I'm really enjoying taking part in blog tours this year, they are pushing me to create and try sewing some things I probably wouldn't have thought about before.

​Today I'm excited to be included in the Lulu & Celeste, Sprouting JubeJube Productions Back to School Tour now I hear you saying, "but don't you home educate?!" and yes, yes I do but we still have several groups which take a break over the summer and restart in Autumn time along with the need to change wardrobes for the new seasons weather.

Here in the UK, the Autumnal weather is wind, intermittent and unpredictable rain and temperatures. We spend a LOT of time outdoors so waterproofs and layers feature heavily for us.

I'm super excited by this outfit, It's just perfect for going to his forest group, walking through the countryside or even just playing out in the garden and I can't hide it from you any longer so here it is!

Welcome to my stop on the Sew Long Summer Blogtour hosted by Melissa of mahlicadesigns, it couldn't have come at a better time for us here in the UK as we've definitely seen a change in the seasons in the past week or two! 

As we say SewLong to Summer, my thoughts are turned to Autumnal sews and keeping the cold, wind and rain at bay whilst being able to remove layers on those days where the weather can't make it's mind up!  (Yesterday we had everything from 23°C bright sunshine to 11°C with thunderstorms and gale force winds!) 

Whilst I've been keeping up to date sewing cardigans, sweaters and hoodies throughout the Summer, I now need to think about heavier, warmer and drier functionality garments so where better to start sewing for Autumn than a coat!? 

Ever since I made my boys their first Elevation Hoodies (click for original blogpost) almost 18 months ago, my Husband has been pestering for one too!  In the beginning I had the excuse that the pattern only came in ages 6-12 months to 16 years, however a few of months ago, the mens version was released which took the available sizes right up to 3XL (up to 57" chest!) so I could no longer use that one! Then I had the excuse of it being Summertime soon so there wouldn't be any need for hoodies for a few months which seemed to pacify him a few more months, THEN, a couple of weeks ago, he saw me looking at this blogpost for a zipper front hack and I really couldn't think of any more excuses so figured it was about time I just made it for him, and what's a good outfit without matching mini versions for the boys? After all, they have both grown significantly since their original ones and could do with some bigger, warmer clothes too.

In my opinion, everybody needs a pair of classic tailored formal occasion or work appropriate pair of trousers in their wardrobe.  There isn't always time to make or buy a pair when needed so having them there, ready in case, seems logical to me!  With that, I introduce you to my newest pair! A pinstripe version make with the new North Point Trousers pattern from Itch to Stitch. Complete with all the necessary features including, single welt back pockets, slanted front pockets, zipper fly and hooks, belt loops and blind hems, they're the perfect pattern in my opinion for the job!

I'm not going to lie, these took a while to make! There are 29 pages to print and assemble (although they're trim pages and line up so well, that it's really not a chore at all!) and then the cutting of the fabric before embarking on a 79 step construction BUT I believe it is totally worth it for the quality, finish and fit of the final trousers.