Monday, February 2, 2026

Inspiration...Scarf Coat

 I found this interesting coat and was kinda shocked by the price.  Here you go:

This is the Reversible Double-faced Cashmere Coat & Scarf by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $4,298.00.  Details:  crew neck, concealed snap front, long sleeves, side pockets, hem hits around the knee, a-line fit, cashmere, scarf with fringe.  Length 37 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem.

Can you believe that price?  I have a pattern for you:


This is the Ivy Unlined Scarf Jacket pdf pattern by Seamwork.  The basics of the inspiration photo are here.  The closure is different and the scarf ends are different but you certainly get the look and feel.  

I even found double-faced cashmere at this site.  Honestly, I do not know anything about that site but if this is the look you are going for, it would be worth your time to investigate it.  The jacket & scarf take 4 yards of fabric.  The fabric at that site is about $80 per yard and look at all those colors.  Now, if your a little hesitant to purchase from someone so far away, Etsy also has some double-faced cashmere.  It is a different price point.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!


Saturday, January 31, 2026

Scissors & Rambling...

 Today, I purchased craft scissors or at least scissors that are intended to be craft scissors.  Here is a picture:


This is a Westcott set of scissors.  I did pick them up in the sewing area of the local Walmart so they are probably not intended to be craft scissors but the price is right.  What I found interesting is the handles.  The package states that the handles are made from recycled materials including rice husk fiber.  Have you ever seen scissors made with the type of material before?  It has a 10 year warranty.  Shocking, right?

Honestly, I have not looked at scissors since before my little quilting shop closed.  I did request a pair of 5-inch Ginghers for a gift.  I tend to look toward Gingher when I want a pair of scissors.  I did do a little research before requesting them and found that the Ginghers need to forged in Italy.  It is sad that they are no longer made in the US.

Do you have a brand of scissors that you like?  My Ginghers that I have used for 25 or 30 years are in need of sharpening and I do not really want to try to mail them for sharpening.  Actually, I have never taken a pair of scissors to be sharpened.  I suppose I could try that locally before investing in another pair.  I would still like to hear about other brands and how you like them.

Happy Stitching!

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

New Patterns...

 I took advantage of the Itch to Stich sale and purchase a couple of patterns:


This is the Andorra Top & Vest pdf pattern.  I think it was released in November or December 2025 but I did not take advantage of the release sale.  After seeing several made up, I decided that I needed this pattern.


This is the Kashi Tee & Dress pdf pattern.  Am I the only one looking for the perfect tee?  Maybe this is the one.

Well, I have plenty to keep me busy over the next few weeks/months.  More snow might keep me more focused on sewing but who knows, I seem to jump from activity to activity.

Hopefully, I can get more basic items made that fit somewhat reasonably.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!


Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Itch to Stitch Sale...

 It is sale time at Itch to Stitch.  Everything is 20% off through January 31, 2026 11:59 Mountain Time.  It is Kennis' birthday and she wants to celebrate.  Here are a few ideas:


This is the Kashi Tee & Dress pdf pattern.  This pattern gives you lots of options - 3 sleeve lenghts, 3 necklines, 3 lengths, regular or full bust options.  This has the potential to become a TNT.



This is the Taroko Skirt pdf pattern.  This is the perfect little a-line skirt.  I have made it from light-weight twills to corduroy.  


This is the Foz Top pdf pattern.  This is a wonderful knit top pattern.  You get to choose buttons or snaps for closure.  I have made this several times and love it.



This is the Upland Trousers pdf pattern.  This is a high-waisted trouser with a waist facing.  Fit through the waist and hips and relaxed at thighs and below.  Front slant pockets and buttoned back welt pockets..  Designed to non-stretch fabrics.  




This is the Lisbon Cardigan pdf pattern.  This is another basic thst could be made over and over.  Be sure to check out the testers' versions as there are tons of ideas.


This is the La Paz Jacket pdf pattern.  This is designed to made in a structured knit and unlined.  This is another basic pattern.  

That is enough to get the creative juices flowing.  There are tons of patterns available.  Some are for the basics that we wear day in and day out.  Others are for the fun stuff.   I know there are one or two patterns that I am going to pick up.  

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

Monday, January 26, 2026

Inspiration...Twill Pants

 Today's inspiration is an every day basic.  Almost every one needs this sort of a workhorse in the closet:



This is the Wide Ankle Heritage Twill Pants from Talbots.  Price tag: $99.50. Details: Flat front/trouser, wide leg, hits the high waist, ankle length, front fly with button closure, front coin pocket, back patch pockets.  Fabric is 98% cotton, 2% lycra.

These pants are perfect for spring and maybe early summer.  Here is my pattern thought:


This is the Hollywood Trousers by Liesl & Co.  These are a fitted, moderately high waisted, wide-legged trouser.  You would need to add the pockets.  I looked for instructions to create a coin pocket at the waist but did not find one.  Let me know if you find a tutorial for the coin pocket.  In the meantime, I am look for a men's pant pattern that has that detail.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!