The fashion forecast for spring is simple and casual, but refined and elegantly feminine. Think of garments created with simplicity of line, yet sophisticated and graceful. Many spring fashions are uncomplicated garments with slight detail elements. Spring 2017 is where fabric color and fabric design converge to form the leading elements.

Spring color names from Pantone, Inc. (a company with global color direction) that evoke the new tentative beginnings of nature’s promising season of re-awakenings are primrose yellow, pale dogwood, hazelnut, island paradise, greenery, flame, pink yarrow, Niagara, kale and lapis blue. Sewing projects that incorporate these on trend colors will look new and modern.

Fashion forecast for spring shows slacks are slim and worn under just about everything, but can be flowy for evening with stretchy breathing ease. Dresses show wide-cinch belts and hemlines are once again of every length. Blouses have some diaphanous romantic volume with many casual details and all garments seem to lie softly on the body without being formally constructed to do so.

Ever a favorite are animal prints paired with earthy colors. Some eye-popping neons reminiscent of the 60's and 70's are still available for the very trendy brave at heart. Consider "minion yellow!" Still popular are monochrome neutrals paired with a darker contrasting-colored accessory provide defining flair. Pair your soft flowy pieces with a tailored item and you will be right in style for the season.

How does this translate into the sensible sewer’s world? The major pattern companies follow such fashion trends closely and offer the sewer many opportunities to emulate the season’s newest styles.

While fabric color and sophisticated design might be the overarching elements for spring 2017, fabric content is always a consideration. It is worthwhile to note that growing consumer awareness for the support of sustainability efforts of major business activities allows for environmental and humanitarian concerns to become economic drivers even in the textile and fashion industries.

At the heart of the concept of sustainability is a desire to achieve human and ecosystem wellbeing. The result of our human endeavors should be to provide the best of all possible worlds for all people and the environment both now and into the indefinite future. Textiles, ready-to-wear clothing, and their accessories are now chosen by some consumers not just for their pleasing aesthetics but for environmental and ethical considerations as well.

Visit the Pantone Color Institute for great color ideas.

Sew happy, sew inspired.