Thursday, May 7, 2026

Inspiration...Double Cloth Top

 I really need to add more top to my wardrobe.  This style of top is a maybe.  It is a little outside my comfort zone.  Here it is:


This is the Rae Double Cloth Top from Boden.  Price tag: $99.00.  Details:  100% cotton, box pleats, puff sleeves with stretch in the cuffs, straight as in not too tight, falls between waist and hip.

I was not sure what double cloth was but found and explaation here at Blackbird Fabrics.  The color of this top is perfect which probably means you can not find it.  Here is the pattern that I thought would work will for this top:


This is the line drawing for the Kit Blouse pdf pattern from Seamwork.  I would probably drop the back tie and maybe change the elastic to shirring. Otherwise, I think it is pretty good match visually for the inspiration photo.  Not exact but fairly good.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

New Itch to Stitch Top...

 Itch to Stitch has a new top pattern.  Here is the line drawings:


This is the Mariz Top pdf pattern by Itch to Stitch.  It is a pattern for all seasons.

Features:

  • Regular and full bust options
  • Raglan sleeves with gathers at the front and back
  • Two neckline options: round neck with neck band, or round split neck finished with binding
  • Three sleeve lengths: short, medium-short, and long
  • Designed for light- to medium-lightweight knit fabric
Mariz Top pdf pattern will be 20% off through May 12, 2026.  Now, is a good time to think about picking up other patterns as there is a volume discount that applies automatically to your cart.

Be sure to check out the testers' version of this pattern for inspiration.

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!

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

More Fabric...

 Buying fabric is a real addiction.  Here are my latest acquitions:


This is a dark navy blue/gray rayon/nylon/lycra ponte knit.  I purchased 2 yards with the idea of making pants.  Care:  gentle wash cold, dry low.


This is dark cerulean blue/white cotton lawn.  I purchased 3 yards with the idea of making a skirt, maybe.  Care:  gentle wash cold, dry low.

Happy Stitching!

Monday, May 4, 2026

Inspiration...Linen Jacket

 Here is a little linen jacket:


Close up of the jacket:


This is the Single-Breasted Linen Jacket from Giorgio Armani. Price tag: $2,595.00.  Details:  notched lapels, button closure, two front welt pockets, breast welt pocket, partially lined, length 70 cm, fabric - flax, lining - cotton.

This is not must different than the jacket. Just a different price point.  You can see a little bit of the seam finishing inside the jacket.  It is called Hong Kong finishing.  The how-tos should be in a basic sewing book like Vogue Sewing, here is a written tutorial, and here is a you tube tutorial.   

Here is another jacket pattern:


This is Butterick 6960.  With this pattern, it is pretty much what you see if what you get.  It is just a jacket but it is very close to the inspiration photo.

Also, remember to make a second garment to go with your jacket.  That way, you will always have a matching outfit. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Inspiration...Linen Top

 Summer time is meant for linen.  I believe it is also meant for sleeveless tops on those really hot days of summer and this top definitely qualifies.


This is the Sophia Linen Top from Boden.  Price tag: $110.00.  Details:  100% linen, straight not too tight, machine washable, designed to fall between the waist and the hip, keyhole and button fastening at back neckline.

I love this top.  I do not have any striped fabric stashed. I am sure if you look that a similar look can be found.  Here is the pattern:


This is the Phoebe Tank from fabrics-store.com.  This pattern would definitely need to be fitted but once it is done you can make many woven tank tops.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!