Muslin Woven Tank...

I have decided to try a different tank pattern.  I had been attempting the Silhouettes version and have made wearable versions of the tank pattern.  However, there is styling about the pattern that I am not happy with.  I have decided to try the Phoebe Linen Tank pattern from Fabrics-Store.com.  Here is a peek at their finished version:

Here is a link to the pattern - Phoebe Linen Tank.  It is a free pattern and you need to be registered to download it.  Here is the first muslin:

You can see her that I really need a bust dart.  However, the circumference is very good. Here is a picture showing how pinning a dart looks:

Don't you the dart really cleans up the shoulder area?  I will need to add length whenever the dart is added to the pattern.  You can see in this picture that it looks like the front is pulling to the back just a little bit.  This will mean that I need to add a bit of length to the back just above the shoulder area.  That probably should be done before adding the dart.

Here's the results of adding length to the back:

You can see I still need a front dart.  I don't feel like I'm being choked anymore.  This is good.

Here you can see the differences in the back.  Length has been added in the back shoulder area.  I think that I'm done with the shoulder area and will be marking the pattern with the changes.  Next will be the sway back changes.

There are still a few wrinkles in the back but I can not tell if it is because of the way I am standing.  So, I decided the back is done.  Now, for the front darts:

I increased the dart by another 1/2 inch on the side you can see.  This is the final for the dart.  Here's the side view:

I think I happy enough with the fit of the muslin that I'm ready to move on.  I can improve the fit with the next version should I decide that it is needed.  I have two fabrics that I am going to attempt this top in.  It really depends on how large the fabric pieces are.  This will definitely make a nice summer top.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Slim Pants

This week's inspiration is slim pants and not just any slim pant.  These pants remind me of cigarette pants.

This are the Manhattan Slim Pants by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag:  $368.00.  Details - stretch cotton, side slip pockets, flat front legs, ankle length, hook/fly zip.

Since they remind me more of a cigarette pant, that is the pattern I am going to show today:

This is the Colette Clover pant pattern.  I think View 1 is right version for this inspiration.  The patterns from the Seamwork website are all pdfs.  The patterns can be purchased individually of you can become a member and use credits.  Here is a link for membership.  If you use that link to purchase a membership, you will get a small discount and I will get a small benefit as well.

How is your spring / summer sewing going?  Hopefully, it is going better than mine.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 38

Week 38 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 38 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. 

Week 38 is twill or denim skirt.  Obviously if a skirt is not something you wear or would consider wearing, thn make this item any bottom that you prefer to wear in spring.  With that said, I want a denim wrap skirt.  I have the fabric and pattern. Just got to it done.  With that said, be sure and check out the skirts in the post.  The skirts from Marks & Spence are just fabulous and not particularly expensive.  I particularly liked the linen wrap skirt.

Here is my pattern choice for this:

This is the Sidekick Wrap Skirt pattern by Indygo Junction.  

Here is another option:

This is Butterick 6547.  It a wrap skirt with two views.  I think View A is a little more causal than View B but both views would be good.

Any skirt pattern you own that is meant for wovens will work.  However, the skirt or bottom is yours.  Use a pattern you already own and buy fabric.

Happy Stitching!

Looking For Things To Do...

It is hard being at home and not doing the regular running around.  I am sure most people are like me  use to hop in the car and doing what I want to do.  My car has been driven twice in the last week - to my parents and to my home.  It actually leaves a lot of time to do other things. Personally, I am cleaning, sewing, and watching videos.   Bluprint is offering free classes through April 9, 2020.  No credit card involved.  Just register and find something to keep everyone busy. Go check it out (link at the right).  Maybe you will find something new to learn.

Happy Stitching (Creating)!
(This is an affliliate post and I will get a small commission if you register.)

Kitten Spells Trouble...

Last summer, my life turned upside down when a little demon kitty entered it.  You can read about here.  Fast forward a few months and I don't have one cat but two.  Yep, there is a story.  In the meantime, here's the original picture of little Rocket:

Doesn't he look precious?  My original name for him was "Trouble".  He has lived up to that name.  Here is today:

Hasn't he grown into a fine looking cat?  Rocket is about 9 months old here.  His chunkieness has only begun in the past month.  We have reduced his food a bit to assist with not gaining more weight.  I think the weight happened at the same time his new friend was taken away from him for a few weeks. 

Now to the new friend.  Because Rocket was a surprise member of our household, we had to find a place for him to board while we were traveling. Our local vet took him for us.  An unintended consequence of this was that Rocket was introduced to another kitty who had been severely injuried and was healing that the vets.  In December, when we returned from the last trip of the year, this kitty was offered to us.  They told us that the two had already been introduced and seemed to love each other. We said we would think about it.

