Angel's Bag...

I decided to make a bag using the Angel's Handbag and Leggings pattern by Silhouette Patterns:

This is a style departure for me.

In looking at the pattern, it is pretty straight forward.  I will not be putting the fringe on the outside.  The inside needs a little bit of work as I know I will planned storage than the two pockets in the pattern.  I intend to add a zippered pocket and credit card slots. I found a little tutorial here if you're interested in these types of pockets. The cell phone pocket is a wee bit small for my phone so that needs to be enlarged a little also.  I also would like this to have a zippered closure.  It seems to be open like a tote bag.  Even with the optional magnetic closure, it's too open for me.

So Sew Easy Tutorial for sewing the zipper tab - here.

Here's pictures of the inside changes:

This is the zippered pocket with the bag pocket below it.   I wasn't sure about the bag pocket at first but I think I'm going to like it.

The cell phone pocket is single layer and I hope that wasn't a mistake. The entire lining has sf101 attached.  There is places where this caused a great deal of thickness but my machine stitched right it.  As far as the zippered pocket, I decided to make sure that the upper edges would be stitched into a seam.  The pocket was sized at 8"x 12".

Here's a picture of the zipper area for closure:

This was a real challenge to stitch.  The fabric seems sticky and the machine didn't want to stitch it at all.  I ended up using two types of stabilizers.  Unfortunately, it was hard to see and my stitching isn't that great.  I seriously doubt that anyone will notice but me.

Here's the final bag:

It was really difficult to punch the holes in this for the rivets.  Hopefully, the rivets will actually hold.

Conclusion:

1.  This wasn't a particular difficult pattern to make.  With that being said, this is not a beginner pattern.  There is just too much that a beginner wouldn't know to create this successfully unless they are using leather.

2.  I would say that it is definitely meant for leather even though the pattern envelope states any purse fabric.  There are absolutely no information for using a fabric with this pattern.

3  Little instructions are missing that really should be there.  Example, the rivets require some type of stabilization especially at the sides of the bag.  This is something that you need to be aware of before any final stitching on the bag.  It is possible that the purse handle has enough layers that any additional stabilization isn't necessary.


Would I sew this bag again?  Maybe.  The sheer size of this bag is really outside of my comfort zone.  Hopefully, I will use it.  I did add some nice touches to the inside that should make it a little easier to use for me.


Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Wrap Dress

I'm still remembering how hot it felt last summer.  I do want to be ready with lots of comfy clothes.  Here's the lastest dress:

Doesn't this look like it would be perfect for the hot days of summer?  This is the Pammie Sleeveless Finesse Crepe Wrap Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag:  $548.00.   Get a close look at the Neiman Marcus website.  

I think I like everything about this except the fiber content.  It doesn't state that it's dry clean only but I suspect that it is.  We can do better than this, can't we?  What do you think about these options:

This is Diane's Wrap Dress pattern by Silhouette Patterns.  This pattern will give you the wrap, the tie, and the length. However, it does have a collar and lapel.  This one is in my pattern collection so that is where I would start.  Most likely, you could remove the portions of the pattern you don't want to use.  

Here's a version that is almost identical to the inspiration dress:

This is the Annabelle Woven Dress pattern from Style Arc.    It is certainly worth considering this pattern.  Note that the "V" is much deeper on this pattern.

I'm sure there are more options than this but this is what I found.  Wouldn't a linen blend be perfect for this?

Hope you are inspired to sew something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Contemporary Kimono...The Planning

In February, I did an inspiration post on a Kimono Jacket and I really liked that jacket.  I finally got the pattern:

Instead of a short jacket like the inspiration photo, I will be making the jacket in the longer length with the sleeve bands.  Here's the fabric that I chose to use:

This will be the exterior of the jacket.

This is the interior of the jacket.  Both of these fabric are an Essex Cotton/Linen blend.

My plan is to use a black DMC pearl cotton in a size 8 to stitch the fabric layers together.  With luck this will go well as I have never attempted this sort of stitching before to create a cloth.

The Kantha style stitching is just a running stitch.  I couldn't find any information on stitch length.  So, I guess I get to decide.  The inspiration picture appears to have largish size stitches.  I'm not sure that I would go larger than 1/4" in length with the stitches.

