As the seasons change, we're looking forward to wearing our favorite spring clothes and, of course, planning a few new sewing projects! One of the best things about sewing for yourself is getting to choose fabrics and patterns that you'll love wearing now, as well as in upcoming seasons. We're thinking of fibers like linen, cotton, and tencel, and textures like canvas and twill to create everyday garments you can wear at any time of year with the right styling. Whether you're in the midst of winter or settling into springtime, we think you'll love the versatility and value of the pattern and fabric pairings we're sharing this week! When we found this tencel canvas, we knew it was a perfect match for the #CortlandTrench! It has great texture, a bit of weight, and a gorgeous drape—and in a super-wearable color, too. We're going to pair it with the #MNTaniaCulottes in a favorite bold linen/viscose—this is something we can wear with a cozy sweater and leggings now, or with a lighter top for spring and summer. #SewistsOfInstagram #MeMadeEveryday #HandmadeStyle #sewist #ILoveSewing #FabricLove #SewingLove #HandmadeWardrobe #instasew #StonemountainFabric #sewcialists

I made this trench coat for my recent trip to England. It was made using @grainlinestudio #cortlandtrench pattern and I made some changes to fit my taste (most notably the length)—inspired by @caitsnyd_sews Cortland trench modifications. This was my first time using a pattern to sew since I was 10. It was beautifully written, ticked most of the boxes for what I wanted, and it was easy to understand, but I’m too much of a free spirit when it comes to sewing so I don’t think it will be a regular thing for me. I used a water repellent fabric so it can truly be worn in rainy spring weather. I didn’t put the buttons on, but I made a belt instead since I rarely button my coats. That way I can close it if I need a little more warmth. And props to my 11 year old for the fancy camera work. #grainlinestudio #trenchcoat #memademay #imadethis #sewingpattern #handmadecoat #handmadewardrobe #bongiornotailoring

#grainlinestudio #cortlandtrench in a #merchantandmills waxed cotton from @createdomesticity, feat. comically oversized buttons impulse purchased from @knitwityarnshop Not pictured: many many prototypes of buttonholes of different types.

Me Made May day 27! Couldn't deal yesterday so I went extra hard today with my @grainlinestudio Cortland Trench complete with cow print canvas I certainly don't have enough opportunities to wear! Kicking off the holiday weekend right 🐄 💛 Coat: @grainlinestudio Cortland Trench 💛 Top: @inthefolds Collins Too 💛 Pants: @seamwork Callahan Pants #mmm2022 #memademay #memademay2022 #seamworkmag #seamworkcallahan #collinstop #grainlinestudio #grainlinecortland #cortlandtrench

🌼#grainlinecortland 🌼 Con este cambio repentino de tiempo me he dado cuenta que en mi armario me faltaba una 🧥 corta y como soy de #cvcq, se lo vi a mi amiga Pilar y dije quiero una yaaaaa. Así que no me quedo otra sino ✂️✂️📍📍🪡🪡… He usado tela de gabardina y un algodón para forrar las piezas que iban dobles para dar un poco de alegría. Es una gabardina sin forro y el otro patrón recomiendo forrar todas las costuras con bies, pero como no quería que las costura fuera tan pesadas, decidí hacer #flatfelledseams …ha dado mucho trabajo pero queda fenomenal. Estoy muy contenta con el resultado final 💙💙 #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #trenchcoat #grainlinestudio #cortlandtrench #instasew #imakemyclothes #memadewardrobe #handmadewardobe #prettyinsideout #matchingmatilda #lovemydog #instasew #sewersgonnasew #sew

