Inspiration...Straight Skirt

A good day-to-day skirt is wonderful in the wardrobe and this skirt could be year round depending on the fabric chosen.  He is a glimpse:

Skirt in Navy Blue Cotton-Hemp Herringbone Canvas with Caramel Stripes by Jacon Cohen.  Price tag: $690.00.  Details:  5 pocket midi skirt.

Here is another version:

This is the Midi Skirt in Caramel Suede by Jacob Cohen.  Price tag: $1,350.00.  Details:  5 pocket style,  knee-length pencil skirt, ultra-soft suede leather, flat snap buttons in leather, slit front and back. 

Same skirt pattern with different fabrics.  The descriptions are slightly different but I zoomed in on the denim skirt on the Jacob Cohen website and it has a back slit as well.    You know that I have the perfect pattern:

This is the Merchant & Mills Clementine Skirt.  It is almost a perfect duplicate of the inspiration pattern.  What's missing?  That front slit.  How easy is that feature to duplicate?  If you already have a similar pattern fitted or not, use it.  Save that money for the fabric.  Of course, you the stash before purchasing fabric as well.

I know you are thinking about fabric now.  Cali Fabrics has the Jacob Cohen denim is stock.  Kiki Textiles (affiliate) has a faux suede that would be perfect for this skirt.  (PS...here is a code for 10% off DARLAELSKEN)

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

I am an affiliate of Kiki Textiles.  If you purchase via one of my links, I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

New To Me Sewing Resources...

 I am always looking for new resources for sewing. I just wish some of them were local to me.

I have mentioned this store before - Kiki Textiles (affiliate).  I recently recieved samples and plan ordering some suede, stretch leather, and possibly a knit.  Use discount code DARLAELSKEN and get a 10% discount.

Next resource is another fabric store - https://sewsnip.com/ .  They are a little different in their approach and it looks like they will sell goods for other stores.  Might be a great place to look for older fabric collections.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Polo Top

 Today's inspiration is all about casual.

This is the Merin Virgin Wool Polo Top by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $730.00.  Details:  color blocking, collared v neckline, relaxed fit, hip length, pullover style

I love the look of this top but I would not want to deal with the wool.  That we why we sew, right?  Here is a pattern that does a good job duplicating the style of inspiration:

This is the Frankie Polo by Love Notions.  The pattern comes in 2 lengths with 3 sleeve lengths.  It is meant for a knit fabric but the collar and placket can be done in a woven.

This pattern can easily be color blocked like the inspiration photo.  This is where the whole scraps of knit can easily be used.  It would be harder to find a collar similar to the inspiration photo.

Wawak carries solid colored rib collars.  I also found collars and cuffs at this Etsy store.  Maybe you can find other suppliers.  Of course, this type of matching can be harvested from clothing as well.  Just make sure it is in good condition.

Hope you are inspired to sew something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Mystery Quilt Series at NZP...

 I just saw the NZP was starting a new block of the month mystery quilt series for 2026.  All the quilters might interested in participating.    Here is the kickoff post.  There is a featured collection but there is not reason that you could not dive into the stash and use it.  Check the recommended tools as I am sure that they will make the quilt blocks a little easier to make.  Hopefully, the tools are already in your basket of tools.

I have already joined one monthly sewing group for the year.  I may decide to do this one as well if I have patriotic fabrics in my stash.  I really do not need to add many additional fabrics as I am busting at the seams with my current stash.  I have been trying not to add fabric to my stash but it still happens.  It is an addiction.

Happy Stitching!

Love Notions Barrington Boxy Tee...

 I am still experimenting with pattern fitting via the Pin & Needles fitting videos.  I chose the Love Notions Barrington Boxy Tee.  Here is the line drawing:

This tee is a boxy tee that hits at the high hip.  I choose to do the long sleeve, crew neck, and the split sides.  I chose a large in the shoulder/armscye area and an x-large from the armscye to the hip.

Here is the the pattern changes:

The only change that I made on the sleeve was to make the sleeves a little wider through the bicep area.  I followed what I had seen a "cutter" do to a shirt and decided if they could do it so can I.

The bodice changes were minor.  My bust point is shorter than average so I move the bust point up 1 inch by taking a pleat in the pattern.  To get the waist in the correct spot, I added 3 inches just above the waist.  I made identical changes to the back bodice.

We have been having renovations down and I had to move all of my fabric from their hiding spot in my room.  It was like Christmas.  I found many fabrics that I had forgotten about.  I found this wonderful cotton knit in a royal blue.  

I have been having pretty good luck with making changes according to the Pins & Needles fitting method so I ditched the muslin and just made the top.  I did have challenges but it was 100% machine issues.  My coverstitch machine just did not want to function properly.  I ended up having to finish one side of the bottom hem in a different stitch because the lower looper on the coverstitch machine would not stay threaded.  It was very frustrating.  Here are the results of my efforts:

The fit is far from perfect but every bit as good as anything I can purchase.  In looking at the pictures, I am wondering if I need a round back adjustment.  Many tops need a high round back adjustment but I do not feel like that is the case here.  I will definitely make a couple more for spring/summer because that v-neck version really calls to me.  Maybe if I dig around a little more I will find more suitable knit fabrics for this pattern.

Happy Stitching!