New Fall Vogue Patterns Have Arrived....

It felt like it took a long time for the Fall Vogue Patterns to arrive.  Here are my favorites:

This is V1593.  It is a fitted and lined dress.  I love the look of this dress.  It fits right in with my love of asymmetry.   I wonder if you could come up with a slightly different closure.  Although I don't much think this particular pattern will become part of my stash unless there is a really good sale somewhere.  

This is V9337.  It is a wardrobe collection.  I'm not sure what it is that drew me to this collection but I do like the look of the tunic in the faux leather.

This is V1597.  I really like the pants in this pattern. I'm not so sure about the jacket but it my grow on me.  

I do really like this patterns but in reality I think only the last two patterns would really fit into my current lifestyle.  Why is the majority of patterns designed for knits?  It that really what most people are sewing with?  Don't get me wrong.  I like sewing with knits most of the time but I do have my issues with them.  Maybe I just need more practice.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Long Sleeve Shirt

This is definitely a nod toward fall/winter but we need those clothes also.  If you started now, you would be ready for a new season.  Isn't that a novel idea?  This is from Layette 148 New York:

This is more or less a classic shirt with a hidden button placket.  This is the Scottie Feminine Foulard Silk Blouse.  Price tag: $498.00.  You can see it closer at Neiman Marcus.

I've always been a sucker for a foulard print and I'm happy to see them.  However, I've never sewn with silk.  I really need easy to care for fabrics.  Maybe I haven't given the fabric a chance.  Anyone sewn with the silk and machine washed the finished item?

As far as patterns go, there are many shirt patterns.  So use you favorite one that has already been fitted.  I will most likely use the Grainline Studio Archer Button Up Shirt pattern as it is already in my pattern stash waiting to be used.  As for the hidden placket, it is fairly easy to add.  Here are a couple of  tutorials on how to create the placket -  How To Make Hidden Buttonholes and  How to Make a Hidden Button Placket.   The second tutorial is my favorite method but I would think that both have advantages.

Hope you're inspired to sew!

Happy Stitching!

Indygo Junction Sale...

I thought I would let you know that Indygo Junction is having a Christmas in July sale through the end of July.  It's a buy 2 patterns and get one pattern free sale.  That's a pretty good sale.  So, go take a look and think about any type of gift you might want to make and give.

Get inspired and sew, sew, sew.

Happy Stitching!

(affiliate links included)

Mystery Sew Along...

I've decided to join a Christmas Mystery Sew Along at Ilovetomakequilts with Pat Sloan.  It's called "Merry & Bright".   At first, I was going to purchase a bunch of fabric and make it exactly like the one she is making and then, I decided I would do scrappy and purchase the background fabric.  That's will reduce my fabric scraps / fabric stash a little and that is something that definitely needs to be done. 

I have a ton of other projects that need to be worked one so I'm hoping that I will be able to keep up by doing a block a week.  It was a lot of fun digging through the stash looking at different fabrics.  My first thought when I was doing this is I didn't have much in the blue family of scraps.  Maybe I didn't dig deep enough.   I'll share my finished blocks as they are done.

Hope over to the website and check out the sew along.  May be you will want to join in also.

Happy Stitching!

Another Sleeveless Top...

When I completed this top this past week, it was the hottest day of the year so far.  ACK!  I don't have enough clothing for these hot days.  Here's the top which is really a muslin:

This pattern is from the Sleeveless Top from The Versatile Twin Set Pamela's Patterns.  This is the older version of the pattern not the newer version.  Following the directions from the pattern on fitting, I'm a medium in this pattern with the darted front.  When I traced off the front, I decided to trace the small from the armhole up and a medium from the armhole down.  This was the only change that I made.  In looking at the pictures, I think I should have gone with a straight medium.  My bra straps show. 

In the first picture, I would say that I need a larger dart.  The shoulder angle might be off a little bit.  There might be a tummy issue.  Actually when you zoom in on the picture, it doesn't look like a tummy issue but the tummy is there and could be causing an issue.

In the second picture, I would say that I definitely need more width across the back and a sway back adjustment. 

All in all, this isn't a bad start on this pattern.  The top is wearable around the house making it a great top for this hot weather.  I wouldn't think of wearing it in public without a cardigan over it.  It's a shame about this top not fitting so great.  The stripes match perfectly. 

 I do think I want to give this top another try.  Here are the changes:

1.  Trace a straight medium and do the petite adjustments with a larger dart and sway back adjustment.  Maybe add to the side seam on the front so I can play with any tummy issues.

