Inspiration...Blazer and Wide Leg Pants

 This week's inspiration is a blazer and wide leg pants. 

This is the Tailored Seaming Linen Blazer - Cross Dyed from Talbots.  Price tag: $189.00. Details: long sleeve, hits at hip, button front closure, patch pockets, lined.

This is the Greenwich Wide Legged Linen Pants - Cross Dyed from Talbots. Price tag: $139.00. Details: flat front trouser, wide leg, fits high waist, full length, fly front with button closure, front on seam pockets, back welt pocks.

This is such a wonderful outfit.  If I was working in an office, I would have already purchased this outfit.  I will admit that the color of the cross-dyed linen is probably responsible.  How about patterns:

Jacket/Blazer:

This is the Jasika Blazer pdf pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  The only thing missing here is the patch pockets.  The collar shape is a little bit different as well.

This is Simplicity 8433.  This is a vintage design from the 90s. A fairly good match to the inspiration photo.  The collar is a little bit different.

Now for the pants:

This is Vogue 2037.  The pants appear to be very similar to the inspiration photo with the exception that they do not look high waisted.  That is easy to fix by added the appropriate length all the way around.  If you like the other two pieces in the pattern, then you have a bonus.

This is Simplicity 3073.  The pattern includes a jacket and pants.  With the exception of back welt pockets, the pants are fairly spot on for the inspiraton photo. 

Hope you are inspired to create something really nice.

Happy Stitching!

Rhapsody Muslin...

 I am starting my spring/summer sewing with the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  Here is the line drawings:

This pattern has lots of options. There are two length options and nine sleeve options.  The muslin will be the cap sleeve with the neckline ties.  The fabric that I am going to use for the muslin is this fabric that I purchased earlier in March. When that fabric was washed, it turned into a nice piece of fabric.  

Here is a little look at my modified pattern:

Lots of length changes.  I have been following Karina at Lifting Pins and Needles and following her tips on making wovens tops.  So far, it has been worth the effort.  (Yes, I noticed that a kitty had been chewing on one of the pattern pieces.)

Here is the muslin:

Well after all the work, I realized that I had selected the wrong size for the top portion of the bodice.  I will not say that the top is tight but it is definitely too narrow.  Funny thing is that with every pattern from Love Notions I have made the same mistake but went up a size because I did not believe I could wear that size.  Now, I know for sure that my initial instinct was correct.  The top is always very long and needs 2 to 3 inches removed.

With luck, I will be able to reuse this fabric for another muslin.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch Kashi Top & Dress PDF Pattern...

 Itch to Stitch has another new knit pattern for a t-shirt and dress.  Here is the line drawings:

The Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee & Dress PDF pattern has the following options:

• Regular and full bust options, with bust darts on the full bust option
• Three neckline options: crew, scoop, and V-neck
• Three length options: short, hip, and dress
• Three sleeve options: short, 3/4, and long
• Designed for light to medium-weight knit fabrics

The Skill Level is marked beginner + with the sizes from 00 to 40.  

The Kashi Tee & Dress PDF pattern is 20% off through April 1, 2025.  All remaining discounts still apply.  The more you spend, the more you save.   All discounts are automatic. 

For additional inspiration, check out the testers' versions of the Kashi Tee & Dress pdf pattern  - here.  All versions of the pattern are represented.  

I am an  Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration Of A Different Sort...

 Slow sewing...what does it mean to you?  To me, it is taking my time making something whether it is by machine or by hand.  Obviously, by hand is a little bit slower than the machine.  

As I was looking around today, I found Thread and Sprout on Instagram.  There is so much inspiration among the photos shown.  If you wonder over to the website, you will find more eye candy along with tutorials, ready made items, art, etc.  

You might even want to purchase something.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shirtdress

This is one piece dressing at it's best:

This is the Claudine Drawstring-Waist Linen Maxi Shirtdress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details:  peter pan collar, half button front, short sleeves, rolled cuffs, drawstring cinched waist, side slip pockets, a-line silhouette, side slit about 15 3/4-inches, linen, dry-clean, approximately 52 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem.  

My first thought for a pattern was this:

This is the Love Notions Melody Dolman pdf pattern.  The collar is different which I think I would prefer, the pattern would need to be lengthened, and converted to a pull over. All are doable.  If you already have this pattern,  all you need to do is locate some linen or a linen blend. 

Obviously if you already have a similar pattern, use it.  Save those dollars for fabric or notions.

Happy Stitching!