Inspiration...Mini Chevron Blouse

 Today's inspiration is all about the fabric.  Otherwise it is just a classic blouse/shirt pattern that you've seen many times.

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Janette Mini Chevron-Print Button-Front Blouse.  Price tag: $598.00.  Details:  Collared neckline, concealed button placket, long sleeves, wide button cuffs, box pleat at back yoke, relaxed silhouette, vented sides, low hip length (approximately 26" from shoulder to hem), and polyester.

The fabric on this shirt looks very much like a border print to me.  Hopefully, it will give you some ideas for border print fabric.  There is not anything special about this pattern for this top.  Here's a few 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.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

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Why Is Fabric So Enticing?

 I have tried so hard not to purchase fabric this year but it really has not worked out well for me.  I have purchased a fair amount of fabric this year.  The truth is that I purchase and plan far more than I am able to produce.  Here are the most recent acquisitions:

This is a 100% cotton and destined to become a shirt for my husband.  It will most likely be similar to the shirts I made last summer.  It is machine wash and dry.  Total yardage - 3 yards.

This is an abstract sateen fabric.  It is destined to become a summer dress.  I think it will be one of the Merchant and Mills patterns.  It is machine wash and dry.  Total yardage - 3 yards.

This is a black/grey/white abstract printed sateen.  It is destined to be a top.  Most likely one of the Merchant and Mills patterns.  The fabric is machine wash and dry.  Total yardage - 1 1/4 yards.

This is a Antique Rose/White Floral printed challis.  It is destined to be a top.  I purchased the same yardage as the abstract print above.  If I can't find a different pattern that uses the same yardage, then I will use the same Merchant and Mills pattern,. The fabric is machine wash gentle and hang to dry.  Total yardage - 1 1/4 yards.

I do try to use patterns multiple times especially when they are so expensive and I have spent time fitting them.  The Merchant & Mills patterns are well drafted and mostly simple designs which lend themselves to being used many times.

Happy Stitching!

The Re-Organization Continues...

 The re-organization of the sewing room continues slowly but surely.  I have about 1 hour a day to work on all re-organization.  My son is moving home which means that the guest room needs to be cleared out.  So the sewing room has been more or less been put on the back burner.  However with that said, I do have some crafting related items stored in the guest room.  Knowing that more things are going to end up in my sewing room, I decided to see if I could add more shelving to the room.  The only wall space is in the closet.  I found this shelving unit and hope that it works out well.

This small shelving unit is 49" high x 26" wide x 11" deep.  It is just the right height to slide into the closet under the hanging bar.  The only thing I am a little concerned about is the depth but I am determined to make it work.  I can still use the hanging bar above the unit for smallish items and with "S" hooks I can hang things on the side.  I think I will eventually consider some sort of hanging unit for the closet doors.  Every inch needs to be used efficiently.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Colorblock Raglan Sleeved Wool Dress

 If you have a favorite raglan sleeved pattern, now is a good time to use it.  This week's inspiration is a fabulous comfy dress:

This is the Eileen Fisher Colorblock Raglan Sleeved Wool Dress.  Price tag: $348.00.  Details:  wool knit, jewel neckline, raglan sleeves, shift dress, pull over styling, hits about the knee.  

Doesn't this dress look like a hug?  I would style it differently but that could be age related.  Here's a pattern with a similar silhouette:

This is Simplicity 8548.  The dress is pretty much the silhouette of the inspiration photo but it may need to be lengthened.

Wool jersey blends can be found at Mood.  Something to remember with wool is it might need to be lined.  Wools vary in how itchy they can be.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Cooking...Roasted Maple Glazed Acorn Squash With Cinnamon Pecans

 I like to share recipes from time to time that I think result in a really good dinner.  This could be a side dish or main dish depending on the type of eating you do.

This is Roast Maple Glazed Acorn Squash with Cinnamon Pecans.  Even my version was this pretty.  It takes less than an hour to bake and it is really tasty.  It is a very fall appropriate meal.   Consider doubling it so you can get two meals.  Spend the time saved stitching!

Happy Sewing!

Sewing Knits...

 Do you want more information on sewing knits?  I found this post at Nancy Zieman Productions The Blog - Nancy Zieman's Top 10 Knit Sewing Tips.  This post is full of ads for items for sale on the NZP site but it is worth reading the tips.  Nancy Zieman was the queen of stitching and listening to her early weekly shows improved my sewing so much.  The early shows were mostly clothing related.  Some of the early shows are available on youtube.

Don't forget to check out the NZP knit fabrics.  Nancy's Notions use to be a very good place to purchase the knit fabrics and I'm going to guess that the NZP knits will be of the same quality.

Happy Stitching!

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping...

