Wardrobe Building....

What kind of sewist are you?  Are you a person who just like to sew?  Do you just decide to make an item and make it? or do you sew with a plan?

As I've gotten older, fitting the patterns as gotten harder whether it's from the extra fluff or shoulders moving forward from sitting at a desk all day.  Things just seem to shift around making muslins a necessity.

I have been trying the last couple of years to make or purchase items that work together.  I started this with Starting From Scratch at The Vivienne Files.  There is a ton of information at that website regarding wardrobe building.  I've watched along with the 6-PAC sewing over at Stitcher's Guild under Fashion, Style, & Wardrobe. The basic formula is 2 jackets/cardigans or layering pieces, 2 tops, 2 bottoms. This follows the seasons so that you can be ready with a couple of new outfits for the next season.  I have never successfully completed this.  I have made a couple of items generally tops.  There is also a SWAP sewing event at Stitcher's Guild.  I have never participated in that.  It is more than I want to think about at once, generally. 

So let's fast forward to what I'm working on this month.  I started the Design Your Wardrobe session at Seamwork.  This is been very thought provoking and well worth the time.  I have no idea if I will make all the items that are in my little plan but it has certainly been a journey getting here.  I'm going to see where this little journey takes me but I can tell you that I really want to clean out my closet. I will be pointing out items that I make as I sew along that belong to the plan made with Design Your Wardrobe.  Let's see how I do.

What inspires you to sew?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Jeans

Here's some jean inspiration:

This is the Thompson Curvy Slim-Leg Jean by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag:  $298.00.  Fabric is a cotton/nylon/spandex mix.  Jeans in this color would be a wonderful addition to my wardrobe but the price is all wrong.

Here's my best guess at a pattern that might work:

Yes, the pattern would need to be pieced together to make the front and back pieces one piece each but I think this is a close pattern.

What are you thoughts?  Do you know a better pattern?  Have you made your own jeans?  How did it turn out?

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Mystery Sewalong...No Block This Week

There wasn't a Mystery Block last week but I staying up with the challenge.  I made two additional blocks:

I now have a total of 6 challenge blocks.  I have no idea what I will do with these blocks. Maybe they will will get additional decoration.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Relaxed Blouse

Fall/Winter is coming.  I'm not sure how to dress in the climate I'm in now for winter.  Last winter, there wasn't much need to warm winter clothes.  I had no need of 2 or 3 layers but I think I still would like to update the wardrobe a bit.  I found this blouse:

It's the Roxy Double Georgette Blouse with Knit Cuffs by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $498.00.  It made from a silk double Georgette fabric and dry clean only. 

Does this blouse look familiar?  It looks very much like the Butterick pattern that I purchased in July:

I think it's the neckline that really matters here but the three changes that I see would be to change the woven cuff to a knit cuff, delete the sleeve slit, and lengthen the top portion of the top to the length you want.  Of course, you could just leave the elastic and the peplum.

How about the fabric?  Do you think you need the silk double georgette to recreate the look?  This is a fabric that I have never sewn with.  The fabric can be found a Mood for around $25/yard.  I found a rayon crepe that I thought would work, also.

What are your thoughts on this top? 

Happy Sewing!

Mystery Sew Along Block 4

I feel like I'm getting into a routine with keeping up with the sew along.  Here's block 4:

There is also 2 more blocks for the challenge:

So far I have 4 out of 16 houses made.  I'm going to attempt to use the same blue fabric for all the blocks.  I don't know if I have enough fabric but we will see.

How are you doing on the sew along or the challenge?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Long-Sleeve Tee

The long-sleeve tee is a basic.  Depending on the fabric used, it can dressy or casual.  Here's the Eileen Fisher version:

The Long-Sleeved Tee is a classic tee with flat styling.    Price tag:  $98.00.  This version is made with a Viscose/Lycra blend. I think is a classic fabric used by Eileen Fisher for knit garments.

I'm sure that I will need some new long-sleeve tees in my wardrobe for fall and winter.  I do not have a tee-shirt pattern fitted currently but I do have several patterns. I think it is time to try fitting another pattern.  I have a couple of patterns in my pattern stash.  One is this Silhouettes pattern:

It has been my stash for a long time and I haven't tried it.  It appears to be a very versatile pattern.  There is cardigan, a sleeve-less top, and a long sleeved top.

The next pattern is a much older pattern from the defunct pattern company - Stretch & Sew:

This is #333 T-Shirt Collection.  I have made the View A of this pattern many times.  If you can find it, it is a good pattern.

