The best part about the season change is planning a new wardrobe, amirite? As my current plans appear to be spread all over the world (some on Pinterest, some on Flickr, some just in my head), I like to group it all into one place. So here we go!
Of course, there are the not-as-exciting basics – leggings and hoodies and sweaters. I also have specific plans for special patterns and fabrics, which can be a little harder to keep track of – hence this post. Obviously y’all don’t come to my blog for my stellar photography and photoshopping skills, so overlook that part, thnx. Also, I got way too into this and could have continued slapping pictures together and creating link parties here for the next 24 hours, but I made myself stop at 10. You are welcome.
Pattern: Colette Pattern’s Hawthorn dress, with some sleeve modifications.
Fabric: Blue/Purple cotton plaid from my stash (srsly been hoarding this for a couple of years)
Pattern: Megan Nielsen’s Tania culottes
Fabric: Linen/Silk suiting blend, also from the stash. This stuff is so beautiful and I’ve never settled on a suitable pattern for it. The more I wear my summer Tanias, though, the more I love the idea of a flippy wool miniskirt. Except by skirt, I mean shorts 😉
Pattern: Grainline Studio’s Archer button-up
Fabric: Plaid Cotton Flannel. Actually, can I just make everything in flannel?
Pattern: By Hand London’s Anna Dress – short with slash neckline
Fabric: Sheer black with sparkly leaves all over, another stash piece. God, this stuff is amazing. I plan on wearing it over a black slip, instead of lining.
Pattern: Colette Pattern’s Zinnia skirt (the newest one!)
Fabric: Anna Sui Satin Panel print. I don’t know why I’m so in love with this print – nor am I sure it will actually fit on the skirt pattern pieces – but I’m willing to try.
Pattern: Papercut Pattern’s Peter & The Wolf Pants
Fabric: Stretch suiting (with flocked polka dots!) from Mood Fabric’s store. DREAM FABRIC, Y’ALL.
Pattern: Burdastyle Pencil Trousers
Fabric: Floral Stretch Denim
Pattern: Vogue 1610, vintage
Fabric: Floral border print jersey, a fabric gift from Carolyn. What’s funny is she also has apparently made this same pattern (although not with the same fabric I’m planning, obviously). Does that sound like fate or what?
Pattern: Victory Patterns’ Lola dress
Fabric: Thakoon Cotton sweatshirt knit
Pattern: Vogue 2765, vintage
Fabric: Black & White Plaid wool coating
Ok, now we need to talk about this coat. I haven’t decided what view to make – it will be short, but hood or no hood? I also haven’t settled on a lining color, so let’s have some opinions! Midnight Blue? Tango Red? Mandarin? Buttercup Yellow? I don’t really want to go with white or black, too boring!
What are your plans for the new season? Anyone else want to make a coat with me? 🙂
LLADYBIRD 
OH yes to the hood, yes oh yes! I love the idea of the red or yellow lining for some reason. I think red would be my first pick. I would contemplate sewing a coat this winter too because I’m perplexed as to what qualifies as a good winter coat to wear when I’m wearing pants and would love to have *some*thing to fill that gap (vs. my vintage coats which look stooopid with pants). But I haven’t found anything I think would work. Plus I haven’t even gotten to wear my Sew for Victory jacket since the weather changed like immediately after I sewed it. lol
I think I’m most excited by your coat plans and the pink plaid flannel Archer. I have been so busy I haven’t thought about a single sewing project for this fall/winter… that’s just criminal.
I hear ya on the jacket – I had the same thing happen with my lace trench. Finished it, wore it twice, and then it got tooo hot. I actually put it on last night and twirled around the house and remembered how much I loved it. I was drunk, ok.
And you better start making plans, lady! I think cold weather sewing is the best kind – so many yummy fabrics and colors. Cold weather clothes in general, those are my favorite.
I live in Chicago so technically I have like the next 6 months to plan winter sewing. HA! 😉
Wow! serious plans! I love the pants and the fabric you planned to make and the Voogue vintage dress. Well it will be worth to follow you this winter… my long winter eventing and nights I will enjoy your progress.
