Spring Basics
Spring is finally here! I don't know about you, but I always anxiously await the beginning of spring. The telltale signs are the emergence of the spring crocus and daffodil bulbs, as well as the return of birds singing their happy songs. Not only does nature go through such big transitions but so does our wardrobe. Time to think towards warm weather by shedding the fabrics that kept us cozy over the long winter. We here at PatternReview have curated a list of 7 basic wardrobe essentials to add to your 2024 Spring wardrobe.
1. The Spring Dress
When I was a little girl I would judge my brand new spring dress by how well it "twirled". So when I would spin, I'd take into account the way it would flare out in a circle. The bigger the flare the more I loved the dress (and if it was pink, I was sold). Well, that was a long time ago, and my criteria of the perfect spring dress has definitely changed. Now we look for fit, comfort and style (and a pink dress still makes me happy).
Just a couple of the many Spring Dress patterns that PatternReview has in stock:
Named Clothing - Kielo Dress and Jumpsuit
Going through our members reviews, we had many singing the praises of the Named Clothing Kielo Dress for Spring. Plus, it has the option of a jumpsuit in one pattern! The Kielo dress and jumpsuit are wonderfully casual, yet stylish pieces of clothing. You can sew both variations either with or without sleeves. The dress has a neck band, and a vent at the back hem to add room for movement. The armholes of a sleeveless dress are finished with a bias binding. There is a vent with a button closure at the back of the jumpsuit, and its neckline is finished with a facing.
Buy Named Kielo Dress and Jumpsuit
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McCall's 7948
Another spring dress that our members love to sew is McCall's 7948. This pattern includes four dresses, each of which has a back opening with thread loop and eye, and sleeve variations. A, B: Side pockets and pleated skirt. C, D: Gathered skirt with ruffle. D: Flat lace trim.
PatternReview Members in their Spring Dresses:
Left: InspiredSeams in Named Kielo* Right: Silknvintagetc in McCall's 7948*
*Click on PR name to read review
2. Trench or Rain Coats
Well, Spring always comes with a downside, rain and lots of it! But our earth needs this for regrowth and survival, so rain has to be good. We have plenty of Rain Coat patterns to choose from and here are a couple of Tried and True (TNT) that have plenty of helpful reviews from our members.
Find these TNT Rain Coats in our PatternReview Shop:
Cashmerette - Chilton Trench Coat
Our first example is an epitome to the Trench Coat by Cashmerette. This classic tailoring gets a curve-friendly update with the Chilton Trench Coat. This timeless fully lined coat pattern features a single-breasted bodice, two hem lengths, belted waist, and a kick pleat on view A. An ideal fit is easily within reach, thanks to sleek princess seams and a comfortable two-part sleeve design. Sophisticated details, such as its two-part collar, cape, epaulettes, and double topstitching, make the Chilton Trench Coat a brilliant addition to any outfit and the star of your wardrobe!
Buy Cashmerette Chilton Trench Coat
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Closet Core - Kelly Anorak
Style meets function with the Kelly Anorak by Closet Core. A classic shape with a modern cut, this simple coat is the perfect choice for transitional weather. Lightweight and unlined, it features a two piece cuffed sleeve, optional drawstring waist, gusseted flap pocket and a zipper placket with snap buttons. View A will keep you warm and dry with a roomy three piece hood, while View B features a classic stand-up collar.
PatternReview Members in their Rain Coats:
Left: KateMcI in Cashmerette Chilton Trench* Right: Litapita in Closet Core Kelly Anorak*
*Click on PR name to read review
3. Button-up Vests
The Button-Up Vest is one of those styles that flow in and out like the tides. This Spring the Button-up Vest are at High tide, or back in style and we have just the patterns for you.
Find these TNT Vests in our PatternReview Shop:
Butterick 6901
Lisette or Liesl from Liesl + Co. gives us a great button-up vest option for Butterick. In fact it comes with pants and shorts options to make the perfect "Matchy, Matchy" outfit. Butterick 6901 includes a fully lined button front vest has back tie ends. Pants and shorts have pleat front, side pockets and invisible side zipper.
Buy Butterick 6901
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Merchant & Mills - Miller Waistcoat
In England, the vest is known as a waistcoat. Merchant & Mills designed the Miller, a softly structured waistcoat with a boxy fit, two welt pockets and a simple stitched belt at the back. Layer up in the winter or wear on its own in the summer in a tumbled linen.
Buy Merchant & Mills Miller Waistcoat
PatternReview Members in their vests:
Left: MVi14 in Butterick 6901* Right: Stratski in Merchant & Mills Miller*
*Click on PR name to read review
4. The Peasant Blouse
The Peasant Blouse is a loose and flowy top that is the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe. The best part of making your own peasant blouse is selecting your fabric. Time to show off your fun and funky patterns!