Do you make your own t-shirts?  Do you like the fit better than RTW?  What patterns have you had success with?  What is your favorite fabric to make a tee?

Hope you're inspired to sew something beautiful!

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Knit Boucle Jacket

There are just too many cute ideas in fashion this year.   I found another boucle style jacket and just have to share it.  It is very similar to the Boucle Cardigan from earlier in the month.

Isn't this a wonderful color?  I would really like to have it but retirement says that I shouldn't.  Here's the information on the jacket:  Shavani Frayed Boucle-Knit Jacket by IRO.  Price tag: $380.00.  It has a princess seamed back and I can't really tell if the front is a princess seam also.

I had never heard of this French company so I checked out the other offering at Neiman's.  There were more jackets similar to this one.  I guess this is the style jacket I should make this season.  It seems to be the one I'm liking the most.

All pattern suggestions can be found at the Boucle Cardigan link above.

Happy Stitching!

Mango Lime Ice...

In the heat of summer, Mango Lime Ice is a favorite at my house. Here's a picture:

Here's the recipe at Frontera - Mango Lime Ice.  I use a small ice cream maker when I make mine and it is done in two separate batches.

Enjoy!

Happy Stitching!

Mystery Sew Along Block 3...

Somehow, I'm managing to keep up with the Mystery Sew Along.  Here's block 3:

Yeah, I missed taking a picture of the block before sewing but that's okay.  I've even started the challenge that is going along with the sew along.  Here are new additional houses:

Stitching up those scraps couldn't be better!

How are you doing on the sew along?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Boyfriend Shirt

Another nod toward fall and winter items, this long sleeved shirt by Eileen Fisher is wonderful:

This is the Eileen Fisher Silk Crepe de Chine Long-Sleeved Boyfriend Shirt.  Price tag: $248.00.  This shirt has a nice relaxed fit with a concealed button front and mandarin collar.  Length is given as 29" in back.

If you already have a shirt fitted, why not continue with another version?  I've never sewn with the silk crepe de chine.  Have you?  Would you go with the luxurious fabric or something else?  The Eileen Fisher version above is machine washable.

As far as the pattern, I would use one that fits the way you want it to fit.  I will most likely try the Grainline Studio Archer shirt pattern as it is in my pattern stash.  Instructions on the concealed button front can be found on the last shirt inspiration post here.

Happy Stitching!

Goodies Have Arrived...

Did you participate in the Crafty Black Friday event?  I did go shopping and got some lovely little items:

1.

Collins Fine Line Blue Water Erase Pens -  I had just tossed the ones I had as they weren't functioning any more.  That is a win-win.

2.

Everyday Table Runner Holiday kit -  I love decorating for the holidays and to add something new every year.  Hopefully this will get completed before Thanksgiving.

3.

Package of Pellon Shape Flex.  This is always good to have in the stash.

4.

Clover Antique Yarn Threader.  This is definitely not a necessary item but it is so pretty.  I do like like have pretty equipment and this will come in handy when I finish things that I have knitted.


Did you get any goodies at the Craftsy sale?  I tried really hard to not spend much but I did spent a little more than I had intended.

Happy Stitching!
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Inspiration...Boucle Cardigan

There are just too many ideas to stick to one inspiration post per week.  Here's a cute Eileen Fisher cardigan:

This can be found at Nordstrom.  It is the Organic Cotton Cardigan by Eileen Fisher.  Price tag: $298.00.

The description doesn't indicate that this is a knit but you could get a boucle knit and it would make a lovely little cardigan also.  The fabric isn't had to find.  This can be made for a fraction of the retail price.  Here's a similar pattern:

This pattern is a princess seam but the collar and opening are similar to the inspiration picture.  Of course, this is a versatile pattern as you getting several other pieces.  Here's another choice:

Again, this is a pattern with princess seams where the collar and opening are similar to the inspiration picture.

Hope you're inspired to make something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Mystery Sewing Along Block 2

I was able to continue the trend of selecting my fabrics quickly for the mystery sew along;

I was happy with the fabric selections.  Here's the finished block:

The momentum is still rolling.  Two blocks down.   I have decided to do the challenge and make extra house blocks.  We'll see how that goes.  I have fabric selected for two houses.  I have no started the cutting out process yet.

How are you doing with the sew along?

Happy Stitching!

Inpiration...Classic Pencil Skirt

Ah, the classic pencil skirt!  I've been sewing this type of skirt since I joined the work force in the  mid-80s.  There was a time when I could whip a lined pencil skirt out in about 2-hours and I was really good with the blind hem stitch.  I probably couldn't do it today.

