Summer 2023 Wardrobe Sewing Plans

Hello again, everyone! I’m so excited to share my sewing plans for this summer. The weather is heating up here in Florida and that can only mean one thing- it’s time to plan out everything I hope to sew this summer. Join me today for my sewing plans, a look at my ever-growing fabric stash, check out my Mood Board and get inspired for some Summer Sewing!

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My Mood Board

So let me show you my mood board. It will give you a glimpse into the vibes and styles I’m aiming to capture in my summer sewing projects.

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I’m slowly transitioning my focus from my Spring plans into lighter, looser pieces in soft and summery silhouettes. I’m thinking breezy wide leg linen pants, summery all white dresses and blouses, and everything Blue and White! 

Each season I like to start fresh, refine and reflect on what I most want to create. I like to create a physical mood board, look at silhouette and styles I’m drawn to, and get inspired by beautiful fabrics!

“The essence is a certain purity and the glimmer of gold. There is a very subtle shimmering of gold that crosses the whole collection, giving it a very charming and unique light. A light that calls to mind the sand of the desert.”

Fil d’Or 

Giorgio Armani Ready to Wear Spring 2023

I was really drawn to the  Giorgio Armani Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection and the pale iridescent blues displayed. Floaty, sheer, and shimmering they were layered in softly tailored looks that I adore.  If I can find the right fabrics, I’m really hoping to make something in this style.  I am on the lookout for similar styles of shell-like bold accessories to add to my wardrobe.   

As you can see, my mood board is a mix of images that embody the three words that best describe my style: Ease, Oceanic, and Eclectic. I want my summer garments to have an effortless feel, draw inspiration from the ocean’s colors and textures, and feature a mix of unexpected elements and prints.

Now that you have an idea of the overall aesthetic, let’s take a look at the fabrics I have in my stash, waiting to be transformed into fabulous summer garments.

Summer Fabrics

Patriotic Look:

First up, I’ll be tackling a new casual look perfect to celebrate!  I want to make a red, white and blue mix and match look for the 4th of July.  I’ll be using this Recycled Cotton Terry Knit in Nautical Blue for the bottoms and making a Tarifa Tee by French Navy in this fun Organic Cotton Striped Baby Rib Knit – Carmine + Cream both from Core Fabrics.

Tarifa Tee- French Navy

Organic Cotton Striped Baby Rib Knit – Carmine + Cream

CORE Fabrics (also available in gold colorway)

Calling all stripe lovers! This midweight baby rib knit is oh so soft and features a beautiful cream and carmine stripe. From farmer’s field to finished fabric, this fabric was grown, woven and dyed entirely within the USA. Made from 100% organic long-staple cotton, it is combed and ring-spun to produce an incredibly soft and luxurious knit that is easy to sew with and a dream to wear. This naturally stretchy and resilient baby rib has 70% stretch on the cross grain and 10% stretch on the length grain and a substantial midweight feel. Use it for a variety of breathable knit garments, from ultra-soft T-shirts and dresses to bodysuits, baby clothes and lightweight joggers and sweats. It also makes an easy cuff and neckband for sweatshirts and T-shirts!

Recycled Cotton Terry Knit – Nautical Blue

CORE Fabrics

Smooth on the outside and with a textured loop on the inside, this cotton terry knit is a cozy, snuggly favourite. Made of 30% post-consumer recycled cotton and 70% BCI-certified cotton, it features a gentle mechanical stretch and a full drape. In an all-purpose midweight perfect for warm weather makes, we’re also stocking a matching line of cotton ribbing for professional-looking cuffs and collars. We recommend this terry for sweatshirts, joggers, hoodies, sweaters, and structured t-shirts. Fully opaque, no lining is needed for this fabric.

Bold Summer Prints:

Here are some of the fabrics I’ve collected. I have lightweight organic cotton twills, a beautiful blush linen, this gorgeous Watercolor Floral Print Satin Finish Marimekko Deadstock in Cream + Teal, and some sustainable swimwear fabric made from recycled materials in shades of blue and black.

LEILANI ITALIAN VISCOSE CREPE WOVEN- Marcy Tilton OOS

Multicolored abstract floral tropical digital print on fine viscose crepe, deadstock from an Italian mill. In a trend to tropical prints, this is a standout! Light weight, opaque, with a cool dry hand, fine grained crepe texture and airy fluid drape, 23″ repeat, one way design.  Right for a dress, blouse, skirt, soft pants, caftan, kimono.

Pre-treat by wash gentle and air dry.

Italy
 viscose
52″

For instance, the bold Marimekko print (below) will be perfect for a Calvin Dress by True Bias, while the silky Leilani Italian Viscose Crepe Woven from Marcy Tilton (above) will make a gorgeous beach pajama, robe or caftan-style cover-up.

Watercolour Floral Print Satin Finish Marimekko Deadstock – Cream + Teal

CORE Fabrics

CALVIN WRAP DRESS / TOP– True Bias

The Calvin pattern is a wrap dress and top with exposed bias binding that extends into long ties to form a bow closure. It has rings and sliders which create adjustable shoulder straps for an easy fit. View A is a short top that hits approximately two inches below the natural waist. View B is a straight dress that hits at mid calf.

