April was a really productive sewing month. It was full of new challenges and loads of inspiration. I managed to make two dress and a tee shirt for myself, plus a sweet little dress for Ember. In doing so, I participated in three sewing community challenges, pattern tested for the first time, and made my first vintage pattern. In addition to sharing my makes, I thought I’d also share some other things I’ve loved this month.

April Makes

Clockwise: Untitled Thoughts Amelie, Mrs. Depew 1930’s Hooverette, Deer & Doe Plantain, Simplicity 8706.

Summer Fabrics

I was a little bit naughty and purchased both these fabrics without an exact plan. It’s not that I don’t know what to make, the problem is I want to make all the things. They’re too beautiful – I just can’t decide! Chime in if you have any suggestions!

The left is a cotton lawn currently on sale at Minerva Crafts. I fell so hard in love this one, that I literally had dreams about it. My three meters arrived in the mail today and I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s silky smooth. It’s crisp. It’s drapey. Just yummy. It’s hard to tell in the picture, but there’s pinks, reds, oranges and lavenders all over the navy blue background. I bought 3 meters. Initially, I was considering a jumpsuit, but then I thought a dress and now I’m thinking matching separates.  I’m undecided if I want to play up the late 60’s vibes or work toward something more modern.

The rainbow linen on the left is from JoAnn’s. I asked my mom to pick up 3 yards of this deliciousness and she’ll either send it to me or I’ll pick it up when I go to America this summer. I’ve been having major fabric envy since seeing it pop up all over. I’m thinking about a Chalk + Notch Fringe dress. But the Poppy Playsuit from Sew Over It would also be so lovely. Or maybe more matching separates?

Free Patterns

In March, The Wearable Studio released the Heidi day dress. I just found out about it this month, thanks to The Foldline! It’s free when you subscribe to The Wearble Studio’s newsletter. The Heidi is a little summer shift dress with a tie belt stitched into the back darts. I have some teal linen in my American stash that would be so perfect for staying cool this summer. The best part is that Wearable Studio patterns are drafted for a C cup bust. No FBA baby!

This month the Victoria & Albert Museum in London teamed up with Alice & Co Patterns and released this adorable minidress.  The pattern collaberation is part of the new Mary Quant 60’s fashion exhibit. What a fun idea! The dress is so sweet and comes with sleeve, collar and pocket variations. I love the keyhole and peter pan collar! You can download it for free here.

New Kicks

Sign me up for the Lilac Lovers Club because these sneakers are my favorite! I needed some new shoes since my old (and very uncomfortable) ones gave out. I started looking for ethical shoe companies and lucky for me Heather Lou of Closet Case Patterns published this amazing list of 37 Ethical & Sustainable Shoe Companies. There I discovered Veja, a French company with production in Brasil. They’re committed to fair wages, sustainable production and new technologies. While I don’t believe that any one company can be 100% perfect, Veja seems to be heading in the right direction. Most of their shoes run around $100-130. My lilac Esplars are made from leather, organic cotton and wild rubber. They’re pretty comfortable, but they’ll be better when I add an arch insert for my knocky knees. I love them so much. As soon as I put them on, I instantly feel cheerier.

Spring Florals

Lastly, a shout out to spring time flowers! One of the things I love most about living in The Netherlands is that there’s always fresh flowers. Lately, a bunch seems to make it’s way home with me every time I’m at the market.  It’s so amazing how walking into a room with flowers instantly makes me feel different. Fresh blooms have been my biggest inspiration this month!

Thanks for reading and happy May!