Can you believe it’s almost November? The leaves are falling, the mornings are getting crisp—there’s even a hint of frost here in Alberta.  If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already started stitching up some cozy layers: plush fleece sweatshirts, heavier pants, maybe a long cardigan or two. Well, it’s the perfect time to kick off a new blog series on sewing outerwear, and we’re starting with one of my favorite transitional pieces—vests! Honestly, vests are as versatile as a zip-up hoodie. They’re perfect when you just need a bit of warmth without the full jacket commitment. You can go ultra-cozy with sherpa or quilted fabrics, or keep it sporty with an athletic woven (I personally have both—because options are everything). Let’s dive into some fabulous vest patterns to get your creative wheels turning! Top Vest Patterns to Sew This Fall: 🧵 Greenstyle Vapor VestThis one is a go-to if you love a modern, athletic look. Great for layering over your workout gear or weekend wear. It works beautifully with lighter woven fabrics or even a cozy stretch fleece for added warmth. 🧵 Love Notions Oakley VestA fan favorite for a reason! This pattern includes multiple lengths and collar options, making it easy to tailor to your personal style. Try it in a quilted plaid for that classic fall vibe. 🧵 Purl Soho Quilted Vest (Free Pattern!)Classic, clean, and oh-so-cozy—this free quilted vest pattern from Purl Soho is a great minimalist option. Perfect for showcasing those beautiful textured fabrics like quilted plaid or sherpa-backed cord. Great for confident beginners! 🧵 Styla Patterns Clayton Vest The vest is fully lined with multiple lengths, pocket + hood options, and perfect for layering. Honestly, this pattern is packed with options so you really can choose how many skills you'd like to tackle - keep it simple or go all out. Choose your fabrics based on the warmth you're after. Sewing Tips: Working with Thicker Fabrics Fall fabrics like fleece-back sherpa, quilted plaids, and sherpa-back corduroy (check out our gorgeous selection of Coatings) can take your vest game to a whole new level—but they do come with a few quirks. Here’s how to set yourself up for success: ✅ Use the Right Needle:Thicker fabrics = heavier needle. A 90/14 or 100/16 universal or denim needle usually does the trick. For layered seams, even consider a walking foot to help things glide through smoothly. ✅ Reduce Bulk Where You Can:Trim seam allowances and grade them to reduce thickness. Clipping curves and corners will help your finished vest look clean and professional. ✅ Test Stitches First:Always test your stitch settings on a fabric scrap first. Adjust your tension and stitch length (a longer stitch—around 3.0—works well on thick fabrics). ✅ Pin (or Clip) Strategically:Thicker materials can shift, so use lots of clips or long pins to keep your seams aligned. Make It Simple—or Go All Out One of the best things about sewing your own vest? You can make it as simple or as detailed as you like. Want something quick and cozy? Stick to a clean silhouette and let your fabric do the talking. Feeling adventurous? Add zippers, pockets, linings, and fancy topstitching—test every skill in your sewing toolbox! Whether you’re after instant gratification or ready to dive into a slow-sew project, you’ve got options. And if you’re in the mood for a little sewing envy (or inspiration), check out our blog post on this amazing puffer vest Karen made using our Alphamania coating:👉 Crafting the Puffer Vest – A Journey of Collaboration and Creativity Wrap It Up & Bundle Up Vests are just the beginning—this outerwear series is going to be packed with inspiration, fabric ideas, and real-life sewing tips to help you create your coziest makes yet. Be sure to check out our coating collection—we’ve got everything from quilted plaids to sherpa-backed corduroy to keep you stitching all season long. Thanks for hanging out, and stay tuned for the next part of the series where we move into coats. Until then, happy sewing and happy layering! 🍂