 In the meantime, Rocket continues to bite me constantly.  We are not talking friendly little "I love you" bites but blood drawing bites.  We decide to give this kitty a chance.  He had been living in a cage for 7 or 8 months.  When we went to pick him up, it was very evident that the staff loved this cat.  There were a lot of tears at the clinic that day.  Meet JB:

Isn't a pretty tabby?  Rocket is quite pleased to have a friend.  Can you tell?  Let's fast forward to February when we notice that a scar has opened up on his leg.  We take a picture send it to the vet who immediately says "Bring him in.".  It turns out that JB has metal bars holding his leg together and he has had a reaction to it.  Of course, the skin in the inside of the leg is rather thin also and probably contributed.  The metal bars had to be removed.  The vet kept him for the next 4 or 5 days because the wound had to be kept clean.  He wasn't happy at the vets and we brought him a couple of days before his next surgery.  He's JB after surgery:

The cone of shame.  He wore it well.  I will say we had a little two much fun it with at this expense.  Here's a shot eating:

It was even funnier to watch him walk around.  There are no videos just memories.  He was plenty happy to get rid of the cone.  Just as Rocket was plenty happy to have his buddy back.  Three weeks is a long time to a cat.  Here are the boys together again:

Don't they look pleased?  No more social isolation for them.

Getting the second cat ended the constant biting that I was getting from Rocket but he still bites me once in while.  Rocket is still his stand-offish self and JB is a snuggle bunny.  These two romp and run through the house along with lots of tumbling. 

Hope the pictures of my boys made you smile.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Popover Dress

For warm days, nothing is cooler than a dress.  Here's a good one for those hot days:

This is Lafayette 148 Conroy Classic Stretch Cotton Dress.  Price tag: $498.00.  Details:  Spread collar, partial button placket, elbow sleeves, yoked back, central box pleat, side pockets, shift silhouette, about knee length.  This one you need to zoom in to see details.  Check the Neiman Marcus website.

As far as patterns, use your favorite popover top pattern and lengthen.  Hope you're inspired to sew.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 37

Week 37 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 37 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. 

Week 37 is a light-weight second layer.  The suggestion is a cotton cardigan.  However, there are many clothing items that could do this job.  Let's start with a standard cardigan pattern:

This is Hugo's Favorite Cardigan pattern by Silhoutte Patterns.  This is a favorite cardi pattern among the Silhouette followers.  A lovely lacy or lightweight knit would be wonderful here.

This is Brunello's Sweater pattern by Silhouette Patterns.  This is a new spring pattern and should be arriving any day.  Again, do this is a light weight fabric.

This is Vogue 9323.  It is a pattern of coverups.  It could fun with the right fabric.

I think you get the idea.  I bet you have something already in your pattern stash that will work.  Go find a beautiful fabric and create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Sewing Time...

Amazingly I found some time to think about sewing.  I am determined to make a top similar to the one shown in the "I've Done It Now" post last week.  I have a whole 45 minutes set aside to look at the pattern.  Here's a refresher on the pattern:

My thought was I could create a similar top as shown in the post linked above with View A of this pattern.  So I pull out my pattern, check the finished measurement, select the size that I think will fit best, and select my size.  Imagine my surprise when I realize that I purchased the wrong size pattern.  Oh, yeah, not good. 

It would be far easier just to return the pattern and get the right size.  However, my husband doesn't want me going to Walmart for any reason.  I did locate the receipt where I purchased the pattern.  I suppose I could enlarge the pattern that I have.  That can be tricky when you are going up more than one size.  One size isn't hard but two or three sizes may well be more difficult than is necessary when you just purchase another pattern.

I could also use another pattern.  I had a couple of other options that I thought would work.  Here's the first one:

This is the Tunic No. 1 pattern by 100 Acts of Sewing.  This pattern is reasonable easy, has the slight oversized feeling, and facing.

This is The Camber Set pattern by Merchant and Mills.  This top pattern is a little fitted.  I was going to make the dress shown but if I fit the top, I should be ready to whip out the dress when the fabric arrives.

What do you think?  Should I order another Simplicity pattern or should go with one of the alternatives?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Knit Pencil Skirt

I love a good basic skirt.  It can be dressed or it can be dressed down. This skirt is a great basic:

This is the Misook 23" Straigh Knit Skirt. Price tag: $188.00.  Details:  easy-care knit, banded waist, falls straight from hip to hem, pull-on style, acrylic/cotton.

If this was my skirt it would be just a little bit longer.  My knees don't need to be visible anymore.  Here's a couple of pattern thoughts:

This is Pamela's Patterns The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern.  This is the perfect knit pencil skirt pattern.  It isn't exactly like the inspiration skirt but you could easily add a band or just make a high wast version of the skirt. 

This is the Three-Piece Yoga Skirt pattern by Silhoutte Patterns.   This skirt already has a banded top feature but it is more of an a-line silhouette.  You would just need to straight it a bit to match the inspiration photo.