This is the Tula Nouveau Crepe Wool Pencil Skirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  It is a very classic pencil skirt.  This particular skirt is made from wool.  Price tag: $298.00.  This can be viewed at Neiman Marcus.

This particular skirt is straight and doesn't appear to have a kick pleat.  I have found a pattern that has the very same silhouette:

Here's the line art and you will see what I mean:

The skirt is perfect or at least I think so.  The other pieces in the pattern are just a bonus.  I do like the pull over and the tank.  This is Vogue 9286.

Hope you're inspired to sew.

Happy Stitching!

Black Friday Sale...

Black Friday sale in August?  You bet.  Hop over to Crafty's Black Friday sale via this link or use the last ad banner on the right.

I'm anxiously waiting for my order to arrive.  I hope the new kit is good one.  I also purchased several new tools.  Yeah, just too much fun.

The Black Friday sale is August 3, 2018 through August 6, 2018.  Have fun looking!

Happy Stitching!
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Serger Frustrations...

I seems like ages ago that I purchased the Juki MO-1000 but it has been less than two years.  Here's a link to the post that proves it - here.  I've had the machine since October 2016 and oh, how I miss the Husqvarna 936.  It is not just the electronics that I miss but the stitch quality.  Before I disposed of the non-functioning 936, I copied all of information on the different stitches to create a cheat sheet of sorts and it has certainly come in handy.  I will admit that I didn't mess with the MO-1000 much in 2017 as it was a crazy year filled with all sorts of the life changes. 

Frankly, I am almost ready to throw in the towel on this machine.  Just to get a decent stitch takes an hour or more of tweaking the settings and that is with using the above mention cheat sheet and the manual.  So, I really have to start a day or two before I am wanting to sew to get the machine set up to stitch properly. 

Maybe I just haven't really made friends with this machine. The threading is good with this machine for the most part.  I do have issue with the needle threader.  Maybe I just need to have the machine serviced.  It is always possible that the move wasn't so good on the machine even though I hand carried it across country.  Yes, I hand carried all of my portable machines.  The ones in cabinets were moved by the moving company.

It seems that the only seam width I can get out of this machine is about 1/4".  It might be a little wider but I really want a 3/8" seam width.  Doesn't it figure that I can not do better than that at least with a twill.  For the latest project that means that every seam will need to be done on the sewing machine and finished on the serger so that I have enough of a seam allowance to topstitch. ACK!  So much for a quick project.  Serging alone is always faster and yes, I know that the serger is rarely used entirely by itself. 

I think I need to purchase some fabric that will be dedicated just for serger play and get all of my toys that I have with my machine and see if I can get some better results.  I will create a workbook showing each stitch along with the fabric sample and list all of the setting to achieve that look. I will document my journey here.

I'm going to need some luck with this little project.  As frustrating as it seems, I need to either bond with this machine or move on and find a different machine. 

I suppose part of my frustration with this machine is that so many people love this machine.  My very first serger was a Bernette that had been made by Juki. I loved that little serger and even passed it along to someone who continued the love when I purchased the 936.  Maybe I should locate a dealer who can service the machine and then start the notebook. Too many decisions.

Happy Stitching!

Steals and Deals...

Do you ever check out Craftsy's Steals Deals section?  I have purchased some really nice kits in this section.  Yarn is always a draw for me. I notice that there was super bulky yarn on sale.  Think baby blankets.  That's a always a nice gift.  I see there is some DK superwash also. I don't know if I should invest in more yarn right now as I thinking I've got yarn for at least 4 sweaters.  But a girl can dream, right?

There is plenty of fabric in the Steals & Deals section, also.   From strips to kits, there is a huge selection.  Yes, I'm drooling over several kits.  There is one that I may get.  It is a table runner and listed as advanced.   Don't forget about the stash builders. The stash builders I was looking at are around $5.00/yard.  That is indeed a bargain.

Well, I did end up finding a couple of things that I want to purchase.  I show them later.  Do check out Steals & Deals.  You might just find the perfect gift for yourself or someone you love.

Happy Stitching!
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Mystery Sew Along Block 1...

I did find the time to select fabrics and cut out the pieces pretty quickly.  Here's the results:

Isn't that one crazy looking layout?  Here's the finished block:

One block down!  Hope I can continue the momentum all the way through to completion.

Are you doing the Merry & Bright Mystery Sew Along?

Happy Stitching!