✨ Festive Fashion Forecast: What’s In This Season Holiday style in 2025 is all about elevated ease—balancing bold with refined, and glam with wearability. Here's what’s trending: Jewel tones and warm neutrals: Think emerald, ruby, sapphire, and rich chocolate brown (aka “mocha mousse”), balanced with creamy taupes and soft grey-blues. Liquid shine: Satin is taking the spotlight in dresses, skirts, and blouses, with high-gloss finishes in champagne, silver, and copper tones. Floaty sheers: Chiffon and mesh overlays are layered over more structured fabrics, offering movement and romance without bulk. Sculptural silhouettes: Simple shapes with dramatic touches—pleats, asymmetry, ruffles—are key, especially when working with structured knits like scuba. Mixing textures: The best-dressed are pairing satin with matte knits or chiffon layers, creating contrast and depth that feels effortlessly luxe. What We’re Wearing to Holiday Events Whether it’s a full-on formal party or a cozy-chic gathering, the vibe is polished but relaxed. Here’s what’s trending for different kinds of events: Office parties: Midi-length satin dresses or wide-leg trousers paired with a sheer blouse or satin cami and blazer. Soft suiting is also making waves this year. Cocktail events: Fit-and-flare or wrap dresses with chiffon sleeves, metallic heels, and statement earrings. Sleeves are big this year—literally. At-home gatherings: Pull-on satin skirts with structured knit tops or wrap-style dresses in soft scuba blends. Add velvet slippers and call it festive. NYE and glam nights: Satin or chiffon dresses with dramatic sleeves, metallic accents, and sparkly details. Think old-Hollywood meets modern minimalism. 2025 Holiday Colour Palette The classic reds and metallics are still around, but 2025 is introducing some unexpected tones: Classic Trending Statement Black, gold, silver Emerald, deep plum, mocha mousse Pistachio, burnt copper, dusty rose Burgundy, navy Champagne, taupe, steel blue Peacock green, mulberry, antique gold Tip: Combine trending tones with timeless neutrals for a look that feels fresh without being over the top. Sewing Patterns for Holiday Looks Here are curated pattern picks perfect for formal fabrics like satin, chiffon, and scuba—whether you’re going for romantic, minimalist, or glam: ✨ Dresses Circee Dress – Deer and DoeRomantic, wrap-style bodice —ideal for chiffon overlays or soft satin.➡ Pair satin underneath with a chiffon layer for the skirt. Axis Dress – Papercut PatternsFitted and modern with princess seams. Stunning in scuba or heavy satin for a sleek holiday look.➡ Works well for bold solid colours or minimalist chic. ✨ Skirts + Tops Estuary Skirt – Sew LiberatedA button-front midi skirt that feels classic but festive in a luxe satin.➡ Dress it up with a sheer blouse or fitted knit top. Puff Sleeve Blouse – Fibre MoodBig sleeves are still having a moment—this blouse in chiffon or silk organza is perfect over a camisole or dress.➡ Pair with trousers or satin skirts for a polished ensemble. ✨ Trousers + Layers Pietra Pants – Closet Core PatternsA flattering, semi-tailored pant that’s perfect in soft satin or even a stretch satin blend.➡ Style with a cropped blouse or structured knit top. Heather Blazer – Friday Pattern Co.Layer your look with a soft blazer in scuba or a heavyweight satin-backed crepe.➡ An easy way to make any outfit party-ready. Final Thoughts: Handmade Glamour for the Holidays Holiday dressing in 2025 is all about fabrics that feel good, colours that make a statement, and shapes that move with you. Whether you're sewing up a classic satin gown or adding drama with chiffon sleeves, the magic is in the details—and the fabric choice. Check out our full Collection of Fancy and Specialty Fabrics for your next make.

