Inspiration...Oversized Coat

I found this lovely coat and just had to share.  It is just about perfect in my eyes:

This is Lafayette 148 New York Lebell One-Button Luxe Cashmere Coat.  Price tag: $1998.00.  Details:  Notch Collar, single button front, oversized silhouette, knee length. 

The price on this coat is way outside my comfort zone.  As much as I love the collar, I could only see myself wearing it with black or gray.  However that is the reason we sew, so we can create things we love in the color we want.  Here's some pattern thoughts:

This is Vogue 9289.  It has the oversized collar but it would need to altered to have a single button front and remove the excess fullness.

This is Simplicity 8798.  This silhouette does a much better job matching the inspiration photo.  Unfortunately, the collar isn't a good match.  Maybe the collar isn't that big of a deal. 

If you know of a better pattern for this silhouette, please let me know.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Layering Tunic or Not

Here's a lovely little tunic to think about:

This is the Don't Think Twice by Nic & Zoe.  Price Tag: $168.00.  This tunic sweater comes with a dickey.  For a closer look check the Nic & Zoe website.

Here's a pattern that would work well to duplicate the look:

This is the V-Neck Tunic pattern by Loes Hinse Designs.  It can be found on the Casual Elegance Website.  This is a nice pattern.  You could use a ribbed knit to make your own version.  Changes would be lengthen and add pockets, if you choose.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 17

Week 17 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 17 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom.

This week's item is a cotton turtleneck in a print or pattern.  Obviously, it should be in the colors choosen for your wardrobe.  This week I looked to the closet for inspiration and I found it:

I believe I found this at Kohl's last year.  It's still in very good condition.  The colors of blue and white are perfect for my wardrobe.  Other items that could be considered are blouses and buttondowns.  

Are you following along with this series?  How are you using this to help with your wardrobe?  Any additional helpful information?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...V-Neck Tee

Do you have a favorite tee pattern?  What is the neck shaping?  Here's a tee to consider:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York V-Neck Short-Sleeve Modern Cotton Jersey Tee. Price tag: $148.00.  Details: v-neck, short sleeved, relaxed silhouette, straight hem, pull-over.  For a closer look check out the Neiman Marcus website.

Sounds like a typical tee, right?  What's with the price tag?  How many tees can you create with your favorite pattern for that price?  Four, five, six. 

Do you know how to change a pattern neckline?  The easiest way to do this without purchasing a new pattern is to use a french curve and copy the desired curve from an existing tee.  Here's a tutorial how to change an existing pattern here.  Use those purchased patterns over and over again.  Make your dollars work for you.  Once the pattern is fitted, you are the designer.

Happy Stitching!

Pant Muslin #2 - Sally's Pants

I was hoping that muslin #2 would be a wearable muslin.  You can check out muslin #1 here.  I think that muslin #1 had more stretch than I was realized.  Muslin #2 is a bit tighter than I expected:

There are still funky wrinkles.  The pants are a little tight on the upper hip/waist in the front.  The back isn't bad but there are still wrinkles on the legs.  Here's a small change:

Here I have pinned an inseam dart front and back, and let the hip/waist area out totaling an inch.  I see improvement in the back.  So I am stitching the darts front and back.  Here's the result:

The pinned dart looks better than the stitched dart. 

Maybe I'm in the wrong size.  I definitely need more room in the front hip/waist area.  In looking at this I'm seeing more distinct wrinkles on the front.  I'm not sure how to handle them.  There are other darting options that remove length from the outseam.  I just don't know if that is needed or not. 

I think I'm going to re-evaluate the size I was using.  Maybe I need to try a different size or just start over using a more stable fabric. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspirtation...Button-Down Shirt

It is really nice to see the blouse returning.  I do not have anything against t-shirts but blouses are more forgiving generally.  Here is today's version:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Brody Long-Sleeve Button-Down Italian Stretch Cotton Blouse.  Price:  $378.00.   Details:  Concealed button front, spread collar, long sleeves with cuffs, back yoke, relaxed silhoutte, shirt tail hem.  It is pretty much a classic shirt.  Check Neiman Marcus for a closer view and don't forget to look at the "How to Wear" for additional ideas.

This is the Grainline Studio Archer pattern.  This is a classic button-down shirt.  I know I pull this one out for every shirt in this style but it is in my collection.  Use whatever pattern you own or have fitted.  As far as the concealed button front instructions, there are links to a couple of tutorials here.  Here's another option for the shirt:

This is the Classic Shirt by Liesl & Co.  Although this pattern gives you the same basic silhouette as the Archer, this one has a darts which will give it a better fit.



What are your thoughts on the concealed button front blouses/shirts?  Do you like them?

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 16

Week 16 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 16 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.

