Summer sped by and it’s basically time for Autumn. I’ve already purchased my first wide-wale corduroy fabric of the season, so it seemed the perfect time to roundup some cosy projects for you!
Want more pattern ideas?
- Outer-Layer Sewing
- Knit tops for winter layers
- Autumn sewing from NZ designers
- Jeans sewing patterns
- Sew your own cosy PJs
Belemnite Dress
The Belemnite Dress from Marilla Walker would look lovely with tights and a cosy coat for chilly weather!
One of the recommended fabrics for The Belemnite Dress is Double Gauze, which is sometimes called Double Muslin (the orange dress above uses this fabric)
Miss Maude has some with great patterned double gauze. For bargain prices, Backstreet Bargains has a lovely wedgewood blue double muslin, and The Fabric Shop in Otara has some lovely colours for $12 p/m. For Fabrics Sake also has some lovely colour options.
From Make by TFS (Auckland)
A playful every-day knit dress pattern, designed to suit a variety of knit fabrics for all seasons, the skirt has subtle paneling to allow for maximised fabric yield.
Quilted fabric in NZ
One way to make a super speedy quilted coat (like the ) is to purchase pre-quilted fabric! I’m not going to advocate for chopping into a heirloom quality blanket but purchasing quilted bed spreads is a great choice (and since they’re usually so wide, the per metre cost can be really great).
Spotlight & Lincraft have pre-quilted fabrics online (usually poly with poly batting), and many of the local Christchurch bricks-and-mortar stores stock pre-quilted fabrics in basic colours.
You can get quilted-ish jacquard from Merchant & Mills at Miss Maude and Revology. Nick’s Fabric also has black pre-quilted fabric with an unusual quilting pattern.
Jennifer Lauren Handmade is a Dunedin-based pattern designed who makes patterns with a vintage twist.
These two patterns, the Dulcie Pinafore and the Willa Wrap-Coat are available in her new Curve Size Range.
Twig & Tale
NZ-based Twig & Tale has a lot of outerwear for kids and outerwear for adults (including maternity and baby-carrying wear).
Hove Jacket
The Hove Jacket from Aussie-based In The Folds has a great look and a hood! If you love the hem and pockets, you might also like the Flynn Jacket.
Bottom-weight fabrics?
The two jackets from In The Folds call for bottom weight fabrics (think canvas, drill, etc).
Check out this blog post on shopping denim in NZ, the selection of ‘bottom weight’ fabrics at Auckland-based Fabric Box, the canvas selection at Backstreet Bargains.
The Kimball Bomber Jacket
from Cashmerette
Can’t find the right zip? Sometimes I’ve needed a zip which I just couldn’t find in stores- did you know that you can contact YKK in NZ and they’ll sell you zips?
I’ve heard that you can send them a swatch of fabric and they’ll even colour-match for you, if that’s your struggle!
The Cloud Set
The latest pattern offering from The Fabric Store is a cosy sweatsuit ensemble! The sweater has 3 views (including a hoodie and a classy funnel neck) and the pants have a jogger view (with gathered ankles) and a wide leg (right)
Thinking knits and sweaters?
Not usually one for Facebook, I’ve found quite a few bargains on french terry and t-shirt knit fabrics on the Fabric Stash From Factory (NZ only) | Facebook Facebook Group. Most things are pre-cut into metre bits but I just plan ahead for that!
Also check out this loopback sweatshirting from Nick’s Fabrics which is a bargain price! Fable Fabrics stocks a very cute selection of sweater knits (including some of those cute euro prints)! The Fabric Shop in Otara has a range of printed sweat fabrics (at toile prices).
As always, my list of NZ fabric shops is a good place to start.
The Adeline wrap dress and top
from Forget-Me-Not Patterns is a lovely option for cooler weather!
The Reznor Skirt
The Reznor Skirt from Elbe Textiles desperately wants to be layered over tights for chilly weather.
Want to get printing?
Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!