Pattern Curator - Spring 2016

This season I am getting excited about a few new shapes.

1. Midi skirt - this is another example of fashion just messing with my mind.  I have always thought that midi skirts were an unflattering length, but I keep looking at images of pleated midi skirts.  The Named Lumme Pleated Skirt looks perfect.  They have made it up in a beautiful lightweight fabric, which looks perfect for warmer weather.  The pleats are sewn to create an interesting waistline, and bonus, it appears to be a pretty quick sew!

2.  Next up, a top to wear with the pleated midi skirt.  It took a bit of searching to find a top that would work with the pleated waistline.  I didn't want to tuck something in, and I didn't want something that would wither show too much skin or literally overshadow the skirt waist.  I finally chose Sylearc Skye Top, with its faced hem and side splits.

3.  Cold shoulder tops.  Cold shoulder tops are ubiquitous as the moment.  Am I allowed to say that I think a lot of them are really ugly?  Those billowing masses of fabric, elasticated around the neck seem to be a 70's throwback we could do without, besides being a hassle to keep in place and not very bra friendly.  On the other hand, this Marfy 3096 cold shoulder top from their 2013/4 catalogue looks both stylish and bra-friendly.  The fact that Marfy printed this pattern in 2014 shows that they are on top fashion trends long before I notice them!!



4.  This cold shoulder top would look great with a pencil skirt and Burdastyle do a great job of skirts with interesting seam lines.  I like Pencil Skirt 08/2016 #128. 

5.  Spring is racing season in Australia.  Even if you don't go the the actual races, there is a good chance that you'll need a fancy schmancy dress for some vaguely related racing event.  My pick this year is Vogue 1498 Nicola Finetti.  The criss-crossed bodice / neckline could be elegant, or fun, or summery, depending on fabric choice.

6.  Now for more of an everyday dress.  The Victory patterns Hannah dress.  This is one of the most interesting patterns that I have seen in a long time, and I there have been some great versions popping up on the blogs.  I am keeping my eye out for fabric for this dress.

So those are my picks for Spring 2016.  What are your plans?