It feels like we just wrapped up summer (oh wait…we did! With last week’s blog post!) but with the kids in school and the leaves starting to turn, it’s already time to starting focusing our attention on Fall, and the invigorating sewing opportunities that come with the advent of a new season.

Over the past year, there have been countless new sewing patterns released, but today, I’m sharing a new, Autumn-inspired take on three older patterns from one of my favorite designers, Itch to Stitch, in the hopes that I can help you take another look at these classics. I especially love how fast they are to sew- I was able to stitch these up over the course of two evenings- and always appreciate the opportunity to balance more complicated projects with simpler staples.

Since the weather in fall varies so much from place to place, and from month to month (or sometimes week to week!), I’ve also sewn them in three distinct fabrics, so you can visualize how you might incorporate different substrates and materials into your transitional wardrobe. All three patterns also lend themselves well to layering, so you can make last minute changes as the temperature drops (or rises!) over the course of the day.

Around here, the weather is pretty chilly in the morning, hot in the afternoon, and cooler again at night, so those layers are especially welcome- and for this reason, I think Fall is the perfect time of year to start thinking about sewing a capsule wardrobe! (if you’re curious, you can catch some of my previous capsules here and here).

Favorite Fall Baselayer: The Lago Tank

For those hot fall afternoons (or for those of us who just get overheated easily when our husband’s decide it’s time to turn off the air conditioner for the year!) I chose the Lago Tank– a fantastic, free little number that functions perfectly as both a baselayer and as a stand-alone top.

The Lago hits the nail right on the head for fit as far as I’m concerned- snug through the bust and shoulders, and looser through the waist, with a tiny (but never overwhelming) amount of swing at the hips. The shoulders are cut as a slight racerback- nothing so extreme that they need a special bra, but just enough to show off the last bits of that summer tan before it fades for winter.

For this Lago (see my previous Lago tanks here and a hack here), I chose a viscose/spandex blend purchased from Sly Fox Fabrics, back when they had their collaboration with DIBY Club. I honestly didn’t love the swim I received from that order, but I did adore the viscose substrate, and I’ve been hoarding this geometric print waiting for the right opportunity to come along and motivate me to take it off the shelf.

The deep wine, olive green, and burnt oranges reminded me of the changing leaves outside my window, and I knew it would make the perfect layering piece for Fall- substantial enough to wear on its own, but thin enough not to be irritating and bulky under a sweater.

Best Transitional Sweater: The Newport Top

For those days when it’s a bit cooler outside (or the office has cranked up their A/C, again) I made the Newport Top. This pattern had slipped my notice in previous years, but when I went looking for another pattern for this blog tour, I came across Sharon’s beautiful version, and decided I needed to give it a try as well.

I love the elegant, boat shaped envelope neckline, and the slight hi/low hem- both add interest without making the construction too complicated. For my Newport, I chose an this cozy “eco” sweatshirt fleece in Terracotta from Style Maker Fabrics (picked up during my visit to the SewExpo last January). This fabric wasn’t cheap, but fortunately it doesn’t take much. I purchased 1.5 yards, and I still have a bit leftover for raglan sleeves or something else this fall.

I especially love the way the facings are sewn on the Newport- I typically avoid tops with facings, because I hate it when they flip out and refuse to lay flat, but these are interfaced, then stitched, under stitched and top stitched, making for a very clean finish and the most well behaved facing I’ve ever had the pleasure of sewing.

I had originally planned on adding buttons to my top to tack down the corners, but a last minute trip to JoAnns didn’t reveal anything exciting, so I’m still on the hunt. I started to think copper snaps might be fun as well- you’ll have to let me know what you think! Fortunately, they don’t really shift around during wear, so there’s no rush- I can take my time until I find the perfect notions.

It’s a bit hard to tell from the photos, but this top offers a choice between 3/4 length bell shaped sleeves and full length straight ones, and I went with the bell. I think I might flare them out a bit more for my next attempt, but I do love where they hit on my arms- no need to push them up to see my watch, or to worry about them getting in the way while I wash my hands, which is a common problem with more full bodied sleeves.

Coziest Autumn Sweatshirt: The Uvita (with add-ons!)

The last transitional piece that I have to share with you today is from a pattern I tested a couple years ago, and which got a little update in the form of an add-on pack late last year: the Uvita Top. Summer came too fast for me to sew up the add on after its release, but I knew I wanted to revisit the Uvita and try out some of the new features (available for only $5- the Uvita itself is another fabulous Itch to Stitch freebie) once the weather got cool enough to enjoy them.

For this top I chose a scrumptiously soft, lightweight sweatshirt fleece from Style Maker Fabrics (sold out, sadly), and grabbed the “floppy collar” from the add-on pack. The pack also includes a hood, two variations of cuffs, a kangaroo or patch pocket, and a hem band, in case you want to make a more traditional hoodie, but I was looking forward to keeping this one simple, and just enjoying the added warmth of the cozy fabric and classic stripes.

If you’re the kind of person who feels claustrophobic in turtlenecks, this might be the top for you- the slouchy collar is wide enough (given the boat shaped neckline of the Uvita) to be warm, but not in the least bit restrictive. I did scoop out the front neckline slightly so that the top wouldn’t crease at the collarbone, and narrowed the sleeves an extra 1/2″ to balance out the loose fit through the body.

It’s still too hot here most days to wear this top, but I know I’ll be living in it soon, and I think the taupe and deep brown stripes will be quite versatile and match a variety of bottoms.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this fresh look at three of my favorite Itch to Stitch patterns! I’d love to hear about your fall sewing plans- especially if they involve a capsule wardrobe!

Pattern Sale and Prizes!

If you’re interested, the Newport top is on sale for 25% off today only, as part of this tour, and you’re welcome to pick it up using my affiliate link here (use the code “916itsblogtour25”. Code is also valid today on the following patterns: the Hepburn, Mila, Vientiane, Aveiro, Davina and Medellin. A new code will be released each day this week with a discount on that day’s featured looks, so be sure to keep up with the tour so you can take advantage of the sales, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post (details below!)

Other patterns used: You can find the Lago tank (for free!) here, and the Uvita (also free) here. The Uvita Add on Pack is only $5, and well worth it for the variety of looks you can sew- find that here!

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers on the tour- I’m consistently impressed with the quality of their sewing and their attention to detail, and I know they’ll have some amazing inspiration for you as well!

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Prize #2
Itch to Stitch: 3 PDF patterns of choice
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