Hi sewing friends! Guess what? It’s FALL in my part of the world, which is my absolute favorite season for sewing. My perfect weather is when it’s warm enough for no coat but cold enough for sweaters, cardigans, jeans, and tall boots. It doesn’t seem to last very long these days, but I sure do love the clothes this time of year. I start to think about Fall sewing in August, sometimes even July – and I’ll spend a few weeks perusing all the gorgeous new fabrics hitting the online shops (despite me having plenty of perfectly good Fall fabric in my stash).
For patterns, I’ve had a few go-to's over the years for Fall sewing, but this year, I decided to branch out a bit and sew up some new ones. Today I’m going to share three great Ellie & Mac patterns I tried for the first time this year that have already become my fast favorites for Fall!
First up – the I Love the 90s dress. I can’t believe it has taken me this long to give this one a try. I think I was worried it wouldn’t be flattering on me as I’ve not really worn dresses of this style since I was a teen in the…well, the 90s. 😊 But let me share with you – this dress is incredibly flattering on all bodies!
This dress is a baby doll-style that hits above the knee, with a lined bodice, inseam pockets, and three sleeve options. The lined bodice gives you a nice clean neck finish with no visible stitching on the outside, but you can also do an unlined version and measure the neckline to cut your own band. I really enjoyed sewing this pattern – there were a few extra steps with the lined bodice and also the gathering, but I found the results to be well worth the time investment. I made two different versions – my yellow version below is unlined with a neckband, and I added two inches to lengthen it so I could wear it to the office. My purple version has a lined bodice, in-seam pockets, and I added six inches because I was sewing this one for a tall friend. One tip to share on sewing the bodice – after you’ve connected the outer and inner bodice at the neckline, I recommend basting them together at the waistline. This helps in two ways - first, the fabric won’t move around on you when you connect it to the skirt piece, and second, it stabilizes the bodice bottom like a stay stitch does, so you won’t risk stretching it when attaching it to the skirt piece.
Next up – the Button A-line skirt. I LOVE this pattern!
I’ve made a few of the paper bag skirts over the years, and that’s usually a go to for me for Fall, but I decided to give this newer skirt in the E&M collection a try.
This skirt comes with multiple lengths and an option to sew a scalloped hem (which is very popular right now). You can sew a functioning or faux button placket, and you can make it with or without the belt and belt loops. The design also features a flat front waist with elastic just in the back, which helps it to fit well and sit nicely around the waist. I did the knee length with two added inches for personal preference, with functioning buttons. I love that I have found a great pattern for all that gorgeous quilting fabric I see at the retail stores; for this one, I used a premium cotton from Joanne’s, that was in their Fall collection (and on sale!). I also found the instructions to be really well done and super clear; there are a few extra steps to make a woven skirt with a waistband and front closure, but all the steps are clearly illustrated and explained. I already have another one cut out and ready to sew! Oh, and by the way, this skirt pairs really nicely with the Slow Sunday top, which I’m wearing with it.
My final new Fall Favorite to share with you is the Chapman Cardigan.
I made the Curvy version of the pattern, but it is also available in a Straight Fit version. The pattern features two lengths (regular and tunic), and you can make it with sleeves or sleeveless. It also has an option for pockets. I did the regular length with long sleeves and pockets in a super soft sweater knit. Can you tell from my picture how cozy this feels?? I love the cut and oversize fit of this cardigan and will add a few more to my wardrobe this season. I paired it with jeans and a tee shirt (a modified version of the Half Pipe Tee from a few years ago), and also with my new 90s dress (well, my friend’s new dress – shipping it off this week!).
Lastly, I don’t feel like any Fall sewing pattern list would be complete without the Going Home Sweater. I haven’t sewn any up for this year yet, but I have sewn so many of these! I think this one is a “fan favorite” so I’ll skip the pattern description and just share a few of my versions – and you can tell how long I’ve been making this pattern by my various hair colors and cuts! Also – you can check out my Going Home Sweater cropped hack on the blog for inspiration if you love this pattern as much as I do.
I hope my makes have inspired you to try a new pattern this Fall! I’m so happy I did, and I can’t wait to add some more great Fall pieces to my wardrobe. You can grab any of these patterns from my affiliate link in this post.
You can find me on Instagram - @happy.things.here – where I share lots of E&M makes and hacks.
Happy Fall Sewing!
Andrea
