Haute Stuff

Haute Stuff: spring/summer 22

It’s March, which officially* means we can start planning our spring/summer makes. I’ve scoured the runway shows and paired a few key looks with sewing patterns to recreate your own versions. Let’s take a gander…

A Hot Dopa-minute

Colour blocking, or ‘dopamine dressing’ as it’s being bandied about now, is EVERYWHERE. This trend is something we can all tap into. Whatever your favourite hues, don them from head to toe and feel those happy vibes shine through.

Head to toe colour not for you? Proenza Schouler shows us how to inject some colour without going the whole hog.

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Haute Stuff: Trends for Spring 2021

Haute Stuff, sewing

There’s a glimmer of hope…spring is just around the corner. It may be a bit up and down at the moment, but it’s definitely time to start planning our warmer-weather makes. I’ve rounded up my top trends for spring 2021, however, these aren’t clothes for short-lived fads; I’ve chosen trends, styles and patterns that’ll see you through for years to come.

The Two-tones

So easily overlooked, the classic pairing of black and white has been given some oomph in the form of sleek cuts, colour blocking and voluminous shapes.

This trend could be applied to any patterns you have (saving you money, hurrah!), and can be easily worked into your everyday wardrobe. I’m planning to use some white offcuts to make some minimalist tops inspired by Chanel (above centre), and I’ve gone all-in for monochrome in the form of gingham, with purchases from Thimble and Notch, Minerva and Dalston Mill Fabrics.

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Haute stuff: My top 5 autumn trends…and patterns to sew your own

Haute Stuff, Sewing ideas

While most people are lamenting the end of summer, I’m getting really excited for the new season; clearly the back-to-school feeling of a fresh start has never left me!

However, as much as I love to track the seasonal trends, I think it’s really important to make sure you’re making (or buying) clothes that you’ll love year in year out. So herein is my round up of the trends for autumn/winter, but ones that you’ll want to wear well after this whirlwind of a year is over…

Pump up the volume

Big sleeves are still everywhere!!! They’ve been around for a while and from the look of it, they are here to stay. The easiest hack for this would be to make a mega gathered sleeve, but if you’re after some patterns to satisfy your sleeve needs, the Thea Boho Sleeve Shirt from Liberty, the Lima Dress from Cosedo Studios, and the Cologne blouse from Bella Loves are right up your street.

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A Miu Miu-inspired Sew Over It Vintage Shirt Dress

Haute Stuff, Home sewn, Sewing ideas

I love looking to the runway for sewing inspiration, and the Miu Miu Resort 2020 collection is beyond beautiful! Typical of the brand’s style, the collection offers up quirky tailoring, bold prints and girly-yet-edgy details; everything I love in a garment!

I basically want to make my own versions of every item in the collection, but this dress really sang to me:

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Haute stuff: The white shirt edit

Haute Stuff, Sewing ideas

You can’t deny the power of a good white shirt. They’re easily boxed into being ‘crisp’ and ‘smart’, but the possibilities are literally endless, just have a scroll on any good retailer’s website and you’re swamped with inspiration. Although I’m generally drawn to a bold print (I have been known to wear 6 at a time, but who’s counting?), the lure of the white shirt has got me. Here I’ve put together a few inspiration images from some luxury brands and paired them with patterns so you can hack your own! Allwhite, enough faffing (and enough puns), let’s get down to it…

This preppy shirt from Red Valentino is so gorgeous and I love it! One of my most-made shirt patterns, the Juliette from I Am Patterns, would be perfect to recreate this. I’d curve the collar and add a ruffle, plus little ruffles to the sleeves and add a zip at the back instead of buttons – or just keep the buttons as it’s those front details that are so beautiful! All that’s then needed is a straight necktie which you could then wear with other shirts, too.

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