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!

New Itch to Stitch Dress PDF Pattern....

 Itch to Stitch has a new pdf pattern and it is fabulous.  Here is a look at the line drawing:

This is the Itch to Stitch Markina Dress pdf pattern.  This pattern is designed for medium weight knits with 50% stretch.  It has a slightly flared skirt, tailored details.  It makes a wonderful work dress or everyday type of dress.    

Features are:

• Designed with cup sizes for a great fit
• Fitted silhouette for a sleek, flattering shape
• Button placket at the center front bodice
• Waistband for definition and shaping
• Gentle A-line skirt for graceful movement
• Optional decorative pocket flaps below the front waistband
• Short and long sleeve options
• Designed for medium-weight stable knit fabrics

Check out the testers' versions to see the different interpreations.  All are beautiful.

The pattern is 20% off through March 24, 2026.  Remember that the volume discount still applies.  So, it's a good time to add other patterns that you have been looking at.

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!

Hope you are inspired.  This is really a nice looking dress pattern.  

Happy Stitching!

Bread Bags....

 Do you make bread bags for your homemade bread? 

I made a bread bag about eight years ago and it is still going strong.  However, I saw a discussion about bread bags made with beeswax fabric.  Now, I am wondering if I should have one of those.  The real question I guess is do I really need it.  

I found article regarding linen bread bags verse beeswax bread bags but this person is selling the bags.  Then, I found this article regarding using linen bags pros, cons, and best practices.  This article was good.  I do use my bread bag inside a bread box as that keeps the bread away from my cats.    This is just a few articles regarding bread bags.  There are many available with just a simple search.

I also noticed that most articles did not really mention beeswax bags.  There is a lot of effort needed for making your beeswax fabric bags.  I am thinking it is more than I want to do. The linen bags seem to do what I want them to do and well enough. I think I will continue to make linen bread bags.  I did find a couple of tutorials that might be of interest:

How to make a Simple Bread Bag

How to make beeswax wraps and no sew bread bag

Do you make your own bread bags?  Do you have an opinion on the type of bag?

Happy Stitching!