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!

Inspiration...Corduroy Dress

 Today's inspiration is a simple pullover type dress and completely for those who love the general style but find it a bit short:

This is the Sleeveless Pinafore Mini Dress from Old Navy.  Price tag: $44.99.  Details:  v-neck, wide straps, center back seam, patch pockets, relaxed fit, 100% cotton.  Model is 5'9". 

I really love the idea of this little dress but it is shorter than I would be comfortable wearing.  I also like that it comes in corduroy or denim.  Since I already have a corduroy dress, think that a denim one would be good.  Here is the pattern with very similar design lines:

This is the Seamwork Dani Pinafore pdf pattern.  This pattern has a waistline seam and inseam pockets. It would be very easy to substitute the patch pockets for the inseam pockets.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Long-Sleeved Blouse

 I found this cute little blouse:

This is the Farrah Paisley Long-Sleeve Blouse from Veronica Beard.  Price tag: $448.00.  Details:  Silk blend, v-neck, long sleeves with elastic band, classic fit, hip falls to hip, pullover style, dry clean.  

Here is a closeup of the blouse:

I will admit that the color drew me in but I also really like the paisley print.  I am sure that a fabric can be found that will be representative of the paisley fabric and not be dry clean only.  Here is the line drawing of the pattern I chose:

This is the Itch to Stitch Seychelles pdf pattern.  I think it has a similar vibe to the inspiration photo.  The sleeves are gathered with a button rather than using elastic.  I suppose it you wanted you could use elastic.  

I am an Itch to Stitch affilate.  Purchasing through my links will result in a small commission to me without any cost to you.

Mood has a nice selection of various paisley fabrics in various types of fabric. 

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Sinclair Pattern Whisper Shorts...

 I purchased the Sinclair Patterns Whisper Shorts pattern a couple of years ago as this is my favorite style of undies.  As you can tell, I was not in a big hurry to accomplish it.  It felt like another collected pattern.  Then, on one of my sewing lists someone mentioned making tank tops from leftover knit pieces that were too small for tops and I thought I will see if I can do that with the Whisper pattern.  Your machines are already threaded with the right color of thread, right?  Here is the result of me using small pieces of leftover knit:

I used a size 16 with a 3-inch inseam and cut the rise at the highest.  I really did not intend to have the highest rise.  So rather than cut off the 1 1/2-inches, I used a 1-inch elastic for the waistband that had it hitting in approximately the same area.  I used three of my machines - serger for seams, sewing machine to apply the elastic, and coverstitch machine for hems and waistband.  Except for all my futzing, it was fairly quick.  I will say that I have a much higher appreciation for the price of undies.

The instructions:

I do not usually have an issue with pattern instructions.  The instructions for the gusset on the shorts had me scratching my head.  I finally gave up and did my own thing.  Appears to have turned out okay. It made me realize that I probably do a glance at illustrations instead of directly reading instructions.  The photos did not really help me.

Overall impression, is using those scraps for under garments can be a money saver.  I would love to hear how you use up those left over knits.  I know I am not the only person who only wants 1 1/4 yards but has to buy 2 yards.  I do not have little people to sew for anymore.  I would recommend the pattern.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Box Pleat A-Line Skirt

 Looking forward fall dressing, this skirt would be a nice addition:

This is the Box Pleat Cotton Gabardine A-Line Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag:  $495.00.  Details:  cotton gabardine, front box pleat, a-line silhouette, high waist, angle slit pockets, knee length, invisible back zipper, belt loops, dry clean only, lined.

I really like the idea of this skirt and I am sure that I have a similar pattern hiding in the stash.  Here are a couple of pattern ideas:

1.  This is a draft your own pattern tutorial. This is great.  Once you draft a pattern that fits, you can make minor changes to create different looks.  

2.  This is a freebie skirt from Tiana's Closet - The Gabby Front Pleated Skirt.  I have not tried this line of patterns but Tiana is very generous with her time.  Even the patterns she charges for are very inexpensive.  Definitely worth a try.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!