Spring Racing Pattern Inspiration with Bryony Bourke
Spring Racing is a time to showcase your style and create something unique! We invited Fashions on the Field entrant and winner Bryony Bourke to share with us her top pattern picks for this years Spring Racing Carnival.
Bryony is a passionate Fashions on the Field Entrant and who designs sews her own outfits. She has won Best Dressed at the Park Beach Plaza ‘Fashions on the Field’ in Coffs Harber, ‘Judges Choice’ Winner at Newcastle Racecourse, ‘Lady of the Day’ at Cairns Amateurs High Tea Sapphire Jubilee Carnival 2023 and First Place in the under 35s Ladies category at Scone Cup, just to name a few of the wins this year she has had in her amazing outfits. Along side her sewing she is the founder and artist behind ‘Hello Margot’.
BRYONY’S PATTERN PICKS FOR SPRING RACING
Picking a pattern for spring racing, my top 10 patterns! There is quite a few things that you should consider before you go on your day out. The first thing is the day itself, is it a classy ‘dressy’ city event or is it a more casual styled in the country? Then there is things like the climate, is it going to be warm or cool as this will make you really consider your fabric choices, lengths and shapes.
For fashions on the field, we have two seasons, spring/summer and autumn/winter. In S/S we look for lighter weight fabrics such as silks, tulle and natural fabrics like linens and cotton. As for styles, you can venture into one shoulder and off the shoulder necklines, shorter sleeves and hemlines. Millinery can flaunt Jinsin, silk abaca, raffia, straws and veiling. These are the questions I start out with when I’m thinking of making a new piece.
BUTTERICK 5708 (RETRO)
Why: This dress is an absolutely timeless silhouette. It has the sweetest knot shoulder detailing and flirty flattering open neckline. I’d choose look ‘A’ for it’s symmetry and pair it with a subtle print so the bows steal the show.
Fabric Choice: I’d look for a cotton or linen to compliment the style.
Millinery: I’d continue the classic trend and go for a Dior style boater as they’re practical in the sun and oh so classy at the same time.
NEW LOOK 6615
Why: Keeping it simple can sometimes be the most effective and that’s what I find with this pattern. The scallop details just add that little something that makes this oh so special. This New Look piece shouts spring, I’d opt for look ‘B’ and choose a block colour so the scallops get the looking in that they deserve.
Fabric Choice: A cotton sateen would work perfectly.
Millinery: Pair this look with a fascinator with beading or feather flowers.
VOGUE 1691
Why: This pattern may be a unusual choice for race wear but it’s sleek and perfect to set you apart from the rest. Fabric choice is going to important as this pattern has long, large pieces and so statement is definitely the way to go.
Fabric Choice: I’d select a Crepe back satin as that sheen is going to look beautiful. A block colour could be a wonderfully bold choice but so would a stripe, highlighting the bias cut.
Millinery: A modern Percher would compliment this modern outfit.
VOGUE 1908
Why: Who doesn’t love a shirt dress? Well this version has been elevated to the next level! With a little peep of skin at the neck, this otherwise conservative dress is an elegant way to walk into an event. I’d choose look ‘A’ for the short sleeves but would use ‘B’for the longer length skirt. A way to modernise the style further would be to pick a bolder print like geometrics or an unusual pattern.
Fabric Choice: This would work in so many fabrics but I’d opt for a Crepe or Silk.
Millinery: A simple classic straw brimmed hat would pair nicely.
SIMPLICITY 9678
Why: A little gather goes a long way! This pattern has all the volume in he right places and how can you say no to a raglan sleeve? I’d immediately get making style ‘B’ as it’s length and sleeve is perfect for the warmer weather with its tiered skirt and keyhole opening.
Fabric Choice: A subtle pattern in rayon/viscose as you don’t want to loose the construction detailing.
Millinery: A bejewelled headband or blocked headband.
SIMPLICITY 9466
Why: Take a step back in time to the 1960’s! This era was known for simple structures but with attention to details. This pattern with its double breasted centre, button detailing and bias cut midriff gives you an opportunity to look smart and fun. I’d make look ‘A’ for the sleeves and ‘B’ for the collar.
Fabric Choice: Upcycle a table cloth or grab a plaid, why not try it in a bouclé?
Millinery: Grab yourself a pillbox!
BUTTERICK 6915
Why: Isn’t this a fresh look on our classic wardrobe favourite. The suit has made the biggest comeback in the last few years for racewear. This Butterick two piece set has a collar-less design, asymmetric button stand and slimline tapered trousers. Oozing simplicity, I’d sew version ‘AB’.
Fabric Choice: A bright block colour gabardine or a try a wildcard suggestion such a Dutch Wax/Ankara fabric.
Millinery: A suits so versatile to pair with from a headband to a fedora.
McCALL’S 8033
Why: A modern take on a very classic silhouette with the scooped neckline, contrasting sections and simple gathered sleeves – it all just adds a really beautiful touch. Look ‘C’ would be my choice using some lace for the contrasting sections.
Fabric Choice: I’d reach straight for the Liberty of London Tana Lawn.
Millinery: A padded headband with a piece of veiling would compliment perfectly.
SIMPLICITY 9746
Why: Bows detailing, elastic waists and pockets, need I say more? This is the perfect example of an outfit that shouts versatile make. Dress it up, dress it down, I’d take her to the supermarket too. I love the idea of the ‘B’ one shoulder design.
Fabric Choice: I’d try natural fabric like a cotton or linen but what about a seersucker?
Millinery: A boater would be advise choice to balance all the tiers
SIMPLICITY 9097
Why: Jumpsuits are really starting to become popular so start your pant journey with this simplicity number. This pattern elongates the legs, the halter neck collar flatters at the front and it’s got visible statement pockets. I’d go with ‘A’ as it’s so chic and fun. You’d be sure to feel confident and fabulous in this Simplicity make.
Fabric Choice: I’d pick a bold pattern in a sateen.
Millinery: Match this outfit with a contemporary piece like a high crowned brim.
Make The Pattern Your Own
Bryony’s Version Of Vogue 8789
Bryony made Vogue 8789 her own, using the bodice of view B, she created a playful skirt with a stitched scollap hem and a teir that can be removed. She added scollaps everywhere incuding the self drafted sleeves which she added to the bodice.
Thank You Bryony!
Thank you to Bryony for sharing her pattern picks for Spring Racing! We cannot wait to see her next outfits. Follow Bryony on Instagram to see her latest makes and Fashions on the Field entries.
Share You Spring Racing Makes
We look forward to seeing your makes! Tag Sewdirect at Simplicity McCall’s Australia on Instagram @simplicitymccallsaustralia and Facebook remember to use #sewdirectaustralia