Inspiration...Button Front Maxi Skirt

 A classic every day type skirt is a wonderful thing to have in the classic.  It makes short work of getting dressed in the morning when you do not feel like making a lot of choices.  Here is a nice skirt:

This is the Button-Front Maxi Skirt from J Jill.  Price tag: $89.00.  Details:  100% cotton, sits below waist, pull-on waist, a-line silhouette, machine wash gentle tumble dry low, 33" back length.

When you look at this skirt up close in the front, you would never know this was a pull-on waist.  That front band looks real.  I would think the belt would be neccessary to hide the elastic in the back if you doing a tuck.

I am sure you know that I was not able to find an exact pattern for this skirt.  That would just be too easy.  There is this pattern:

This is the Sawyer Skirt pdf pattern from Seamwork patterns.  It does offer the button-front and the a-line silhouette but not the elastic pull-on waist.  It might be easy to increase the back panels to allow the pull-on silhouette.   You could also take an elastic waist a-line skirt pattern and add a placket.  Here is a tutorial for making a fake placket or a real placket.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Fit & Flare Skirt

 I really like that the longer skirt are showing up again.  Here is an example:

This is the Fit & Flare Twill Skirt from Talbots.  Price tag: $129.00.  Details:  100% cotton, length 30-inches, full, midi-length, hidden side zipper closure, removable belt, machine wash & dry.

I admit that they need to hit in the right spot to look good. So, get out  Ithose measuring tapes and start figuring out where they need to hit for you.  The length of this skirt would probably be best just as the calf is curing down to the ankle.

If you have a straight skirt pattern already fitted, you could use it to make this type of skirt.  Here is a tutorial.  If you would rather have a pattern, then try this one:

This is Butterick 7012.  The skirt would do for the inspiration photo.  It might be a little wider.  This pattern gives you a couple of bonus pieces.

This is Simplicity 9267. This pattern gives you the waist band and the pleats. Very cute skirt.  It could be manipulated to remove the front band and put the zipper on the side.  

Itch to Stitch Vikos Muslin....

 I indulged in this pattern a year ago.  Here are the line drawings: 

This is the Itch to Stitch Vikos Top & Dress pdf pattern.  I love the simplicity of this pattern with two lengths and three sleeve variations there is plenty of options.  I chose a size 14 with DD cup.  I made changes to the pattern following the information the Karina at Pins & Needles provides in her fitting woven tops videos.  Here are the pattern changes:

To the front bodice, I reduced the length from the neckline to the bust point by two inches, then increased by 2 5/8" to move the waist line down.

I matched the changes from the front bodice to the back bodice at the side seams and then reduced the waistline changes at center back from 2 5/8 inches to 1 3/8".  

On the sleeve, I added width at the side seams.  

Digging through the stash produced a light weight woven fabric that I loved the color but knew I would never make anything to wear from it.  Cut everything out and stitched up.  Folks, this is a very easy pattern to stitch.  Once the fitting is good, sewing this could probably be no more than 1 to 1 1/2 hours and I am slow when it comes to sewing.

Here is my first muslin version:

I see a wrinkle that I am not familar with.  The one radiating from mid-armscye to the bust.  I will see if pinning the shoulder makes and changes to that.  I am also wondering if it might be too wide from armscye to armscye above the bust.   

I can see that the dart is a little too high.  I think I need to figure out if it is a bra issue or I need new measurements.  It could be both.  The left sleeve looks like it needs more room and I think I need more belly room. 

Yes, the left arm is definitely needing move space.  Although it does not feel like it needs it with the top on.  I need to figure out the diagonals wrinkles in the mid back.  I am hoping that is not an issue with my pattern alteration.

Definitely need more belly space.  I can not tell what is causing the diagonal lines in the back.  The front is most likely the dart misplacement and maybe needing more dart space.  

Conclusion:

1.  This is a well drafted pattern.

2.  I need to print another pattern so I can give myself more space in the waist and hip.  

3.  Figure out if the dart issue is my bra.  I will be able to see that is some of other summer dresses.  Otherwise, it is an easy fix to move the dart.

I am going to be honest.  If this was a fabric that I was willing to wear, I would probably wear this top as it currently is.  Why?  Because, I can not purchase stuff that fits better.  

The next version will be a size larger in the waist & hips.  I am going to go play with pinning the shoulder at the armscye and see if some of the issue is sloper slope. 

Maybe I should get my husband to help me make a sloper slope template and this issue could be corrected before cutting out.  Just a thought.

If you have any suggestions on my fitting, feel free to leave a comment.  

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Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt

I really like a denim skirt and I have planned plenty of them without ever following through.  However, a version of the following skirt might get made:

This is the Side-Slit Belted Denim Midi Skirt from Akris punto.  Price tag: $730.00.  Details:  high-waisted, pencil silhouette, hem falls below knee, side slit hemm invisible back zipper, viscose, dry clean.

I do not know about you but I do not want a dry clean only denim skirt but I sure like the idea of this skirt.  Here is the pattern I was thinking:

This is the Encore Skirt from Love Notions.  This pattern has lots of options with one of the options being a pencil skirt.  I would use the pencil skirt at the long length and create a slit on one side.  Ease peasy.  Then, create a fabric belt.  I am not sure how long belt would need to be but I would think that twice your waist length would be a good starting point.  Width would probably be at least the width of the skirt waistband.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Single Button Blazer

 Jackets are showing up every where.  This one is great style:

This is the Single-Button Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1,698.00.  Details:  single-breasted front, tonal stitches, notch lapels, long sleeves, structured shoulders, chest welt pockets, hip flap pockets, tailored vent, button-front, acetate/polyester, dry clean.

I love that this type of styling is coming back.  Make matching trousers and maybe a skirt along with it. Why not?

Here is the perfect pattern for this jacket:

This is the Closet Core Jasika Blazer pattern.  View A is perfect for the inspiration pattern.

The perfect fabric will need to find.  Preferably a fabric that would not need to be dry cleaned. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!