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There’s something about summer that invites a little boldness. While I usually stick to neutrals with the occasional color pop, this season I’ve been pulled toward something brighter. Especially cherry red. So, let's have a look at what that boldness entails this year.
The Vision: Juicy, Bright, Intentional
This summer’s collection is all about ease, color, and wearability. It blends a playful palette with classic shapes I know I’ll reach for again and again.
The inspiration? A sweet memory of my birthday last year, spent picking cherries under a wide blue sky with my dog Lucy. That day’s warmth and color stayed with me, guiding what I’m now calling my Juicy Summer collection.
As I continue my journey toward an 80% handmade wardrobe, I’ve become more mindful about what I create. Each season of sewing teaches me more about what I actually want to wear, beyond what’s trendy.
The Color Palette
I’m building on a base of spring neutrals (black, ivory, tan), with summer shades that feel both fresh and familiar:
- Cherry red – my statement color
- Crisp whites + creams – to keep things light
- Navy + soft yellow – grounding and sunny
- Natural linen tones – texture and breathability
- Soft pink – subtle and romantic
The Projects
This season, I’m focusing on four core pieces that capture the easygoing, cheerful feel of summer:
The Fern Blouse
This project came together almost as soon as I saw the fabric. Liberty’s Sambourne is a rich red floral with that classic Liberty delicacy and just a hint of Indian block print energy. As soon as I spotted it, I knew it needed to become the Seamwork Fern blouse.
Fern is soft and romantic with just enough structure to make it feel polished. It has a gathered raglan neckline, gentle sleeves, and a vintage-inspired staggered button placket down the front.
To make it feel extra special, I’m planning to add solid red flat piping along the neckband and placket for contrast.
What I love most about this project is how wearable it is. It’ll be perfect with denim skirts or tailored shorts in the summer. Once the weather cools, I can easily layer it under cardigans with jeans. It’s the kind of piece that bridges seasons without effort.
The Kari Romper
This one's been on my mind since last summer. So the fact that I’m still thinking about it a year later felt like a sign.
It’s one of those swingy, relaxed shapes that somehow always feel pulled-together, especially when made in a beautiful fabric. Originally, I planned to use a rayon with tiny pink rosebuds. It was sweet and soft, but after sitting with it for a bit (and consulting Haley at lunch), I had to admit it gave off a little too much baby energy. Cute, yes. But not quite what I wanted. So I pivoted.
Now I’m making it in simple white linen from my stash. It feels like exactly the right move. It’s fresh, breathable, and grown-up without being boring. I picture wearing it with sandals on hot days, tossing it in a tote for weekend trips, or even dressing it up a little with gold jewelry for casual dinners out.
The shoulder ties make it feel playful, and the loose fit means I’ll stay comfortable even on the stickiest days of the year. I can already tell this will be one of those pieces I reach for over and over.
The Rey Bucket Hat
I love a project that solves a real-life need, and the Rey bucket hat checks that box. I spend a lot of time outside in the summer — between garden projects and long dog walks — so I knew I needed some good sun protection. But I also wanted something cute and personal.
The Rey pattern is simple but satisfying:
- Reversible
- Topstitched
- Just structured enough
I’m making mine with leftover Liberty lawn on one side (from my winter Sage blouse) and solid cherry red cotton on the other. I’m also adding ties—borrowed from my very unfashionable but incredibly functional REI hiking hat—so I can hang it on my back when it gets too hot.
Is it the most glamorous piece I’ll sew this season? No. But will it be the one I wear the most? Probably. There’s something deeply satisfying about sewing the things that make your daily life a little better.
The Lilac Dress
Some patterns just want to be made in a certain fabric. For the Seamwork Lilac dress, it was polka dots all the way.
I’m using a navy and white rayon challis from Stonemountain & Daughter with a lovely, fluid drape. It feels lightweight enough for summer but not so delicate that I’ll worry about wearing it every day.
That’s always my balance: something special, but not precious.
The version I’m making is the bonus member version of Lilac, with a sweetheart neckline and delicate rouleau button loops all down the front. I’ll be making matching covered buttons to go with it, which always feels like the sewing version of jewelry — one last little detail that pulls everything together.
This dress feels like it’ll work across seasons, too. Bare legs and sandals in the summer, then tights and a cozy cardigan once the air gets crisp again. The kind of dress that makes you feel a little bit more like yourself the moment you put it on.
Tips for Summer Sewing
A few things I keep in mind when sewing for summer:
- Choose breathable fabrics – linen, cotton, and rayon are your best friends
- Prioritize drape – especially for dresses and tops
- Pre-wash everything – always test shrinkage and feel before cutting
- Simplicity works – hot weather = less fuss, more wear
Final Thoughts
I’m keeping things simple this season, just four garments, since I’ve also got some home sewing projects lined up (my cat Duke may or may not have destroyed our roman shades). Focused planning helps me make pieces I actually wear.
Want to plan your own summer wardrobe? You can download our free wardrobe planner!
