Back-to-school = Back to 'me time'

Editor’s Note: With the kids back-to-school, there's more time to sew! From Sept. 6-15, we’ll be celebrating “back-to-school” season in a number of different ways -- from ideas for sewing for children to inspiration for sewing for yourself!

Back-to-school isn’t just for kids! In fact, for those of you with empty nests, it’s a wonderful opportunity to find some creative “me time.” For today’s post, we’ve gathered together some of our favorite clothing designs for women. Whether you’re looking for an heirloom lace blouse or a comfy knit jacket, there’s something to suit any style:

Daisy Top (left) and Timeless Lace Heirloom Blouse

Daisy Top – When we first spotted what has come to be known as the “Daisy Dress” hanging among a collection of Martha Pullen’s antiques, we knew our readers would fall in love with a reproduction dress. What we didn’t know was that it would inspire Helen Lively to make an irresistible top for adults, but here it is. The clever designer worked up a contemporary version in black voile with ecru cotton trim. She changed the shape of the sleeve to fan out a bit more than the original girl’s dress and added a drawstring inside the lower bodice seam for a more fitted silhouette at the hips. Download the Daisy Top instantly and start working on this project today!

Timeless Lace Heirloom Blouse – For the past few seasons, a number of highend designers have infused their collections with touches of heirloom sewing. But as to be expected, at the same time they’ve made purchasing an age-old tradition extremely fashionable, they’ve also made it a very expensive proposition. You, however, have the goods and the sewing talent to capture this trend for little expense using scraps of lace and fabric in your stash. It’s a very savvy and stylish way to use up those small yardages you’ve been accumulating. Here, Andrea Birkin used the pattern "Vogue Basic Design Custom Fit 8689 View C (multi-sized)," and created lace panels for each side of the center front placket and one down the center back. She also created lace blocks for the yokes. Instructions for recreating the lacy embellishments are in Sew Beautiful issue #152.

Cape Cod Jacket (left) and Shana Tunic

Cape Cod Jacket – This basic, stylish Cape Cod Jacket designed by Nancy Zieman can be made quickly, and it looks and feels great. The garment has three variations and was designed specifically to work with knit fabric.

Shana Tunic – The Shana Tunic from Sis Boom combines a comfortable fit with a classic appeal. The design features a unique keyhole neckline with delicate tucks. This top is free fitting, yet gently curves in just the right spots to accentuate the figure. The bell sleeves add flair and femininity.

Patricia (left) and Fleecy Rose Scarf

Patricia Tunic – The Patricia Tunic from Sis Boom is cool, comfortable and elegant. It is just as perfect for running errands as it is for an evening out on the town. Wear with cropped white pants, jeans or even a skirt. With lots of size, length and finishing options, you can create a range of looks for yourself and your friends.

Fleecy Rose Scarf – We can’t leave out the accessories! This simple-to-sew scarf featured in Kay Whitt’s Sew Serendipity Workbook will keep you super warm while looking stylish, all at the same time. The construction is so easy that you will find reasons to make more than one! The scarf is composed of two layers of fleece, so you could easily get a totally different look by using two coordinating or contrasting colors. The addition of elastic down the center with a hidden opening to pull the end through makes the scarf slightly springy in nature adds to the comfort level. The roses are optional, so if an unadorned look is more your style, simply leave them off.

Shop our "Back-to-School" sale for a variety of women's patterns at 50 percent off - plus the fabric, notions and more you need to complete your "me time" projects!

We're hosting a huge “Back to School Sale” in our online store. Almost everything is 50 percent off, including the patterns and products mentioned above! Click here to shop and discover the savings!

We also have 30 specially selected products on sale for $9.14 the entire month of September in honor of National Sewing Month — click here to see a list of products included in this offer.