It is BTW good idea to make such summary … I have to think about it 🙂
No hood – mine drives me nuts! I’d choose Beetroot lining if it was mine (closely followed by Regal Orchid or Rapturous Rose). Have fun choosing 🙂
Midnight blue lining! And if you do a hood, then everyone will see the gloriousness that is that color…
Ooh, good point!
I’m making a coat as well, a bright purple Lady Grey with a floral lining. I’ve had the fabric forever (bought it on megasale for $2/yd). And I think yellow would be a fabulous lining for your coat! And the Lola dress? I wish I had something like that to wear. Every. Single. Day. I’d live in it. I’d look like a coral bowling ball, but I wouldn’t care! I’ve got the Zinnia in my plans as well. But since I sew at the speed of a sloth, I’ll be lucky to finish my zombie waitress costume, the Lady Grey, and the Zinnia skirt before the spring thawing….
Can’t wait to see your creations!!!
Yeah, that’s why I love this post so much. I can only sew a few things a season. Not because I don’t have the time, but I’m just so slow at it.
Oh, that coat sounds like it will be beautiful! Are you planning on following the Lady Grey sewalong?
I LITERALLY WANT TO MAKE THAT EXACT SAME DRESS FROM THAT EXACT SAME THAKOON FABRIC. Right now I’m just balking at paying at least $60 to make a dress that I’m not even sure will look good on me. While I love having pockets, I’m side-eying how the Lola hip pockets would actually look on me. But the idea of that bright pink done up with black ribbing and worn with black leggings and my ass-kicking boots is soooooo tempting…
DO IT!! We can be matchy matchy twins 😀 haha! I didn’t even think about doing the contrasting ribbing, but that is a really fabulous idea. Also, if it helps, two things – one, I plan on leaving the pockets off my Lola, and two, I used to sell a similar style dress (well, same silhouette – just much simpler, not as much seaming, etc) and I personally think that shape is super flattering on most shapes, especially when it’s sized down a little.
Ha, the contrast ribbing is mainly because I don’t think I could find ribbing in that color and the pattern calls for ribbing. Who knows, I might just do it after I get my big student loan refund in and I’ve paid off my textbooks. 😀
Yes! I want to make a coat with you. Specifically the coat I intended to make last winter, but then got too scared to cut out! After my current 2 projects, that’s up (unless a chiffon zinnia somehow sneaks in there first). I think no hood and mandarin lining. Mine is black and white with green lining. Hurrah for coats!
Yay, coats! We shall sewalong together 😀
Loving your fall/winter plans! I’m planning on making myself some cozy plaid emery dresses (christine haynes newest pattern) as soon as it’s travelled over here to cold Sweden. And I wish I could sew a coat! That is totally awesome!
Oh yes! I love her new pattern – and I think it will look super fabulous in plaid. You should try a plaid flannel, the thought of it just sounds so perfect to me.
Also, you can totally sew a coat! It just takes more time and attention to detail (and sadly, money, if you want to go full-out with the whole tailoring) than a standard pattern. But really, basic construction of a lined coat isn’t too much different from, say, a lined dress 🙂 Just sayin’!
I I really love these posts. I don’t love these posts on blogs in general, but I love them when you do them.
Well, thank you! 🙂 I always feel weird posting this kind of stuff – like it’s a bunch of boring filler. So I’m happy that someone likes it haha 🙂
I’m excited about the Hawthorne! Have you biked in your Tania culottes?
As of yesterday – yes! 🙂
Hood!!! And some darker red lining, it would look awesome on you!
I vote for Mandarin red with your complexion for the coat lining. You look fabulous in red. Plus it has more punch than the others, IMHO. I like your plans, especially the coat and the Anna. That will be a great holiday dress!
Good point about the red! I was concerned that it would took too typical – red and black are aaaaaalways a standard combination, but sometimes it’s standard because it’s just the best! But, yeah, if I’m gonna put all that time and effort into a coat, I want to make sure the colors are flattering on me.
I really like your plans & would do pretty much the same IF only I could get my hands on such nice fabrics!
Anyways, I vote for midnight blue, BUT Becky is right, Mandarin red could be great on you.