Find these TNT Peasant Blouses in our PatternReview Shop:
Butterick 6455
Butterick has a classic peasant top pattern that has been a TNT for quite a while, and is still as stylish today as it was when it was first introduced. Butterick 6455 is a very loose-fitting pullover top has elastic at neckline, and length and sleeve variations.
Buy Butterick 6455
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StyleArc - Anita Peasant Blouse
One of our newest additions to our StyleArc Catalog is the Anita Peasant Blouse. It is a traditional, easy fit drawstring neck peasant blouse featuring a free flowing body with an adjustable drawstring neck. 7/8th length raglan sleeves are finished with elastic openings. Make the blouse in rayon, silk or any soft flowing fabric, even a jersey.
Buy StyleArc Anita Peasant Blouse
PatternReview Members in their Peasant Blouses:
Left: jann77 in Butterick 6455* Right: QuiltSewSewSue in StyleArc Anita*
*Click on PR name to read review
5. Cargo Pants
Along with your Peasant Blouse, why not add a really cool pair of Cargo Pants. The Cargo pants have that extra pouches on each leg, to put all your springtime treasures in.
Find these TNT Cargo Pants in our PatternReview Shop:
StyleArc - Delta Cargo Pants
StyleArc is back in our lineup with some cargo pull-on pants. The Delta Cargos are straight leg pants featuring an elastic waist with front, side seam and back pockets.
Buy StyleArc Delta Cargo Pants
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New Look 6644
A longtime favorite cargo pattern in the PatternReview community is New Look 6644. This pattern includes misses' casual top and pull-on pants. Pull-on v-neck top with long sleeves and waistband, designed for stretch knits only. Pants, designed for woven fabrics, have elasticated waist, cuffed or turn-up tabbed hems. Side-seam and cargo pockets.
Buy New Look 6644
PatternReview Members in their Cargo Pants:
Left: SewLibra in New Look 6644* Right: Sydney Sewer in StyleArc Anita*
*Click on PR name to read review
6. Midi Skirts
Spring 2024 has brought back the Midi Skirt or mid-calf length skirt. Not the maxi or the mini but the skirts middle sister, the midi, is what's in style this Spring. Enjoy creating your own spring skirt with some bright and bold printed fabrics.
Find these TNT Midi Skirts in our PatternReview Shop:
Made By Rae - Cleo Skirt
Made by Rae created a winning midi skirt pattern with her newly designed Cleo Skirt. This gathered skirt features a flat-front waistband with elastic in the back. Two views are included: a knee-length version with cutout pockets and contrasting hem band, and a midi-length version with inseam pockets. Cleo's versatile design works with many different kinds of fabrics; make it with cotton for an everyday staple, or dress it up with silk for a fancy party skirt.
Buy Made By Rae Cleo Skirt
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True Bias - Mave Skirt
True Bias' Mave pattern is a tiered elastic waist skirt with a drawstring, inseam pockets and an optional lining. The skirt can be made with or without ruffles in different lengths to create numerous options, including the midi length.
Buy True Bias Mave Skirt
PatternReview Members in their Midi Skirts:
Left: ljwammer in Made By Rae - Cleo* Right: shannonsews' True Bias Mave*
*Click on PR name to read review
7. Accessories - A Spring Handbag
Our last basic wardrobe staple is not a garment, but an accessory. A new Handbag in a playful color ties your Spring wardrobe together.
Find these TNT Handbags in our PatternReview Shop:
McCall's 8375
McCall's has a new bag pattern that is perfect for Spring with four different options. Soft easy bag views A and B have an adjustable crossbody strap and handles. View B also has a front outside pocket. View C has a knotted handle. View D has pleats and contrast handle and bands.
Buy McCall's 8375
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Grainline Studio - Town Bag
We are makers and Grainline Studios created a great handbag targeted to the crafters in all of us. Originally designed and sold by Fringe Supply Co., the Town bag is a great everyday purse and/or a do-it-all project bag, no matter what your project may be. It has the same drawstring closure and interior pockets – designed for corralling tools, patterns, and miscellany – as the Field bag (minus the grommets), but with the addition of tote-style handles and external front and back pockets. It's large enough to fit a Field or Stowe bag inside but small enough to fit into a larger bag if needed.
Buy Grainline Studio Town Bag
PatternReview Members Hand bags:
Left: maggilouve's McCall's 8375* Right: smbsews' Grainline Town Bag*
*Click on PR name to read review
What is your favorite Spring Pattern to sew? Let us know in the Comments below.
