………….The Big 40% Off Sale Is Here! (45% off if using my code!)
Today, March 23 through Friday-3/27, 2026, all Love Notions digital patterns and sewing courses will be 40% off! This doesn’t happen very often, so I highly suggest grabbing any patterns(and courses) you really want to sew up soon! The only pattern excluded is the new Muse Blouse. If you use my code 10MACSEWS you can get an additional 5% off the sale prices for a total of 45% off!!!!
What Patterns Should You Grab?
Need help deciding which patterns to grab during this sale?
First, I recommend buying the recent new releases that you didn’t buy during the release sale. Patterns typically don’t become a $6 pattern until one year after they have released. Patterns such as the Opus Vest, Bridget Trousers and the Palmer Dress are good ones to buy. These patterns may have released during the fall and winter months, however they can work for spring and summer too!
This is also a great time to pick up any of the recent $6 Feature Friday patterns that you may have missed. Patterns are only featured for $6 once a year, so if you missed one~ now is the time to grab it!
The 5 Patterns I’m Sewing This Spring~
1. Constellation Pullover
Why?
- Perfect Summer Pullover!!
- Half-zip front makes it so easy to put on and take off(much easier than a hoodie!)
- The half-zip makes it breast feeding friendly too!
- Great alternative to a hoodie
- Comfy as a hoodie~ but looks so much nicer
- Can be color blocked
- Huge front pocket! No worrying about your phone falling out! I ride my bike with my phone in that pocket!!
- Available as the North Star for men, or the Navigator for kids so you can make them for the whole family!
Many times someone might think of the Constellation as a something you’d sew for Fall or Winter. However, sewn in the “right” fabric, this pullover is PERFECT for cool spring and summer mornings or evenings! . I love the longer zipper, which means you can lower the zipper if you get a tad warm.
My newest Constellation is one I just sewed up in a brand new fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabrics called Verona Active Stretch Poly. For all the details on that fabric, visit this “Weekly Stitch” blog post. Although the Constellation is designed for knit fabrics, I have made it from Sweatshirt fleece that has very little stretch, so I decided to modify it to work for this woven stretch fabric and it worked out beautifully!
I absolutely LOVE this pullover and I can’t wait to wear it! This fabric is simply amazing to sew with! It’s fast drying, lightweight and has 2 way mechanical stretch! It is available in various solid dyed colors, all the prints in the RCF current Swim Collection and even is available for custom printing. My husband actually said this was one of my favorite makes! (Check out last week’s “Weekly Stitch” to see his Band Camp shirt in the solid French Blue Verona Active Stretch.)
Changes to made for a Verona Active Stretch Woven Constellation~
- Added 1/2″ to all side seams (upper and lower bodices, pocket)
- Added 1/2″ to the sleeve seam at the underarm while grading it out 2″ at the wrist (on both sides). This was for fit and comfort while wearing.
- Used cotton/lycra knit for the cuffs and pocket bands.
- Used tricot knit interfacing along the center front edge for more stability when attaching the zipper.
- Finished the center front edges of the upper bodice after applying the interfacing. (Since this fabric is woven & will fray unlike a knit)
This time of year, I LOVE sewing up the Constellation in Swim Fabric. Above you’ll see my newest Swim Constellation. The Navy Lobster is part of the 2026 Swim Collection. I just had to throw in a picture of the Swim Constellation that started it all many many years ago!! Other fabrics that work great for the Constellation this time of year are French Terry and Loop French Terry.
My Constellation plans for this spring/summer are another Loop French Terry in coral and one more swim knit. I’m also going to be working on altering a couple of my favorites from the past year or so to fit me better.
If you’ve been reading my blog you know how much I love sewing every day clothes in swim fabrics. You can read more over on this blog post. There you might find some helpful tips for sewing with swim.
You can read all about my Constellation collection HERE.
Purchase the Constellation Pullover HERE.
2. Aria Button down
Why?
- Great layering piece
- Long Sleeve version is perfect for cool evenings or chilly air-conditioned stores
- Perfect when worn open over the LBD or a Summer Basics Tank
- Short sleeve version is great for hot and humid days(when sewn up in a linen or cotton voile)
- Sleeveless dress version is a great summer staple!