And yes, I really would like to make a coat, and a blue cashmere blazer, & a plaid flannel shirt, and a smooth jersey dress, &…
Okay, I shut up, now.
A blue cashmere blazer! Well now I want one hahaha!!
I bought that same sweatshirt knit for a hoodie! It’s so soft and comfy, I can’t wait until I’m wearing it!
And I want to make the Anise coat before London, but I’m not sure if I will have time 😦
The Anna Sui panel print is THE BEST PRINT EVAR.
I’ll make a coat with you! I’ve been hoarding some purple wool and finally brought it to be dry-cleaned today so it’ll be ready when I find the right pattern! I don’t know much about adding interlining for warmth though…so if you go down this road and have any insights they’d be greatly appreciate!!
I vote for hood + mandarin lining. It would be such a beautiful pop of color in the hood lining! And I agree with you, I prefer warm-weather clothes wayyyy more and love love love plaid flannel. I mean, how can you go wrong with it?? Colorful and cozy!
I probably won’t interline this coat, but I have done it in the past. I used lightweight flannel (like, for pjs haha) and underlined all the lining pieces, stitching at a 1/2″ seam allowance and then trimming it down to avoid bulk. It took quite a bit of extra time, but it also made my coat super extra warm (too warm, I’m afraid, for our mild winters haha)
Well look at you and your amazing winter wardrobe! Love the fabric choices! (That Hawthorne is going to rock my world, I can feel it!) I love the idea of making a winter coat, (I even have a pattern and fabric for it) but i’m still to much of a wuss to try it out!
My ideal winter wardrobe includes, among other things, making 1000 versions of the Lady Skater dress in cozy double knits and cozy circle skirts! Oh, and I’m still looking for that love-at-first-sight knit sweater pattern that I could make a hundred times…
And as for the coat: you can’t go wrong with a hoody. I personnaly prefer an over-the-knee length and the midnight blue lining… Can’t wait to see it!
Argh, I have to do this…. but my plan isn’t very excioting. Pants pants pants pants. Pants. I did not buy a single pattern in NY (Except for swimsuit fabric) and I just wann cover my ass. Icing dresses are not gonna get me through the winter. Love all this. Especially love the wool Tanias (may copy?!) and the Anna Sui skirt….
I love the look of your coat plans – I’d always say YES to a hood but since I live in Scotland that’s kind of a necessity. It would be cute with a really bright hood lining too – personally I’d go for red but I think that yellow would be cute too.
Can’t wait to see what you make!!
Ooo! Love this idea! This is what I need to do…match fabrics with actual plans 🙂 That way my stash of fabrics and patterns will feel justified 😉
Can’t wait to see your results!
Hood. Definitely hood. And cobalt blue lining.
Ooh, I love that coat! Make it with the hood, it would be so amazing and snuggly. I love yellow so I vote yellow lining.
Definitely a hood! I love that coat pattern! It’s pretty much the exact style I want to make for myself one day when I have the skills and can find a pattern. I guess I should be looking at vintage patterns. I may have already bought the fabric in anticipation…. Oops.
I LOVE my Lola dresses and plan spend the winter in them– they are so comfortable. I have two: one in cotton sweatshirting and one in a rayon/wool. The one with the rayon is definitely more flattering and drapes better. Also, I reduced the pockets considerably, having them end at the side seam rather than going around to the back. Love the pockets!
Also, have you ever sewed with Burda before? I don’t remember seeing anything on your site so far. I do love Burda for pants though, always get a good fit.
The only Burda pattern I’ve ever sewn was the Bombshell with Gertie’s Craftsy class. This will be my first – adding seam allowances and everything! Excited, haha!
It is freaky, so much similar to mine. My flannel archer is black and white…same print as your pink. Hmmm.
I’ve got a notebook with my plans. I should post some of them on my blog too.
I love that jacket and say yes to the hood! It’s so adorable! For lining, my vote is for yellow but honestly any of them would be lovely!
you’re my hero. I should definitely, definitely plan out my sewing. I think more would get done! I’m trying to line my projects up ahead, fabric with pattern, like you do. I think it will help! I have a long, loooooong overdue labor trade that I, for some insane reason, accepted to do by making slipcovers. Never again! Hate slipcovers! Cross stitch is another thing I will never do for money again, either. BUT after the slipcovers, I should plan.