I finally got around to writing up some details on my blog for my new Grainline Cortland Trench. One of the main (but not the only) reasons I was interested in testing this pattern was because the insides are finished with bound seams, which was a technique I hadn't yet tried back in September, when the testing took place. I really loved the results, which are brilliantly explained and they've stood me in good stead as I've used the technique a couple of times since. The Cortland has been released in two sizing ranges: the B cup 0-18 (32-44" bust) and the D cup 14-30 (40-56" bust). I made the 18D and it fits nicely. This jacket is a swingy trench, which hits at hip level and it's pretty roomy, particularly in the shoulders and arms. The generous ease means you can definitely fit a chunky jumper under there, which is perfect for cooler days, but I think it has enough of a 70s vibe that it looks great slung over a dress too, as you can see in my pics, which are from a date night with my husband (first live music concert in 18 months! Yeehaa!). The only adjustment I would possibly need to make another time would be to lower the apex. Having said that I didn't notice it at all until after the event, so I'm not sure it makes much difference in this pattern tbh. Full details over on the blog now (link in profile). Fabric is (I think - it's been a while) Robert Kaufman 14-wale corduroy from @theconfidentstitch. #grainlinecortland @grainlinestudio

If you’re a long-time customer then you’re familiar with Robert Kaufman’s Ventana Twill because it’s one of our favorite fabrics! This 100% cotton is medium weight, durable, soft, and semi-structured with a lovely twill weave on the right side. It washes well and shrinks minimally, AND we stock it in tons of amazing colors. The drape and weight of this fabric puts it right in that versatile sweet spot. You could make anything from a jacket to jeans to throw-pillow colors out of this stupendous fabric! Comment VENTANA to browse our selection! #robertkaufman #ventanatwill #fashionfabric #garmentmaking #clothes #sewing #shopsmall #garmentfabric #imakemyownclothes #cutethings #twill #theconfidentstitch #confidentstitch #fanfavorite #cortlandtrench #grainline #grainlinepatterns #thurlowtrousers

Cotton Linen Trench 😎 I was heavily inspired by @caitsnyd_sews a la @__stitchbitch__ and then finally had courage to try a big-to-me sewing challenge thanks to @alexandria_arnold trench coat sewalong back in April. I love the insta sewing community ✨ Pattern: @grainlinestudio #cortlandtrench view B. Size 2, 1” removed from waist to accommodate my height and keep pockets at the right spot and 14” added to length to get that midi-style I was going for. Shortened sleeves by 2”. Fabric: @blackbirdfabrics carefree cotton linen twill. This is the kind of fabric that you can’t stop touching. Light and soft and I immediately ordered more in another color. I didn’t have enough fabric for the waist belt but I wear it open mostly and I still love it. I used some leftover cotton lawn for pretty guts - always nice for a jacket since you often take it off and drape it around places.

Spring has sprung, and it's time to sew something new! ☀️🌷 Our Cortland Trench pattern is the perfect project for this season, whether you're a beginner or an experienced sewist. Stay stylish while you explore the outdoors and enjoy the spring breeze with this classic trench coat design. ⁠ ⁠ The Cortland is part of our annual spring sale so bop over to the shop and grab this cute 20%!⁠ ⁠ #GrainlineCortland #CortlandTrench #GrainlineStudio #SpringSewing #SewStylish

Huzzah! The new fall jacket is finished...now if only it were cool enough to wear. I have given the Human much help on this one, although she credits most of this project to the kind folks at @dressew for their assistance. Thank you, @mrsmcbowie Cropped trench coat: #CortlandTrench by @grainlinestudio in View B (perfectly drafted - we fully lined this one which was easy to bag because of the collar construction. If lining: sew and attach all the lining before attaching the collar and collar stand - we drafted separate lining pieces because of the facings. Alternatively, it would be easy to underline instead of bias binding.) Fabric: magenta medium weight cotton canvas lined with floral cotton lawn for the body and lavender cotton voile for the sleeves. All materials from #dressew SWIPE for other views! #croppedtrench #magentajacket #grainlinecortland #linedjacket #fallfashion #sewist #sewistsofinstagram #asiansewists #grainlinestudio #givretop #helenejeans #memamdewardrobe #memadeeveryday

