We are heading into my favourite time of year; the Christmas season always feels so special and it's a great excuse to dress up in me-mades that make you feel fab! If you're looking for some new ideas for your party wear this year, then I've picked 5 versatile patterns and paired them with some amazing fabrics for the festive season.
A brand new design from Friday Pattern Company, the Avenir Jumpsuit looks super easy to wear and with elastic gathers at the waist, you can indulge in Christmas delicacies and still be comfy! With on-trend wide legs and breezy, billowy sleeves, this jumpsuit could easily be dressed up with heels and red lippy and will see you through party after party with ease!
The pattern is designed for wovens and so fabric choice will make a big difference in the finished look of this garment; drapey fabrics such as rayons will give more of an evening look whilst a chambray or linen will create an easy, everyday outfit. I've paired it with the new Atelier Brunette Smokey Tencel which is gorgeously weighty and drapey. For anyone who hasn't sewn with Tencel before, it is derived from sustainable wood sources (such as beech and eucalyptus), that are harvested from FSC certified, sustainably managed forests. With a beautiful drape and anti-bacterial qualities, this fabric is luxuriously soft and long-lasting. Lovely and breathable, it is also kind to the skin.
Skirts can instantly upgrade an outfit and the Fiore pattern from Closet Case Patterns is a beginner friendly, a-line skirt that could be made from almost anything! A high-waisted, gently flared skirt, the pattern includes lots of different variations, including above and below the knee lengths, and different closure options, making it really versatile.
I think version A (a simple flared skirt with an invisible zipper at the back) would look fabulous made up in this Pink Metallic Brocade! With pretty pinks, peaches and metallic silver in a marbled pattern, this would look really special, even just paired with a plain black top. This fabric has a good amount of body so would hold the a-line shape of the skirt beautifully.
Midi skirts and dresses are everywhere right now and I can't get enough of them! I've been looking at patterns to recreate the ready to wear garments that are all over the high street at the moment and I think the Deer and Doe Magnolia Dress is a great option! The mock wrap dress has the option of a plunging neckline, a slit skirt and either long or butterfly sleeves which you could mix and match to make your perfect dress.
The pattern is designed for lightweight woven fabrics such as rayons, crepes and cotton voiles, I've matched it up with a Rust and Black Spotty Viscose from Mind the Maker. This fabric has 3% elastane which means it will be really comfy to wear and makes the dress a little more forgiving!
Christmas isn't Christmas without some sparkly sequins and what's better than sequins on velvet! This stretch velvet fabric features little white daisy sequins on a black velvet base, creating a monochrome fabric that is just perfect for parties and with 3% elastane and 30% stretch, it would make a statement Linden Sweatshirt!
If you're feeling in the party spirit you could make your entire jumper from this fabric which would look utterly fantastic but if you're looking for something a little more understated then you could combine the sequins with a plain black jersey instead. Using the sequin fabric as the front panel and pairing it with a Black Loopback Jersey is a great way to gently introduce some sparkle to your wardrobe!
For an easy, wearable party top that can be worn again and again, look no further than the Ogden Cami! A firm favourite of the sewing community, the Ogden is a simple top that has a soft v-neck at both the front and back, delicate spaghetti straps and partial lining. It's really versatile and looks so different depending on fabric choice!
I've paired it up with the Granito Night viscose from Atelier Brunette, which is inspired by pebbles along the rocky coves that sparkle in the sun and features dusky pinks, rusts and soft blues on a midnight background. I think this could easily be party ready with some black jeans, a pendant necklace and heels but could also be worn on a daily basis with a cardigan, jeans and boots.
Laurens pattern and fabric pairings
Laurens pattern and fabric pairings