned above. I think fabrics like DBP, cotton bamboo or bamboo rayon will be the best for this pattern. I also made a Styla Sausalito sweatshirt in the purple ponte that I like and do wear!

Core T-Shirt

I just didn’t love the fit on the Core T-Shirt from Closet Core Patterns me. Without moving the darts and changing the fabric I used, it just didn’t fit as intended for me.

Pattern Emporium Besties Tee

I also added a blue with grey stripe bamboo rayon knit to my wardrobe from my stash.  I made a Pattern Emporium Besties Tee and I wear it a TON! So there’s the biggest win in the tops category.

Pattern Emporium Sweet Cheeks Sweater

I didn’t like the Sweet Cheeks Sweater from Pattern Emporium this at first, but it is now my favourite and I wish the weather was still cool so I could wear it more. This top is so oversized and I love the perfect balance of structure and drape in this ponte.

The Dresses

I made this Named Kielo Wrap Dress instead of the Styla Brooklynn jumpsuit out of my purple bamboo rayon and I added nursing access inspired maternitysewing.com. Not to mention, I made short sleeves instead of the long sleeves. I am really happy I changed my mind because I think I am getting much more wear out of it this way.

For my matching mommy and me dresses, I used two patterns from Peek-a-Boo Patterns and a totally different DBP than I originally mentioned in my planning blog post. The Women’s Cheyenne Tiered Dress Pattern and the girl’s Cassidy Tiered Dress Pattern were great.

As an added bonus, Peek-a-Boo Patterns fit my slightly smaller but taller baby way better than any other company. Their patterns also fit my cat. On top of that, many of their other dresses have a nursing option, too!|

Fast and Slow Seasonal Wardrobe Sewing

Using the tricks I mentioned in my previous article Secrets for Quick Sewing, I really did sew these pieces up quickly and made a great wardrobe for going back to work after maternity leave. My wardrobe had really dwindled down to a few wearable pieces after covid, pregnancy and motherhood and this was a great kickstart to filling in the gaps.

I have already started on a slower to sew wardrobe with more woven pieces and a slightly different colour scheme to transition into the fall. It’s amazing how your style can change over just 6 months. I am enjoying sewing many fabrics from my stash and I am looking forward to exploring this change in my sewing practices while still mixing in these pieces from my spring wardrobe along the way.