2.  Possible change - the neckline shaping.  I'm always a little leary of a neckline that replicates the face shape.  I think it may not be the most flattering.  Maybe change it to be a bit more of a v-neck.

Discussion --  Please tell me your favorite way to hem a knit.  Please note that the top is hemmed at the neck, armholes, and the bottom hemline.  It is simply turned back and stitched.  I always have difficulty with this type of instruction.  The stitching always pops when using a straight stitch.  I did try on it samples and didn't work.  I tried the straight stitch with regular thread in the top and a stretch thread in the bottom; and that didn't work.  I ended up hemming using the "lightning" stitch on my machine set to a 4.0 length and .5 width using the regular thread in both the needle and bobbin.   The hem is nice and stretchy with this stitch but it isn't pretty.  Normally, I would use a twin needle with stretch thread in the bottom.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tie Front Blouse

I just love interesting details on tops and this particular top fits the bill:

Don't you just love the tie on this top?  It's the Gibson Tie Front Blouse from Nordstrom.  Price tag: $52.00.  The fabric is a poly/lycra blend.  This isn't a particularly expensive top and I'm not sure that you would want more than one. 

I have been unable to locate any patterns that are similar.  I can find them with a twist but not the tie.  Examples of the twist would be the Nottingham Top pattern by Itch to Stitch and Sophia's Dress pattern by Silhouette Patterns.  Debbie at Stitches and Seams made the Nottingham top and added a faux tie which turned out really cute.  Folks, I have no doubt that there are other patterns available.

Sophia's dress pattern has the twist a little closer to the location needed for duplicating.  I wonder if removing the cowl and adding the faux top would be enough to duplicate this look.  Thoughts?  Do you know of any pattern that would work pattern or would be a closer match?  Please share.

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful!

Happy Stitching!

Bluprint...

Have you checked the new version of Craftsy Unlimited yet?  It's called Bluprint.

I've been poking around this morning to see what is different from Craftsy Unlimited.  For starters, the Great Courses are included.  The first thing I started watching was fitness course.  Next, there is a section called Home Decorating and Entertaining.  I found this class Getting Started with Upholstery (craftsy link).  I'm working on a project right now that this class might be helpful with.

I have no doubt that I will find many more classes that I either hadn't noticed before or is new content for the new site.  So, hope over and check out the new site and try a 7 day FREE trial on Bluprint.  Remember if you to get a subscription during the free trial you can get either 33% off the first three months or $20 off an annual subscription.

Happy Sewing!  (or maybe it should be Exploring!)

(All links are affiliate links)

Inspiration...Sleeveless Tunic Dress

Continuing with the cool summer theme, I found this lovely Nic & Zoe dress:

This is the Twilight Hours Tunic Dress.  You can find it on the Nic & Zoe website.  It is made from a silk and viscose blend.  Price tag: $168.00.

When I saw this dress I immediately thought of the Galley Tunic + Dress pattern by Liesl & Co:

This pattern has the basics needed.  It does have a pleat in the front and in the back.  You would need to decide whether you wanted that.  The other change needed in the sleeves.  You will need to make it sleeveless which will require a change to the armhole.

Hope your inspired to create!

Happy Stitching!

Craftsy Supply Sale....

Craftsy is having a sale on their supplies through July 15th.  Check it out - Craftsy sale.  Okay, I'm off to see what else I can find for myself.

Happy Stitching!

New Fall Simplicity Patterns...

The Fall Simplicity patterns are ready.  Here are the ones that I found interesting:

This is Simplicity 8699.  It is a wrap skirt variations.  There are five versions in the pattern.  I'm always a sucker for asymmetry.

This is Simplicity 8697.  An oversized, boyfriend style jacket with 2 variations.  This would be a quick item to sew.  No lining.

What do you think of the new Simplicity patterns?  What are your favorites?

Happy Stitching!

I Really Couldn't Resist...

The last thing I need are more patterns but I couldn't resist.  This past weekend, I had the need to just go and look, and I ended up at Joann's.  As I was walking around looking at fabric, I noticed that the Butterick patterns were on sale.  I knew that there was a couple of patterns that I was interested in and decided to go for it.  Here they are:

Love, love, love the asymmetry in this pattern.  I'm thinking View A and I have a very nice teal knit that would work up just fine in this dress.

