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!

Inspiration...Trouser Skirt & Jacket

 This outfit screams fall to me:

This is the Techno Cotton A-Line Midi Skirt by Brunello Cucinelli.  Price tag: $3,100.00.  Details:  high waist, single pleat front, angled side slip pockets, a-line silhouette, hem falls below knees, button tab/zip fly, belt loops, cotton/nylon/polyamide, lined, dry clean only.

Here is a close up of the skirt:

Here is a winter version of the same skirt pattern:

Price tag: $3,650.00.  Fabric:  wool/nylon/polyamide/elastane.

Now that I have shown the skirt in two different versions, I hope that your creative mode is roaring.  Unfortunately, I could not have an exact pattern like this.  My guess is that a pattern could be found in the resale market from the 80s, 90s, and maybe the 2000s.

The jean style jacket.  I would say that if you are going to make one jacket for fall/winter, this is the style to make.  I am seeing if everywhere in leather or suede.  I have been looking for a faux leather/suede that is washable.  I know it is out there.  Jacket patterns:

This is the Seamwork Audrey pdf pattern.  It calls for denim or canvas but I think that a faux leather or suede would be suitable.  

There are many jean style jackets patterns.  So, really just pick your favorite and run with it.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee Round 3...

 With this round of the Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee, I chose the scoop neck option and made a small change to the shoulder slope:

With this version, I made 1/4-inch change to the shoulder slope.  This fabric is the nicest of the three cotton jerseys that I have used recently.  It is buttery soft.

As far as any additional changes, I do need to make a minor change to the armscye and I think that I have worked out the corresponding change to the sleeve.  I have made three of these in a row and it is time to challenge myself with something different.

I do believe that this pattern is going to be my TNT for T-shirts.  I have not made the crew neck version yet.

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Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...A-Line Midi Skirt

 It is time to start looking toward fall and winter wardrobe considerations.  Here is a cute little skirt:

This is the Check Wool A-Line Mid Skirt by Akris Punto. Price tag: $775.00.  Details:  Stretch wool, high waist, angled side slant pockets, a-line silhouette, hem falls below the knee, walking vent front, invisible side zipper, lined, dry clean only.

This would be a great day-to-day skirt but not the dry clean only label.  Here is my first thought for a pattern:

This is the Merchant & Mills The Penna pdf pattern.  It is a very simplified version of the inspiration photo.  It is more of an a-line with a front slit and side seam pockets.  A perfect little pattern. Honestly, if you are interested in a closer representation, then you need to look more toward older patterns.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!