Hood, short and red. I like all your sewing plans, what a good idea to document them. I have the Thakoon pink too. I am debating on the dots for some pants, age appropriate is my big question.
Happy sewing, you will be done next week, right?!?
Hood, short and mandarin lining sound fun to me 🙂 Love the Anna dress…that is going to be gorgeous! I am planning a coat too, but mine is going to be in a navy blue wool I have been hoarding for years and I too want to do a fun lining, but since mine is a solid navy blue I might do a printed lining. Not sure yet. Can’t wait to see everything finished 🙂
I think you should put a hood on the coat! I reckon either a red or yellow lining would look great. And yes, I’m in on the coat! I only have one decent RTW coat and it doesn’t fit if I wear a thick jumper (which in winter, I kinda like to do…) I can’t decide between the Robson (in which case I will go back and re-read all your posts!) or the Lady Grey. Although I think if I want to wear it this winter, I probably should have started in spring. Actually, I reckon I should just always sew a season ahead, then I might get things done in time for when I want to wear them. Ahhh, too many typos to correct in this, shouldn’t comment whilst drunk!
I’ve made both of those patterns 🙂 The only thing I’ll tell you about the Lady Grey is you may want to consider lengthening the sleeves… bracelet length is beautiful, but not exactly practical when it’s freezing outside! But it was really fun to sew up 🙂
Also, drunk commenting is the BEST. Don’t ever apologize, ha!
Lauren I actually made that DVF wrap dress when I was 17 years old. I’m going to have to find a picture of it and post it. I made it for Easter so I know there’s a pic somewhere! It’s a wonderful dress and that border print knit will look amazing in it. I’m glad you’ve found a use for it because it had me stymied! Love your plan and can’t wait to see everything finished.
Oh, btw this isn’t just a “filler post”…we love knowing what you want to sew next and why!
Yes! I really want to see, I bet it was beautiful. I love that you made that dress when the pattern first came out, so fun!
I love that coat! I think it looks great with a hood, but I personally wouldn’t bother – where I live it just doesn’t get cold enough for more than a few weeks a year. Now, if it was removable…
That said, I have a Gertie coat pattern that I’m mad keen to make, practicality be damned. I have a trip to LA coming up and a looooooong list of patterns that I want to find fabric for in the Fashion District. That’s one of ’em. I’ve even staved off any fabric buying before I get over there and am on a bit of a project withdrawal.
I agree – a hood and red lining. Nice project list! Can’t wait to see both pants and the Lola.
you should do a sew along for the plaid shirt. I would love to learn how to line up plaid
Maybe not a full sew-along since there’s already a really great one at the Grainline website, but I’m happy to write up a little post for a plaid cutting layout 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion!
Great plans. I making a plaid hawthorn too … Love your fabric. Also hope to make a coat gerties 50s pattern For butterick
Great plans, and great photoshopping too. Having only just started my blog I appreciate how long anything like that must take. love the fabrics you have chosen and I can see now how this links in with your earlier post about being organised leading to greater productivity. You are awesome and very inspiring.
I’d go for yellow to line the jacket. Bumble bees they’ve got it going on.
I love your idea of making the Lola dress in pink sweatshirt knit! I looooove pink, hot pink! As for the lining, I’d go for the red or blue (the yellow is actually my favourite but I think that the red or blue would look better with the white/black fabric) : )
Seems like a good plan! I like that 70s coat at the end, sort of unexpected, especially in the fabric you chose. You should line it in fur! Like the illustration, y’know.
I’ve got a cape going on in plaid wool as well.
Dude, you have no idea how badly I want to justify the fur lining 🙂
Great plans!! You’re so good with your planning! This looks like a seriously great list. I would definitely go for the hood on the coat. Hoods are awesome – plus, it encourages snow!
Shhh, no snow here! We don’t know what to do with snow, the city seriously just shuts down!
