Inspiration...Pencil Skirt

 I think pencil skirts are perfect.  Most people can wear one.  Here is the fanc one that I found:

This is the Pencil Skirt in Satin by Saint Laurent.  Price tag: $2,700.00.  Details:  mid-rise pencil skirt, concealed side pockets, concealed back closure, 87% viscose-12% cupro-1% elastane, made in France, dry-clean.  

To me, that price is shocking for a simple little pencil skirt.  Of course, I am not particular familiar with the satin that is being used but I try to stay away from dry-clean only anything.  There are no pictures of this skirt on a model in full length.  So, I am not sure of the length of the skirt but it does not appear to have a kick pleat for walking which would imply that it is above the knee.  I could be wrong about that but it is really hard to walk in a pegged skirt without the pleat.  The waistband appears to be faced.  I would also make the assumption that there is some type of lining.  Otherwise, I doubt that the fabric would be sturdy enough to wear.  

Here is pattern options:

This is New Look 6544.  This is a faced waist pencil skirt in two lengths plus straight legged pant pattern.  This pattern has a kick pleat.  I would do the long length skirt for the inspiration photo.

This is McCall's M8051.  This pattern has a pencil skirt with five length variations, faced waist, kick pleat.  I would think that View B or C would come closest to the inspiration.  The skirt would need to be pegged.

I am sure that more pencil skirt patterns can be found in re-sale.  The New Look pattern was the only one that I could locate that was similar to the inspiration pattern.  

Do not forget to make a lovely blouse to go with the skirt.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

New Vogues...

 I decided to take a peek at the New Vogues.  They seem to be doing better with the offering this season.  Here are the patterns that interest me:

This is Vogue 2150..  This is a nice looking sheath dress.  I think it is very work appropriate in View A with a jacket of some sort.  I think the longer length of View B is a little more casual.  To get this fit right on this one, you want to use sitting measures so there won't be gaping.

This is Vogue 2143.  It is a re-issue of  1978 Diane von Furstenburg design.  This one could be very nice if you can find a good knit fabric.  

Those were my favorites.  I do not have anywhere to dress up for anymore.  So, I probably will not purchase either pattern but I can dream, right?  I do miss dressing up to go to work.  

What are you thoughts of the 80s style with the wide, extended shoulder with the big shoulder pads?  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Eyelet Shirt

 Spring is in the air.  It is time to think about spring/summer sewing.  Here is an interesting top:

This is the Eyelet Cotton Poplin Cap-Sleeve Collared Blouse by Akris punto.  Price tag: $625.00. Details:  crisp cotton poplin with abstract eyelet embroidery, spread collar, split v front, cap sleeves, relaxed fit, hip length.

Here is a close up of the top not on a person:

The real appeal of this top is the lovely eyelet.  The chances of actually finding that eyelet is fairly slim.  I did look around a little bit and found that the Fabrics & Fabrics website has a huge selection of beautiful eyelets.  

I have not seen an exact pattern like this but it should be fairly easy to duplicate.  Love Notions has the Melody Dolman that might work:

The front would need to be cut on the fold and a tab put in.  I know that Liesl & Co has instructions for doing this to the classic shirt pattern on their website.  Another pattern to consider is:

This is the Nosara Shirt pdf from Itch to Stitch (affiliate links).  Same issue as the Love Notions pattern.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Love Notions Encore Skirt...

 After finishing my first stash project of the year, I decided to make an "outfit".  I still had plenty of fabric left so I decided to make a skirt.  Here is the line drawing of the skirt that I chose:

The Encore Skirt has lots of options.  I could not decide between the pencil skirt and the a-line skirt so I printed both patterns so I could measure.  I watched the Lifting Pins and Needles video on making this skirt in a knit and I may very well copy her yoga waistband because I can.  

After much debating, I decided to go with the a-line skirt.  I am hoping that it will be a bit more flattering at this point in my life.  I also decided to go ahead with the yoga waistband.  Here is a picture of the finished skirt:

Here is the yoga style waistband:

I really like this skirt.  This version was super easy to make with the yoga waistband.  I will definitely make a woven project as I am positive that there is fabric in the stash that would work.

This project and the sweater project are showing me the limations of my sewing machine.  My sewing machine barely had enough strength to go through the layers of this fabric.  I will say that I broke at least one needle and yes, I was using the correct size needle.  I suppose it possible that the machine needs a visit to the technician.

Happy Stitching!

Seamwork Milo...

 When I moved part of my stash in the fall, I found some wonderful long forgotten fabrics.  This is part of the issue with a large stash.  You just remember can not what is in there or how much is there.  I found a lovely black ponte (I think).  If is definitely a polyester or a polyester mix.  I am not really good with determining blends.

Then, I decided to join the two month long stash contest at Pattern Review.  Honestly I do not sew very fast anymore, so I do not plan on being the big winner using up the stash.  Any stash that I use verses purchasing more stash is win.

After finishing the final project (1st sewn item for 2026) of 2025, I decided to make a cardigan figuring it would be a great addition to my next travel wardrobe.  If I had started that project on/after January 1, it would have qualified but alas I did not.  Here is my first official stash project:

I am making Version 2 in a size 16.  I did change the sleeve a little bit to make sure there is enough space for my bicep.  Here you can see the change made to the pattern piece:

Even though it looks a bit funny, the change to the bicep has been working well.

 Construction:

1.  Pay close attention to the front bands.  It is very easy to get them mixed up.  

2.  For the size 16, the sleeve notches did not match.  I was able to get the sleeve to work.

Otherwise, this is a fast and easy project.  Even though it took me many days to complete.  I found some horn buttons on Amazon that were perfect:

Here is the finished garment:

Overall this is nice pattern and I would recommend it.  I will happily wear it.

Happy Stitching!