Jan 2026
Welcome to your January 2026 Dream Wardrobe.
UK SIZES 6-30
Whether it’s winter or spring, denim is always a winner in any wardrobe. This month, we wanted to pick not only a versatile fabric for you but also a versatile pattern. A pinafore dress that is perfect for layering, whether you wear it straight away with a jumper and tights or wait till the warmer weather and wear it with a simple t-shirt. We hope to fill a gap in your wardrobe.
About the fabric:
This month, we have created a beautiful new colourway of our Cole 9oz 100% cotton denim, dyed exclusively for Dream Wardrobe subscribers. We have selected a beautiful warm tobacco colourway, super on trend for 2026.
Whether you make the included pattern or something else, this denim works for jeans, shorts, dresses and so many other projects.
Machine washable at 30 degrees, cool iron and hang out to dry straight after washing.
The Cole denim would also work for these patterns:
About the pattern:
Meet Noa, the polished pinafore that’ll quickly become a wardrobe fave. With a princess-seam bodice, an exposed zip, and an optional D-ring adjuster, Noa blends classic lines with modern details. Our award-winning instructions will teach you to install the zip and attach a facing using the clever “burrito method”. Layer Noa over T-shirts, blouses, and roll necks for year-round style.
· Semi-fitted silhouette, subtly shaped with princess seams and waist darts
· High waistline with optional D-ring adjuster at the back for a customisable fit
· Exposed zip front opening
· Choice of round neck or V neck, finished with an all-in-one facing
· Choice of mini or knee-length hemline
We have also made a habby kit in case you want to replicate Josie’s version:
This kit includes:
- 1.25m - White Medium Weight Interfacing
- 0.5m - Continuous Gold matching Zip
- x1 Gold Star Zip Pull
- x2 Gold D-rings
- x2 Gold Zip Stops
The Noa Pinafore would also look great in:
About your gift:
Sew Your Own Esme Young doll with this illustrated sewing kit. Fans of The Great British Sewing Bee will love this craft kit. Show off your sewing skills and make your very own Esme Young! Make a black-and-white doll or paint, embroider, colour, or applique your kit into a one-off doll, cushion, or even a framed art piece!
The finished doll stands approximately 30cm high. The kit includes a screen-printed fabric panel, instructions, and a postcard.
#fgdreamwardrobe
Want to share your Dream Wardrobe? Use the hashtag #fgdreamwardrobe and share your unboxing and final makes on social media.
Happy sewing, Josie xxx
Fabric Godmother
Zoe’s sewing notes
- For this sample, I didn't use interfacing on the facings. I felt that the two layers of this denim were thick enough, and I didn't want to risk the top part of the garment feeling too stiff.
- If you wish to save on the denim fabric, so you have enough for another project, perhaps, you can cut the front and back facing pieces from scraps of another woven fabric. Cotton lawn, poplin or quilting cotton, for example, would be ideal. Because it won't be seen from the outside, you can have fun adding a cute or pretty print without affecting the finished garment's look. Remember to use interfacing on the facings if using a fabric lighter than this denim.
- Topstitching always looks better with a longer stitch length (yes, this is a hill I'm prepared to die on), even if your thread colour is a close match to your fabric, as opposed to a contrast. So, before you edge-stitch down the front of the bodice and across the back belt pieces, and when you hem the bottom edge, set your stitch length to 3.5 or 4mm.
- If you're confident in topstitching or looking to challenge yourself, consider picking a contrasting thread colour to make a feature of it. We'd advise using a thicker thread than regular sew-all thread, such as Gutermann top-stitching thread or Gutermann Extra Strong thread. You can go to town by adding topstitching along the edges of the princess seams as well.
- It's always a good idea to have a couple of mid-project fitting sessions so you can tweak the fit if necessary. Although it might be tempting to create a really sleek fit, as this pattern advises, you need to avoid over-fitting this pinafore. Because the zip only opens to the waistline, a too-tight fit will make it difficult or impossible to get on and off.