Some Indie Patterns to Check Out for Fall and Winter

 

Courtesy of pixabay

This is one of the best times of the year because one can enjoy the colors, smells, sounds, and relaxing atmosphere as it is a good time for walking and taking it all in.

Now, to enjoy the time to sew for the upcoming seasons by checking out what is available and what is needed!

The  major pattern companies now have some competition with the growing Indie Pattern Designers.

Etsy offers quite a variety which makes it nice to have a solid place to put out designs for those who have that talent. Etsy has it's share of variety, however I find an interesting assortment of modest clothing patterns. Apparently the big 4 pattern companies will not disappear but be offering patterns soon if not already by another entity, if I understood the information correctly. 

So, in looking for patterns I have found some interesting designers, some new and many who have been out there for quite a while.  I have also watched some You Tubes featuring The Fold Line.  There are other sources that offer examples or spotlight patterns on the internet.  

There are a lot of options out there, just take your time looking as patterns are getting more expensive and the more options on a pattern the more value for your money.  I am all for easy, simple, comfortable, yet looking put-together to honor our Lord and Saviour as God has put the Spirit of Jesus Christ within his children.

Here is part of an article that makes one think about life in Christ and how it affects everything for us:

If Christ be the Lord of glory, how careful should all be who profess Him, that they do not dishonor Jesus Christ, Whose name is called upon by them?   Christ is a glory to you; be not you a shame and dishonor to Him. How careful had Christians need to be to draw every line and action of their lives exactly! The more glorious Christ is, the more wary (cautious) and watchful you need to be. How lovely would Jesus Christ appear to the world if the lives of Christians did adorn the doctrine of God their Savior in all things! Remember, you represent the Lord of glory to the world; it is not your honor only, but the honor of Christ that is engaged and concerned in your actions. Oh, let not the carelessness or scandal of your life make Jesus Christ ashamed to be called your Lord. When Israel had grievously revolted from God, He bids Moses rise and get down from thence; for (saith He) “thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves” (Deu 9:12) as if the Lord were ashamed to own them for His people any longer. It was a cutting question, apt to startle the consciences of these loose professors; “Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?” (Jam 2:7). Your duty is to adorn the gospel by your conversations (behavior, habits, principles) (Ti 2:10). The words signify to deck, trim, or adorn (decorate, dress up, make beautiful the gospel), to make it trim, neat, and lovely to the eyes of beholders. When there is such a beautiful harmony and lovely proportion between Christ’s doctrine and your practices, as there is in the works of creation, wherein the comeliness and elegance of the world much consists (for to this the apostle’s word here alludes), then do we walk suitably to the Lord of glory.

From The Whole Works of the Reverend John Flavel, Vol. 2 (London; Edinburgh; Dublin: W. Baynes and Son; Waugh and Innes; M. Keene, 1820), 236-242. _______________________ John Flavel (c. 1630-1691): English Presbyterian minister; born at Bromagrove, Worcestor, England, UK.

Copied from Free  Grace Broadcaster, Issue 273,  Fall 2025    Available from Chapel Library, www.Chapel.Library.org.

Following are a few examples for cold weather wearables:

Meadow Dress

Lotta Dress

Fable Dress

Pattern found here

This is a pattern found on the Fold Line but also on Style Arc website. I would definitely allow more room to walk in by making the side seams wider from the waist to hemline and just sew it solid all the way to the  hem.  This would work with a collarless, long sleeve knit top and tights if made in a winter fabric and color.

Style Arc has a lot of interesting patterns that one can make modest clothing from.  You can probably find them for less on Etsy Style Arc

This is called the Atelier Jupe Jamie Dress.  
I think this would be a quick and simple dress to make.  It would need something to cover the open neck area whether a knit T-top or if you make it for winter in a heavier fabric, a turtleneck sweater and warm tights.  I like to wear knee length leggings and heavy knee-high socks for cold weather.  Some tights are not warm enough.

I like pinafores/jumper dresses and this Dulcie Pinafore with a turtleneck sweater would make a comfortable outfit for winter.  

This is a nice and comfy looking shirt if you like loose fitting styles.  It would be easy to wear a knit top underneath for layering as well as a big loose sweater over it and a good warm skirt along with something warm on your legs.  This blouse pattern can be found here.

This is the Alexa blouse, another loose-fitting top that can be purchased here.
The lines and gathers make this a very feminine blouse.

This is more Western styled and if you like detail, this has it.  It is the Fiber Mood Anna Skirt.

This is an Itch to Stitch pattern for an Orio Jacket.  It is very nice looking and could be just right for when you need to throw on a casual jacket with your casual denim skirt. She has done a beautiful job of matching her plaids!  If you aren't familiar with sewing plaids and don't like matching exactly, then opt for a patterned fabric or corduroy or something a little heavier weight.

For jackets that just keep you warmer inside or out, it just depends on what your needs are.  Sometimes you may need a very casual on and other times a dressier one fits the occasion.

The Ilford Jacket by Friday Pattern Co.  See Variations of this pattern on their website.  Check out this Fall Jacket variation of the Ilford Jacket

This  is for sale on Etsy.  Therre are many pattern companies that offer similar jackets, some with buttons, zippers, loops, etc.  Possibilities are endless.  I have the Burda 5729.

