Jewelry Roll 2...

This is the second Seamwork Ari jewelry roll that I have made.  The first can be seen here and it is a better representation of the pattern.  

I made mistakes with the second jewelry roll but I can live with them.  The mistake was on the snap pockets, I stitched a 1/4-inch seam instead of a 3/8-inch seam and I did not notice until I started stitching the pockets on.  I decided to just go with the roll.  It worked.  Here are the finaly pictures:

I found some happy little coordinating prints in the cotton stash and just went with it.  I think it turned out cute.

The stash is down another yard.  Now, if I could just convince myself not to purchase more fabric.  I have been fairly good this year.  I have purchased a little bit yardage but hopefully, it will not hang around long.  Fabric is so much easier to purchase than to use up.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Suede Coat

This inspiration is probably more for someone who can either sew really fast or wants to plan ahead to the fall season ans sew ahead of time:

Thisi s the 100% Suede Leather Coat Limited Edition from Zara.  Price tag: $759.00.  Description:  100% Suede Leather (goat), lapel collar, long sleeves, front patch pockets, front button closure, bound buttonholes.

This is such a fabulous coat.  I am sure that is heavy because it is leather.  Really the price is not too bad for a leather product.  A faux suede would be wonderful.  Not as warm as the leather but it would still be nice and you would not need specialty cleaning.

Here is a pattern idea that could give a similar look:

This is the Bay Coat by Seamwork.  It would give a similar feel even if it is not exactly the same as the inspiration photo.  You would need to remember to separate the pattern so that the pieces would give the illusion of leather and top stitch.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Knee Length Dress

 I am really starting to look toward spring/summer fashions.  The dress catch my eye because of the big floral design plus it is a causal everyday type of dress:

This is the Floral Cotton Knee Length Dress by Akris punto.  Price tag: $1,360.00.  Details:  crafted from cotton, shirt collar, partial button front, elbow-length sleeves, side seam pockets, hits aaround knee, shift silhouette, slipover style.

It is an easy going dress.  I do not know about fabric.  You might be able to get the effect with applique.  I do have a couple of ideas:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  I made a popover dress using this pattern and instruction from the Oliver & S website.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Stretch & Sew T-Shirt...

I am always trying to find the perfect t-shirt pattern.   You know not too tight.  I guess this is my age showing on me.  I chose to look deep into my pattern stash and pulled out a Stretch & Sew t-shirt pattern from 1990. Here is the  pattern view:

I am going to make View A with long tapered sleeves and regular hems.  Now, I need to figure out the needed size.  I can still wear the t-shirt that I made years ago.  It is a little tight in the belly area.  After a lot of measuring, I decided on a 36 for the shoulder area and a 44 for the remaining body of the t-shirt.  

The pattern requires a 25% stretch.  I found a Walmart cut that I think will work for a test or maybe a wearable muslin.  I am hoping the only thing that will be difficult will be getting the double needle or coverstitch.  This should be a fairly quick project.  Here is the result:

The t-shirt/top is not perfect but it is certainly wearable for an item that I just traced out and stitched.  I had wanted a mock turtleneck but I kept playing with the length and width until it felt right.  So, the neckband is not a mock turtleneck nor it is a typical crewneck.  It is somewhere in between.  

The next time I make this I will need to address the problems - the neckline is a little too high, a full bust adjustment is very much needed, and that back wrinkle.  I am not sure about it.  It seems to be something new but it has shown up on the last two t-shirts that I have made.  It could be a round back alteration needed.  On many patterns, I make a high round back alteration.  I did not on this one.  Maybe the tape measure will provide the answer.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch...Elmstead Pinafore pdf pattern

The new Itch to Stitch pattern is a perfect transistion piece.  Here is the line drawing of this wonderful pintafore pattern:

This is the Elmstead Pinafore pdf pattern from Itch to Stitch.   It is a versatile wardrobe staple designed to be worn over a shirt, turtleneck, or t-shirt—whether short sleeve, long sleeve, or sleeveless. Its classic silhouette works beautifully in a variety of fabrics: corduroy for a traditional look, denim for casual wear, or woolen for a slightly dressier style. Perfect for spring or transitional weather, this pinafore combines comfort with a graceful, flattering fit.

Features:

• Designed with cup sizes for a great fit
• Front and back princess seams from the armholes
• Back yoke with optional waist strap for adjustable shaping
• Center front button closure with a V-neckline
• Integrated slanted pockets at the front hip
• Neckline and armholes finished with bias bindings
• Designed for medium-weight stretch woven fabric

Designed for Intermediate sewing level with sizes 00 to 40.

Check out the testers' versions on the blog to see wonderful examples of the pattern. 

The pattern is discount 20% through February 24, 2026 at 11:59 US Mountain Time.  The volume discount still applies.  So, it is a good time to add on any additional patterns that you may have been eyeing.

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

Happy Stitching!