A Look Back on 2025 Sewing...

 Well, I thought my 2024 sewing was not much but I think 2025 was even less.  I guess that is what happens when you have a "lemony" kind of year.  I had fun times traveling.  I had sad times losing several family members.  I had big decisions to make regarding my health which I am still working on.  

Most sewn pattern:

Believe it or not there was not a most sewn but there were four ties.

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  You can not go wrong with the pattern, if you are looking for a classic button down shirt.

2.  Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt.  This is another great basic.  

3.  Sew Over It Pussy Bow Blouse.  This is a nice little blouse.

4. Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  This is a cute blouse with lots of options.

Most loved patterns:

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.   It is just a classic that you can make over and over.

2.  Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt pattern.  This one is a repeat from last year.  It is such a nice little skirt pattern.

Most dislike project:

I am happy to report that there were not any dislike project.  Well, maybe one.  It was a quilt top that I had been given.  I ended up spending about $40 on the project only to throw it out.  It was a nasty stretchy mess and I gave up on it.

Most used project: 

This definitely has to be the surgery pillow that I made.  It has been in constant use since the day of my surgery.  It really did save me as far as my cats went.  It kept them away from the area. It was used many times when I went out in the car.  

2025 Sewing Reflection:

My sewing time was very limited in 2025.  Betweens traveling, deaths, and health decisions sewing time just did not happen much.  Sewing did save me in the month before my surgery as it keep my mind and hands busy.  The month after my surgery did not have much sewing in it but I did put together patterns and made one muslin.  We have to happy for what we can do, right?  I am trying to just go with the flow.  

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchased through one of my links, I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Fabric Samples Coming...

 After looking at fabrics at the KIKI Textiles yesterday, I ordered several fabric samples.  The samples are $1.00 each.  Here are the samples that I ordered:

  

This is the Red Microsuede.  The thought on this is a jacket maybe even the inspiration jacket from yesterday but it really depends on the shade of red.  Everyone needs a need item in their wardrobe.

This is the Gray Microsuede.  It would be perfect for the inspiration jacket from yesterday and go with anything I wanted to wear it with in my current wardrobe.

This is the Red Stretch Faux Leather.  It is another fabric I just wanted to see the shade of red but it would make a nice jacket as well.

This is the Burgundy 4-way Stretch Leather.  Again, I wanted to see the actual color.  Burgundy is a wonderful color just like the red.  If this is a good shade, I am thinking skirt or pants.

This is the Black Lulu Yoga Nylon Spandex.  I really wanted to touch and feel this fabric.  Is it only for fitted garments or will it work for a slim pant?  It is a moisture wicking fabric which makes it interesting to me as well.

This is a Dusty Rose Buttery Spandex Faux Cashmere.  This fabric intrigues me along with the fact that I love the pink items.  I am thinking this will make a great layering piece.

This is the Gray Twill Pattern Nylon Spandex.  Again, this fabric intrigued me.  Will it make a nice pair of pant or a skirt.

I think that I have enough samples to get me thinking what kind of projects I would like to create.  I seem to do much better with planning than executing but I am trying to get better.

I am an affiliate of Kiki Textiles.  I will get a small commission if you purchase through my links.  I do have a discount for you - DARLAELSKEN . Using this code will give you 10% off.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Suede Jacket

 This might be an inspiration to work on through out the year for the fall.  

This is the Relaxed Suede Trucker Jacket from Banana Republic.  Price tag: $500.00.  Details: relaxed fit through shoulders, chest, and waist; spread collar with snap closure; chest pocket with snap closure; side pockets; one interior pocket (welt pocket); straight hem; fully lined.

This is a gorgeous take on the classic denim jacket.  You know that I have pattern ideas.  

This is the Audrey Jacket pdf pattern from Seamwork.  This pattern has a few more pieces on the front than the inspiration photo but it does have the side welt pockets without making the big patch pockets. If you are a Seamwork member, you can see all of the wonderful jackets that have been made with this pattern.  Be aware that this pattern has been designed for denim or canvas.  

Other patterns to concern - Style Arc Stevie Jean Jacket (oversized but with the welt pockets), Itch to Stitch Atenas Jacket pdf pattern (affiliate link, jacket has welt pockets), and Simplicity S8845 (sized for women, men, teens with welt pockets and  a sew along).

I have found a new source for faux leathers and faux suede.  Both of these links are affiliate links.  I particularly like the red and gray and may order some swatches to see the actual color.

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Andorra Top & Vest PDF Pattern....

 Itch to Stitch has a new pattern and it is perfect for winter.  Here are the line drawings:

 This is the Itch to Stitch Andorra Top & Vest pdf pattern.  This is a relaxed fit top perfect for a medium weight knit.  Here is the list of features:

• Available in regular and full bust options
• Deep V-neckline for a flattering look
• Options for Top and Vest
• Top option: Dropped shoulders and long sleeves finished with cuffs
• Vest option: Armholes finished with bands
• Hem finished with a wide bottom band for a polished look
• Designed for medium-weight knit fabric

The skill level on this top is Beginner+.  Sizing is 00-40.

To celebrate the release of this new pattern, it is 20% off through December 9, 2025.  Remember the volumne discount still applies.  So, it is a good time to add another pattern you have been eyeing.

Check out the testers' versions of the pattern on the blog.  Cali Fabrics has many beautiful sweater knits available.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

One More Pattern...

 I do not really need any more patterns.  I have tons of patterns that I have not tried yet.  However, I love to sew for the guys in my life so I added one more pattern.  Here it is:

This is the Love Notions Dockside Henley and Polo.  You get a crew neck t-shirt, a henley t-shirt, and a polo.  All with short or long sleeves and with a pocket or without a pocket.  It seems like a pretty basic pattern that could have a lot of mileage.

Now, I am on the look out of interesting activewear fabric that is manly.  Yes, I know that many solids will work but the golf lover in my life rarely wears solids.  If you know of good sources, let me know.

Happy Stitching!