Mar 1, 20192 min read

Ottobre Design Spring 2019 Favorites

I've been so busy with designing lately I haven't had time for sewing in several months. But with the Sewing Bee back on telly and just two months to go to Me Made May, it's time to start fantasizing about a new spring wardrobe. And what better way to do it than taking a peek into the brand new Spring/Summer 2019 issue of Ottobre Design Woman.

Tropical Flower dress sewing pattern from Ottobre Design Woman Spring/Summer 2019

I wear knit tunics and dresses all the time so I'm always on the lookout for more patterns to try. The Tropical Flowers dress features a V-neck, gathers down the front center, and a four-panel skirt. One thing it doesn't have is side-seam pockets but that would be such an easy addition. The dress comes with two sleeve-length options: a short, almost cap sleeve one and and an elbow length.

Explorer pants sewing pattern from Ottobre Design Woman Spring/Summer 2019

Easy breezy pants are so comfortable to wear in the summer. The Explorer pants come to mid-calf length with a zip fly, a wide waistband, and elasticated cuffs. The fabric suggestion in the magazine is a structured rayon twill but I'd rather make them in flowy linen. Paired with a basic tee (of which there are two in this issue) they'd be just so cool in the summer.

Malaysia pants sewing pattern from Ottobre Design Woman Spring/Summer 2019

Speaking of pants, I've been searching high and low for the perfect denim capris. The Malaysia pants are done in a denim chambray (doesn't that sound just dreamy?) and feature waist darts on both front and back, side-seam pockets (yay!), and a zip fly. The leg length is the only thing that looks a little awkward to me — not short enough for capris, not long enough for jeans — but that could be modded easily. This looks like a pattern that, once you nail the fit, could be used over and over again for any types of pants.

For Hot Days dress sewing pattern from Ottobre Design Woman Spring/Summer 2019

My absolute favorite in the issue is For Hot Days, a minimalistic, ever so slightly A-lined dress with short sleeves, bust darts, side pockets, placket neckline, a belt in self-fabric (curiously, no belt loops though), and a hem hitting just above the knee. Any kind of rayon, light-weight cotton, or even linen would be just lovely for this dress! The only thing I'd change is the neckline: the placket is just decorative so why go through all the fuss of making it if you can't really unbutton the button?