Pattern Review: My 6 Summer Must Haves from Love Notions

New Year, New You!

One of my fave pattern companies are having a New Year site wide sale, yay!

Often I find a lot of the pattern companies I love are on the other side of the world to me, so there is lots of inspiration for the opposite season of weather I am in. To help us out in the Southern Hemisphere, I have put together these top 6 Summer must have patterns.

Enjoy!

P.S. use code Sewwithmegan10 for an EXTRA 10% off!

1. Melody Dolman

The Melody dolman is a gorgeous, easy, woven shirt. It is so light and breezy, and when made in a staple colour like white, it can honestly be worn with almost anything. I’ve paired it here with a pair of RTW denim jean shorts, but I’ve also worn it with a cute pair of burnt orange shorts and also the Summer Caye shorts that you’ll see a little further down this list.

I made mine from a linen blend from Spotlight Stores and its been in high rotation already.

2. Willow Wrap Dress in Peplum

The Willow Wrap is probably almost my all time fave Love Notions Pattern. I have made quite a few now as the cross front, V neck is the most flattering for my body type. It draw attention away from my tummy and helps me look a little more porportial I think haha.

I did tweak this one a little and took about an inch out of the bodice to give it more of an empire waistline, which I also prefer. I’m a huge fan of flutter sleeves and love this in dress length as well. The slightly flared skirt also helps give some ease and grace of some of my more challenging body areas.

I am so in love with the fabric I chose for this one as well. This is from an indigenous artist and printed by Clover & Co. Fabrics.

3. Summer Caye Pants/Shorts

I made a pair of the Summer Caye in pant length earlier this year and they were so comfy, I decided to make a pair of the shorts for summer.

I used a rayon from Spotlight Stores that I got as a remnant and they are so flowy and lovely to wear. I love the flat front on these. I was meant to interface the front waistband but it was too hot to turn the iron on the day I made them so I skipped it, but I think they are fine. I also added 1.5″ to the rise as per my personal preference.

I had planned to make a La Bella Donna Top to go with this but ran out of time. It looks great with loose tops gently tucked in. This is a RTW, but I’ve also worn them with my Melody Dolman.

4. Summer Basics Tank

Another Summer fave I love is wearing natural fibres. Using fabrics like Cotton Rib knit are great as they help breathe on those hot summer days.

I used this beautiful Rib knit from Clover & Co. Fabrics to make a Summer Basics Dress, that I shortened to tank length. I liked the 2 piece look, but only had enough for tank length, so I just used the pieces for the dress and cut it shorter.

I also got to try my new double fold binding tool on my Babylock Euphoria Coverstitch which was fun. I can see more of these in my Summer Wardrobe as well.

5. Sybil Skirt - Pencil Skirt

This was a bit of a gamble for me to make as I am so self concious of my mum tum, that the idea of having a tight fitting pencil skirt over my stomach was a little daunting.

However, with the contoured waistband and the Willow Dress in peplum length, it was actually the perfect combo and let me tell you, I felt HOT!

Don’t get me wrong, if you look hard enough, I still have a stomach, but the contour waistband helps keep it contained and the peplum hits at just the right spot that it is super flattering.

The best thing I think about this pattern as well is that there are SIX skirts in one pattern. yes, SIX. I highly recommend adding this one to your pattern library.

6. Boyfriend Cardigan - Duster Length

So, as much as these are my fave SUMMER must haves, I have to be realistic that I live in Melbourne, which is notorious for having 4 (or more) seasons in one day.

With that in mind, I used this cable knit from Spotlight Stores to make this duster length boyfriend cardigan. You all know I love my dressing gown cause its so easy to throw over the top of things, I thought if I made this, it will hopefully be a little more socially accepted. haha.

I won’t lie, this fabric was TERRIBLE to sew with and I had issues with the collar band as I think the fabric stretched, but I still think its a cute sew, and I suspect I will still be wearing it when proper winter rolls around next year.