If you can only pick one pattern, then it has to be the Aria button down. A classic button down is always a staple in any classic wardrobe. I also love to use the Aria pattern as a vest or “jacket”.
Nervous about sewing a button down shirt? No need to be! There is an awesome sewing course you can purchase that holds your hand every step of the way. The 40% sale include all the sewing courses too!! You can find the Aria Course HERE.
One of my favorite things to do is to modify the Aria into a “jacket” or vest. For the “jacket” basically I’m tweaking the cuff and the hemline. The Kelly green linen Aria “jacket” I made last spring is one of my all time favorite makes. I wore is so often that I knew I needed to make another version this spring. I’m planning a Navy Blue linen version for this year. Visit this blog post for all the details.
A few years ago I purchased the light blue floral linen online. When it arrived, I loved it but it was a tad too heavy for a shirt~ so I recreated the wool vest I had made a year earlier. You can get all the details for the vest on this blog post.
I LOVE sewing and wearing the Aria in linen! It may wrinkle, but the coolness of it totally makes up for the wrinkles. My FAVORITE Aria is still my color blocked linen version that I made over 2 years ago. On my to-sew list this spring is an another color blocked linen version and a lt. purple linen version. My favorite place to buy linen is GrayLines Linen in the NYC Garment District. If you don’t love the wrinkles of linen, seersucker is also a great option for the Aria in spring and summer time!
You can read more about my Aria Button downs at the links below:
- To read all about the Aria, and how I adjust it to fit my petite pear shape, visit this blog post.
- To read how I modified the Aria into a vest, visit THIS blog post.
- Ideas to embellish the Aria, read about them HERE.
- Four new Arias for Spring ~ 2024. Read about them here with sewing tips too!
3. Compose “Cardigan”
Why?
- Makes THE perfect gift! (as a robe or cardigan)
- Easy to fit (another reason it makes a great gift)
- Quick and easy sew.
- Beginner Friendly
- Can be made in knit or woven fabrics.
- Banded or hooded options
- 2 different lengths available: Knee and Calf
- Hanging loop included in pattern.
- Can easily be made into a cardigan!
This is the most worn cardigan in my closet. It goes on every vacation with me! And yes, I made it from the Compose Robe pattern. This pattern is a great option to use when you have a knit that may not have enough stretch to it for a traditional cardigan pattern.
My first Italian Boucle Cardigan fabric is one that I purchased from Kashi at Metro Textiles in the NYC garment district. I already know this will be getting packed for my Italy trip next year! I also have a second boucle Compose “Cardigan” planned for this blue boucle that I purchased at Chic Fabrics in the NYC garment district as well. I’m hoping that perhaps this week before the sale is over I will get it done!
Yes, I have actually made several Compose Robes! To learn more about the Compose Robe pattern~ read this blog post.
You can grab the Compose Robe pattern HERE.
4. Caprice Skirt
Why?
- Five skirt styles to choose from
- Easy to sew and comfortable elastic waist
- Beginner Friendly~ especially View C
- Quick Sew
- Optional Pockets!
The Caprice skirt pattern includes so many options! Made with different fabrics it can bring you through the spring and summer and then right on to fall and winter. It is all about fabric choice.
Two times I have chosen to use the Caprice to make a “Faux Dress”! I love dresses, but as a retired teacher I just don’t need that many in my wardrobe. This is the perfect option for me!! I made one version for fall and another last summer. I have worn all of these pieces together and separately.
For the Navy Double Gauze version I paired the 3 tiered Caprice Skirt with the Timbre Top. I added a touch of white rick rack for fun. Because, who doesn’t love rick rack? Want some tips on sewing with Double Gauze? Visit this blog post.
This Floral Caprice Skirt is made from the View A/B back pattern piece. I used that piece as both the front and the back so it has just a single bottom ruffle. It is paired here with a Long Sleeved Band Camp Shirt and a Boyfriend Cardigan “Vest”. You can read more about this outfit here.