The best thing about making this kind of skirt is that for most sizes one yard of 60" fabric will make a skirt.  You can make a week's worth of skirts for the price of the inspiration photo.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 36

Week 36 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 36 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. 

Week 36 is a textured, printed or patterned short sleeve top.  It is meant to add variety to the wardrobe.  If it's hot where you are, you could possibly make it sleeveless.  Your wardrobe, your choice.

Here's a couple of suggestions:

This is the Sew Liberated Aida Top.  It is a roomy top and you can have lots of fun with prints with it.  If pdf patterns are ok, you can order it here.  This is the Sew Liberated website.  A little searching and you can find a paper version.

This is M7976.  This is a loose fitting top with neckline and hemline variations.  This could be a fun litte top pattern.

The Week 35 post also included top patterns that would work.  Most of the top patterns I have chosen are for woven fabric.  Knits are always an option.  Just grab your favorite t-shirt pattern.

Happy Stitching!

I've Done It Now...

Yes, I have indeed committed to doing some sewing for myself and maybe my husband.  The December project that I've been reworking is finally completed.  I never want to see it again.  In fact, I think that the fabric may not be able to be reworked again.  It's been handled a lot.

So flipping through various websites looking for inspiration, I found this lovely top:

This is not an expensive top.  We are talking $20 or less but it is on one of the Chinese sites where everything is cheap and the sizing is weird.  Plus, they provide no information about themselves on the website and I really do not like ordering from these types of companies.  However, this top pattern is very popular on those sites and you see many variations.

So I took some time to figure out what it is that I like about this top. First thing, I think is the actual oversized feeling of the top, the color, love the assymetry, and the embroidery.  I guess that is just about everything.

After spending a great deal of time on-line looking for an appropriate pattern, I ended up at Walmart looking at their Simplicity pattern catalog.  I finally found this pattern:

This is Simplicity 8920 and I think View A is a close enough match to the inspiration photo.  The changes that I see are shortening the sleeve and creating the cuff, stitching the facing to the ouside, and figuring out the button pleat on the front.  Then, adding the embroidery.

I have yet to see any of the top variations of the inspiration picture on a person.  So I am really just guessing at the fit.  I did pick up some very inexpensive lightweight woven fabric while I was at Walmart to muslin this pattern.  Hopefully, it will only take one muslin to figure this out.  Although I am positive that a full bust issue will arise, I will attempt to move the needed bust dart to the hem and release it.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Jersey Top and Skirt

I always like looking for items that would be very wearable for my life.  This top and skirt are really nice and I would love to own them.

This is the Akris punto Jersey Chain-Neck Shirt and Belted Gabardine Skirt.  Shirt price tag: $395.00.  Details:  cotton/spandex stretch jersey, crew neckline with chain inset, half sleeves, slim fit, back zip.    Skirt price tag: $395.00.  Details:  cotton/polyurethane stretch gabardine, sits high on the waist with a wide self d-ring belt, side slash pockets, a-line silhouette, hook/zip front, knee length.

I love the neck detail on this top.  The neckline detail will need to be worked out.  I supect that the back zip is so that there is less stress on the chain.  As far as patterns go, your favorite t-shirt pattern with some modifications will work.  I'm always for using existing patterns that have already been fitted.  I am going to consider this one:

This is the Textile Studio Basic Top.  This is a out-of-print pattern but you might be able to find it.  I have View B fitted already.  With small modifications, I think I can get this to look very close to the inspiration photo.

As far as the skirt, I was unable to locate a similar pattern.  Silhouette Patterns has a jean skirt pattern that has an a-line silhouette but it doesn't have the high waistline. This may be a time to look at vintage patterns.

Hope you're inspirations to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 35

Week 35 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 35 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. 

Week 35 is a short sleeved print or patterned top.  This is a top you can have a little fun with.  It can be knit or woven, short or long, sleeveless to long sleeve.  You get to decide.  Here's a couple of ideas:

This is Butterick 6473.  Tunic with sleeve variations.

This is Simplicity 8920.  This is a top pattern with sleeve and length variations.  Lots of ease.

Both of these patterns are for woven tops but it knit tops make more sense for your lifestyle then go for it.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wide Leg Pants

Wide leg pants seem to be on-trend for spring.  I am not sure how I feel about them.  I do remember the "elephant" leg pants from the 70s and they were a trip hazard.  Most of the wide-legged pants that I am seeing are cropped.  Here's a pair that caught my eye:

These are the Lafayette 148 New York Rockefeller Sorrentine Striped Wide Leg Pants.  Price tag: $398.00.  Details:  Self tie ties at waist, slip pockets, wide legs, cropped above the ankles, hook/zip fly and belt loops.

 Here's a pattern that may work:

This is New Look 6643 View B.  The leg doesn't appear to be quite as wide as the inspiration picture but that is fairly easy to fit.  A small amount of width would be needed at the hem.    You would also need to create a matching fabric belt.  Actually, I really the skirt in this pattern. 

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!