Boxy Top...

 I found this top pattern at Jalie:

I thought this would be a fun, everyday type top.  Folks I picked a size, cut it out, and sewed it up.  I suppose technically it is my muslin.  I used a super soft black/white plaid that I found in the Walmart precut section.  It is probably a polyester.  Here are the results:

Big and boxy does not mean it will fit.  This pattern proves that but I will wear this top regardless.  Fit issues that I can immediately see:

• full bust adjustment (photo 1, 2, 4) I would just add length at the bust level a quand ease it in.
• round back adjustment (photo 3)

Now, I am going to put it out that it could be a balance issue and that taking a tuck approximating where I would normally add length in  the back might work as well.  

Another observation, I forgot to measure the sleeve width.  It is a little narrow for me but not uncomfortable.  If I make this again, I will definitely add width all the way to the sleeve hem.  

Overall, this is a quick easy pattern.  By the way, the fabric really is a plaid.  I can not figure out why the pictures look funny.  It does not look like the photos.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Boxy Top and Straight Skirt

 

This is the Spread-Collar Camel Hair Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag:  $1,698.00.  Details:  v-neck, spread collar, long sleeves with button cuffs, side slits, pulls over, animal hair, dry clean, delicate pick stitch around the neckline-collar-cuffs.

I was unable to locate the matching skirt so the price is unknown.

The top was easy to locate a pattern. Here it is:

This is the About Town Popover pattern by Pattern Emporum.  The fabric for the pattern is light to mid-weight.  I think this is a perfect match to the silhouette of the inspiration photo.

There isn't any way to know how heavy the inspiration top is.  So, I suppose you would just need to do the best you can do.  Of course that is what we do best, create the way we want.

As for the skirt, I think I long straight skirt would work.  Pattern might be tougher as we can not see the back of the skirt.  It seems that there has to be a walking pleat or opening  in the back.  Here is a pattern that might work:

This is the Merchant & Mills Penna Pencil Skirt.  Appropriate fabric would be 4 to 6 ounces.  The front slit could be moved to the back or made as is.

I do not think that you could miss with as a set. Make sure that the color matches within the your wardrobe and you will be able wear the individual pieces with multiple items.

Hope you are inspired to make something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

More Stuff...

 I will be the first to admit that I can plan way more than execute.  Here are my latest purchases:

This is a white/dark royal blue/multi print, 100% cotton floral print poplin shirting.  I purchased 1 1/2 yards to make a short sleeved top. Pattern unknown at this time.  Machine wash.

This is Outerspace Gray Polyester/Recycled Seawool. I purchased 2 yards.  Pattern not selected at this time but it will be a skirt.  Care:  Machine wash/air dry.

 

This is Pacific Blue 100% cotton Embroidered Floral Crinkle Suiting.  I purchased 3 yards for a Merchant & Mills Camber Set Dress.  Care:  Gentle Wash/Tumble Dry Low. 

This is a navy stretch corduroy.  I purchased 3 yards for an Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt and possibly a vest.  Care: machine wash.

This is the Style Arc Delphine Woven Jacket paper pattern.  This jacket was all over Paris when I was there in the spring.  I really want to make the collared jacket with the two front pockets.  No fabric purchased yet for it.  I will pull stash fabric and make a muslin or two before making further commitment.

Inspiration...Lace Sleeve Shirt

 A pretty blouse is a thing to have in the wardrobe.  I think it is a perfect, feminine work shirt.

This is the Lace Sleeve Shirt by Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $119.00.  Details:  point collar, long sleeves with button cuffs, shirttail hem, lace sleeves, lined body.

This is just a standard button-down shirt.  So, the pattern will be easy. Any button-down that you have already fitted.  Here is the pattern that I would use:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  It is a great little pattern.  I have made this eight or nine times.  It is a great pattern.

Hope you are inspired to make something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Machine Maintenance....

 How often do you clean your machine(s)?  I like to think that I clean my machines often.  Sometimes, I clean after ever project.  However, I was looking at my serger and could not remember the last time I hade really gave it a good clean.  So, I decided that cleaning and oiling (as appropriate) was needed. Here are the results:

Serger:

Ugh! This machine was really needing a cleaning.  I would assume that the oiling was appreciated as well.  

Sewing machine:

Ugh! That is a lot of gunk.  I know that I cleaned the machine this summer because the machine will tell you to clean it.  Okay, I admit I did not know the message existed until I got it.  I had been doing a lot of topstitching and I guess between the fabric and thread it produced a lot of lint.  So, maybe it has been a couple of months and several projects since it was cleaned.  I did take the time to oil the machine.

Coverstitch:

This machine had the least amount of lint.  I have used it quite a bit this summer so maybe I cleaned it and did not remember.  I could not find any oiling information for this machine.   I need to do a deeper dive and make sure I am not missing anything.

I am actually appalled at how linty the serger was.  That machine gets wiped out before each new project most of the time.  

How often do you remember to clean your machines?  

Happy Stitching!