Now, before I start this post, let me say that it’s unlikely that I will make all of the clothes I am discussing today. I am currently not working so my fabric budget is virtually non-existant. That being said, lets move on to the patterns I would like to sew (that are already in my pattern stash) and then a couple of extras that I would like to purchase and sew.

1. Sewaholic Renfrew – This pattern remains a favourite with sewers around the globe due to it’s easy wear and built-in customisations. I’m thinking I’d like to make at least two of these for summer; both with short sleeves but with two different neck finishes: the scoop and the v neck. Fabric choice would be a nice light-ish weight, natural fibre jersey knit likely in plain neutral colours for versatility. I would make these in zero ease as I found the previous ones I’ve made (yes! I have to blog them!) were a little big for my liking. I made straight size 16s with no adjustments except to length on my second make.
2. Cynthia Rowley for Simplicity 2443 View A – Cute little knit dress for getting around on warm days. It has just enough interest to make it a little more dressy depending on how it’s styled. Again, I’d make in a lighter jersey knit. Not sure on colour but I do like the navy on the model. 🙂
3. Lisette for Simplicity 2246 View B – This is almost (to me) a tunic length shirt that would be wonderful and breezy over some capri’s or cropped leggings. Definitely would make it in light shirting fabric made from natural fibres to keep it breathable and comfortable. Likely in a block colour as I’m not quite brave enough to try ginghams yet. Too much pattern matching required! I think I’m far too lazy to ever try ginghams! 😉
4. Colette Patterns Hawthorn Version 1 & 3 – I haven’t yet got around to making my Hawthorn. 😦 I bought the pattern on launch day and it’s just sat languishing on my sewing table. It’s too sad to comprehend. I have some lovely floral voile in my stash for making version 1. I haven’t decided on sleeveless or short sleeves yet on this one. Most likely short sleeves. Version 3 I have yet to figure out a fabric choice. Natural fibres of course, likely some kind of print. I saw Katy of Sleek Silhouettes version in a tie dye print and I really like it. Maybe if I could source some similar fabric… 🙂 Maybe lighter colours for summer though.
5. Megan Nielsen Cascade Skirt – There has been some awesome versions of this floating around the inter-webs. I’m just itching to make it. As it’s been winter, the pattern has just been patiently waiting in my stash for the first signs of warmer weather. I do not have fabric for this yet, but I’m thinking some lovely light floral rayon challis. The only thing that’s making me a little undecided about the rayon is that it’s apparently a bit see through so I’ll likely need to underline the pieces. This isn’t a big deal in and of itself, it’s just double the fabric to be purchased and when fabric budget is zero, well… 😉 Same goes for number 6…
6. Megan Nielsen Tania Culottes –  If you’ve read my blog, you’ll know that I learned to sew just so I could sew myself culottes. 🙂 I want to do these in a nice rayon challis too but of course I’ll have the same issue with underlining as for number 5. Maybe the fabric fairy will bless me. My birthday’s next month… hint, hint Mum! 😉
7. Kimono Sleeve Dress by Charise Randell – I purchased the digital copy of Interweave’s Stitch with Style magazine especially for this pattern! It’s a knit dress, with a lovely swingy feel and an empire-type yoke above a gathered skirt. I love the fabric used on the sample too although I’m unsure as to where I would source this in Oz.
8. Colette Patterns Ginger – I have already made one of these and I love it so I want to make another. I have some black and white floral poplin (I think!) that I got on honeymoon that I have ear-marked for this make. It’s all washed and ready to go, I just need to cut and sew as I’ll use the pattern I printed for last time. I’ll make it with the straight waistband again, it crumples enough without having it shaped and then crumpling! 🙂
9. Colette Patterns Laurel Version 1 – I have some lovely voile I’ve had in my stash FOREVER that I’ve earmarked for this make. However, as it’s a light colour it’s a bit see through so I’ll need to underline it so I can’t make it yet! 😦 I’m hoping it will be made for late spring and through summer. As it has the elbow length sleeves, it could probably work for early autumn too meaning I’ll get lots of use out of this one. Just need the underlining fabric.

Looking through this list it’s a bit top/skirt/dress-heavy… I really like wearing shorts or cropped leggings/pants in summer so I’m thinking I may get a couple of other patterns to balance out the tops. For shorts I’m thinking either Colette’s Iris or Sewaholic’s Thurlows. They both appear quite short however, so either I’ll need to lengthen them or find other patterns. The Thurlows may be the way to go though, as they’re drafted for pear shapes (me!) and also are a trouser pattern too so a bit more versatile. I was thinking perhaps the Colette Clover Pants for the cropped option. However, I have seen around the blogosphere that lots of people have had issues fitting the Clovers. I’m very inexperienced with pants (I’ve only ever made the Tessuti Anita Pants and they’re a forgiving ponte knit!) so I’m a little daunted by the idea of fitting pants. I may just end up resorting to RTW in this case.

What’s on your list for summer (or winter!) sewing? Any advice or suggestions for underlining rayon challis or voile?