Me-Made May: Sewing Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Me-Made May is all about celebrating the clothes you’ve sewn, taking pride in wearing them and maybe giving yourself a gentle nudge to make more. Whether you’re joining in properly or just dipping a toe into the idea, it’s a brilliant excuse to take a closer look at your handmade wardrobe and plan pieces that are both joyful to sew and easy to wear.
With summer just around the corner it’s the perfect time to build yourself a me-made capsule wardrobe. It doesn’t have to be minimalist or matchy-matchy. In fact, the best capsule wardrobes are personal. They’re built around how you actually dress day to day and they’re full of pieces that layer, mix and work hard without ever feeling like a uniform.
Let’s talk about how to make your own, and what to sew next.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a small, thoughtful collection of clothes that work together. It’s built around the idea of quality over quantity: fewer pieces that do more.
But here’s the lovely thing: when you make your own clothes, you’re already halfway there. You’re choosing fabrics you love, picking shapes that suit you and sewing with care. You’re naturally building a more mindful wardrobe.
A summer capsule might include around 6–10 key garments:
Add in accessories or a mix of prints and solids and you’ve got a whole season’s worth of outfit options from just a few me-made pieces.
Choosing your colour palette
You don’t need to be rigid about this, but picking a palette really helps your pieces work together. Start with what you naturally reach for:
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Neutrals like ivory, navy, khaki, and soft black make a great base.
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Accent colours like mustard, coral, sage or lavender can give everything a lift.
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Prints that include 2–3 of your main colours help tie everything together without being too samey.
If you’re stash-busting, use the palette to guide your fabric pairing; you’ll be surprised what combinations you already have on hand.
What to sew for your capsule
Let’s look at some versatile pieces that are great for warmer weather and perfect for showing off your me-made skills.
☀️ Easy-to-wear tops
Think sleeveless shells, boxy tees or lightweight button-downs. These are the sort of pieces you’ll wear again and again — tucked into shorts, layered over skirts, or thrown on with jeans.
Spritz Tank Tops Duo Pattern by Maison Fauve
Fabrics to try:
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Pima cotton lawn – crisp, cool, and ideal for clean finishes
Shop Cotton Lawn here.
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Viscose – lovely drape and easy movement
Shop Viscose here.
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Linen blends – breathable and perfect for summer
Shop Linens here.
👗 A favourite dress
Choose a silhouette you love, maybe a tiered midi, wrap dress, shirt dress, or a simple shift. You want something you can wear to the park, the pub garden or just pottering about.
Tessuti Alessi Bias Dress pattern
Fabrics to try:
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Lightweight viscose or rayon – for floaty, relaxed styles
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Cotton poplin – crisp with great structure for gathered skirts
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Printed ex-designer fabrics – one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t see elsewhere
👖 Bottoms that work hard
Trousers or shorts in fabrics that hold their shape and wear well. Go for wide-leg trousers, elasticated waists, or a cropped culotte. Bonus points if they have pockets.
Ninni Culottes Pattern by Named
Fabrics to try:
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Linen/cotton canvas – structured but wearable
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Chambray or lightweight denim – for that classic look
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Stretch cotton blends – comfort without compromising on fit
🧥 A layer for cooler days
Even in summer, we need a layer. An oversized shirt, lightweight blazer or cropped jacket is perfect for unpredictable weather.
Fabrics to try:
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Washed linen – soft and slouchy with great texture
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Lightweight suiting wools – for a polished look without heaviness
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Cotton twill or soft denim – structured and reliable
Just head HERE then click fabrics to browse over 4,000 we have in stock here at Croft Mill. You can filter by seasonality, type of fabric, yarn and even by pattern/colour.
Why Me-Made May is the perfect time to start
This month isn’t just about showing off what you’ve already made it’s about discovering what’s missing, which pieces you wear on repeat, and what you’d like more of. It’s a chance to reflect, re-wear and plan your next make with intention.
Ask yourself:
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What do I always reach for?
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What am I missing that would pull things together?
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Which makes do I love but never wear - and why?
Your answers will guide your capsule naturally.
One step at a time
You don’t need to sew it all at once. Start with one gap: maybe you need a dress you can wear on holiday or a pair of shorts that actually fit. Pick a fabric you love, a pattern you trust (or fancy trying) and take your time.
We’ve got a carefully chosen range of summer fabrics that are ideal for capsules — from colourful cotton lawns to limited edition Italian deadstocks. If you’re not sure where to begin just get in touch. We’re always happy to help with pairings, pattern suggestions or questions about drape and weight.
In summary
Me-Made May is the perfect excuse to stop and think about what you wear and what you really want to sew next. A handmade summer capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be huge or perfectly planned. It just needs to work for you.
Choose a few patterns you love, fabrics that make you smile and create pieces you’ll wear again and again. The joy is in the making but it’s even better when you love wearing them too.
Happy stitching,
The Croft Mill Team x
