Midwestern Dad

Haven't made a Fairfield yet, but it reviews well and I'm a Thread Theory fan, so it is on the list. I have seen it recommended for flannel, as well, so I might have to give that a try.

The next three patterns are me hunting around for a summer shirt. Tofino is a classic camp collar shirt. Helen's Closet provides all the sizes.

Cuba from Notches is a relaxed camp collar shirt with no yoke across the back shoulder.

All State is included because of the wide mitered hem, though some of the reviews make me a little nervous. I should probably buy a bolt of something and make each of these with the same fabric to see which one I like best.

About a million t-shirt patterns out there, had to make some choices. Included the Sage if you like a looser fit, and Jalie if you like something a little more fitted.

Jalie's printed patterns are great if you need to jump around between sizes for shoulder, chest, waist, and hip.

Grandma had multiple closets full of elegant clothes she'd made herself. Many years ago, she helped me use her sewing machine to make the first garment I ever made for myself. It was a hideous pair of elastic waist shorts in black quilting weight cotton with neon green skulls printed all over. I was so cool! Grandma was very smooth, she never told me any of her internal monologue from that day. Sakhu is the grown up version of the basic elastic waist short. Front pockets, nice waistband details. Could do it in neon green skulls, but I'm not going to. Probably.

I wore out two pairs of cargo shorts when the kids were small, hauling all kinds of things. My cargo pocket advice: if you're sitting, thigh front pockets are okay, but if you need to chase kids around, avoid pockets on the front of the leg - you'll get bruised by the cargo. Look for pockets that have pleats and edge gussets. If the pocket can't expand to hold a sippy cup, a pack of wipes, or a pile of cool pine cones is it really big enough? A fitted waistband is better than elastic or ties, because you don't want the shorts sliding down under load. This pattern from Wardrobe By Me hits all those notes.

Zip leg pants are great for the trail, the campground, or the State Fair.

Now we're moving into winter. The BFH is easy to make, easy to hack with animal ears or team jersey numbers, perfect for when you want to wear a blanket around the house. Hygge, but American.

My go-to pattern for fleece pajama pants. Everyone in the family has multiples of these now.

Have not made, but really like Jalie patterns, want to try these out.

Need new snowpants.

When you get to the age where your toes are always cold in the winter, sometimes you want some slippers.

Mad Cap has a lot of great winter hats. (If you wear ladies hats, check out their fleece cloche!)

Not my style personally, but a great many Midwestern Dads like a flat cap.

With upholstery remnants and twill tape binding, this bag can be soft and fold up in your suitcase. With canvas and a heavy polyester web for binding, it will stand up on its own and make a great tool bag! I've made a dozen of these - two still in the sewing room, the rest made great gifts!

I like the looks of this one because of the internal frame to help keep the shape.

Haven't made one of these, but the pattern made me grin, had to throw it in here. (It will even clip onto your bike!) ProperFit has some other great bags, as well!