For those of you who aren't venturing abroad to chase the sunshine this summer, we've put together five of our patterns to help you create a practical and stylish Staycation capsule wardrobe. Making these pieces in complimentary fabrics means you can mix and match them to achieve different looks without packing too many items!
Lucy T-Shirt & Dress
A versatile t-shirt and dress pattern, as easy to wear as it is to sew, Lucy features a scoop neckline, short sleeves and a gently loose-fitting shape. The T-Shirt is the perfect everyday basic to pair with your favourite skirt or trousers; the dress version can be made with a maxi or knee-length hem and is pulled in at the waist with a drawstring cord and casing. Tighten it up to accentuate the waist, or leave it a bit loose for extra breeziness. The maxi length version features a side-seam split to just below the knee. Sizes UK 6-30.
Lisa’s favourite shape, the Lizzie Skirt is 1950s-inspired in style, with a trademark cinched-in waist. The pleats are carefully concentrated at the front and back of the skirt for gorgeous fullness, while the side seams are left pleat-free for a flattering, hip-skimming effect. It's a classic knee-length, but thanks to its straight hem, it can be easily lengthened or shortened to suit you. Everyone needs a pleated skirt in their wardrobe, and Lizzie will be your new favourite summer skirt. Dress her up with heels or keep it casual with trainers for long holiday walks. Sizes UK 8-20.
Inspired by the classic Chanel boucle tweed jacket, Coco is chic, ever-wearable and guaranteed to never go out of style. A simple cropped jacket, it features a pretty round neck, princess seams, two-piece sleeve, full lining and optional braiding. With its quintessential shape, the Coco Jacket is a wardrobe staple guaranteed to go with any outfit. It pairs beautifully with the high waist of the Lizzie Skirt, and looks incredibly stylish with the Ultimate Trousers or thrown over a pretty frock like the Doris Dress. Sizes UK -8-20.
Slim fitting, ankle grazing and flattering for so many figures, the Ultimate Trousers are so simple to make you will be whipping these up in a couple of hours once you nail the fit. This sewing pattern is the perfect choice for an advanced beginner who wants to delve into trouser-making without any of the complicated or confusing techniques. With no tricky fly to contend with, the Ultimate Trousers fasten with an invisible side zip and the waistline is finished with a facing. Made up of only four pattern pieces it’s hard to go wrong, plus we have a whole Stitch School masterclass dedicated to sewing and fitting this pattern! Sizes 6-20.
Doris Dress
Doris is the perfect summer dress inspired by Lisa’s love of vintage fashion and pretty feminine shapes. It features a scooped neck bodice, bust pleats for delicate shaping, floaty grown-on sleeves and a fluted panelled skirt. The waist can be left unfitted for warmer days, or cinched in at the back with the attached ties or fixed back belt. The Doris Dress closes with a concealed zip in the side seam and has an optional buttonhole closure at the centre front. The bodice is completed with facings for a neat finish on the inside. Sizes 8-20.
We hope you're feeling inspired to sew up the ultimate Staycation capsule wardrobe. And if you're travelling to sunnier shores, check out our Summer Dreaming eBook, a capsule wardrobe designed with carefree sunny days in mind. The collection contains five super chic, easy-to-wear patterns, each with that little touch of holiday-inspired glam.