The @grainlinestudio #grainlinecortland is finished! All details on the blog. I had a lot of fun making this actually, and I’m glad I have a new coat to wear. Why is it called a trench coat though? This is honestly a light weight jacket lol. Perfect for mild LA weather. Also this pattern has been out for a year and it’s not that popular, what a shame. Anyone know why? Specs Fabric: 4C22 silver gray linen from @fabricsstorecom Size: 0 Mods: No fit mods but I did flat felled seams, and bias bound the facings and pockets #grainlinecortlandtrench #grainlinepatterns #grainlinestudio #cortlandtrench #coatsewing #sewingcoats #jacketsewing #trenchcoat #sewingwithlinen

💙 N Y H E D 💙 Uld gabardine fra italienske Piacenza. Perfekt til overalls eller trench som fx #cortlandtrench (se modellen på foregående post). #metervarer #wool #garbardine #uld #madeinitaly #syselv #sysysy #visytokiga #nähen #stofbutik #fabricminds

EDIT: Sew along postponed. We will release an updated schedule as soon as possible. When we launched the Cortland Trench this past spring, we promised a sew-along in the fall. Well, fall is now upon us and it’s now time to sew up a Cortland together!⁠ ⁠ The schedule for the Cortland Sew-Along will be as follows. We’ll kick it off on September 27th with our first lesson. The sew-along is free to join and videos will be posted on our YouTube page so make sure you’re subscribed to that so you don’t miss anything!⁠ ⁠ Day 1: Introduction, fabrics & supplies⁠ Day 2: Choosing a size & pattern adjustments⁠ Day 3: Cutting your fabric⁠ Day 4: Choosing, cutting & applying your interfacing⁠ Day 5: Inserting the welt pockets⁠ Day 6: Assembling the front, back & storm flaps⁠ Day 7: Sleeves & assembling the body⁠ Day 8: Assembling & attaching the front facing⁠ Day 9: Sewing & attaching the collar⁠ Day 10: Hemming the jacket⁠ Day 11: Buttons & buttonholes⁠ ⁠ If you need some inspiration for your own Cortland we’ve got some great blog posts you can check out before we get started. And of course the pattern is available in our shop in both PDF and Printed format in both of our size ranges! We hope you’ll join in, learn some great new tips and tricks, and end up with a jacket you love!⁠ ⁠ #GrainlineCortland #GrainlineStudio #CortlandTrench #CortlandSewAlong

Yes that is fall foliage. It is currently spring. BUT I made this last fall and wasn’t allowed to share it until now! This is the new @grainlinestudio #grainlinecortland #cortlandtrench I got to test out and it was super fun to make. It was my first time sewing welt pockets and it went pretty well thanks to their great instructions! It hasn’t gotten a lot of wear yet because #vancouver but I think it will get more action this spring! I might try adding a hood in the future to make it more practical - made a straight size 6 -used some kind of water resistant nylon fabric blend from @oursocialfabric (also perfect for stains! I spilled a bag of cocoa powder on it and it just brushed right off) -I lined it because that’s more fun (bemberg in the sleeves and a fun cotton print for the body) Disclaimer: Grainline studio gave me a fabric stipend and a PDF pattern for testing, but my opinions are my own. #memademay2021 #vancouversews #imadethis

During the Laura & Allyson x Grainline retreat, @julie_makes created this stunning camo Cortland Trench. Julie chose a perfect deadstock camo twill from Mood Fabrics for the project. I love seeing people develop new skills and put them to use—Julie's Cortland is a perfect example!⁠ ⁠ “I’ve wanted a camo Cortland ever since I saw @jen_beeman’s version when she released the pattern a few years ago. Fast forward to this winter, and I finally got to make my version at the recent @lauraallysonparty @grainlinestudio retreat! It was so much fun to be with other sewists, working through a variety of Grainline’s patterns as a group. This jacket represents a huge win for me, as it was my first attempt at welt pockets. Thanks to Jen’s expert welt pocket demo, it went great!⁠”⁠ ⁠ For more photos and info make sure you click over to Julie’s profile!⁠ ⁠ #GrainlineStudio #GrainlineCortland #CortlandTrench #LauraAllysonParty #LauraAllysonRetreats

