Sewingplums

Have been looking at Eileen Fisher’s 12 basic shapes for winter.

They are very easy to deal with. She uses almost the same set of 12 basic shapes as in the summer but in warm winter wools and substantial knits rather than light summer fabrics. The ‘moving on’ changes are small.

The summer tops and bottoms are in this post.

No slim pants in the 12 shapes for this winter season, but she does still sell many of them – just as well as I am going to continue to wear them. Wide and lantern legs continue to be included.

Instead of slim pants she has included a skirt. Same as the A-line skirt shown in the summer which was not then one of the basic shapes.
To copy, see Elizabeth Suzann’s Bel skirt.

Lots of tanks – which I don’t wear even in summer 😀
Also boxy tops and a few tees.

images from Eileen Fisher

Some added lengths, another way of adding warmth. Such as a classic shirt at thigh, knee or calf length. Hmm – that one’s in georgette (perhaps for party wear), but you could make one in a warm fabric and it would look just as good.

While these were the summer layers.

For winter layers there’s no blazer among the 12 shapes – there was one in the summer.

The lighter ‘cardigan’ layer from the summer group becomes a true heavy knit long cardigan.

If you want to knit your own, there are 316 V-neck cardigan patterns at Ravelry! I haven’t looked through enough of them to see if there is a drop shoulder thigh length pattern. Of course you can easily lengthen body pieces by adding some rows.
These basics need lengthening : (5.5 sts/in), (4 sts/in), (4 sts/in).
I like the added interest of this Amadou pattern (6 sts/in). I’ve always loved Cabled and Aran designs, but perhaps they’re not minimalist enough to fit in with EF style. Though EF does often use interesting textures.

The summer ‘collared cardigan’ now has an added wide neckline band, so becomes ‘kimono’ in style and called a ‘coat’.

Two pattern possibilities with wide neckbands are :
Helen’s Closet Moss.
Ready to Sew Pekka – two versions in the same pattern, one suited to thick fabric. Both versions lined, video on lining.

That ‘coat’ is one of the 12 shapes, but there are some classic wide-notch-collar coats available too.

Vests continue to be included, there are longer ones, and some quilted ones made from recycled fabric.

A ’new’ layer shape is a boxy poncho – very easy, just 2 rectangles with a scoop neck, fitting well to the shoulder slope (not dragging down), plus short side seams for ‘closures’ under the arm gaps.

Although there are several ‘Big 4’ poncho patterns, none are like this. But it’s easy enough to copy, by adding very short underarm seams to 2 rectangles.
There are many free patterns online.

That poncho with sequins is probably intended for party wear !
The EF party wear capsules from 12 years ago no doubt can still apply – in shape ideas, though of course most of the suggested patterns for copying them are no longer available.
tops and pants.
dresses.

Accessories

Interesting that the shoes are still slides/mules as in the summer, with lace-ups and Chelsea boots for outdoor wear. Most are heavy styles, flat thick soled or wedge heeled, though the boots can have thick separate heels. You would have to kick these shoes off for dancing !

No proper hats, though there are a few beanies.
Most scarves are wide and plain.

Again ultra-simple and copyable bags, some are leather but most made from random patched recycled fabric.

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Keep warm, and have a happy holiday season 😀

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This entry was posted on December 17, 2024 at 11:10 am and is filed under Eileen Fisher. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.