 I really have not done a tremendous amount of shopping this year in person.  Honestly, I would really like to use fabric in the stash but somehow I never have the right fabric.  I visited JoAnn Fabrics to purchase some little ornament kits for a friend's kids.  I try to send them things to do rather than just things.  While I was there, I decided that I would pick some more flannel.  This is what I picked out:

This was a door buster and I purchased 5 yards and they gave me 1 yard.  I don't really need 6 yards but maybe I do.  I intended to make pajamas or lounge wear from this.  As I was leaving I noticed that the Simplicity patterns were on sale, so I returned later in the afternoon and picked up a couple of patterns.  Here is the patterns I choose:

This is Simplicity 9133.  It is a simple pull over blouse  pattern with a couple of necklines and versions with and without sleeves.  I really like the versions D and E.  In looking at the pattern instructions, the same bodice pieces are used regardless of whether it has sleeves or sleeveless.  This would indicate that the sleeveless version needs the armhole raised.  

This is Simplicity 9191 or in my case R10902.  I don't know why there is a difference in the pattern.  Anyone know why that is?  This is a men's vest and jacket pattern.  From time to time, I do sew for the guys in my life and this looks like a nice pattern.  Just got confirmation that DH likes the pattern.  

Who knows I may go back tomorrow and look at some more patterns.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Slim Pants

 Here is a nice pair of slim pants for consideration:

This is the Melissa Slim Ankle-Cut Pants by Akris.  Price tag: $895.00.  Details:  double-faced knit pant (wool/nylon), waistband sits across hips, straight hem hits at ankle, smooth front, smooth fitted legs, side zip.  Additional detail for size 2 - 9.1" rise, 30.5" inseam, 39.5" outseam, 12" leg opening.

I love the look of these pants but for me they are far too narrow and close.  I would use this pattern to create a similar look:

This is Love Notions Duet Trousers pattern.  The tapered leg style would give a similar took without being quite so close fitting.  

Mood has double-faced knit fabric available for between $18 and $30 per yard.  You could make a closet full of pants for the difference between the RTW and making them yourself.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Seamwork Sale...

 Seamwork is having a sale on their Unlimited Membership.  If you're interested in Seamwork, it is a good time to join.  Using the Seamwork links here, will give you an additional $3.00 off and I will get a small benefit also.

What do you get with Seamwork?  You get access to all the patterns and pattern bonuses, community, classroom, and discounts.  I have made three of the pattern bonuses so far.  Two of them you have seen - Bertie shirtdress and Dorian Pants. The third which is slowing being worked on is the Rhett jacket.  It will be here soon.  There are other items from Seamwork - Natalie camp shirt, Ariel dress, and Ace funnel neck top.

I'll admit that not all items are hits but that happens with all patterns.  The Ace funnel neck top wasn't a hit but that had less to do with the pattern itself than the styling.  It feels a little tight and a little short.  I strongly suspect that this is an age thing.  I did wear it just not often.  Maybe I need to shop the closet and see what else it may go with that isn't be worn much or needs another look.

Go take a look and see what is going on.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Silk Blouse

 Blouses are a wonderful addition to the wardrobe.  This silk one is interesting even if it is a bit low cut.  We can correct that type of issue when we make our own clothes.

This is the Therese Matt Silk Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $598.00.  Details: V neckline with notched collar, button front, long blouson sleeves, button cuffs, shirring at cuffs and back yoke, side slits, relaxed silhouette, approximately 26" long.  

Don't you just love how this is being shown tucked into jeans with a belt?  I haven't seen this look in a long time.  Here's a blouse that looks a lot like it:

This is McCall's 8067.  View D is very close to be the inspiration top. Just don't use the pockets unless you want to.

Frankly, it seems like the inspiration picture is very expensive.  Even if you purchased silk for your version, the largest size only takes 2 1/2 yards of fabric.  Mood carries silk from $25 to $50 per yard.  I admit that I would find it difficult to cut into $50 yard fabric.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Hoodie

How is your hoodie doing?  Is it possible to have to many hoodie?  Generally, my hoodies are made from sweat shirt fabric and get worn all the time.  Let's up our game a little.  Check out this lovely hoodie:

This is the Front-Zip Wool-Blend Techo Jersey Hoodie by Akris.  Price tag: $2,990.00.  Details: Hooded collar, 2-way zip, long raglan sleeves, side-entry pockets, relaxed fit.

What is with that price tag? Do people really pay that much for a hoodie?  If you already have a hoodie pattern you love, use it.  However I have found this one and it is fairly close to the inspiration photo:

This is The Hoodie pattern by So Sew Easy.  This pattern is a little more fitted than the inspiration photo and you will need to add pockets.  Even though the pattern is free, think about leaving these ladies a donation for the pattern.  It will help keep the website running and new patterns coming.

Here is another option:

This is the Neighborhood Sweatshirt - Hoodie pattern by Liesl & Co.  This is a close contender to the inspiration photo.  It has a princess seam on the front with the raglan sleeves and a boxier shaping.

This are lots of  hoodie patterns available among the independent pattern companies and I would guess that if you could find a vintage pattern you would get an almost exact version of the inspiration hoodie.

As for the fabric, you should be able to find a similar fabric for $20.00 a yard more or less.  Jackets only take about 2 yards at 60-inches wide.  You might spend $20.00 on a pattern but it's a classic and can be used over and over.  Just think about how much money you can save stitching your own version(s).

Hope you are inspired to sew something beautiful!

Happy Stitching!