Have you made a garment using this style of embroidery?  I would love to hear about it.    I will do periodic updates on the project as I go along.  I suspect that it will take a little while to do the hand stitching.  I shouldn't need this type of jacket until fall.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cowl Neck Top

We all need spring tops.  This one peaked my interest:

This is the Floral Cowl Neck top from the Kettlewell website.  Price tag:  $55.00.  This top comes in 4 different colors. 

Here's the pattern that I think would be good:

This is the Cowl-neck Blouse pattern by Silhouettes.  I think is a spot on duplicate for inspiration top.  Just would need to find some nice fabric.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Short Sleeve Shirt

I have taken a liking to sewing with lin Then.  This shirt makes me want it invest in so linen and sew:

This is the Sublime Justice Button-Front Short-Sleeve Linen Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $328.00.  For a close-up view, go to the Neiman Marcus website.   This top is a good basic and made from linen it should last for a long time.  

Have you sewn with linen much?  I have done a couple of projects in the last few months.  You can see the bread bag here and the curtains here.  I do think that each project was a different linen.  I did order the linen from the fabric-stores dot com for both projects.  Just note that you need to make sure that you order enough fabric for the entire project.  From reading reviews, I would say that ordering additional may not match color wise. 

I wish I knew more about ordering linen.  Anyone know of a site that gives a good explanation?

As far as patterns go, my first thought was Kwik Sew but they don't seem to have anything appropriate.  They use to be the go to company for this type of pattern.  They always had good basics.  Maybe you can locate a vintage one.   The Grainline Studio Archer shirt pattern would probably work.  

Feel free to recommend any other pattern.  I do recommend that you use a shirt pattern that you already have fitted.  Save the money on the pattern to spend on the fabric. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Striped Blouse

Stripes are big for spring and summer.  Here's a blouse that will fit right in:

This is the Dayana Strada Striped V Neck 3/4 Sleeve Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $448.00.  For a closer look, check out the Neiman Marcus website.

Things that I like about this blouse - the vertical stripe, the v neck, the longer length.  Things that I'm unsure about for myself is the tie in the front.  It might be fine but the only way to find is to try something similar on.   Here's some patterns to consider:

This is McCall's 7358.  This blouse pattern has a couple of different options.  I'm sure once on view is fitted that they are all fitted.  This pattern does have a yoke which makes it slightly different than the inspiration picture.  However, you do get the nice v neck, the length, and the sleeve.  I think it's a winner.  I like that there is a sleeveless option for the hot summer days.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful!

Happy Sewing!

Vintage Shirt Dress Pattern...

I have been looking for a vintage shirt dress pattern in the correct size for a while.  I don't really want a fitted shirt dress but one that was loose.  Here's what I finally found:

It is very likely that I had previously owned this pattern.  It is a 1992 McCall's 6182.  I haven't checked the stash yet to see if I have any suitable fabric.  With luck, I will get this made before the end of summer.  I'm hopefully.

Do you like this looser style of shirt dress?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cotton Top

Summer is coming!  Have you started stitching for spring/summer yet?  I haven't but I have lots of ideas.  Hopefully, I will get to some of them.  Here's a great top:

This is the Huxley Palazzo Patchwork Printed Short Sleeve Cotton Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $398.00.   For a closer look, check out Neiman Marcus website.

How cute is this top?  I love everything about it.   I want this top but I'm not willing to spend $398.00 for it.  So, I went looking for patterns.  I found this one:

This is McCall's 7360.  It is a pullover henley style top.  Not exactly like the inspiration blouse.  I would definitely eliminate the front pockets and shorten the sleeves a little bit.  However, there is no collar.  I suppose the top wouldn't have to be exactly like the inspiration top.

Of course, there is always the Archer popover variation by Grainline Studio.  This requires the Archer shirt pattern but it is also an option for the top.  It is more shirt like than blouse like though.  Again, I would leave off the pockets and make the sleeves shorter. 

I think what I would be more interested in is a camp shirt style top.  Anyone know of a pattern for that?  I located some tutorials on how to make a popover top from a shirt/blouse pattern.  That good isn't it?  Use a pattern you have already fitted.  Here are the links:

1.  How to Sew a Popover Top From a Simple Shirt Pattern

2.  How to Sew a Popover Button Placket -  This doesn't really talk about the pattern changes but does give good information on the placket itself.

3.  Free Popover Placket and Tutorial -  This tutorial is similar to item 2 but it does provide information on changing the pattern.

I think you get the point.  We can do this without purchasing a new pattern should we decide that is what we want to do.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful!

Happy Stitching!
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