This year Me Made May is, for me, mostly about grabbing inspiration from the community for my own handmade wardrobe which is sorely in need of a refresh. What's the saying? The cobbler's kids have no shoes? Anyway after seeing @caitsnyd_sews linen Cortland Trench I know I absolutely need one of my own! Caitlin lengthened her Cortland by 22", added a back vent & belt loops. You can read more about her inspiration and process over on her feed, which I highly recommend. She's got great style and insight and is a must follow for me!

A small collection of projects from 2023, and a resolution to document projects throughout 2024! I've been looking to start sharing some of my projects for a while, and while this isn't the venue I'd love to do it in, I've undeniably gained so much from following so many great crafters here. So I've decided to share this year! I want to start figuring out my wardrobe after some body changes, and also rediscovering knitting during the pandemic. This is just a collection of some of my favorite projects from last year: 1. #lucindasweater in Juniper Moon Patagonia Organic. I love the v-necks in the design, and the texture of this yarn! 2. #cassiopeiasweater in Cascade and Noro. I originally started this in the cream Patagonia I used for the Lucinda, but didn't love the contrast. Second time with this sleeve, and I think the colorwork came out way better. 3. #cortlandtrench in a brushed cotton deadstock (I think from Stonemountain?). I had this on my list to sew for ages but kept hesitating because I didn't see too many examples. It turned out great, and has been one of my favorite jackets this season! This picture is pre buttons, I ended up using some navy wood buttons 4. The collar while making the Cortland. I love shaping my collars this way after doing it for my Traveller coat. 5. My new blocking setup, upgrading from the very legit leaving knits on a towel in my bathroom setup. 6. The body of a #dovercardigan. This took me forever, but I'm so happy with the finished product, from a free pattern nonetheless. This is also Juniper Moon Organic Patagonia, because I was obsessed. 7. A #rovingromper laid out on some scrap jersey. I barely managed to squeeze this out of some leftover fabric I had laying around from a T-shirt I made ages ago. I was super worried I wasn't going to like it since I don't typically wear jumpsuits or skintight clothing, but actually loved this throughout the summer. I'm excited to keep pushing my comfort zone this next year, and figure out what I actually love from my makes. #sewing #knitting #millennialsewing

Me Made May day 25! By the end of the month I'm so good at finding weird, out of the way spots with a place to prop my phone and not get gawkers! Still a bit chilly so I'm back in my @helens__closet Brooks Jeans. Grabbed my @sari_n_ Poetry but covered it with my @grainlinestudio Cortland Trench! @julie_makes pointed out that this cow print started my shift toward nuts coats and she's right! It's all weirder and weirder from here! #memademay #memademay2023 #grainlinestudio #cortlandtrench #brooksjeans #poetrypullover

It's such a blustery day outside that it's time for snuggles and dopamine dressing! Sweater: #10oversizedturtleneckpullover designed by Annabelle Speer for @vogueknittingmagazine (holiday issue 2014) Yarn: @katiayarns #ultralightmerino Jacket: #CortlandTrench by @grainlinestudio (lining hack) Fabric: magenta cotton canvas and lining in cotton lawn from @dressew Corduroys: #helenejeans in view B slim fit with exposed button hack by @annaallenclothing Fabric: vintage cotton corduroy from @blackbirdfabrics #dopaminedressing #memadewardrobe #matteo #catsofinstagram #catsofknitters #browncorduroy #magentajacket #sweaterweather #grainlinecortland #diywardrobe #diyjeans