Actually… that doesn’t sound so bad, haha 😀
I’m planning a 70s coat too! And it’s got hood potential too! I want the hood for unexpected rain, but I want to keep the collar. I’m going to look into ways to make it removable based on a kids pattern I’ve got.
A removable hood would be pretty sweet!
This is such a great list! I am in love with that Anna Sui panel. I was wracking my brain for ways to use it. I hope it works out! I also love the polka dot pants and sweatshirt Lola.
I’m super envious of your lovely sewing plans! Darn school and education that gets in the way of making all the things. I’m totally with you on the no boring lining, but I don’t think you can go wrong with those lining options and that black and white check. No matter what, you are going to have one shnazzy jacket!
Love your coat pattern. And I am planning a coat too–I’ll sew along! Are you thinking of an online sew-along?
I wasn’t initially, but based on the responses I think we should all sew-along!
Love the plans! I admire your ambition and the fact that you’ll most likely get all of it done. I’ve grand plans to sew Anna as well in a red wool crepe and a dark denim blue super soft wool. The pattern is so damn versatile! Zinnia I’m doing in a soft gray cotton shirting fabric I found–it’s lovely and neutral.
As for the jacket–I’m tossing my two cents in for the red lining and a hood.
Squee!! Loving all of these plans, Lauren. You’re gettin’ me all inspired to crank out some fall-ness. I’ve got a long-sleeved Laurel about 40% done and some other cool-weather-worthy dresses in the queue, plus a blazer or two. Can’t wait to see all of your gorgeous stuff!!
Shelley
That coat is adorable! I say hood so that you can see the lining and it comes in handy on cold days. I like the mandarin, but all the options would be gorgeous. I think this post is great, it’s inspiring me to be more organized and purposeful with sewing planning. I just got the Anna pattern because your versions looked so cute, now I have to pick a fabric.
So on that note, I have a question/request. I am somewhat new to garment sewing and the hardest thing for me is picking the right fabric for the pattern. When I go into fabric stores, it’s hard to figure out where to even start, I feel like a lot of the lingo is not what is used on my RTW labels, so I just wander around awkwardly petting bolts of fabric. And the quilting cotton section is so large and enticing with all the prints, but who wants to wear that! How did you get to know fabric options and what works? Any advice on how to pick fabrics for a pattern both in person and online? Thanks!!
I think there are some helpful hints to mine on the Coletterie site for picking fabrics when planning a project. I try to keep them in mind otherwise I spend too much time lusting over fabric at the store.
As for picking fabric online, I’d stick to sites that give you suggestions (gorgeousfabric goes as far as picking a few patterns to make) or take lots of care in taking the best photos possible (harts fabric goes the distance). It is so tempting to buy cheap fabric online but if wait until you are comfortable pairing your fabric to a pattern. Otherwise you could end up with mystery fabric or something that isn’t a good quality.
It’s pretty hard to figure out fabrics when you’re first starting – because, you’re right, at lot of that shit isn’t labeled the same. So frustrating! I agree with the comment below, bear fabric suggestions in mind and don’t be afraid to ask for help at the store (if it’s a good one, they will be happy to help you!). You’ll figure out over time what fabrics are best for what – drapey, lots of body, best for tailoring, best for tshirts, etc – and what YOU love wearing best. I really started out closely following those suggestions on the pattern until I was more comfortable subbing a different fabric.
As far as online, I would definitely recommend ordering swatches whenever possible, just so you know exactly what you’re buying (and don’t end up accidentally overlooking that it’s a stretch fabric, when you needed something rigid, or whatever). Then you can save the swatches for your own future fabric reference 🙂 Try to avoid the really cheap sites and stick with ones that offer good pictures and pattern suggestions, again, like the commenter below said. Mood is really good for that, as well as Gorgeous Fabrics. If you’re buying from a smaller site, like an Etsy, email the seller and ask them if you’re not sure!
Also, just keep in mind that you will occasionally end up buying something that is NOT what you were expecting. And that’s ok! You will likely find another use for it, no sweat 🙂
I love the Hawthorn Pattern and that plaid is going to be a great fabric for it, can’t wait to see your finished garment! And those pants, Peter & The Wolf, they are a great style! I love them. Can’t wait to see the finished garments!
