As we move towards Me-Made-May and warmer times, I am itching to make something new. I have recently seen some great fabrics on the market, which only fuel my need to find time to make clothes. It can be daunting to decide which pattern to try, and it is always good to have recommendations. With this in mind, I have made this list of 10 patterns for you to consider trying out. The first nine patterns have been tried and tested several times at GillyMac, and the tenth is top of my list to attempt as soon as time allows. The patterns are a mixture of styles from several design houses. I hope you find something that piques your interest.
- True Bias Calvin Wrap Dress and Top – The beauty of this dress is in its simplicity, and it can be an everyday garment or, with the suitable fabric and accessories, be something extraordinary. The only tricky bit of this pattern is accuracy in the making and applying bias binding.
- New Look Playsuit, Jumpsuit, Minidress and Bralette 6493 – Teens have made the playsuit in the main picture of the pattern several times in the studio. There is nothing complicated about creating the playsuit, and it is a great item to make with a teen interested in sewing and may need a little help.
- Simplicity Cynthia Rowley Dress S8916 – The dress can be made at knee length or floor length; however, I have made it fit me just below the knee, and the patterns are easy to adapt. It is worth keeping in mind that Cynthia Rowley’s patterns are always more involved than usually expected of a Simplicity pattern. The results are beautiful, but they are a little more fiddly.
- Made By Rae Luna Pants – We have made so many of these. These pants are effortless to create with brilliant instructions. They can be made from knit/stretch fabric as well as woven. I have made three pairs for the summer using cotton poplin with a bit of viscose. If you are a beginner or an intermediate, this is a pattern you can enjoy.
- April Rhodes The Date Night Dress and Simple Slip – Beautifully written pattern which results in a simple, well-designed dress. The dress is swift to make and benefits from eye-catching patterned fabric. The slip dress accompanying the Date Night Dress is a helpful addition to your pattern box.
- Simplicity Shorts and Skorts 1370 – This is another pattern that has been made repeatedly over the years here. It was first bought to make a skort for my eldest daughter to use whilst travelling—a great pattern which is easy to follow and beginner-friendly.
- True Bias Ogden Cami – Straightforward, very effective cami pattern. This is another very well designed pattern by True Bias, and it is a consistent winner with adults and teens in GillyMac classes. It is 2m of standard width fabric well spent!
- Made By Rae Ruby – This simple top can be lengthened into a dress. It combines a flat yoke with a gathered main section to provide a very effective fit. This easy pattern is written beautifully, and a great quick make for anyone.
- Friday Pattern Company The Square Neck Top – This top can be made in a stretch or woven fabric and is boxy in design. The square neck is unusual and flattering, and the top looks great with jeans or shorts.
- I AM PATTERNS. I am Cinderella – This is the dress I will be making next month. A couple of friends have raved about how beautiful it is to create and wear, so I am poised to buy fabric and make one for myself!
I hope you find something you enjoy making. The GillyMac Club is a small Facebook group where you can share your makes and ask questions. Do show us what you create!