Sew Direct has a lot of various styles of jacket patterns available.

Coats are another covering for the cooler times.  If you have a lot of cold weather you may want to  use heavier fabrics such as Melton or heavier woven wools or blends.  Trench Coats are becoming popular again.  They can be made lightweight for just cool days or heavier for cold times.

Merchant and Mills     The September Coat

Then on the light side, if you are going on a cruise or holiday in the sun by the water, this one caught my eye.  One would need a camisole under the top and something to cover the legs (pantaloons of some sort) if you sew it from very light fabric.

This would be found here.


These are a few of the suggestions and there are many more available at sewing stores as well as on the web and sometimes in 2nd Hand Stores!


  Here are some parting words from a century or so ago:

To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury;
refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable;
and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard, 
to think quietly,
talk gently,
act frankly;
to listen to stars and birds,
to babes and sages,
with open heart;
to bear all cheerfully, 
do all bravely,
await occasion,
hurry never;
in a word,
to let the spiritual,
unbidden and unconscious grow up through the uncommon.
  This is to be my symphony.

Channing's Symphony 
by
William Henry Channing


May you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in all you do and may it bring glory to Jesus Christ,

Janet

Making the Most of a Classic Shirtdress

I was watching a couple you tube videos by women who wanted to show how very versatile a shirt dress really is.  I had purchased a very functional and practical pattern from The Assembly Line called the Shirt Dress Pattern.  I have posted information on it in other blogs, but this time I plan to make it in possibly two colors- one navy with long sleeves and maybe a print for summer with shorter sleeves. 

After watching the You Tubes: one, two,  three, four, five, and six.  Some do a lot with various pants  and under tops  with leaving the front unbuttoned.  I was more interested in the outer wear accessories and prefer a longer length. I decided to go ahead and make the dress in navy as I have that in my stash.  

I was also amazed at how unflattering the short dresses looked and the longer ones with unbuttoned exposure of legs.  Our aim should be to have the focus on the completeness of the outfit with attention drawn to our radiant composure.

I also noticed that various jacket lengths, colors, textures, and styles along with other accessories like belts and scarves, and jewelry etc. made a difference too.  I plan to check out patterns for jackets soon.

This would be a good project for spring and summer with the addition of a print shirtdress and hopefully the jackets will do for both dresses.

Some of you may have done this already and finding it cost effective.

I did this many years ago and just renewed my interest through the You Tube videos.

So either pull out your favorite shirt dress or grab a pattern you like and start building your wardrobe.

Check out the thrift stores for making unique accessories.

What are you going to wear for the upcoming seasons?

Pattern found here

 I have found so many patterns in the major pattern company books that are unabashedly exposing skin almost anywhere on the body.  I am hoping this year we will see a revival of modest dressing. We can do it.  Let's start fresh this year with some feminine and beautiful dressing for the Lord. Revival starts within each person. It doesn't have to cost, just use what you have or get out your stash and imagine with a renewed outlook.  I am getting patterns ready and lining up fabrics from years of stashing and   reimagining what can become of what I have or can find at the thrift shop.                                                                                                                                                 

I was listening to another podcast stating that tight garments are going out, for some, as I think a more comfortable style is desired.  Tightness in clothing can be uncomfortable and that is easily remedied by wearing looser clothing.

If you are truly interested in making an outfit or dress that will work for you, I suggest watching this YouTube video: The Best Dress Pattern for Your Body Type   and another one:  My First Ever Special Occasion Dress.  There is a bit of explaining first in both of these before she shows the details.

Clothing & Modesty This is another good sermon on this subject.

Listening to the above sermon on modesty seems to remind us again that the future clothing styles continue to expose as much as possible on a woman.  I must say women are becoming more gullible in believing that exposure is not the issue but making her feel comfortable in the world.

I have been searching for some different approaches to casual femininity in dress. Some of these dresses I have put in previous blogs, so please pardon the repetition. Also some may need sleeve length and/or hemline adjustment, or a neckline raised.  Tightness or looseness of clothing is a personal matter that we must weigh against what would please the Lord God and seek his wisdom to be modest and appropriately dressed.

Take these ideas and see what you come up with.

The above dress is from McCall's 8449.

A casual skirt paired with a contrasting blouse makes a neat and modest look.

McCall's 8342 

This dress and a few of the following are found on etsy for reasonable prices.

Hinterland dress by Sew Liberated

StyleArc Montana Midi Dress plus extension

Available at Style Arc and Amazon

Pattern found here

This one above, with an extended length and belt or elasticized waistline, would make a comfortable dress. 

Wardrobe by Me Collections  Grace Dress

Wardrobe by Me Collections

You may prefer dresses with a more distinct waistline, and these are available in pattern books and Etsy. I have just put out some examples for a looser fit for the next 3 seasons.  Some of the looser dresses shown could be cinched in with an elastic casing or ties attached to the sides and tied in back.

Dress found here.

In all things, whatever we do, we must always consider who we are glorifying in the image we present.  May our ways and thoughts be pleasing to the Lord and may people notice our demeanor and more especially our joyful and radiant face that reflects our heart attitude.

May you have a wonderful and glorious time sewing!

If you have any spare time to help some young girls in a faraway country, please check out 

SewPowerful.org.

God bless you as you seek to know him better every day.