My Summer Sewing Projects: Matching Sets, Quilts & Cozy Chaos
I don’t know what it is about warmer weather, but the second the sun stays out past dinner, I start daydreaming about summer sewing projects. Loose linen sets, breezy tops, maybe even something a little impractical but pretty. Sewing in summer always feels like a reset—like my machine’s whispering, let’s try something fun, just because we can.
Today, I’m sharing what’s on my sewing to-do list for the season—from DIY wardrobe staples to stash-busting quilts and cozy chaos sewing. Whether you’re planning your own summer makes or just here for the inspiration, let’s dig in.
Matching Sets I’m Dreaming About
I’ve got two matching sets on my summer sewing list—because honestly, few things feel more put together (or more summery) than a top and shorts that were literally made to go together. I’m planning to use the Ashton Top from Helen’s Closet (with the sleeve expansion) and hack the Lane Pant pattern from Sydney Graham into shorts. Both are beginner-friendly patterns, and I’ve already got two stash fabrics ready: a soft lavender floral and a moodier dark paisley.
My goal with these? Comfy, versatile, mix-and-match pieces I can throw on without overthinking. Something wearable enough to grocery shop in but cute enough for spontaneous iced coffee runs.
Lately, I’ve been feeling totally disconnected from my wardrobe. I’ve done the closet purges. I’ve let go of things I didn’t love. But bringing in new pieces? I keep stalling. That old voice saying, “just wait until you lose a little weight” creeps back in—proof that the whole “you have to earn joy” mindset runs deep. This summer, I’m pushing back. I’m making clothes that fit me right now. No shrinking required.
A Workout Set With Serious Main Character Energy
Next up: a cute, wearable workout set using some long-stashed purple watercolor fabric that was originally meant for a figure skating dress back in the day. (Yes, I was that girl.)
I’ve had Simplicity 8561 and 8560 in my pattern stash forever, and this summer, they’re finally getting their moment. This set will be stretchy, comfy, and just flashy enough to feel fun even if all I’m doing is stretching on the living room floor.
It’s a reminder that our hobbies can evolve with us. That old skating fabric? It gets to have a second life. Just like we do.
The Chaos Chair Cover (Because Scratchy Chairs Are the Worst)
Some projects are precision. This one? Pure gremlin energy.
Right now, my office chair has a piece of fabric haphazardly safety pinned to the seat. It’s scratchy, hard to clean, and I’ve had enough. This summer, I’m making it official: a full-on DIY chair cover from my stash.
There’s no pattern. Just vibes. I’m choosing between a soft plum knit and a white/blue/green geometric upholstery fabric—whichever I have enough of. Then it’s full chaos: pinning, cutting, sewing, adjusting. Could I make a muslin template first? Sure. Will I? Unclear. Sometimes creative solutions look like winging it with scissors and caffeine. We roll with it.
Quilt #1: Scrappy Sunshine Stars
I’m starting a new quilt using the Sentimental Stars pattern from Diary of a Quilter. It’s free and beginner-friendly—two words I love. I’m pulling a scrappy mix of sky blue, lavender, sunny yellow, and off-whites from the City Sewing Room in St. Louis, where you can get fabric for just $2 a pound. Dreamy.
Nothing’s perfectly color-matched, and I love that. It’s going to feel like sunshine in quilt form—a “spill lemonade on it and still love it” kind of quilt. Exactly the vibe I’m going for this summer.
Quilt #2: Seasonal Stitching, Dealer’s Choice
My second quilt will use the Checkered Bricks pattern from Moonkin Stitchery—another freebie, but this one’s going twin-size for max cozy. I’m thinking seasonal: I have some Christmas fabric stashed, but let’s be honest—I’ll probably end up back at City Sewing Room hunting down Halloween or fall prints the second I get the itch.
I made my first-ever quilt as a gift. But I’m ready to keep one for me! And a cozy seasonal quilt is just the ticket!
The “Maybe” Pile (Where the Wild Ideas Live)
Every creative season needs a “maybe” list. Mine includes:
A pile of fleece inherited from old projects—some mine, some my mom’s. I’m brainstorming cozy uses (quilt backing? loungewear set?) but haven’t landed on the right project yet.
The whisper of a Halloween costume. I don’t usually do Halloween, but I’m craving a go-to costume that’s comfortable, re-wearable, and doesn’t require sacrificing warmth, sanity, or style.
We’ll see what sticks. Sometimes the best projects sneak up on you.
Wrapping It Up
So that’s my current list of summer sewing projects—a little planned, a little chaotic, and a whole lot stitched with joy. Sewing has become such a gentle, grounding way for me to reconnect with myself. Whether I’m making clothes that fit my body right now, repurposing stash fabric, or winging a chair cover for the vibes... I’m showing up. One stitch at a time.
What’s on your creative to-make list this summer?