Embrace the Sunshine: Sewing in Summer

Ah, summer—the season of sunshine, ice cream, and spontaneous sewing projects that seem like a great idea in the middle of a heatwave. If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a pile of fabric scraps that could rival a beach towel collection, and a list of handmade summer accessories that seemed reasonable back in April. But fear not, dear sewist! As you sip on your iced tea (or triple-shot espresso), let's explore the whimsical world of summer sewing.

Whether you're a seasoned sewist or a newbie looking for some sunny inspiration, there are plenty of ways to integrate sewing into your summer plans. From outdoor sewing sessions to portable projects for your vacation, here’s how you can make the most of your sewing time in the warmer months.

Are you already preparing for the Holidays in July like Carole or do you prefer some last-minute summer projects? I like to stay in the vibe of the season and whip up one of the following easy sunny projects.

1. Breezy Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics are ideal for summer garments. Think cotton sundresses, summer hats, linen tops, and flowing skirts. Summer fabrics are a special kind of magic. They come in delightful prints featuring palm trees, flamingos, and enough tropical patterns to make you feel like you’re in Hawaii. But here’s a little tip from me to you: avoid the temptation of slippery satin when the temperature rises. It’s like trying to sew with butter, and not the good kind you put on your corn on the cob.
2. Beach Accessories: Create stylish and functional items like picnic blankets, tote bags, a pouch for your sunglasses, beach towel hoodies, and flowy beach cover-ups. Use vibrant prints and maybe waterproof linings to make your accessories stand out and withstand the elements.
3. Travel Accessories: Efficient packing is a thing, you can never have enough bags and pouches. Do you have a travel pouch for cutlery or a pie carrier when you go camping or leave for a picnic, a quilted shoe case to store your shoes, a book cover to protect your book, a cosmetic case for your beauty products or a diy travel game?
4. Home Decor: Refresh your living space with summery touches. Sew new cushion covers, lightweight curtains, or table runners in bright, cheerful fabrics to bring the season indoors.

Taking your sewing projects outside can be a delightful change of scenery if you are not traveling this summer. Here are a few tips to make the most of your staycation-outdoor-sewing sessions:

• A Portable Setup: Use a lightweight, portable sewing machine. A portable iron and a wool pressing mat or a rolling seam presser can help keep things neat and pressed without the need to move your complete ironing station. Or, focus on hand-sewing projects that require minimal equipment.
• Look for Shade and Comfort: Set up in a shaded area to protect yourself and your materials from direct sunlight. A comfortable chair and a sturdy table are essential for a pleasant sewing experience. Pro tip: avoid windy days unless you enjoy playing a real-life game of "chase the fabric."
• Extra Wind Management: Keep your fabric and patterns from blowing away with pattern weights or clips in different sizes. Plus, squirrels make excellent critics!

For some sewists, the thought of taking a break from sewing can be daunting. However, with a bit of planning, you can bring your passion along on your travels.

1. Travel Sewing Kits: Prepare or make a compact sewing kit with essential tools and materials. Small projects like embroidery, hand quilting, or simple garment repairs are perfect for on-the-go creativity. Plus, you can impress fellow travelers with your ability to stitch up a hem while waiting for your flight. Talk about multitasking!
2. Portable Machines: If you can’t bear to part with your sewing machine, consider investing in a travel-friendly model. Many brands offer lightweight, compact machines designed for portability. If you plan on taking your wool pressing mat on your travels, you can make this wool pressing mat bag to carry it around.
3. Plan Ahead: Research your destination to find local fabric shops, sewing classes, or craft fairs. It can be a fun way to explore the local culture and find unique materials.

Taking a break from sewing can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be refreshing to step away and return with renewed inspiration and energy. On the other hand, many sewists find that they miss the creative outlet and the sense of accomplishment that sewing provides. (And let's be honest, Netflix binges only fill so much of that creative void.)

If you do decide to take a break, here are a few ways to stay connected to your craft:

• Inspiration Boards: Use platforms like Pinterest to gather ideas and plan future projects. Just be careful not to fall into the rabbit hole of endless scrolling. Remember, those projects won't sew themselves!
• Skill Building: Read sewing books, watch tutorial videos, or take online courses to improve your skills without physically sewing. Perfect for those moments when you need a sewing fix but don't want to set up the machine. Consider it "sewing light." If you don’t know where to start, you can take a peek on the Madam Sew Sewing Blog were there is a lot of information and inspiration about sewing and quilting.
• Creative Alternatives: Engage in other creative activities like knitting, crochet, or painting to keep your artistic juices flowing. Who knows, you might discover a new passion—or just confirm that sewing is your true love after all.

Sewing in summer offers a wonderful opportunity to combine your love for the craft with the joy of the season. Whether you’re sewing breezy garments, crafting beach accessories, or taking your projects on vacation, there are endless ways to stay creative and inspired. As the summer chaos reaches its peak, remember this: every stitch you make is a stitch of love. Whether your projects are finished or still a work in progress, it’s the process and joy of creating that counts.

And if you do decide to take a break, rest assured that your sewing machine will be waiting for you with open arms, ready for your next burst of inspiration. If all else fails, there’s always next summer to perfect that picnic blanket or finally conquer the art of swimsuit sewing.

This coming week, I’m out of the office, soaking up the sun, enjoying time with family, and discovering new places. While my sewing machine gets a well-deserved rest, I’m curious about how you handle summer vacations. Do you miss sewing, or do you sneak your portable machine into your luggage? Are you inspired by the places you visit, bringing back fabrics and ideas for new projects?

So here’s to a summer season filled with joy, laughter, and lots of thread. May your needles be sharp, your bobbins be full, and your heart be light.

Happy sewing, and happy summer!

An
Blogging for Madam Sew