The second pattern I just noticed in the past week and the sale didn't apply to it:

 I really like the looks of this tunic and decided to add to the stash.   I like tunics and this one gives you two variations.  I can see this being lengthened into a dress length also.

So, have you fell of the wagon lately?  I've done pretty good this year trying to just use what is in the stash but sometimes you need something new. 

Happy Stitching!

I've Done It Now...Day 4

Finally, I'm returning to the upholstery project started in April.  You can see what I started with in the first post here.  Process can be found in the 2nd post and the 3rd post.  Since the last post, the frame was glued, the zig zag spring has been tacked down, and the arm screws removed so that I could get the final bit of fabric removed from the back.  Here's the result of that work:

I decide to leave the batting on the chair back as it was still in good condition.  Of course some of that decision was that it was very well tacked in.  Then I decided to start tying the springs down.  Here's the result:

I used this youtube video on how to tie the springs down along with stapling method.  I'm sure the same method would be used with other types of springs.  I used a Ruby Italian Twine which I purchased from eBay.  Now on to the next layer:

Here I've put the jute on the chair and put a small edge roll on the front.

Here's the chair with the first layer of padding on it.  After looking at this I decided that I needed a 1-inch high density foam.  I didn't have any stashed and went looking at the local stores.  I did find a 2-inch high density foam and tried it on the chair and it's too much.  I did find what I needed at eBay and now, I get to wait for it to arrive sometime in the next 10 days.  Oh, boy.

Definitely, not the quick project that I had originally thought it was going to be.  However, it will be nice when it's finished.

In the meantime, here is the youtube video that I used - Padding a chair. If you want to see a more authentic version of the 30's style office chair being upholstered, check out this video - Upholstery Horse Hair and Leather Part 1 and Upholstery - Horse Hair and Leather Part 2.  He makes it look easy, doesn't he?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Silky Tee

I know the drawing point on this top was the color but look at the simplicity of it:

This is the Silky Sea Silk Blend Tee by Nic + Zoe.  Price tag: $118.00.  Want a closer look?  Head over to the Nordstrom website.

Really in sewing terms you can get easier than 2 pattern pieces.  This top also has a binding at the neckline which could add a little bit to the complexity.  Note that when you zoom in that this isn't a true "V" neck.  The binding is sewn in the round and the typical "v" stitch isn't there.

I did a look around for fabric of this type - silk and viscose blend.  I found a little bit but nothing patterned like this. Most likely you could find a poly blend or a rayon blend with this sort of pattern on it.

As for the pattern, I found this one:

This is Butterick 6221.  It is a lifestyle pattern and gives you lots of options.  Even the largest size takes less than 2 yards to make this little top.

Hope your inspired to sew!

Happy Stitching!

Woven Tank Top Part II

After my post last week about the tank top, I decided to tweak a little bit more.  Here are the additional changes that I made:

1.  Moved the fold line back 5/8".  This is narrow the neckline just a bit more
2.  Moved the dart down 2"starting below the armhole.  I thought the dart was a little too high on my last muslin.
3.  Made the dart larger by an 1".
4.  Lengthened the front due to the larger dart.
5.  Made an additional sway back adjustment.
6.  Increased the side seam to 5/8" (maybe this means I was in the wrong size to start with).

Here are the results:

Although I could probably do a little more tweaking to the pattern, I am happy with my results.  I now have two sleeveless tops that will help me stay a bit cooler.    A year ago you could not have convinced me that I would want a sleeveless top but here I am wanting a dozen of them. 

Have you tried this particular Silhouettes pattern?  Did you have good results?  I would love to hear about it.

Now, I get to make some other decisions like:

1.  Do I want a knit tank?
2.  Do I want a dress?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Woven Top

You know how something you see a top and think that is just too easy.  That is how I feel about this gingham top:

This is the Eileen Fisher Organic Linen 3/4-Sleeve Top.  Price tag: $178.00.

This top looks pretty good for a relaxed fit with dropped shoulders. Could it be duplicated?  Maybe.  I found this Butterick pattern:

View E looks pretty close.  The changes that I immediately see are remove the pocket, shorten the sleeve, and lengthen the top. Those are all easy changes once the top is fitted.

There is one issue.   I'm not sure that a fabric such as the organic linen could be used with this particular pattern.  It calls for light-weight fabrics.  I think I would be willing to give it a shot.  I do need to double check the pattern stash for a similar pattern.   I'm trying really hard not to add more patterns to the stash.


What do you think?  Do you know of another pattern that might work better?

Hope your inspired to sew.

Happy Stitching!