Itch to Stitch Elmstead Pinafore Muslin...

 It is time to start some fall/winter sewing.  Yes, I am starting a little late but you have to start sometime.  I am going to start with the Itch to Stitch Elmstead Pinafore pdf pattern (affiliate links).  Here is the line drawing:

After reading through the instructions on sizing and measuring myself, I decided to use a 14D for the bust up and move to a 20 at the waist/hip.  The 20 is a little bit bigger than what I normally do.  If I think it is too big I definitely know how to take seams in.  There are six so a small change can easily be made.

I printed the pattern and made the changes listed above.  The front side piece is a little shorter than the front center piece which is easy to correct.  I took the time to measure lengths. There was also a difference in the length of the back compared to the front.  Here is a view of my modified pattern:

 

I realized after I took the photos that I missed something.  The front side which I thought was longer than the other pieces, I actually made a mistake when I pinned the pieces together.  I forgot to pin out the seam on the pocket.  Now, I get to decide if I want to remove the 1/2" addition or if I want to add the 1/2" to the side piece.

When I was visiting a large city with actual fabric stores, I found a navy fabric that I thought would work for this but I will need to do a muslin before cutting that.  The stash generally yields an acceptable fabric for muslins and I found a fairly nice stretch woven.  

Yes, the garment fabric is different than the muslin fabric but I think it will be okay.  I am really just testing that the lengths are good.

Here is the muslin version:

It looks like it was cropped a little too much but it will do.  The fit in the bust is pretty good.  I was a little afraid the location was off but not the case at all.  I do think that it is a little wide just about the bust at the armscye.  Sorry the camera is in the way,  maybe I should try to get another picture of that area.

I feel like the tummy and hip area could use more space visually.  I will say that I am sitting in the muslin right now and it is very comfortable.  I support that could be the stretchy fabric.  Here is the back:

I think it is harder to evaluate fit when you are taking own pictures with a phone.  I do think that the hipline needs more visual ease.  

I think that I need to go up a size in the waist and the hips.  I did do a 20 in the hip according to my notes but I am positive that I just adjusted from the 14 bust to the 20 hip ao the waist is somewhere between the two.  

Off to evaluate what I really need to do here.  I do want to have a version of this for winter.

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric Arriving...

 You know that a new pattern (Itch to Stitch Taravera Blouse) generally required new fabric as well, right?  So, I purchased a couple of knits during the latest Fabric Mart sale.  Here they are:

This is midnight blue/cornflower blue/white 100% cotton jersey knit.  I purchased 2 yards for the Itch to Stitch Talavera Blouse in a short sleeve.  Care:  machine wash gentle/tumble dry

This is deep navy blue/white poly/lycra polka dot print double brush.  I purchased 2 1/2 yards of this fabric. I intend to make a long sleeved version of the Itch to Stitch Talavera Blouse.  Care:  Mashine wash gentle/ tumble dry.

This is a French Vanilla 100% cotton tubular knit.  I purchased 1 yard.  I do not have anything in particular for this fabric.  It is really a stash fabric intended for cuffs and ribbing.  This type of fabric has gotten difficult to find and using the same fabric for cuffs and ribbing as the body of the project does not always work well.  Care: mashine wash gentle/tumble dry low.

That is it for purchasing more fabric.  I really need to sew, sew, sew since I am still buying, buying, buying.

I am an Itch to Stitch afflilate. Any purchases made from my links will result in a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tweed Jacket

 I love a nice jacket and if I was still working the following jacket would be mine:

This is The Long Crew Neck Jacket in Tweed by Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $209.00.  Details:  crew neck, long sleeves, front button closure, front chest and hip welt pockets, lined, straight fit, 26-inch long, polyester/wool, dry clean only, hits at hip.

Finding a similar pattern was difficult.  I did find one without the pockets:

This is Vogue V1992.  The jacket in this pattern is lining but the skirt and the pant patterns are not.  I think you really need to line both items if you use a looser fabric.

Hope you are inspired to create a wonderful jacket.

Happy Stitching!

Resistance Is Futile...

 I have been working really hard not to buy so many patterns but it seems to be futile.  Maybe if I did not look at other's creations, I would be a little more successful.  I have had some great success with the Itch to Stitch patterns (affiliate).  Once you figure out your size, it is all good.  Yes, I did purchase the latest pattern and will attempt to make something before the end of the year.  Who does not need a great blouse?  Here is the line drawings:

This is the Talavera Blouse.  The curved yoke is fun.  Now, I need to dig through the stash and see if anything interesting is available.  I suspect that there are not many pieces in there long enough to accommodate the long sleeve top.  A double bonus as I can whip up a summer top as well.  There might very well be stash fabric available in the correct length for a short sleeve top.

This pattern is still on sale through October 26, 2026 and the volume discounts still apply.  That makes it an excellent to pick up additional patterns of interest.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made with my links will result in a small commission at no additional cost to you.   

Off to see what is available in the stash.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Blouse Pattern....

 Itch to Stitch has a new blouse pattern and it is perfect for year around.  Here is the line drawings:

This is the Talavera Blouse pdf pattern.  This easy little blouse is made for knits with 50% vertical and horizonal stretch.  

Talavera Blouse features:

• - Regular Bust and Full Bust options for a great fit
• - Elegant classic collar
• - Curved front and back yokes with soft gathers
• - Front button closure
• - Short-sleeve and long-sleeve options
• - Sleeves gathered at the cap and bottom, with cuffs
• - Designed for lightweight knit fabrics

The Talavera Blouse will be on sale through October 26, 2026.  It is a good time to look around at other patterns and use the volume discount for additional discounts,

Be sure to check out the blog post to see all the wonderful versions that the testers created.

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!