A basic close-fitting tank top in jersey, with the neckline and armholes finished with binding. Wears as an underlayer for a shirt or on its own...

Boxer shorts with an elastic waistband and a double codpiece, cut for a comfortable anatomical fit. Three pattern pieces and a short evening's work...

A classic buttoned shirt with a two-piece collar on a stand, a back yoke, a patch pocket, and sleeves finished with plackets and cuffs...

A one-piece jumpsuit in French terry with a lined hood on a cord, a full-length zipper, welt pockets at the front, and ribbed cuffs at the wrists and ankles...

Jersey joggers with slanted side pockets, a wide quilted waistband on elastic and a drawstring, and knit cuffs at the ankle...

A straight-cut jersey T-shirt with short set-in sleeves and a neckline finished with a folded band. Four pattern pieces, and a good first project in knits...

A straight-cut insulated jacket that is finished on both sides: patch pockets on one face, welt pockets with set-in ends on the other, closed with a two-way zipper and...

An easy everyday jersey T-shirt with a folded neckband and gathered flutter sleeves, finished with a twin-needle hem...

The dress you can actually use — that holds a phone, a key, a card — is a different category of dress from the one that requires a bag...

There is a particular anxiety that comes with summer outdoor event dressing that does not quite apply to indoor occasions...