We are Megan Nielsen fans here at Backstitch, so we would love to share with you the latest two patterns from this lovely Australian designer. We are particularly fond of the Megan Nielsen Axel skirt, as it is super flattering, and smart, but made from a knit, so you feel like you're wearing pyjamas! Axel comes in a variety of different hem finishes, including a flowy handkerchief hem and a midi length version with a slit that can be worn on either the front or back.  There’s also a lovely knee length version with the added embellishment of on-trend hip sashes. All the skirt options are close fitted and sit on the natural waist. The Axel sewing pattern is dead easy, so is suitable for a beginner, and as it is simple to construct and has easily adaptable pieces, there is plenty of potential for more experienced sewers to add their own ideas. We recommend using a thick stable knit like ponte, scuba or neoprene. It’s comfortable, but still looks put together and sophisticated. In the image you'll see a few of our suggestions for Ponte roma jersey available at Backstitch: Woven Aztec; Woven Spot; Waffle Cloque; and Kingfisher. [caption id="attachment_1241" align="alignright" width="630"]Ponte roma jersey Woven Aztec, Woven Spot, Waffle Cloque and Kingfisher Fabric suggestions for Megan Nielsen Axel Skirt. Clockwise from left, Ponte roma jersey Woven Aztec, Woven Spot, Waffle Cloque and Kingfisher[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1236" align="alignright" width="630"]Megan Nielsen Sudley Dress Megan Nielsen Sudley Dress[/caption] The Megan Nielsen Sudley pattern can be either a gathered waist dress or a pretty blouse. It is loose, flowy, super sweet, and full of possibilities. You can make a pretty peter pan collar or go with a keyhole opening and ties, there are three sleeve lengths, and you can even reverse Sudley and wear the keyhole at the front or back.  So much choice! [caption id="attachment_1235" align="alignright" width="630"]Megan Nielsen Sudley blouse Megan Nielsen Sudley blouse options[/caption] For Sudley we recommend light to medium weight woven fabrics with drape, for example crepe de chine, voile, lawn, rayon (viscose), chambray etc. The stiffer the fabric, the boxier this design is going to look. For more of a flowy drapey garment you want to go for a flowy drapey fabric. You can even use a chiffon as the dress is fully lined. If you’re planning on adding the collar, make sure you use a lightweight interfacing - you don't want an interfacing that is too stiff. See what Megan Nielsen's testers for Sudley made here. At Backstitch, we have mountains of lovely fabric suitable for making Sudley! Shown in the image are a few suggestions, clockwise from left: a floral cotton lawn in blue from Liberty Art Fabrics; a cotton lawn Green Birds; a cotton cambric from Atelier Brunette, Bye Bye Birdie Blue Jean; a chambray by Robert Kaufman, Alternating Dot Indigo; and a viscose (rayon), Leaves, Black on Cream. [caption id="attachment_1242" align="alignright" width="630"]Fabric recommendations for Megan Nielsen Sudley Dress and Blouse Fabric recommendations for Megan Nielsen Sudley Dress and Blouse[/caption] We hope you have lots of fun making your Megan Nielsen Axel skirts and Sudley blouses and dresses.