Gather 'round…

When it comes to the word gathering, what is your first thought? 

At Fleur et Ours, we imagine it’s the skill and physical process of gathering fabric using your sewing machine, but when you begin to think about it, there really is so much more… 

To Gather:

• To come together
• To collect scattered pieces and put them together
• The act of bunching a width or length of fabric using fingers, pins or stitches to secure and stitch into place

Sewing can be very much a solitary hobby, but when sewists gather together, connect over a shared interest, it can be so powerful. And, as so much of Fleur et Ours is powered by our beautiful community, it only makes sense to mention!

This month we are going to explore patterns that use the gathering skill and also different ways to gather together and how to be a part of the wonderful sewing community. 

Whether you're a fan of gathering, or haven't ever had a go, here are a few of our pattern picks to suit every level of gatherer.

First up, if you haven’t tried gathering before but want to incorporate a little bit of it into your make, then the Matchy Matchy Sewing club - Apron pockets pants are for you! 

An easy going pants and shorts pattern with 3 different views. Each has patch pockets with the stand out ruffle feature around the edge. This is a playful pattern and I think it calls for something playful too. I've chosen Sweet Pansy Cotton Poplin. This fabric is non directional making it much easier to work with when placing pockets.

Have you ever shirred?

Our next choice is the Coralie Bijasson - Adriana dress. A beautiful flowy, tiered dress with a shirred back panel, ideal for summer days. Its maxi length gives it a bohemian chic flair.

For the ultimate romantic look we've dreamed it up in the Petite Fleur Voile.

A timeless blouse with a peter pan collar, a billowy bodice and an optional ruffled button placket is the Madswick Patterns - Beth Blouse. Pair it with some shorts or loose wide leg trousers and you have the perfect romantic summer outfit. Call me controversial, but I think this would be absolutely beautiful in the Rose Garden Cotton Lawn for a truly English Summer vibe (someone pass me the scones and jam!)

The next two patterns are simply beautiful in both their own ways, but it felt so in tune that they are from the TAUKO magazine issue "Gathering".

We love the Aina shirt - Designed by Silke Turck, for a slightly more complex make. This blouse has short capped sleeves and an asymmetrical yoke at the back. The front pieces are slightly ruffled and the buttons are concealed. 

This is a very cool look, with plenty of detail, so it wouldn't need a really busy fabric.  We think it would be perfect made up in the Country Check Cotton. 

And then we love the Elsa dress, designed by Jessica Silversaga - Silversaga’s patterns are beautiful, romantic and include timeless elements - the Elsa dress is no different. Elsa is a voluminous dress with tiers and dramatic sleeves. Not only will this flattering style sure to turn heads, but it will also help you to stay cool during these hotter months!

Keeping these two things in mind, we'd recommend choosing either our Champagne Viscose Linen Slub or the Delicate Blooms Double Gauze.

So, as we mentioned earlier, this month we wanted to also focus on the community side of gathering - the sewing community is both strong and kind and it can do amazing things that some of us aren’t even aware of! Stay tuned for part two where we focus on the power of community.

Happy Sewing,

Kayleigh & Gemma x