#GSS March 24: Wet + Windy!

The Wet + Windy Challenge

Yes you did read that correctly, and whilst this title might conjure up all manner of things in your mind 🫨🫢 please remember this is a sewing challenge😉🤣!!

Sew welcome to another first in the wide array of our #getsetsew challenges.  Remember the saying that goes ‘March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb’? well it is certainly feeling like that in Cornwall this year.  We are having lots of wet and windy weather right now, and spring only keeps teasing us with a rare sunny, but very cold day. So we thought that a seasonal challenge was definitely in order this month.  And this is not one that our sewing friends in the southern hemisphere should miss out on either, with your autumn approaching. 

The #getsetsewmarch challenge is to make something to keep you or someone else, or your belongings, or even your dog🐶 dry and warm when venturing out in the  abundance of wet and windy weather that this season seems to be bringing! As I sit writing this blog pos,t with the wind howling and the rain and hail rattling the windows, never has a #getsetsew challenge felt more apt!!

As always the choice of makes is yours, maybe you want to challenge yourself by making something outside of your usual comfort zone, like a raincoat, a waterproof parka or trench coat (remember the lovely ones from the Sewing Bee 2022 with Brogan’s amazing Oasis vibe parka!). Or maybe try out some bag making with a waterproof rucksack or sling bag.  And not forgetting our four legged friends, how about a dog coat or even hat😉.  For those of us yearning for warmer weather, a waterproof picnic rug or beach blanket could an option.  

When you start thinking about it there are so many choices for this challenge, and we have put together a few of our favourite patterns as well as some suppliers of waterproof, water resistant and oilskin fabrics as a starting point.

The links for most of these patterns are from The Foldline but they will also usually be available from the individual designers’ websites, as well as other online stockists.

Closet Core Kelly Anorak https://thefoldline.com/product/kelly-anorak-jacket/ 

Merchant Mills Parka https://thefoldline.com/product/tn31-parka-coat/ 

The Assembly Line Hoodie Parka https://thefoldline.com/product/hoodie-parka-coat/ 

Vikisews  over the head Neya Anorak https://thefoldline.com/product/neya-anorak/ 

I Am Patterns Jacques Raincoat https://thefoldline.com/product/jacques-raincoat/ 

Named Isla Trench Coat https://thefoldline.com/product/isla-trench-coat/ 

The Makers’ Atelier Utility Coat https://thefoldline.com/product/the-makers-atelier-utility-coat/ 

Merchant Mills RTR Rucksack https://thefoldline.com/product/merchant-mills-rtr-rucksack/ 

Noodlehead Bag Bundle which includes a backpack, sling bag and tote bag https://thefoldline.com/product/noodlehead-bestselling-bag-bundle/

Hey June Handmade Marjorie Sling Bag https://thefoldline.com/product/marjorie-sling-bag/ 

Ellie and Mac Picnic Blanket Tote pattern and tutorial https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/picnic-blanket-tote-pattern

Merchant and Mills Barka Dog Coat https://thefoldline.com/product/merchant-mills-barka-dog-coat/ 

McCall’s Dog Hats Mccall's Patterns MC7004 OSZ Pet Costumes : Amazon.co.uk 

These are some stockists of water resistant / waterproof fabrics, but a google search will provide lots of other options and stockists

Croft Mill Fabrics https://www.croftmill.co.uk/waterproof-water-resistant-fabrics 

Merchant and Mills https://merchantandmills.com/uk/oilskin 

Norther Monkey Makes https://northernmonkeymakes.com/collections/softshell-1 

Guthrie Ghani https://guthrie-ghani.co.uk/shop/fabric/ruby-wet-finish-wax-cotton-fabric 

Active Fabrics www.activefabrics.co.uk

Pro Fabrics https://www.profabrics.co.uk/

Waterproof or water-resistant materials are essential for keeping the wet weather at bay.  If you want to make something fully waterproof you will need to do some research to ensure you choose the right fabric for the job. And remember you will also need to pay attention to details like seams, closures, and hems to ensure your creation is functional and durable.

But most importantly remember our #getsetsew challenges are all about trying out new ideas and techniques if you want to, or sticking to tried and tested if you prefer.  But most of all we want you to have fun with the challenge and your makes. Remember, there are no strict rules here, just unleash your inner creativity and see where this wet and windy #getsetsewmarch takes you. 

As always, we can’t wait to see your pics for this challenge 📸  Don't forget to use the hashtag #getsetsewMarch when you post your pictures in the Stitch Sewcial Facebook group.  And most importantly don't forget to post the pics in the #getsetsew March album so we can be inspired by seeing your wonderful makes all in one place.  The album can be found under Media > Albums from a computer, or by clicking on the three lines at the top left side of the Stitch Sewcial Facebook group page from a mobile device..  If you're on Instagram then please tag us in your posts @starttostitch we love seeing them 📷😊

 Let's face the wind and rain in style and comfort together. Are you ready???  

 GET, SET...............SEW!!

PS:  Don't forget you can use the bingo card to collate your challenges throughout the year! Download it here:

Our 2024 challenges to date: