Do you ever get “handsy” with fabrics? Or a particular TYPE of fabric? You see it – maybe on a bolt, maybe on a person, and you just NEED to pet it. (One of those situations being significantly more awkward than the other…) This is me with crochet lace.

Perhaps its because knitting, crocheting, and tatting are skills that have always eluded me. Thankfully – sewing has not! And with a whole stock of crochet lace here at Cali Fabrics, the only thing left for me to do was figure out what to make. With two yards of this oval print crochet lace in hand, I set off in search of Spring/Summer Apparel inspiration. And BOY did I find it!

 

The ideas I collected along the way were too good to be lost in the depths of my seasonal sewing inspiration pinterest board for ever and ever – so instead I’m blogging my favorites with an added plea that you’ll pick a project of your own, sew it up, and share it with me so we can all live vicariously through one another! 

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First up: The Lace Maxi

Let’s face it. There’s nothing more Boho-Summer than a flowy crochet maxi skirt. This would make great summer casual attire with a coordinating lining (attached or separate), and a great swim cover up without one. Pair with a daring body suit for a date night out on a patio overlooking water somewhere, or just wear it with your favorite screen t-shirt for a cuter-than-your-average weekend outfit.

Fabric: Keywords to look for here are lightweight and drapey, so the skirt moves with you. This beautiful navy lace is perfect for the job:

Pattern: When it comes to gathered skirts – you really only need a pattern if you want one. (Sometimes sewing is more fun without guesswork!) Here’s a free gathered skirt pattern from Pattern Runway that can easily be adjusted to your desired length.

Next: The Lace T

If you’re a jeans-and-tshirt kind of person, the lace T is an easy, seasonable, fashion-boost to your usual attire. Wear it, as seen here, with cut-offs and sandals, or dress it up as a layer overtop your favorite fitted tank dress.

Fabric: I’d die for a lace t in this fabric! The color and print size are so perfect for a tshirt.  Or look for one like this, with a beautiful scalloped edge you can preserve at the sleeve and shirt hems.

Pattern: The fabric above has no stretch, so I’d reach for a fan-favorite woven T pattern like the Grainline Scout. Remember that your seams will be visible! So adjust the pattern’s construction as necessary to incorporate these binding tips.

The Lace Duster

My runner-up crochet lace project! I’m absolutely in love with the duster I styled on the Cali Blog earlier in my camo pants feature, and desperately wanted another. Ultimately I decided the color wasn’t different enough from my existing duster – and I’d be more satisfied using my yardage on a different project. But I digress!

Layers are easy to gravitate to when working with see-through fabrics like crochet lace. You won’t regret this versatile piece in your wardrobe! Layer over long sleeves and skinnies for Spring and (in the right color!) Fall, or wear with tank and shorts in the summer. These make super cute swim cover-ups too!

Fabric: Since you’ll want to wear this over and over, choose a neutral color crochet lace like this one:

Pattern: Since the fabric above has no stretch, consider a layer with extra ease (lengthen a kimono like the Seamwork Almada, for example) and define the waist a bit with a belt or a drawstring channel.

Now for my project reveal!

The Off Shoulder Peasant Blouse

I made this beachy, boho layering piece with this crochet lace and Simplicity 8124. It was perfect for keeping sun off my arms during an afternoon of bean bag toss and beer tastings at a local brewery. I borrowed styling ideas from this pin, substituting a tank top as a more modest alternative to the suggestd bralette. Skip the necklace, wear your hair up, and reach for the dangly earings so nothing competes with your garment’s feature neckline!

I probably could have taken into account the fullness of the fabric and removed some excess width through the arms and body, but overall it’s exactly the aesthetic I had in mind. A flowy, well ventilated layer for the hot summer I anticipate following this premature Spring we’re enjoying here in central VA.

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To line, or not to line?

All of these projects LOOK great – but in terms of wear-ability, consider your lifestyle before making a decision about lining your crochet lace garment:

• If you haven’t yet had the need to invest in a swim suit cover up, you probably have very few opportunities to wear one. Line your garment.
• If your modesty preference is to keep your undergarments out of sight – the exposed bralette trend is not for you. Line your garment.
• If you like the idea of wearing an un-lined crochet skirt overtop of a coordinating “lining” skirt, but don’t realistically have the time to sew TWO separate skirts, save yourself some time by making one, lined skirt. (I don’t think I said the word “skirt” enough in this bullet point. Skirt.)

You get the gist.

Also, when you’re considering lining fabrics, be sure to match color, weight, drape, laundering/care needs, and confirm it fits your pattern’s stretch requirements (as necessary).

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What inspiration piece has your creative juices flowing?! Whatever you make, please share it with me on instagram or facebook. I love to see your creations!

Until next time, friends! Xoxo, Becca