This week's item is a cotton turtleneck in an accent color.  As stated last week, no turtleneck for me.  However, I will add a crewneck t-shirt.  If I can find a nice cotton interlock or jersey, I may may it.  Most probably, I will purchase.  I know I don't have fabric for this item in the stash.  Here's the patterns I will consider:

This is the Sihoulttes pattern #195 Sweater Set.  Once fitted you can make many variations.  I may also consider this pattern:

This is Stretch & Sew #333 T-Shirt Collection.  It is long out of print but can be found occassionally.  I have made View A many times.  

Are you following along with this series?  How are you using this to help with your wardrobe?  Any additional helpful information?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Long Shirt + Leggings

There are too many ideas to just have one inspiration post a week.  So, I will be doubling up for a bit.  Here's the latest find in a casual style:

This is the Eileen Fisher Ticking Stripe Button-Down Long-Sleeve Long Shirt and Viscoe Jersey Leggings.  Price tags:  Shirt - $250.00, Leggings - $98.00.  Details: Long Shirt - Band Collar, Crew Neck, Button front, Long sleeves, button cuffs, side slits, relaxed fit, knee length, and straight hem; Leggings - Ankle length, pull-on style, and ankle length.  For a closer look, head over to Neiman Marcus website.

For the Long Shirt, I'm going to fall back on the standard shirt pattern:

This is the Archer Button Up pattern by Grainline Studio.    This pattern is a little different since it has a yoke.  Pattern changes:  leave off the collar, add length and width to the top.  That's pretty much it.  

This is #5019 Silhouette Patterns Angel's Handbag & Leggings pattern by Silhouette Patterns.  The leggings in the pattern are pretty much what is shown in the Eileen Fisher photo.

As always, if you already have similar patterns fitted use those patterns.  Save that money and spend it on good quality fabric.  Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

(This post contains an affliliate link.  If you used the link to purchase something, I would get a small commission at no additional charge to you.)

Just A Nod...

This is just a little blurb to let you know that Seamwork is 50% off right now for the unlimited subscription.  Use this link and get $3.00 off your first month.

I started this subscription about 6 months ago and have really enjoyed it.  I really like the Design Your Wardrobe series as it really makes you think about what you may or may not be sewing.  I've been trying to make more items that I know I'll wear.  I have made a few of the patterns and they have turned out well.  In an attempt to get more out of the subscription, I have also been trying to participate in the community.

So, if you have thought about joining Seamwork, the price is good right now.

Happy Stitching!
(Post contains affliliate links.  I get a small benefit.)

A Little Hike in the Ozark National Forest...

Yesterday, my husband and I went for drive with the intent of looking for waterfalls.  We found a few:

These two little waterfalls were on the side of  highway 23.  I don't know if we were actually in the Ozark National Forest at this point.  Both are pretty little falls. 

Beauty can be found in many places in the forest.  This was a tree that was laying across the trail.  The mushrooms are beautiful.

Found the waterfall but oops we are on top. 

This is the waterfall. It is so pretty with all green.  I could see some ferns growing there but the rest of the greenery is a mystery.  I am not sure what the orange is.

The photographer getting as close to the edge as possible.  No doubt he is trying to figure out if he can get down to the bottom of the falls.  I have not doubt that if I hadn't been with him he would have gone to bottom of the falls.

The little stream that creates the waterfall.

Yes, the photographer is set up in the stream to get a video of the stream with the sound.  He is at most six feet from the top of the waterfall.  You can also see the steps that must be climbed to leave.

These four pictures are just a little more beauty from the forest.

View from Spire Rock.

Around noon, we started shredding second layers.  This walking stick decided to join us.  He did not want to get off the shirt.

We finally convinced it to get on the tree.  Then we hiked back to the truck.

We had lunch at the historic Oark Cafe and General Store.  It's suppose to have been in continuous business since 1890.  The food is good. They must sell a lot of pies here because when we arrived around 1:30 they were making them.  A must try is the buttermilk pie.

This is the next set of waterfalls we visited.  It is a double waterfall and so big my little camera wasn't able to get it in one photograph.  This was a large u-shaped area.

This is the view of the little stream the double waterfall created.  It is also the trail going to it. 

This is a bonus waterfall.  The photographer is getting a closer look.  I chose not to climb up to it.

We did attempt to locate one more waterfall but it wasn't meant to be.  The GPS wasn't working correctly and we ended up on some little dirt road that was barely wide enough for the truck.  I was really happy we didn't met another vehicle on that road. 

The day was fun and tiring.  I sure that there will be more waterfall hunting trips coming this fall.


Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Poncho

In the fall and sometimes in the winter, a second layer can be useful. This poncho fits would work well.