This beautiful Watercolor Floral Print Satin Finish Marimekko Deadstock in Cream + Teal will make a lovely Calvin Dress.  If you watched my May Makes video, you’ll have seen my first go at the blouse version.  For this make I’m planning on doing an SBA and using one of these beautiful bias trims I purchased for the neckline bindings.  I’m wearing it in my newest video with my white Holly pants from By Hand London.

Wide Leg Blush Trousers:

Inspiration Image from Pinterest

Lady McElroy – Cruise Washed Linen – Blush Stonemountain & Daughter

This medium-weight linen has a beautifully polished hand created using an enzyme wash. Enzyme washes use natural cellulose enzymes to create softness and a more worn-in look. This fabric has a slubby texture and is mostly opaque. You may prefer a lining depending on the garment. It would be great sewn into tops, dresses, skirts, accessories, and more. Content: 100% linen Width: 55″ Weight: 6.64 oz per square yard / 225 GSM Designer: Lady McElroy

Swimwear:

Next, I’ll be diving into swimwear, creating a sporty bikini inspired by my mood board and the vibrant colors and textures of the ocean. Think mix-and-match patterns, unexpected cutouts, and playful embellishments.

Recycled Nylon Spandex Swimwear Fabric from CORE Fabrics

I Ordered the Black colorway.

Manifest your swimwear dreams into swimwear realities! This soft, smooth knit made from recycled nylon and spandex has everything you’re looking for in a high-quality swim fabric: excellent recovery, UV protection, colourfast shades, and a firm stretch. Cool to the touch when dry with a low-sheen, almost matte finish, its saturated tones will make an amazing summer statement.

• WIDTH 60in / 152cm
• WEIGHT 180 gsm / 5.3 oz/yd²
• FIBRE 80% MIPAN® Regen Recycled Nylon, 20% Creora® HighClo Spandex
• PANTONE COLOUR 19-4006 TCX
• STRETCH100% 4-way stretch
• TRANSPARENCY Completely Opaque
• COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Vietnam

Swim Fabric below from the Fabric Fairy:

Galaxy Palm Rec 18 Recycled Nylon Spandex Swimsuit Fabric

Galaxy Palm Rec 18 is perfect for swimwear and activewear apparel. Not only does it have high coverage, but it helps save the planet.  Eco friendly, certified recycled, high chlorine resistance, and UV protection. Smooth, cool hand that does not snag.  50+ UPF. 

Fabric Content: 80% Recycled Mipan® Regen Nylon/20% Creora® HighClo Spandex
Fabric Type: Swimsuit Fabric
Fabric Weight: 180 GSM
Fabric Width: 58/59″ inches wide
Fabric Hand: Cool and Stretchy
Fabric Stretch: 75% 4-way
Fabric Uses: Swimsuit, Activewear

Mykonos Blue Nylon Spandex Swimsuit Fabric

Gorgeous dark teal/blue colored quality swimsuit fabric. Perfect for swimsuits, bathing suits, leotards, and stretch activewear. Matte finish with 4-way stretch.

Fabric Content: 82%Nylon/18%Spandex
Fabric Type: Swimsuit
Fabric Weight: 210 gsm (10.9 oz. per yard)
Fabric Width: 60″ inches wide
Fabric Hand: Soft and Stretchy
Fabric Stretch: 75%, 4-way
Fabric Uses: Swimsuit, Bathing Suit, Leotard

Embroidery project:

Spring Splendor with Kay Stanis

I’m so excited to be starting this embroidery GCC Group Correspondence Course with EGA! I just got in my supplies and look how beautiful this goldwork sampler is. If you haven’t yet there are still GCC Lightning Rounds happening.

I really want to work this into an item of clothing. After seeing the Christian Dior Resort 2024 with it’s Mexican inspired embroidery I’m thinking of embellishing black linen and making a dress.

From EGA:

On our Group Correspondence Course Spring Splendor you will learn couching, filling with purls, blending long and short over padding, how to transfer your patterns and twist flat silk and more.

Finally, after that long cold winter and the long cold drizzle that melted the gray snow and rinsed the earth clean, comes the time of generous sun. Blossoms exuberantly play in the golden light and spring walks among us again. The foundation for this bouquet is Dupioni silk and the silk fibers used are soft twist silk and silk sewing thread. These threads combine with pearl purl, check purl, Japanese twist, Grecian twist, passing thread, and Japanese golds to create the butterfly, blossoms and leaves. The stitches include vertical, radiating, horizontal, voided, and diagonal satin; long and short over padding and split stitch; normal and pattern couching. Students will also learn how to transfer their own patterns and twist flat silk. The focus of the class will be on couching, filling areas with purls, and blending long and short over padding.

Kay Stanis Spring Splendor

There you have it, my exciting sewing plans for this summer. With my mood board, my style in mind, and a treasure trove of fabrics, I’m ready to embark on a creative journey filled with sewing adventures. I hope my summer sewing plans have inspired you to dive into your own creative endeavors.

watch the video on YT

As always, please leave your comments, suggestions, or any questions. Wishing you a fantastic and creative summer. Until next time, happy sewing!