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!

Inspiration...Modern Trouser

 Today's inspiration is all about daily wear.  Trousers or pants depending on how you look at them. 

This is The Modern Trouser by Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $129.00.  Details:  tailored, fitted, high rise which sits 1/2-inch to 1-inch below nature waist, front zip with hook and bar closure, off-seam pockets, back besom pockets, leg lengthening flare, classic 32-inch inseam, petite 29 1/2-inch inseam,  shell - 96%polyester 5% lycra, lining - 100% polyester, machine washable.

I like the idea of these pants but in looking at the details neither the classic or petite would fit without some sort of length alteration but that is why we sew, right?

Here is the pattern that I chose:

This is the Peckham Women's Trousers by Liesl & Co.  This pant pattern has a back elastic waist but otherwise I think it is a perfect match to the inspiration photo.

I really like the drafting at Liesl & Co.  Everything that I have made has been good.  I think I have made the Classic Shirt eight or nine times if not more.   I have not made this particular pant pattern but I will. 

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Shirt

 This inspiration is a casual denim shirt.  

This is the Perezzi Denim Wrap Shirt by Veronica Beard.  Price tag:  $348.00.  Details:  washed denim, surplice neckline, long sleeves, button cuffs, side tie closure, 60% cotton 40% tencel, machine wash, 26-inches from shoulder to hem.

Here is the pattern that I chose:

This is Silhouette Patterns 4019 - Diane's Wrap Dress.  The pattern is almost exactly like the inspiration pattern.  It just needs to be cut shirt length.  It has princess seam which is different.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch Dress PDF Pattern....

  Itch to Stitch has a new dress pattern and it is perfect for hot late summer or early fall

days. Here is the line drawings:

This is the Baiona Dress pdf pattern.  The dress featutes are:

• Regular and full bust options
• Short kimono sleeves
• V-neck neckband
• Elastic waist with 3 rows of elastic in casing
• A-line, knee-length skirt
• Option for plain hem or ruffled hem
• Optional inseam pockets
• Designed for lightweight woven fabrics

Skill level:  intermediate

Sizes:  00 - 40

The Baiona Dress pdf pattern will be 20% off through Septemeber 13, 2026.  To see examples of the dress made-up, check-out the Itch to Stitch Blog post.

The volume discounts still apply in the cart so it is a good time to look at other patterns.  The discounts are as follows:

• Spend US$20 or more and get 15% off your entire cart
• Spend US$30 or more and get 20% off your entire cart

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 Sewing!

Inspiration...Silk Blouse

 It is time to look at tops.  A found this lovely silk top:

This is the Ashlynn Paisley Silk Blouse by Veronica Beard.  Price tag:  $448.00.  Details: silk paisley print, collarless design, long sleeves, shirttail hem, button cuffs, button-front closure, dry clean.

I am also drawn to paisley print.  The above blouse has a very nice print.  For a pattern, I was unable to find a pattern that matched exactly but I did find one with a similar look.  Here is the pattern:

This is McCall's M7868.  There is a variety of blouse views so you could theroically once fitted make several blouses.  It has the collarless design, the gathering around the neck, the gathered sleeves.  What is missing?  The sleeve cuffs, and the button front.  

Here is a link to paisley fabrics at Mood.  Lots to check out.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!