This is the Eileen Fisher Hand Woven Organic Cotton Poncho.  Price: $358.00.  I know the black and white coloring is what drew me in on this.  Here's a couple of patterns to consider:

This is Kwik Sew 4222.  There are two styles of the poncho and the line drawer kinda indicates that do not really need a pattern if you can figure out where you want to cut the fabric.

This is McCall's 7202.  The shape is a little different than the inspiration.  This pattern would give you a little more arm coverage.

This is Indygo Junction Warm and Cozy Wrap.   I thought I would throw this one out there.  It's a bit different than the inspiration silhouette but it is a very wearable design.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 15

Week 15 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 15 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.

This week item is another turtleneck in a dark neutral.  As stated last week, the weather doesn't generally get cool enough to warrant a bunch of turtlenecks.  I do own a black turtleneck and a couple of dark turtlenecks.  I'm sure that they are from Lands' End.  However after watching the Silhouette Patterns - Silhouettes for Fall 2019 video on youtube, I may add a sleeveless shell.  It will serve the same purpose as the turtleneck as it is a base level.  Peggy Sagers used the Eileen Fisher's Basic 8 as a starting point for talking about the basics. 

So, I'm going to follow Peggy's suggestion and make a sleeveless shell to wear under sweaters, shirts, etc.  The color that I'm going to choose is dark gray.  I will be using this pattern:

Maybe, if I have time and energy, I'll make the cardigan also.  This would be a versatile set to have in the wardrobe.  For now, I don't believe that I have this fabric in the stash.  I will check the stash for anything appropriate before adding any additional fabric.  The stash really doesn't need to grow anymore even if it is just 3 yards of fabric.

Are you following along with this series?  How are you using this to help with your wardrobe?  Any additional helpful information?

Happy Stitching!

Pant Muslin #1 - Sally's Pants

I have been taking the Pant Fitting Class at Silhouette Patterns.  The class is using the Silhouette Pattern #3200 as it's base.  Here's a look at the pattern:

The front cover of this pattern isn't interesting nor is the line drawing.  However upon opening the pattern, you realize that this is a very basic pattern - five pattern pieces total.  It is high waisted which is very current styling right now.

I dug around in the stash and found 1 1/2 yards of twill type fabric that is beyond prime use.  Here's a  closeup of one piece with markings in pencil:

Here's the first try-on:

This is a hot mess.  I definitely need more room from side-to-side in the high/hip and belly area.  It was very hard to pin close  I'm going to remove one of the darts to see if that helps a bit.  Unfortunately, I didn't have enough of this fabric to cut larger side seams and that would have been very helpful. 

The back doesn't look too bad.  There is a little bit of gaping at the waistline so I will take the darts up a little bit.  I need to figure out the wrinkle on the right side.

I think I need to go watch some videos on pant fitting.  Here's round 2 of fitting this muslin:

The changes here are the release of the darts.  This made it much easier to pin the pants closed.  I also put a little tuck across the front.  You can see in the first picture that the fabric was being pushed into this position.  The tuck does move around to the back but it is very small. I think I need to add a little dart in the curved area under the belly to remove those wrinkles.

The back isn't too bad.  Honestly, I would probably be happy with this but I'm going to try a small dart at the hip and see if it can be a little better.

Here I took a small dart in the crotch curve.  I think it may be a little bit low but the wrinkling in the front looks a bit better.

Here I took a small dart at the hip.  To my eyes, it looks like the dart should be a little deeper.

I'm playing around with fit just a little bit.  I released that front dart and pinned in a deeper crotch curve.  I think that I really need that dart.  I can't tell that the deeper crotch curve seam did anything.

Here I've taken a deeper dart at the hipline.  Those wrinkles are looking better don't you think?  I think I will pin a little bit deeper dart here and see what happens.

I think this is looking good for the front.  I'm ready to transfer these changes to the pattern.  I hope I'm able to do this accurately.

I think this back is looking pretty good also.  I'm ready to transfer the markings.  I will share one more set of pictures.  This will be with the pinned darts sewn.

This version isn't quite as good as the pinned version but I'm going to still transfer and see what I end up with.  The right side of this looks very good.  I will transfer from that point.

This version isn't bad. I will be truing the high hip dart and transferring the information from the right side.  In this picture, I also have the hem pinned in.  That way I can get the pattern trued for the hem.

I'm ready to start muslin #2.  I may not put the seams on the outside with that one.  I'm guess I'm feeling pretty confident with this muslin.  Folks, I can't emphasize how much easier it is to fit a muslin with the seams to the outside.  I have done this with the last two muslins that I did and I only had to cut one muslin before I went one to create a garment.  Try it and let me know how it works for you.

Happy Stitching!