One Minor Adjustment...

 I finally made it back to the Seamwork Natalie shirt.  You can see it here.  I love everything about this top except one thing.  The top button was too low.  Normally, it is very difficult to add a button after the fact on a project but this top had a lot of space.  I added a button.  Now, I don't feel like I'm flashing my chest.  Here's a final view:

I'm happy I was able to save this shirt. I really love the fabric.  It's the end of a long day and the shirt still looks great.

Happy Stitching!

Project Commitment....

 So, I have realized this year that I do not sew as much as I think I will.  With that in mind, I will be documenting my fabric purchases with planned projects so I that do not forget what the intended fabric and pattern combination is.  Here's the next planned project:

This is one of the new fall Silhouette patterns and the only one I purchased.  Here's the intended fabric:

This is an iridescent velvet knit.  The colors are suppose to be black, pink, and blue.  All the right colors.

Now, I fully realize that when this order arrives there is a possibility that I will decide this is not the correct fabric for the pattern but I am hoping that is not the case.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Drawstring Blouse

 Here is a slightly different version of the blouse:

This is the Akris punto Sashiko Flower Print Drawstring Blouse.  Price tag:  $795.00.  Details:  Kent collar, hidden button placket, long sleeves, drawstring waistband.  In looking at close ups of this, the sleeves do have cuffs.  

As always, this looks very much like the same two patterns that I usually talk about just some slight styling details - long length, elastic or drawstring waistband.

For patterns, check this post here.  It includes information on duplicating the hidden button placket.  Here's a tutorial for adding a drawstring to a jacket - here.  It would be the same technique to add to a blouse.  Personally, I think I would just an elastic casing.

As for the kent collar, I did a lot of searching on this and I think it is a spread collar.  I really couldn't find anything that suggested that they were not the same collar.  If you can find something, please let me know.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Striped Button Down Shirt

 Fall is approaching and we'll soon be needing long sleeved shirts.  Here's a great example:

This is Lafayette 148 Ruxton Pencil Striped Button Down Shirt. Price tag: $448.00.  Details:  Approximately 28" long down center back, spread collar, concealed button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, back yoke, chest patch pocket, relaxed silhouette, side slits with rounded hem.  Check Neiman Marcus for closer details.

Here are a couple of options:

This is the Archer Button Up pattern by Grainline Studio.   View A is a classic shirt pattern.  This one is in my stash and I will need to get it fitted.  

This pattern would also work:

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.  

As for the concealed button front, here's a method of making a hidden placket at Threads - How to Make a Hidden Button Placket.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

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Inspiration...Midi Skirt

 It is very nice to see the longer skirts returning to fashion scene.  Here's a nice slim one to consider:

The is the Lafayette 148 New York Rafferty Crepe Midi Skirt.  Price tag:  $398.00.  Details:  Waist darts front and back, falls straight from the hip, center back zip, back slit (looks like a kick pleat to me), falls below the knee, and lined.   For a closer look, hop over to Neiman Marcus.

This type of skirt reminds me of the 80s and 90s.  I am happy to see these return to fashion.  Let's see what kind of patterns we can find.

 This is McCalls 8051.  It is a pattern for a pencil skirt in 5 different lengths.  This pattern looks like a very good match to the inspiration pattern.  

You can't just make a skirt unless you already have something in your closet to go with it.  On the Neiman Marcus site, they have an option to see how it's worn.  A couple of options to make a complete look would be a tank and/or a button down shirt. I have a tank fitted so that would be super simple.  

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful and useful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tartan Midi Dress

 Dresses are always a quick and easy daily look.  Here's a great tartan one:

 This is the Tartan Long-Sleeved Belted Midi Dress by Akris punto. Price tag: $1290.00.  Details:  Self-tie waist belt, collared neckline, long sleeve, barrel cuff, concealed button front, fit and flare silhouette, hem falls below the knee.  

Here's an idea:

This is Butterick 6702.  This is pretty close to the inspiration silhouette.  You might consider removing a little bit of the skirt fullness.   Otherwise, the changes would be adding the concealed button closure, and creating a matching belt.  As far as the concealed button front instructions, there are links to a couple of tutorials here.

You could also consider a vintage shirt dress pattern from the 80s or 90s.  This was a very popular style then.  I have a couple of vintage shirt dress patterns.  

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Seamwork Design Your Wardrobe...

Another Seamwork Design Your Wardrobe has ended.  I have been an member at Seamwork for a couple of years and have participated in the Design Your Wardrobe multiple times.  It really is a good exercise if your want to spend your time examining your wardrobe - what needs replacing, what needs to be added, are they any holes, etc.  I have never followed through with the intended wardrobes.  Just the fun in planning it, picking patterns and fabric.   This time around I decided to concentrate on just a couple of looks.  Here are my plans:

1.  Seamwork Bertie dress pattern with the member hack.  This will be in a gray tencil twill.  The pattern has been fitted and I have almost finished the dress.

2.  Seamwork Rhett jacket pattern.  This will be made in a navy Chore Coat fabric.  The pattern hasn't been fitted yet.

3.  Love Notions Duet Trousers pattern.  This will be made in a dark grey fabric.  The pattern hasn't been fitted yet and will be fitted in both a knit and a woven.  I would also like pants in black and navy.

4. Colette Aster top pattern.  This top hasn't got fabric planned yet.  It will most likely be a navy/grey/pink print of some sort.  It could very well be in the stash already.  That would be best.  This pattern has not been fitted yet but it is very similar to the Bertie pattern and I have laid the patterns down together to see what the differences are.  

I think the jacket can be worn with the dress and the top/pants.  It's possible it will too casual but that is my life these days...casual.

Do you plan out what you are going to make or just sew one piece at a time?  Normally, I would do one piece at a time which works out sometimes and sometimes does not.  I'm trying to do a little more planning and then follow through.  There has been a lot of documenting of planned projects/purchases and what actually gets created this year.  It has made me really realized how slow I sew.  So instead of planning large quantities of clothing, I am going to concentrate on just a few and see I if I can finish them without getting overwhelmed or getting distracted.

Happy Stitching!