My Body Model Sketch to Finished! The Fall/Winter Wardrobe of My Dreams, by Sarah

Remember Sarah’s dreamy fall/winter wardrobe sewing plans that she drew on her body model croquis? It’s time for the big reveal! Read on to see Sarah’s gorgeous finished makes–including jackets, trousers, culottes, tops, dresses, a cape (!) and a stunning emerald green coat. And, because she planned a collection of outfits instead of individual garments, everything goes together beautifully! The result: a cohesive, chic, and fun mix & match wardrobe.

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In August, I completed the Design Your Wardrobe program hosted by Seamwork Magazine to create a queue for my fall/winter sewing plans. Throughout this process, I used My Body Model to sketch each look I planned. I started with some inspiration images and patterns, along with Erica’s how-to YouTube videos, and came up with 5 sketches for finished looks. Creating these sketches helped me visualize my fall/winter sewing plans and really helped me stick to my queue. This solid plan allowed me to stay focused finish my collection just in time for cold weather.

Look 1: Rumana Coat + Linda Wrap Dress

Look 1 is my personal favorite because I’m a little obsessed with this By Hand London Rumana Coat. I loved this pattern when it was released, but was unsure if my sewing skills were up to the challenge. This year, I’ve been trying to make things that will teach me something new and make me a better sewist. This coat definitely fit that bill, so I decided to try and (and build my collection around it!) I used an emerald green wool/cashmere for a coat that was just different enough to be special, but still wearable every day. I lined this coat with a floral cotton lawn to add a really special touch to the inside too. For the dress in this look, I used the Just Patterns Linda Wrap Dress in a wool/Tencel twill. I loved the collar on this dress and it really influenced other pieces in the collection as well.  

Look 2: Parker Coat + Jenny Trousers + Adria Top

For the second look I made the Style Arc Parker Coat using a linen/viscose slub, Closet Case Jenny Trousers in chino twill, and Seamwork Adria top in the same cotton lawn I used to line my Rumana Coat. I love this look because all of the pieces easily mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe and the rest of the pieces in my collection.

Look 3: Camden Cape + Gathered Dress

I couldn’t make a fall/winter collection without adding a cape coat. I’ve wanted one in my wardrobe for a long time and I’m so happy with this one! I used the Camden Cape from Seamwork and wool tweed for the exterior. I lined it with flannel, so it’s extra cozy. I’ve been wearing this cape with all sorts of different outfits, but I love it with the Gathered Dress from The Avid Seamstress. The dress is simple and classic while still being fun… just my style!

Look 4: Berlin Jacket + Ginger Jeans + Anderson Blouse

The fourth look contains my most worn piece of the collection – the Tessuti Patterns Berlin Jacket. The boiled wool makes this a great coat for fall weather, but as it’s getting colder I’m wearing it as a cardigan multiple times a week. I paired it here with Closet Case Ginger Jeans and the Anderson Blouse from Sew Over It.

Look 5: Freya Top + Ultimate Culottes

Finally, I finished my collection off with a bamboo jersey Tilly and the Buttons Freya Top and wool Sew Over It Ultimate Culottes. The top is classic and comfortable, so I can see myself making so many more. Plus, in my view, you can’t go wrong with culottes!

I’m so surprised how well my sketches match what my finished collection looks like (especially because this was my first time attempting to sketch!). It is so helpful to see your plans on a croquis that is actually your size to visualize what the finished product might look like. This really helped me stick to my plan and helped me create the fall/winter wardrobe of my dreams!

Sarah Joiner

Sarah teaches college students organic chemistry by day and sews all night. She first learned to sew when she was young on her grandmother’s old machine, but started sewing regularly when she was in graduate school because it turns out – it’s great stress relief! Now she’s working on sewing her dream wardrobe and is an ambassador for Seamwork Magazine.  Sarah lives in New Hampshire with her husband and Labradoodle, Charlie T. Doodle AKA Doodes AKA Bubby Doodle AKA Chardog. When she’s not sewing, she loves to take aerial classes and explore local breweries. You can find her on Instagram @thelilacelk and on Etsy.