Detail shots of my #grainlinecortland that I posted yesterday. Love that I chose to do flat felled seams, and bias bound the facing and pocket edges. #sewingwithlinen #grainlinecortlandtrench #cortlandtrench #trenchcoat #coatsewing #makersofinstagram #sewistsofinstagram #jacketsewing #grainlinestudio

I always love to see everyone's year end wrap ups! Here I've picked a few of my favorite moments from my 2021: 💛 Launching knitting retreats and LauraAllyson.Party with @laura_a_mcdougal! 💛 Getting to go on a few vacations with @grandpashane to a couple of our favorite places Iceland and Copenhagen! 💛 I finally painted my apartment, adding an accent wall and yellow fireplace! 💛 A few of my favorite makes this year were my Illuminate and Trouville sweaters, and my cow print Cortland Trench! 💛 And getting to go back to Camp @workroomsocial! I'm so happy to be where I am right now and am so excited about what 2022 will bring despite ALL. THIS. BULLSHIT. Thank you for being here with me, and I wish you a happy and safe new year! #lauraallysonparty #allysondykhuizen #lauraallysonretreats #illuminatesweater #drkilluminate #trouvillesweater #grainlinestudio #cortlandtrench #campworkroomsocial2021

Today on the blog we're walking you through all of the supplies you’ll need to follow along with our sew-along and create your Cortland Trench! Although we’ll cover the supplies as part of the first video in the sew-along I know a lot of you appreciate having a look at the complete list ahead of time. Most of these items you should have already, but if not, now’s the time to stock up!⁠ ⁠ Link in profile!⁠ ⁠ #GrainlineStudio #GrainlineCortland #CortlandTrench

The wind is picking up today in Southern Alberta. I decided not to leave my seedlings outside. I sprouted them all from seed in my instant pot this year and they are really freakin’ happy. I know you’re not supposed to get attached to seedlings but it’s completely impossible not to! . Today is the perfect day for a light jacket and it just so happens that @grainlinestudio is releasing a looooooong awaited new pattern, the Cortland Trench. I had the privilege to test sew it back in the fall and it was great fun. It’s not a beginner project and I made it more difficult by shortening it an inch (because short). It’s a delightfully satisfying sew that took several sessions to complete. . I used a sturdy 6oz twill from a local, but online, fabric retailer @cuttersandcloth. They’ve got a lovingly curated selection of high quality fabrics, great customer service and fast shipping. You should check them out! . #memademay2021 #memadewardrobe #memademay #memadeeveryday #grainlinestudio #cuttersandcloth #cortlandtrench #sewyourown #sewyourselfsustainable #handmade #handmadewardrobe #yycsews #yycsewing #classroomselfie #grainlinecortland

I have been slowly chipping away at the #CortlandTrench by @grainlinestudio . Time for a fit check now I've sewn the body together. Annoyingly I took too much out of the sleeve length but I think this can be remedied by adding a cuff detail. Also the storm flap at the back is standing away from the body. I might need to take it in at the seam but if you advice on why this is happening please let me know. Sorry I can't photograph that easily. Overall I am loving making this 🥰 #SewYourStash #Whole30YardsChallenge #SewOver50 #SewOver50October24 #CurvySewing

Over a year ago, I was walking by the Intelligentsia coffee shop in Sunset Junction. I noticed the coolest gal, wearing the most laid back linen trench, white tee, and casual jeans. She was so cool. I knew right then that I needed to make a linen trench coat. Fast forward 14 months and I finally did it. This is the #cortlandtrench from @grainlinestudio I used a mid weight linen, called Fungi, gifted from @fabricsstorecom for a blog post I wrote (see 🔗 in bio to read the article!). This was a project that I never thought I would sew, but have been so proud of how my skills have evolved ocer the last four years. Details: - Cut size 6, graded to size 8 at hips - Added 22” to the length (front, back, and facings!) - Added a back vent - Added a belt and belt loops, however I didn’t not account for it before sewing my welt pockets, which should have been moved down by about 4”. #memade #memadeeveryday #stillsewingstories #sewistsofinstagram #makersmovement #sustainablefashion #ilovelinen #fashionstyle #fabricsstore