My Caprice plans for this spring and summer include a denim chambray version to start with. I also would like to find a nice linen plaid or check and perhaps another double gauze version. I do have a piece of batik lawn that I ordered from Fabric.com years ago~ that I think I might sew up into a Caprice as well!
To read all about my Caprice Skirt Collection, visit this blog post. This blog post also includes directions on how to line the Caprice skirt as well as many sewing tips!
You can get the Caprice Skirt pattern HERE.
5. Tinley Skort and Skirt
Why?
- Casual and comfortable~ I actually live in mine all spring summer!!!
- Great alternative to shorts
- Perfect for bike riding and hiking, when made in swim or athletic fabrics
- Super quick sew
- Pattern includes shorts and skirt options
- Easy to get a custom fit with back elastic
My absolute favorite way to make and wear the Tinley skort is with swim fabrics from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I have been making them for a few years now and I simply still grab for them all the time.
On a typical spring or summer day I may wear one to the grocery store, out to lunch, for a bike ride around the neighborhood, for a walk or just relaxing on the porch with a book.
They have also become my go-to for vacations! Perfect for hiking and more serious bike rides(20-30 miles)! The swim knit is cool to the touch and UPF 50 so it’s perfect for hot sunny days. I use cotton lycra for the shorts underneath. You could also make these in athletic knits. I purchase all my swim knits from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I love having fun “Lilly P” type prints custom printed on swim fabric.
The straight skirt option of the Tinley is my alternative to shorts. I simply don’t wear shorts~ I don’t find them comfortable and I hate how they bunch up on me! To me, the Tinley straight skirt is cooler and more comfortable to wear. I love using midweight to heavier weight cottons for the Tinley skirt.
The floral faux patchwork skirt is a stretch cotton poplin(from the NYC garment district) paired with a La Bella Donna. The Madras Patchwork skirt is also from the NYC garment district and it is paired with a white linen Aria button-down. This was the perfect outfit for a lunch date in Newport (RI) with my husband last summer.
For more detailed information on the Tinley Skirt and Skort visit this blog post.
Visit this blog post for a run down on all the fabric types you can use for the Tinley.
Want to simplify your Tinley with a single piece of wide elastic? Check my hack our here.
You can get the Tinley pattern HERE.
Additional Pattern I’m Planning To Sew
Metra Blazer
I haven’t sewn up a Metra Blazer in a few years. Mainly because the pattern I have traced (yes I am team trace) was a size too small. But, luckily not that pattern will fit me again! I really enjoy how comfortable the Metro is to wear. My plans include a Navy blue Ponte and a Bright Pink Ponte with a linen look. The Metro gives you an elevated with the comfort of a cardigan!
Still need inspiration? Check out some of these other blog posts!
- See my everyday favorites for a Coastal Summer at this blog post.
- See how I created a Coastal Preppy Wardrobe for Spring with Love Notions pattern on this blog post.
- Sew A Vacation Wardrobe With Love Notions (2024)
- You can check out my personal top 5 Love Notions patterns HERE. Note there might be some overlap on these lists. My favorites are constantly changing~ but these will always be patterns I love!
- Want to get the most bang for your buck? Check out this blog post to find some Love Notions patterns give you the most bang for your buck!
Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit! If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts! On most Fridays I publish my “Weekly Stitch” blog with updates on what I’m sewing, pattern sales, fabric resources and sometimes random parts of my life!
Mary Anne 🙂
Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes! @sewmarymac
You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account
Pattern Links~
NOTE: These are affiliate links. It costs you nothing to purchase from these links but they do give me credit for your purchase and provide me with a small commission. This helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to continue to test and review more patterns
You can purchase any Love Notions pattern HERE. Remember this sale includes the sewing courses as well!
Love Notions Constellation Pullover
Love Notions Compose Robe (Cardigan)
Love Notions Tinley Skirt and Skort
To receive a total of 45% off the pattern and sewing course prices, use the coupon code 10MACSEWS. This coupon code can be used anytime on any pattern. This code will be updating on April 1st. Please visit my newest blog post in April for the new code.
I am currently a Love Notions Ambassador. I am given access to all new patterns for free. I purchased some of the patterns above on my own before becoming an ambassador. As always all opinions are my own.
sewmarymac.com 