New Summer Patterns

Hi everyone! Julie Eilber from JetSetSewing.com here with tips for summer sewing. I’m ready to jazz up my wardrobe with some new makes—how about you? These are some of the new patterns I’ve been eyeing:

When summer comes, bring on the rock and roll! Though my days of attending outdoor concerts in crocheted bikini tops are behind me, I was thinking of whipping up a gauzy duster from New Look pattern 6514 to have that boho look when I’m rocking out to Bonnie Raitt this August. The pattern gives you several options for adding trim (Summer of Love beaded fringe anyone?) and the bell sleeves bring out your inner Stevie Nicks while keeping your chicken wings from getting sunburned. I’ll probably add some cute decorative stitches from my B 560 along the hem, to enhance the look and hide the inevitable beer stains.

How about a little something for when you’re throwing summer parties? Back in the 40s and 50s, women started doing their own cooking and serving for parties, so they needed cute “hostess aprons” to wear over their dresses when they were entertaining. Butterick 6467 gives you some adorable retro options that put the “kitsch” in kitchen, and BERNINA Ruffler Foot #86 can make quick work of those ruffles—giving you more time to fill up the chip ‘n’ dip tray.

What about a party dress to go under it? BurdaStyle 6549 gives you two options—sleeveless with a breezy full skirt (with pockets for that je ne sais quoi insouciance and a whole lot of other French two-dollar words), or, for date night, you can be a femme fatale in a sheath with cap sleeves. Using BERNINA Walking Foot #50 really helps keep the bodice lining in place as you stitch it to the fashion fabric. The foot comes with three soles, so by switching to the one with the central guide, you can secure the lining with professional-looking understitching.

Bodysuits are back in a big way, and 7606 from McCalls is clever in that it allows you to have the popular off-the-shoulder look, but it features slim straps to avoid wardrobe malfunctions. The pattern includes a breezy wrap skirt, and you can easily get that rolled hem done before happy hour using BERNINA Narrow straight stitch hemmer foot #64.

What about those moments when “chic temperature management” is in order, like when you go from the steamy sidewalk into a freezing office? Butterick 6464 by Lisette takes care of that problem with a work-ready pencil skirt, breezy sleeveless top and drapey kimono jacket for a professional look. Using a BERNINA stretch overlock stitch on the knit skirt will give the seams flexible strength to get you through those donut-filled morning meetings.

How about something quick and cool for casual Fridays or weekend travel? Simplicity’s new “hacking” patterns give you fast, versatile makes that allow you to be the designer. Simplicity 8375 for example, starts with a tee-shirt dress base pattern that can be hacked into a tie-back dress, sleeveless ruffle tunic, or a slash-sleeve top. I recommend using BERNINA Walking Foot #50 and some Washaway Wonder Tape to keep those knit seams nice and smooth as you sew.

And what about that event where you need to make an entrance, but it’s too hot to even think about Spanx? Vogue recently added designer Paco Peralta to their lineup, and these breezy outfits in Vogue 1550 show why. They’re fashion-forward, comfortable and cool—and they’re just made to show off retro bracelets, chunky necklaces and cute shoes. The contrast insets of organza or charmeuse give these simple outfits an elegant touch.

But we’re not the only ones who need to stay chic and cool in the summer—what about baby? She’s got to keep up Princess Charlotte! The adorable outfits featured in New Look 6520 are really the only kind of rompers that make any sense to me (despite what you’ve seen the guys wearing on social media). You can either give your BERNINA embroidery function a workout to add cute details, or stitch on a sweet appliqué for the little flower or bunny in your life.

Okay, let’s get sewing before it gets too hot! Enjoy your summer!