I don’t know about you, but I tend to see too many great project ideas when reading blogs and looking at books or magazines… and then I never have enough time to do it all.

So, when I read that Ali was organizing Summer essentials sew along I decided to join in.

What I like about her sew along is that you are free to make any 5 garments you like and you have a community to share the projects along. It seems a great idea for me: I can decide what I want to make based on my own needs or what I want to try out… and stay focused!

So, here is what I will be making for the summer (hoping that it comes back…. it’s pouring down where I live and it’s deadly cold)

1. A-line dress based on my own attempt at sewing a pattern from scratch. I bought some nice fabric from Stoff 2000 when I was in Denmark some months ago and I can’t wait to use it. Only problem is that the fabric is a bit stiff… I knew it was meant for upholstery but I loved it so much that I thought I might pull it off by making a simple dress… have you ever done it before? Any tips?

2. Two pairs of pants… I got so frustrated when trying to buy some that I decided to make my own… even though I have never done it before… I might need some help! I will draft my own basic pattern (see image below) using Design it yourself clothes by Cal Patch

3. Short-sleeved shirt as part of a sewing class I am taking. It will be a simple top with some puff sleeves.

4. Refashion of a man’s shirt possibly with some shirring… still undecided. But if I will do so…I will certainly use Pink Fig’s shirring tutorial. Can you point me to any nice project?

If you haven’t made up your mind about your sewing projects for the summer, why don’t you join the Summer sew along?