A Go-to Autumn Layering Piece

August is a great transitional month for garments, I really enjoy when the weather starts to crisp and the temps start to fall after a hot summer. Layering is one of my favorite things when styling. A cardigan or poncho is such a great closet staple and way to add texture to any outfit.

I have an area in my studio where I keep "blanks" usually this are things that more than likely will end up being machine embroidered at one point or just added to with additional sewing. In my bucket, I had been holding on to this BB Dakota reversible poncho that has this wonderful large decorative blanket stitch along the edge. 

With the release of OESD's August collection, there were Primitive Appliques that seemed to fit autumn like a glove. In general, I would lean to more home decor projects with designs like this, however, it just called to me to be added to this poncho. 

I started by planning my layout, I used Stabilstick Template Sheets to print off the machine embroidery designs and temporarily stick them to the garment so it would be easy to line up once under the embroidery machine. I went with a very saturated fall palette and wound bobbins to match. *this would allow the poncho to stay reversible. The design is mirrored on each side of the shoulder to create symmetry. I love the way it bring your eye up and really pops on the black.

To add something special to the back, I choose one of the larger embroidery designs that included some applique to adorn the back. I used scraps of a bold, textured knit on the top side only. I think this really brought the design to life. 

This was such a wonderful project and a great way to customize a garment to match more of your style or perk up a no longer loved garment into something fresh and enjoyable for the upcoming autumn season. 

You can see the garment in person at the Twin Falls Sewing Center. :)