Spring Pattern Picks with Pins and Tonic

Spring is here, which means it is time for fun dresses and matching sets! We invited Shannon to share some of her favourite patterns for Spring from the Sewdirect Australia collection.

Introducing maker Shannon

Hi I am Shannon aka @pins_and_tonic.

I started sewing on a whim, my sister, who was living with me at the time, had bought/borrowed the barely used Singer sewing machine from our mum’s home so I could hem her work pants, using my very basic, half remember home ec. skills. I had hated the sewing component of home ec in high school, I have memories and not fond ones, of learning sew a pair shorts, a stuffed elephant and a Santa sack. I do have fond memories though of picking out the fabric for those makes!

It would be many, many years between high school sewing, hemming mum’s pants and deciding to try making a skirt. The sewing machine my sister had bought home sat unused for a long time until I decided, why not try it out?! I started with a skirt, that fit so badly but I had already found I really enjoyed the process of making.

The enjoyment I found in the process of making my first skirt has never faded, but instead grown into something bigger, sewing is a creative outlet for me, it is a way to challenge myself, a way to find a bit of peace when anxiety creeps back in and its been a way to find my style, build confidence and dress bright and happy. I have learnt there really isn’t a shade of pink I don’t want hanging in my wardrobe, I love a dress that I can twirl in and I live for patterned, bright and bold fabric. My style has changed since I first started sewing but some of the patterns I have picked for spring have been patterns that have been in my wardrobe for a long time- some things like a great dress just never goes out of style.

Sewing has been away for me to find a community and some of the best people I know, given me a chance to teach something I love to others, to share what brings joy and bring a dose of dopamine dressing to any event.

I love sewing for the warmer months. Spring sewing is the most fun though, Frocktail events, picnics, markets, early Christmas events, being out and enjoying the warmer weather is a fun reason to create an outfit.

Shannon shares many of her makes online you can follow her on Instagram at @pins_and_tonic

Shannon’s Top Spring Sewing Patterns

McCall’s 7969

There is a reason this pattern has over 5000 posts and a reason its my first pick for 10 patterns for spring. I love this dress pattern I first made the M7969 in 2020 and have since made at rough count about 8 or 9 of them. I still have every single one I made in my wardrobe. My favourite versions of this dress would be the pink cockatoos I wore as a bridesmaid dress for one of my best friend’s wedding perfect blend of fun and fancy. A yellow gingham version that always gets pulled out the wardrobe when I want fun and easy. I also love the version I made for my workplace’s 80 year ball- slight hacking to the bodice to turn it into a full length wrap dress. The pattern is a quick sew but those sleeves and the wrap effect bodice are very impactful and really allows a variety of fabrics to shine.

M7969

McCall’s 7742

McCall's Sewing Pattern M7742 Misses' Dresses

Only recently did I make this pattern for a second time and I don’t know what took me so long. My first version I made as a baby sewist back in 2018 and again it is still worn and loved. When I had to pick my top 10 patterns for spring this dress along with the M7969 were immediately in my mind.

Spring in Brisbane gets on the hotter side fast, so loose fitting dresses and statement sleeves (sun protection as well as style!) is always a go to for me. My first version I did lengthen a little and it was made in a light weight embroidered border cotton is perfect for running around doing errands, meeting friends for coffee and feeling put together with minimal effort. My most recent version is much more bold print and works for those days or evenings when it’s a little cooler and tights are needed layering or if the sun is shining it’s a great length to show some leg.

M7742

McCall’s 8581

McCall's Sewing Pattern M8581 Misses' and Women's Dress in Two Lengths

Now I haven’t made this dress…. Yet!!! But I have the pattern and it is on the top of my to make wish-list for the when the perfect fabric arrives (the fabric has been ordered just semi patiently waiting for it arrive).

Spring is Frocktails season and this dress is the perfect Frocktails dress- and the dress I am planning on making and wearing to Melbourne Frocktails later this year. Along with statement sleeves I love a bow and this dress has not 1 but 2 bows sitting cute on the bodice. I like the longer length option of this dress but think I will be leaning into the cute and whimsy of the pattern and keeping to the mini length. I am very excited for this pattern.

