If you make one resolution…

Move over New Year, September is where our resolutions are taking place from now on! With the autumn comes all kinds of changes; the weather turns, schools start and we feel compelled to clean, organise and take charge! And it looks like we’re not the only ones… Social media site, Pinterest carried out a nationwide survey to discover the changes us Brits want to make now that summer is over. The research showed that 55% of people feel that right now is the perfect time to improve their lifestyle, whether that’s eating healthier, trying a new hobby or sprucing up the home. If there’s something new you want to do this month, Sew has just the tips to help you achieve it – read on to change your life the stitchy way…

Make time for you

Pinterest reports that 37% of people want more 'me time' after enjoying a jam-packed summer – and we can't blame them! The daily grind of working, school runs and socialising is enough to tire anyone out, that's why sparing time for yourself is so important. Sew's floral eye mask is perfect to wear during those much-deserved lie-ins, and there's nothing better than delving into a good book while your time is undisturbed. So why not create this stylish cover for your latest read? Or use it to wrap up your favourite notebook or diary instead.

Up-up-upcycle!

This September, the Sew HQ team want to start transforming our old garments, and you can too! Make use of worn-out denim with these two easy upcycling projects: the first, a patchwork tote which has a leather strap and base for extra durability; the second is an over-the-shoulder bag, which will keep all of your essentials safe in its fully-lined design. Combine either carryall with complementary colours to create a stylish accessory that will match any outfit!

Try something new

With 38% of people believing that September is the time to change their lifestyle, we challenge you to start a new sport. To tempt you into doing just that, we present to you this lovely Tara tee; whip this up in lightweight jersey to stay nice and cool while working out. On the other end of the spectrum, we also urge you to go to bed early and have some downtime – you'll be eager to get tucked-in once you've stitched these lovely pyjamas.

Refresh your home

Instead of purchasing new furnishings to spruce up your space this September, why not make them? Bringing together animals crowned with florals and multicultural-inspired prints is this jovial butterfly cushion. To make this pillow even more unique, Sew suggests you tailor the fabric colour to suit your décor, switch the patterned butterflies for plain, then add detail with machine embroidery.

Who you gonna call? Stash busters!

Although 43% of Brits want to de-clutter and re-organise their home at this time of the year, we're not going to make you organise your craft room! Instead, why not opt for a stash-busting project to use up all of those fabric scraps? The Attenborough hot water bottle is the perfect place to start as he'll keep you nice and toasty during the cooler months, then afterwards you can stitch the Queen of the ocean herself, Tina Tentacles, to make use of contrasting prints.

New wardrobe, new you!

With autumn comes a need for new clothes – are we right, stitchers? If you make only two garments for autumn, it has to be these: the first is a gorgeous asymmetrical jacket in boiled wool. Working with this type of fabric means that there's no need to hem, so you can really hone in on other sewing techniques such as edgestitching. The second is the stunning Naomi blouse; this wrap top requires you to work with darts, attach a zip and prepare wrap ties – so it's the perfect make for testing your technical skills.