Friday, May 29, 2020

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Weeks 42 and 43

Weeks 42 and 43 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 42 here and 43 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 42 is a sleeveless top in an accent color and Week 43 is a sleeveless top in an print or accent color.  Check out the variety of styling in the tops shown in these two posts.  There are many ideas here for different types of tops.

If you go back to Week 40 I have listed several sleeveless top patterns.  The Phoebe Tank pattern is one that I have previously fitted - here and here.  I added a dart, rotated it out to the hem, and then restored the silhouette.  However, I could have just as easily transferred the dart to the neckline and converted it to gathers.  That would be a different look but with the same fitting.  I wish I had traced the pattern now instead of doing all the work on the same pattern.  I would use a drapier fabric for that style of tank.

How many sleeveless tops do you need in a wardrobe?  I have two that I have made and a few that I purchased.  However, the purchased can not be worn alone as the armholes are too big and show more of me than I am comfortable with.  Isn't that the reason we sew?  

How is your spring/summer wardrobe coming along?  Mine is slowly shaping up with a mix of purchased and me-made items.

Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Indygo Junction Easy Top Muslin

I am continuing on the path of loose, woven tops.  The next muslin will be the Indygo Essentials Easy Top & Tunic (IJ1154E).  Here's a peek:


I choose the middle version in an XL.  The fabric that I choose for the muslin isn't ideal.  Here's my version:


Front with the rippled hem.  I'm not sure that I like the way the hem has turned out. 


You can really see the rippled hem in the back. 

Overall, I think this top may be too large for me.  This could be the fabric speaking.  Even though it is a woven, it has a lot give.  I'm going to throw it in the wash and see what happens. 

Conclusion on the pattern:

1. Quick and easy.  The construction is a little bit different but reading through before starting will be helpful.
2.  Sizing seems large.  It would have been helpful it finished measurements were included.  It is easy enough to figure this out for yourself by measuring the pattern.

Overall, this is a nice pattern.  I'm going to make it again a size smaller.

Happy Stitching!

Friday, May 15, 2020

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 41

Week 41 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 41 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 41 is a dark, neutral, sleeveless top. Here is a link to last week's post with several pattern suggestions - here.  Use this as an opportunity to make some very versatile tops.  

Be sure to read through the information at the Vivienne Files.  She provides lots of information regarding wardrobe building.

Happy Stitching!

Monday, May 11, 2020

Another Fabric Order....

The large fabric sites may have slowed down shipping to 30 days or so but the small companies are getting those orders out are pronto.  Here's my latest fabric purchase:


This is an Essex linen/cotton blend in Malbu.  I love this color.  You can find this here at The Confident Stitch.  I intend to use the Merchant & Mills Factory Dess pattern.  You can find the pattern here at The Confident Stitch.   This is a great warm weather dress.  Here's the line drawing:


If you haven not tried the Merchant & Mills patterns, give them a try.  I have made two different patterns and they are both very well drafted.  The Confident Stitch carries several of their patterns.

Happy Stitching!
(Affliliate post.  As an affliliate I get a small payment should you purchase anything at no charge to you.)

Friday, May 8, 2020

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 40

Week 40 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 40 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 40 is a light, neutral sleeveless top.  My immediate thought is a tank top but there are other tops that are sleeveless.  If choosen well, this type of top can be worn the majority of the year.  Let's explore:


For a woven sleeveless tank, the Phoebe tank pattern from fabrics-store dot com is an excellent pattern.  It is very well drafted and free to registered members on the website.  

Here is an idea for a knit tank:

This is the Seamwork Julia tank pattern.  Go check out the vairous pictures of this top.  It is a classic knit tank pattern.  This pattern can be purchased individually or you can join a membership here. If you decide to purchase a membership, you will get $3.00 off the price of the membership using that link.  I will aslo get a small benefit.



This is the Seamwork Addison tank patternGo check out the vairous pictures of this top.  This tank pattern is a wee bit different than either of the two above.  This pattern can be purchased individually or you can join a membership here. If you decide to purchase a membership, you will get $3.00 off the price of the membership using that link.  I will aslo get a small benefit.


 This is the Asymmetrical Top & Tunic pattern by Indygo Junction.  You get two lengths with this pattern. A little different than the tanks above.

I was unable to locate a sleeveless button front top.  I am sure they exist even if they are older patterns.  Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

A Little Bit of Spring....

Spring has come and it is indeed beautiful.  I am currently staying with my parents during this whole stay at home thing.  Here's a picture from their home:




The lilaces were beautiful.  They didn't last long as we had a hard frost just a couple of days after they bloomed. 

I have missed most of spring bulbs at my own house but here are a few shots:

 
Dianthus.  How can you not love the bright colors?


A few pansies.  I do not how long they will be around but they are a lovely addition.


The azaleas were in full bloom the last time I was there.  They are so pretty.  There are approximately 6 in a row.

Here is a little bit of cuteness:


This is Rocket.  He loves getting into baskets.  This one is just about right.  He is about 11 months in this picture.  He is a smallish kitty.  I have actually never had a male cat this small but he is adorable.


This is JB.  He is a such a pretty boy.  He has a very pleasant personality and is usually very happy to see you.

One more picture:


The lastest little hail storm that blew through.  It almost looked like winter outside.  This is the sidewalk in front of my parents home.

Hope you enjoyed the little diversion.

Happy Stitching!

Monday, May 4, 2020

Inspiration...Floral Skirt

Florals are really big this season. Here's a cute little skirt:


This is the Balenciaga Floral Pleated A-Line Skirt.  Price tag: $1090.00.  Details:  Button Waist Closure, Fly, Rayon, not mentioned front box pleat.  For a closer look, check the Saks Fifth Avenue website.

I don't know about you but the price tag seems pretty pricey for this piece.  As far as patterns go, I was unable to locate any pattern with one box pleat in the front.  You could possibly take an a-line jean skirt pattern and add the box pleat.  You could also look for a older pattern from the 90s and maybe 2000s.  This style of skirt was very popular at one time.

I would love to hear about what pattern you choose and whether or not you decided to go with all the details of the inspiration photo or just a couple.

Happy Stitching!