M8581

Vogue 1802

Speaking of Frocktails dresses… it would be very wrong of me not to include last year’s Melbourne Frocktails dress in my list of patterns. I have made this vogue dress twice now and I love both versions of it. I will be wearing my pastel version again for this year’s Brisbane Frocktails, its such a gorgeous dress not wearing it again for an event just doesn’t feel right.

I picked this dress as my Frocktails pattern as I loved the clean lines and shape of it. I loved that it is a pattern that allows the fabric to shine and the neckline is possibly my favourite part of it. The gathered tier detail for the longer version was a fun detail that I felt took the dress from glamorous to fun and glamorous.

V1802

Simplicity 9757

Simplicity Sewing Pattern S9757 Misses' Knit Top and Skirt in Two Lengths

I love a cute matching set and I love the comfort of a knit outfit, but not all knit fabric outfits are for wearing in public (I see you pink track pants with frayed hems) which is what I love about this pattern. The S9757 is a pattern that made a comfy knit fabric outfit that is perfect for leaving the house in and wearing to dinner or lunch with friends or shopping at markets.

I did make a second version of this set and currently the top is at the full length but may end up slightly cropped in the future. I wore my strawberry version to a market and the response was overwhelmingly positive with a few dissapointed people when they learnt I had made it and it wasn’t something they could buy from a store.

S9757

Know Me 2003

Know Me Sewing Pattern ME2003 Misses' Knit Cardigan and Skirt by Alissah Threads

A cute cardigan is a must have for spring, everyone needs something to layer over their clothes for those cooler days. The details of the cardigan are very sweet, I love a ruffle as well and the ruffle here really adds an extra layer of cute to the pattern.

Continuing with my love a knit fabric outfit that you can confidently wear to a café, a market or a picnic I present the peach picnic set of my dreams.

This pattern had been on my to make wish list and coming up with my 10 patterns for Spring bumped it up the list faster. I also happened to find and fall in love with the peach pointelle and well there was no time like the present to plan for my spring 2025 wardrobe.

Me2003

Vogue 9237

Vogue Patterns V9237 Misses' A-Line, Back-Ruffle Dresses

I love a shift dress and this pattern is a shift dress with a bit of a fun twist. There are so many great versions of this dress on Instagram and I was inspired by other makers and the pattern itself to play around with fabrics and a bit of a contrast.

I love a print and I really like how this pattern can be used to let the print shine or a bit a surprise feature. I chose to let the print shine and contrast with a pink linen.

V9237

McCall’s 7946

Spring is all about cute dresses, or is that just Spring for me?! This dress is part of the McCalls learn to sew range so its easy make but looks great. 4 views for this dress including 2 different sleeves. I chose to make my version with the tie straps, and it really does sho case the over sized floral fabric I used.

M7946

McCall’s 8515

A new pattern to my collection but one that will be made for this spring. Three different views and three different garments and all of them include the addition of ricrac and different fabrics. I am so glad sets are still having a moment, as who doesn’t want to wear and enjoy fancy pjs out to lunch? I have not decided yet which view will be the first one across my sewing table the button up dress or the set but this pattern will definitely be worn this spring.

M8515

Know Me 2108

Ending my 10 spring picks with the sweetest dress- or so I believe. If you haven’t picked up from my other selections I love a pattern with a fun detail (sleeve, ruffle, different neckline) that allows my fabrics to shine and has a a bit of whimsy in it. This pattern delivers and meets all the requirements.

The moment I saw this dress I knew I needed the pattern. The cut out heart detail is such a different feature for a dress and makes this one special. I reckon this dress is going to perfect for long spring afternoons enjoying the company of friends with a drink. This pattern or could even make a beautiful Frocktails dress or dress for any spring event- races, wedding guest or just because you want to wear a cute dress.

Me2108