I love your fall sewing plan. I’m so envious of your photoshopping skills! My blog is still new and I haven’t even figured out how to do links on mine yet nevermind anything fancy like this! Can’t wait to see your Zinnia skirt and Hawthorn dress – those fabrics are amazing! I may join you for a coat sewalong – I’ve just bought black and white wool fabric very similar to yours but I don’t have your coat sewing expertise so I could do the how-not-do-it version! For what it’s worth, I would go with the yellow lining.
Love your idea for the vintage pattern coat. Last night I was watching “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”. The film is George Clooney’s directorial debut. Julia Roberts is featured as a contract killer in the late sixties and when we first meet her she is wearing a huge felt hat and a coat to die for. Double breasted, huge fur collar and cuffs, swingy skirt. I instantly thought that if you’d seen that costume, you’d have your inspiration.
Well, I’m definitely gonna have to check that out. It sounds amazing!
Can’t wait to see the Hawthorn!! I’m exhausted from summer sewing and trying not to plan another Hawthorn. But somehow a solid purple or a purple plaid keeps haunting me! Your version will be fab!!
For fall I’m eyeing a minoru, fabrics selection unsure until I muslin it in cotton/linen. A orange corduroy mini wale for an alma/ginger dress. Maybe an anise come winter. Loooove all you fall sewing plans. Been seriously eyeing the Lola and Anna dresss!
I really love the first skirt and the fabric you choose for that! Although I would make it a little longer to be suitable for the office 😉 The Anna Dress is a beautiful patern as well. Another one for my wishlist!
I would choose a colourful lining for the coat as well, but the four options you give are all great. I can’t choose either! However, althought midnight blue is very classy it’s not as cheerfull as the other colours…
No hood for me though, I love the colar!
Why do I not live near Mood – life is sooo unfair. We need one in the UK now. The Anna Sui print is gorgeous and I love the Thakoon coral sweatshirt knit. Love the fabrics you’ve chosen for your trousers too. I like the style of the white coat with the flared panels. Maybe with a burgundy red lining?
Haha, if it makes you feel any better, I don’t live near Mood either 🙂 I gotta order online and wait for the mail to come!
I made this coat 2 years ago (green forest faux-suede on the outside, mint fur on the inside) for Burning Man (night time is freezing). No aterations (except length of the sleeves, I have children arms) and the fit was perfect !!
I say go for the hood, but I live in Portland, OR. I’m guessing it gets even colder, rainier, and windier where you are since we’re so temperate. I have one jacket with a soft fur-like lining in the hood and it’s the coziest thing ever and it’s magic against the wind.
All I want to wear this season is plaid. I bought a pile of it over the weekend. Your fall plans look fantastic, and I’m pretty eager to see how each of the pairs of patterned pants turns out.
I would love to make a coat with you…..but I don’t think I’m at that skill level yet 😦 Maybe for next Winter… Also, the Anna Sui print is amazing!
That Anna Sui Satin Panel print is perfect for Zinnia cuz it looks like Mt. Hood 😀
Just found your blog today and had to comment because I have that same Vogue coat pattern! I made it two years ago from a lovely mid-weight forest green wool, and it’s gorgeous. Be prepared for many compliments. 🙂 I made the mid-length view, with a collar instead of a hood.
One thing to note (which I’m sure you would have noticed since you seem to be good about doing muslins) is that the pattern is drafted with a LOT of ease, because it’s meant for thick, fluffy linings. The pattern I have is a size too small for me (I had to buy it anyway because it’s WAY TOO CUTE to pass up) so I was planning to grade it up. Instead I ended out cutting it out as is and using a thin lining fabric, which worked fine for me because I didn’t want a huge fluffy coat anyway.
What’s depressing is that you’ll make all of this plus a dozen other to die for garments while I manage half a dress. And you’ll look goddamn hot in ever one.
And that coat pattern? I almost started stalking ebay that very second. It’s gooorgeous. I’d go with a hood but I live in a city that eats umbrellas for breakfast so hoods are always good to have. And red lining I think. Yum.
It’s only the first week of November and you’re almost completely done with your Fall/Winter list! Highfives.