Summer Sewing Reflections: What We Made and What We Learned

Summer can be such a different time for sewing compared to the rest of the year. Today, we're taking a look back at our summer sewing and sharing the lessons we've learned along the way. We'll cover what worked well for us this season, what we'd do differently next time, and how these insights are already shaping our approach to fall sewing planning.

What We Learned: Our Summer Sewing

1. 
   Summer is a great time to slow down and diversify your making. Instead of focusing solely on garments, summer is the perfect season to explore other creative projects. Consider tackling home dec projects like new curtains or table linens, which let you use your sewing skills in new ways. You might also try your hand at refinishing furniture or other craft projects. Planning fewer clothing items takes the pressure off and lets you enjoy the creative process more, while reminding you that sewing skills transfer to so many projects beyond garments.
2. 
   Focus on fun, quick projects that fit your summer lifestyle. Summer's busy pace of outdoor activities and family time calls for a different approach to sewing. Try focusing on projects you can complete in short bursts—simple kids' clothes, pull-on pants, accessories, and mending projects. There's something really satisfying about being able to start and finish a project in one afternoon. Quick projects also mean you can try new techniques without a huge time investment, keeping you connected to sewing without the pressure of big, complicated garments.
3. 
   Stick to 1-2 favorite summer fabrics. Having a go-to fabric palette really streamlines your decision-making during the busy summer months. Consider choosing two fabrics that work well for warm weather—perhaps a beautiful cotton lawn and a classic linen. These versatile choices make it easy to create wearable, light pieces that you'll reach for again and again. You can even save scraps from these fabrics for future patchwork projects, maximizing your investment while maintaining a cohesive summer wardrobe.
4. 
   Summer is perfect for planning and organizing ideas. The relaxed pace of summer makes it easier to think creatively about future projects without pressure. Use downtime to reorganize your Pinterest boards, collect inspiration for fall and winter sewing, and clean out your pattern stash. Think about what you actually want to make and what gaps exist in your wardrobe. This planning time will set you up for more focused and intentional sewing when the cooler months arrive.
5. 
   Think beyond summer-only pieces. When planning your summer sewing, consider how each piece will work throughout the year. While it's nice to have a few purely summer pieces like shorts or lightweight rompers, most of your handmade garments should have more year-round appeal. A linen blouse, for example, can transition beautifully from summer into fall and spring. This approach helps you build a more cohesive wardrobe and gets more wear out of each piece you create.
6. 
   Use summer as prime time for sewing space organization. When you're not under pressure to finish specific projects, summer is an ideal time to organize your sewing space for success. Go through your notion collection, organize patterns, and create better storage systems. Clean out fabric stashes and assess what you actually want to use. There's something really satisfying about starting fall with a clean, organized workspace that supports your creative goals.

The biggest takeaway from summer sewing is that slowing down and being more intentional actually makes sewing more enjoyable and productive. Whether that means focusing on just a couple of favorite fabrics or branching out into home dec projects, this approach helps you feel more connected to the creative process and make thoughtful decisions about what to create.