As the days get longer and the sun gets brighter, there's a pull for us sewists to spend less time in front of our sewing machines (gasp! I know!) and more time out in the sunshine. But that doesn't mean that we give up on our passion entirely. This month, we want to make summer sewing a bit easier with a full outfit in a box. Meet our June Sets Boxes!
Co-ordinate patterns have been popping up all over the place lately, and there's something so satisfying about the outfits. You really get three looks in one: a matching set, plus two gorgeous separates that you can pair with your other makes or ready to wear. It's really a win-win-win situation, and those are rare enough that when you find one, you have to take advantage.
Plus, because we're heading into summer (I swear, it's almost here!), we're embracing a sunny, southwest color scheme. That means oranges, deep blues, mixed with black and whites. Think Georgia O'Keefe colors and Alfred Stieglitz photographs. It already has us ready for sun and sand!
So, without further ado, let's dig in!
Sew Essential Box: Esti Co-Ord from Tilly and the Buttons
If you're looking to dip your toe into a matching set, this Co-ord, as the Brits call it, is a great place to start. Part playsuit, part tank and shorts, this set has clean lines that will have you dressing in style all summer long.
The top, a square-necked, darted top is sweet and simple, ready to throw on for sunny days in the park or simply walking your dog around the block. It pairs so nicely with the classic gathered waist shorts for a look that is youthful, but not at all child-like. Wear them as separates for countless summer outfits, or pair them together for a complete outfit. It's up to you! And hey, you could even wear them as summer pajamas if you wish.
For colors, we wanted to keep things sophisticated and classic. That led us to soft cottons and a lovely linen blend. The patterns are slightly playful but in a way that feels subtle and chic. Here they are!
- Terracotta Gingham Cotton - If you're feeling a little country-core, gingham is always a great option, but this version ups the ante with a bold, earthy orange. A twist on the tradtional, this fabric has a lovely rustic feel. The medium drape of the fabric will give some flow to the top and shorts, and the dry linen hand will ensure it is cool and breathable as you move into warmer weather. A playful fabric for a summer playset!
- Indigo Shibori Dyed Cotton - This Japanese cotton is so fine and dreamy! Plus you can get the look of home-dying without the possibility of staining our kitchen. Lightweight and soft, it has been shibori dyed for a subtle tone on tone look that is like looking at the clouds at dusk. The deep blue is wonderfully saturated and will look amazing as a matching set of tank and shorts. A complete outfit with a tie dye twist!
- Nighttime Forest Rayon Slub - This rayon slub is one of our favorite substrates. Mixed with Linen, it has a similar feel to our classic silky noil, but with a longer fiber for a bit more structure. The medium, flexible drape will show off the shape of the tank while still being soft and thin enough for the gathered waist of the shorts. Plus, the black and white print, sort of like a photo negative of a forest, is unique and wonderful. A perfect botanical for the summer months and beyond!
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Sew Select Box: Saguaro Set from Friday Pattern Company
Friday Pattern Company has been on the forefront of coordinated sewing patterns, and that's why we're using not one, but two of their patterns this month. The first, the Saguaro Set, is their most popular, and you don't have to look hard to figure out why. The cropped deep V top is simple and cozy while the drawstring pants are swishy and soft. Basically secret pajamas in a chic set!
Designed for hot days (Saguaro is cactus after all), this set is certain to become your go-to summer outfit. The pants are easy to fit and go with basically everything and the cropped top and be worn as is with jeans or over a tank as a light layer. Plus there are several hacks on the Friday website where you can truly make the outfit your own!
In keeping with our color theme, we have denim blues and red clay oranges, all the better to accentuate the desert inspiration. Plus each fabric feels like a dream, so you can truly live the secret pajama life. Let's dig in!
- True Blue Super Soft Chambray - This chambray, a 50:50 mix of cotton and rayon is luxe. The rayon gives the fabric a silky soft hand and deeply saturated blue color while the cotton adds structure and durability. All in all, an amazing combination. With the look of classic denim, you can create an ultra-comfy loungewear set that looks like denim but feels like a dream. Our favorite type of Canadian tuxedo!
- Night Windowpane Double Gauze - If I had ever wondered what a cloud would feel like turned into a fabric, it is surely this gauze Insanely light and soft, this fabric will really be secret pajamas for this set. With the grid pattern, this fabric reminds us of a modern take on classic gingham. Simple, clean, and light, this gauze looks like suiting and feels like a baby blanket. And to us, that's the best combination ever!
- Clay Cotton Double Gauze - Like our checked option, we are embracing the secret pajama element of this set with sunny cotton. With the double gauze weave and slight crinkle that it creates, this fabric is wonderfully light and soft. The peachy, earthy hue, like sherbet and sunsets, is just the right amount of brightness for the set, and it will pair nicely with other colors if you decide to treat the garment as separates. Snuggly and sweet, we simply love this choice!
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Sew Indulgent Box: Saturday Skirt Set from Friday Pattern Company
Another set from Friday Pattern Company, the Saturday Skirt Set is like Saguaro's older sister - a bit more grown up, a bit more glam. This set, consisting of a cropped, tie-front blouse and a maxi skirt, is the outfit you put on do go dancing or summer backyard party on a Saturday night. It's instant style without a ton of effort (and that's how we like our style, if you ask us)
The billowy sleeves of the blouse match the A-line shape of the skirt when worn together, but they also make amazing separates. A tank or T tucked into the maxi skirt is the perfect weekend outfit while the blouse can be paired with high waisted pants or skirts for workwear chic. The set is as versatile as it is gorgeous and we are here for it!
Because this is the more sophisticated set, our fabric choices reflect it. A silky pinstripe linen, a textured tencel, and a mysterious viscose lawn have us swooning. And anxiously awaiting the start of June. But you don't have to wait to see them here!
- Apricot Pinstripe Linen - If you couldn't get enough linen last month, we have more of our favorite fabric here. This pinstripe linen, with alternating bands of apricot orange and dark red, is subtle and stunning. Silky soft, it is lightweight and swishy, ideal for the draped style of this set. Plus, doesn't the color just cheer you right up? Like fresh fruit and sunrises, it makes us think of warm weather and summer days. And who doesn't want that in a fabric??
- Ocean Blue Textured Tencel - A sandwashed, textured tencel, the fabric has a wavy, striated feel that gives it a velvety hand and soft, effortless drape. The sandwashed finish creates a matte, sueded look, similar to silk, and the semi-fluid drape creates movement and softness, perfect for the swishy skirt and full sleeves. Oh, and the color! A green-tinged ocean blue is lightly muted but full of depth, like a calm lake just before sunrise. A classic look with an extraordinary fabric - what more could you want?!
- Sylvan Glade Viscose Rayon Floral - We just can't get over this print! Part photo negative, part fossil part, part woodland forest, it's too complex to describe. And yes, that is a face you see among the leaves. The black and white pattern creates a lovely canvas for this maxi set, while the silky viscose keeps it swishy and light. A truly unique fabric for a wonderful set!
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If you don't want coordinating sets, we've got you covered. And flouncy. That's right, we're bringing back our Flounce boxes from July 2022, and we think they have aged like fine wine. If you're looking to add a little ruffle to your summer, these are for you!
Until next time. . .
Happy sewing!
-Mary
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