Meet our new Chino Twill.⁣ • Available in six gorgeous colors, our Chino Twill is made from 100% cotton and has a signature twill weave. It is durable but softens over time. We love it for work pants like the #coetrousers (35.5" to 66.5" hip) or jackets like the #cortlandtrench (32" to 56" bust). • You can shop our full selection of twills and canvas in store or online now! • [ID: a white hand holds up a structured twill fabric in a soft orange color. Other bolts of the fabric in yellow, sage green, and blue are stacked in the background. Stop.] • #saltlakesewciety #indiesewing #chinotwill #cottonfabric #fabric #apparelfabric #onlinefabricstore #sewingismyjam #sewingworkwear #memade

Sticking this here to keep me on track in 2023. Last year I didn't declare my Make Nine intentions, and whilst I made more than 9 things, I used a scattergun kind of approach and ended up with practically nothing that goes together or that fills the holes in my wardrobe. This year I have set myself a bit of a personal challenge to not buy any sewing patterns in 2023, so I am making things from patterns I already own. Same thing goes for fabric, so brace yourself for some bright, floral poly blends I acquired before I knew what I liked or what I was doing. I have exceptions to the "no craft purchases" rule and that is I can buy thread, zippers and buttons if I *really* can't use the things I have or run out. 🪡 @Iam_patterns Nout pants 🪡 @Iam_patterns Irma 🪡 @grainlinestudio Quilted Tamarack 🪡 @grainlinestudio Cortland Trench 🪡 @mccallpatterncompany M8312 dress 🪡 @merchantandmills Miller Waistcoat 🪡 @closetcorepatterns Mitchell Trousers 🪡 @patternsforpirates Essential Tank 🪡 @theassemblylineshop Tulip Skirt

Dancing with friends is the best, even in the rain. #vancouverjazzfestival #grainlinecortland #porttrousers #cortlandtrench

✂️ N Y H E D ✂️ Grainline Studio har taget trench jakken med de genkendelige detaljer til et mindre formelt og super anvendeligt niveau. #cortlandtrench #grainlinecortland #sewingpattern #snitmønstre #syselv #sysysy #diywardrobe #visytokiga #stofbutik #fabricminds

Yet more #memademay2021 . . . #blackwoodcardigan #duathlonshorts #shinesaxistank #ashtontop #pietrashorts #wikstenshifttop #freerangeslacks #wikstenshiftdress #burnsidebibs #lencoveralls #cortlandtrench

#grainlinecortland #grainlinecortlandtrench by @grainlinestudio a little over my sewing level ( thouse pockets!) but finally very happy with it. @sewover50 #so50jackets #so50october

The @grainlinestudio #grainlinecortland is finished! All details on the blog. I had a lot of fun making this actually, and I’m glad I have a new coat to wear. Why is it called a trench coat though? This is honestly a light weight jacket lol. Perfect for mild LA weather. Also this pattern has been out for a year and it’s not that popular, what a shame. Anyone know why? Specs Fabric: 4C22 silver gray linen from @fabricsstorecom Size: 0 Mods: No fit mods but I did flat felled seams, and bias bound the facings and pockets #grainlinecortlandtrench #grainlinepatterns #grainlinestudio #cortlandtrench #coatsewing #sewingcoats #jacketsewing #trenchcoat #sewingwithlinen

Detail shots of my #grainlinecortland that I posted yesterday. Love that I chose to do flat felled seams, and bias bound the facing and pocket edges. #sewingwithlinen #grainlinecortlandtrench #cortlandtrench #trenchcoat #coatsewing #makersofinstagram #sewistsofinstagram #jacketsewing #grainlinestudio