Just because there’s nowhere to go doesn’t mean we can’t still make and wear cute things! Some of my favorite projects have come out of the last few months of pandemic sewing…I’m sharing a few of them below.
One of the unexpeced benefits to having the world shut down in 2020 is that I’ve been able to find time to do more sewing! It’s almost always on my list of things I wish I could find more time for, so I’m really grateful for a little more downtime this year.
That being said, now that I’m pregnant and homeschool is back in session, the free sewing time seems to be as elusive as ever. But these favorite sewing projects have helped me commit to some uninterrupted sewing time most Saturdays. I’m loving having dedicated time to work on one of my favorite hobbies and realize how important it is to hold our self-care time sacred!
Here are 3 of my most favorite projects of late:
Ultimate Trousers
In all honesty, I don’t really like pants. They tend to be super hard to fit my athletic bum & thighs and shorter legs. Generally I don’t like sewing pants for the same reason, but the Ultimate Trousers pattern from Sew Over It are a total exception!
These rust colored ones fit right off the sewing machine and I was really happy with the fit and comfort level, even though the fabric wasn’t ideal (a cheap polyester I had languishing in my stash). When I lost more weight after baby Dean, I made another pair in a smaller size out of a gorgeous red stretch twill but alas, those only fit for about a month before this pregnancy started its outward expansion. I can’t wait to wear the red ones again and show you guys how cute they are!
Another bonus to this pattern is that it couldn’t be easier to put together. It requires just a handful of seams to assemble, a waistband facing and a side zip. If you’ve ever been intimidated by sewing pants, this is a great pattern to start with. It’s actually really similar in construction to my Tripoli Trousers pattern which are crazy fun to wear!
Sheridan Sweater
If there’s one designer I can guarantee will churn out consistently fantastic patterns, it’s Adrianna of Hey June Handmade. I’ve never been disappointed by one of her patterns and I buy every single one that appeals to me!
The Sheridan sweater kept popping up everywhere on social media and when I finally got around to trying it myself, I was totally hooked! I bought this glittery heart sweatshirt fabric for one of my girls but loved it too much to share (side note: Juliet was really mad about it. Oops!). I made the pattern without mods except for shortening the sleeves. There are just so few days cold enough for long-sleeve sweaters here in Arizona that I couldn’t bear to see this baby sit in the back of my closet.
I wore it nonstop for about 2 weeks earlier this year when it was cool and then had to put it away for the summer. I can’t wait for cooler weather AND a waistline to coincide so I can wear the heck out of it again.
Simplicity Wide Leg Pants
As much as I love supporting indie sewing pattern designers, it’s hard for me to pass up an amazing commercial paper pattern on major sale. This Simplicity wide leg pants (and skirt) pattern found their way into my sewing queue and I’m obsessed with the final product.
I made them out of a flowy, fun viscose twill with tiny dots (from Blackbird Fabrics) and even though I was initially concerned about how many tops I could pair them with, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how well they go with a lot of the shirts I already own.
I’m not sure what feature of these pants I love best: the pockets, paper-bag style waist, the perfect length or the waist tie (not pictured because my “waist” is already nonexistent). So many good things!
I also think making one of the skirts from this pattern will be at the top of my post-pregnancy sewing list.
**Earrings from Nickel & Suede and they’re some of my all time FAVES!
Have you been able to make extra time for sewing or other creative pursuits while the world shut down? I highly recommend it, if only for sanity’s sake!
Check out more sewing inspiration posts here.
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