Tick, tock, tick, tock, the countdown has started to sew your festive outfit.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not necessarily need a very experienced sewing level to make your festive outfit. 
Indeed, a pattern intended for beginner sewists sewn with care can very well make a beautiful party or evening outfit.

Do you want to know how? Then, here are my little tips and tricks!

1. The choice of fabric 

 Some materials will give your creation a touch of refinement even for a pattern that seems very simple at first glance.  Of course, you will need to take into account the designer's fabric choice instructions for the pattern you want to make.  For example, if the designer recommends a stretch fabric, do not take liberty or a cotton fabric; you simply risk not being able to fit into your outfit. 

Once these checks are done, you can use noble fabrics such as:

• velvet (cut pile, glittered, moiré or devoré)
• the glittered jacquard or non-glittered
• a cotton with patterns enhanced with gold
• a light plumetis
• a lace
• a glittered or plain tulle,
• a pleated fabric, 
• a fabric containing sequins, 
• a fabric containing feathers, 
• a faux fur...
  the use of this type of these types of fabrics will change everything compared to using a 100% cotton fabric, even if it is very pretty and will be perfect for a more "casual" use.

2. the choice of haberdashery

• highlight a pocket cut, a neckline, a button placket... with a contrasting piping, in lurex, in leather... 
  
• a pretty golden or lurex elastic to make a twirling skirt 
• use a pretty bias tape (liberty, contrasting, faux leather...) to edge a facing, finish a sleeve or a neckline with visible or hidden bias... 
• add scallops to the neckline, on the skirt edge... 
• add a fabric bow on the back, on the pockets, or a belt that will be sewn into the side seam... 
• add a ruffle to the sleeves, on the bodice 
• play with additions: a lace applique on the shoulder, a braid along a sleeve... add beautiful lace on the back or neckline...
• choose high-quality buttons in mother-of-pearl, wood, with glitter or why not even covered buttons?
  The possibilities are limitless as long as you have a bit of imagination and boldness.

3. the choice of patterns

This year has been very rich in designer patterns! And I offer you a selection of those that caught my eye ;-)

At maison fauve, I spotted:

• the Sonia dress in plumetis viscose from Atelier Brunette
• the Tamara dress which will be superb in the starry jacquard from Atelier 27
• the Zenith dress which will be splendid in a pretty Japanese cotton or in the beautiful tawny viscose from Atelier 27.

At IAM Patterns, I spotted:

- the pretty IAM Julie skirt in Atelier 27 jacquard

- the IAM Irma dress or shirt

At Deer and Doe, I spotted the Passiflore dress which I can see well in a short version in a pretty Japanese cotton and in a long version in viscose.

At Appoline Patterns, I’m crazy about the so chic pantsuit whose jacket is called: Taylor, which can be paired with Léo, wide pants with pleats and Italian pockets, or with Hugo, "carrot" pants. 

And why not pair the pretty leo pants with the Alanis blouse by Elsa from Urban Fairy Patterns? With its pretty bow at the collar, it will be perfect for the holidays!

Let's not forget the gentlemen who can wear a nice Champion polo created by the dynamic duo of Beaux gosses. To be the most handsome for the holidays!

All that's left ;-) 

And you, have you already chosen your outfit?