Monday, August 17, 2026

Inspiration...Top & Skirt

 We are winding down into the hot part of the year where I am.  It is still hot but you are wanting to move more to fall colors.  Here is a great little set:



This is the Streamlined Tank and Streamlined A-line Skirt from Jill.  Price tag tank: $69.00.  Price tag skirt: $89.00.  Details tank:  crew neck, button keyhole back, side slits, mid-hip length, polyester/rayon/spandex blend fabric, machine wash cold.  Details skirt:  sits below waist with flat front and elasticitized back waistband, side zip, tailored fit, seam detailing with straddle stitch, about 30-inches long, polyester/rayon/spandex, dry-clean only.  

I love the look of this outfit.  I even love the color.  However, the dry-clean only is a bit off putting because I know I would not want to do and try to wash it on gentle cycle and hang dry.  It might work and it might not work.   Here are some thoughts on patterns - 

Tank:


This is the Phoebe Tank by fabric-stores.com.  I think this would be a great pattern for the inspiration tank.  It does not have the keyhole back opening but that is okay in my box.  This pattern takes a little bit of time to fit but is a great pattern.

Skirt:


This is the Seamwork Arbor Skirt pdf pattern. This is a full a-line skirt with in-seam pockets and an invisible zipper.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.  

Happy Stitching!

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Inspiration...Midi Skirt

 It is time to start thinking about fall/winter.  Skirts that work with boots is a great start.  Here is an interesting one:


Complete look.


This is the Wool Midi Skirt by Prada. Price tag: $2,700.00.  Details:  drawstring elasticized waistband, central inverted front pleat, contrast satin-effect underskirt, side zip closure.

The first picture is just showing the skirt as an outfit.  

I could not find an exact pattern for this style of skirt but New Look has several drawstring skirts that are straight.  Here is a tutorial that explains adding an inverted pleat.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Monday, August 10, 2026

Inspiration...Cardigan and Skirt

 The look of this inspiration is really good:


This is the Chunky Yak Knit Half-zip Pullover.  Price: $995.00.  Details:  half-zip pullover knit in chunky stitch, fold-over collar, long sleeves, half-zip placket, wool/yak/cashmere, dry clean only.

The skirt - Plaid Lightweight Wool Blend Shelley Midi Skirt. Price $895.00.  Details:  bandless waist, side zip, light-weight viscose/wool blend, stitched pleats at the waist, 100% rayon lining, dry clean only.

The chunky boots are fun for this outfit as well.

The pattern for the pullover is easy:


This is the Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover pdf pattern (affiliate links).  The right chunky knit fabric could really bring this top into the look of the inspiration.  Mood Fabrics has many chunky knits.

I was unable to find a pattern exactly like the inspiration skirt. Here is a bias skirt pattern:




This is Pamela's Favorite Bias Cut Skirt by Pamela's Patterns.  This pattern gives you two lengths and two silhouttes -full and slim.  For the pleats, this tutorial  might help.  I would say that the inspiration is a inverted pleat but you do you.  Here is a link to the few fabrics that Mood Fabrics had in a light weight wool.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

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!

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Inspiration...Pleated Skirt

 Sometimes, you find a cute skirt but can not figure out why the pricing is the way it is.  Here is one:


This is the Floral Pleated Poplin Midi Skirt by Prada.  Price tag: $5.600.00.  Details:  100% cotton poplin, floral print, elastic waistband, side on-seam pockets, pleated a-line silhouette, dry-clean.

Have you calmed down about the price for a pleated poplin skirt with an elastic waist?  Well, I did find a pretty good pattern to match this silhouette:

This is New Look N6605.  Unfortunately, it is a discontinued pattern but you can find it on the resale market.

Floral poplin is relatively easy to find.  Just head over to your favorite fabric store online or physical.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

 

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Closet Curtains...

 Years ago, I made linen curtains for a large window in my home. The bedroom is on the small size being only 10'x10'.  I finally decided to take the closet doors off so that 3-feet that the doors took up could be used.  This allowed me to center the bed in that room instead of having it pushed up to within inches of the window.  Here is the linen curtains that I made for the closet:


I am pleased with the way these turned out but some how the measurements were a little bit off.  We had originally measured the height to be 86-inches.  However, it was noted that the fabric was puddling on the floor.  I am not going to work on this anymore.  It should be okay as long as no ones stands on and tries to open the curtains.  

Linen is a fabulous fabric to work with.  I have a very small piece of fabric left over and I may make some tie backs if I can find some simple tie back hardware.

Happy Stitching!