Why Scuba’s Having a Major Fashion Moment It’s official: Scuba is everywhere, and we’re not mad about it. Originally loved for its performance qualities in activewear, this luxe, stretchy knit fabric has now crossed over into elevated streetwear and even business wardrobes. With its smooth finish, structured drape, and durability, scuba is the secret sauce behind that modern “pulled together but still comfy” look. You’ll spot it in sweatshirts, joggers, mini skirts, but also blazers, trousers, and sculptural dresses — all pieces that demand some structure but still move with you. If you’ve ever worn something in scuba and thought, “Why does this feel expensive?”, it’s because… it kinda does. Let’s dive into where we’re seeing it, how it performs, and some sewing patterns so you can make your own. Where Scuba is Showing Up Now 🔹 Athleisure with Edge Scuba gives sweatshirts and joggers a crisp silhouette that elevates even the laziest outfit. Unlike slouchy fleece, it holds shape — think half-zips, funnel necks, panelled joggers, and sporty skirts. We’re also seeing scuba leggings with contrast seams, and sleek two-piece sets in monochrome hues. 🔹 Streetwear & Everyday Cool Mini dresses, boxy tees, oversized sweatshirts — all getting the scuba treatment. It creates that “structured chill” look — less slouch, more sculpt. Perfect for transitional pieces that move from brunch to errands to low-key drinks. 🔹 Business Casual 2.0 This is where it gets fun. Scuba is being used in blazers, trousers, shift dresses, and even structured tops — all the looks of tailoring without the rigidity. You get that polished finish, but it stretches and doesn’t wrinkle easily. Basically: it’s your business outfit with sweatpant energy (but no one will know). Why We Love It: Luxe Feel Meets Low-Maintenance Sculptural Structure: Scuba holds its shape, making it ideal for dramatic silhouettes — boxy cuts, peplums, flared hems. Stretch & Comfort: It has built-in give without sagging over time, meaning it moves with your body (hello, long work days). Wrinkle-Resistant: Great for travel or pieces you just want to throw on and look like you tried. Smooth Finish: Feels soft, slightly spongy — gives off major “designer” vibes. Durable: Doesn’t pill easily, can handle wear and tear, and holds color beautifully.  Our Scuba Picks at Fabric & Flow Not all scuba is created equal—and we've got two favourites in the shop, each with its own vibe: Lightweight Poly Scuba This one’s soft, smooth, and slightly springy with great drape—perfect for flowy sweatshirts, fitted dresses, or structured tees that don’t feel too heavy. It has that classic scuba feel but in a more wearable weight for all seasons. Available in Creme and Tabacco. Cotton/Poly Scuba Blend A bit heavier and more structured, this version has a softer, more matte surface (thanks to the cotton) and just enough body for things like blazers, wide-leg pants, and trench-style jackets. Holds shape beautifully and feels luxe to the touch. Comes in four colours. Not sure which one’s right for your project? Drop us a message—we love helping you match fabric to your vision. DIY It: Scuba-Friendly Sewing Patterns Whether you're into casual wear or want to build out your business-casual wardrobe, here are a few pattern picks to get started: Casual Looks 1. The Neige Sweatshirt – Deer and DoeA modern cropped or regular-length sweatshirt with unique sleeve detail — scuba gives it shape and edge. 2. Axis Dress – Papercut PatternsA versatile bodycon with clean lines and built-in shaping. Scuba keeps everything looking smooth.➡ Recommended: Midweight stretch knits like scuba. Workwear Looks 1. Ulysses Trench – Victory PatternsTailored but dramatic, this unlined trench-style jacket works beautifully in scuba for a structured, clean look.➡ Recommended: Medium-weight scuba or ponte for structured drape. 2. Metra Blazer – Love NotionsA simple blazer that’s beginner-friendly and shines in structured knits like scuba.➡ Recommended: Stable knits like ponte, scuba, or double knit. 3. Pietra Pants – Closet Core PatternsThe clean front and wide-leg version is especially beautiful in scuba — holds shape without feeling stiff.➡ Recommended: Medium- to heavy-weight knit fabrics with slight stretch. Final Thoughts: The Fabric for Function & Fashion Scuba is one of those rare fabrics that looks polished, feels cozy, and lasts forever. Whether you’re sewing a sleek hoodie or a tailored dress, it gives everything a little extra “wow” without extra effort. It’s modern, minimal, and incredibly wearable — a true 2025 wardrobe MVP.