As I am huddled under a million blankets trying to stay warm, Spring feels like a breath of fresh air on the horizon.
Dreaming of gloriously warm sunshine, bike rides, and more – I love to sew and prepare for those golden days ahead. So I thought it would be fun to ask 3 sewing experts what their predictions are for Spring sewing. What they want to see more of, what color trends they are digging, as well as what blogs we should know.
I reached out to some good friends of mine, all from different areas and perspectives of the sewing world, to see what they had to say.
2016 Spring Sewing Trend Predictions.
– MEET THE EXPERTS –
Kate Blocher
Pattern designer, blogger, and author behind the extremely popular blog See Kate Sew. Her modern style is always on point, often leading the way in sewing and DIY lifestyle trends long before they become saturated on Pinterest.
Kait Witte
Director of Partnerships and Social Media at Michael Miller Fabrics. Kait gets to see fabric lines long before they are released to the public, from the beginning planning stages to execution.
Celina Bailey
With over 3 million Pinterest followers, Celina has cultivated a cult group of fans that love her unique perspective on fashion. Her blog Petit a Petit and Family offers the latest trends on kids fashion long before the public has caught on.
1. What pattern trends are you seeing for 2016?
Kate – Practicality has always been in, so I’m hoping 2016 is more about the frivolous in clothing and pattern design. It’s fun to make basics, but it’s really fun to make unique pieces!
Kait – Lots of bright boho and pattern mixing! Large, beautiful, multi-colored florals.
Celina – I haven’t sewn for myself in ages and this year I’ve decided to sew one item a month for me. So I’ve been trying to see what all the new releases are, so many great things. I am loving all the loose top and blouses, perfect for chiffon and lace. I’ve always loved a bohemian look for the summer. I’ve noticed all the pretty dresses with fitted bodices and full skirts, such a great silhouette for all body types. Oh and all the jean patterns that are popping up, so much work but so worth it. And finally, I am excited about the different swimsuits surfacing. It really is great when you can customize all of these item to suit your body perfectly.
2. Any features, techniques, or patterns you would personally like to see more of?
Kate – I love knits, but I’d love to see more woven techniques. Knits are faster but wovens always hold a special place in my heart, they are really why I fell in love with designing. I believe they are more versatile in lots of applications.
Kait – I’d love to learn more about sewing with leather or faux leather and I’m always in the market for new bag/tote patterns.
Celina – I would love to see more pants, I find it so hard to find good fitting trousers. It would be great to have more variety and different silhouettes. I personally love high waisted and wide legs trousers. A great culotte would be fun too. Also, more swimsuits, a few have surfaced recently but we could really use more. As for technique, I personally think fit is the most important thing, also I like for the patterns to go together seemingly with all the appropriate markings and notches. After that I can always fancy details myself. A good basic is hard to come by.
3. What is your favorite color for Spring?
Kate – PINK! Maybe just because I’m preparing for a baby girl, but I’m so happy that pastels are finally “in” because they’ve always been my favorites.
Kait – Magenta, Poppy, Gray and Citron… sorry, how could I pick just one!?
Celina – Is it terrible if I say I am liking the a soft pink for this summer, sort of like Pantone’s Rose Quartz! A little cliche? I’ve been loving this colour since last summer and this fall and I think it will carry well into the spring and summer. Mixed with some kelly greens and rusty oranges. Also navy blue is a must have this summer.
4. Favorite new fabric line being released?
Kate – I’m always looking forward to whatever Cotton + Steel has up their sleeve, especially anticipating the Anna Rifle Bond collection. I also have a few of my own prints coming out this spring that I’m thrilled about!
Kait – Well, I’m probably biased, but I love a collection from MMF called “Saturday Market”. You’ll have to stay tuned because it’s not being released until April 🙂 It’s filled with flowers, butterflies and bicycles! I also love anything that Alison Glass designs… her color sense is amazing! I can’t wait to see what she has in store for Spring.
Celina – I am embarrassed to say that I don’t follow fabric lines so much. I personally love a good solid colour in any type of natural fibres. I am excited to try and create some of my own prints by manipulating the fabric and playing around. I know I will get some of the new Nani iro, I almost fell of my chair when I saw a sneak peek of their new collection- They never disappoint.
5. What sewing blog should we be reading, that we aren’t reading now?
Kate – It is hard finding time to read blogs, which makes me sad. But I am always on the look out for new ones to love!
Kait – First, I have to tell you that I am COMPLETELY addicted to Instagram and Pinterest. Most of my sewing “research” stems from one or both of these outlets. Usually, I stick to lifestyle and DIY blogs: Honestly WTF, Design Sponge, Design Love Fest, The House that Lars Built, Purl Soho, Color Collective
Celina – I always enjoy Ada Spragg and Jolie Bobines and more recently Secondo Piano, Sew DIY and Viva Veritas. These ladies have impeccable style and lovely choices of fabric and pattern combination. Their blogs are always so inspiring to read.
A special thank you to the experts for being here, and letting us know what they are digging for Spring 2016!
It is always fun to do what we love, and dream of future projects.
Until next time…happy sewing!
Celine… I’m so with you on pants! If you did the Morocco pants for women, that would be my ultimate best ever trousers pattern. I’d buy it a hundred times. Ok, I’d probably buy it once, but I’d make it a hundred times. Once I read you mention that, I put together your name and my frustration over my trouser pattern search and just thought of it. Ok, I know it’s off the cuff for me and represents a zillion working hours for you, but I couldn’t not say it. And, by the way, I live in Rabat, so I should get double votes or something 😉 Thanks! JG
Oh you are too sweet. I think I need to work on some more simple woman’s styles before I attack a pant pattern! One day… I promise! I grew up in Rabat and still have family there, we’ll have to meet one of these days. xxx
Thanks so much for having me on the blog today. I really had fun answering all your questions. Now if only it was spring already! <3
I agree that boho patterns are definitely going to be a huge thing this season.
I love seeing so many bloggers getting on board with the jeans trend – of all pieces of clothing, aren’t jeans always the hardest to fit? Going along with the general 70s trends, I think a lot of people will be making Baste + Gather’s Birkin Flares.