Itching to Stitch...

 I have been slowing working on my various projects with one of them being the Itch To Stitch Celeste Dress.  I could not resist the lastest Itch to Stitch pattern - the Soller Top & Dress pattern.  It has been printed and waiting to be put together.  I think that is some stash fabric that will work with this pattern.  Of course, I still have a vest that needs to be completed.  I finally got the zipper stops in so I fix the zipper to the correct length.  The knitting bug has hit and I purchased yarn from Knit Picks with the projects being freebies.  Here is the first project:

This is a knit cafe curtain that I intend to make twice as long.

This is Froggy.  No idea what I am going to do with this but I sure thought it was cute and I am going to knit it.  

I have not been sewing much while I spend my days with my parents so why not knit.  It will keep my fingers busy and hopefully I will not snack as much while I am there. I am definitely a stress eater and it is not helping at all that my parents keep every type of snack you can imagine available.

Do you knit as well?

Happy Stitching!

(I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  All Itch to Stitch links are affiliate links.  Should you purchase anything via these links, I would receive a small percentage of the sale.  Thank you!)

 

New Itch To Stitch Top & Dress Pattern...

 The temperatures are scorching hot here and Itch to Stith has come out with the perfect hot weather pattern.  It's the new Sollers Top & Dress pattern line drawings:

The Sollers Top/Dress PDF pattern is designed for medium weight knits with 4-way 50% stretch.  Best part is the top can be made with 1 yard or less of fabric depending on your size.  Hop over and check out the blog post to see all the wonderful versions created by the testers.  This pattern will be on sale through July 27, 2022.  All tiered discounts still apply.  

If you're looking for a quick easy top or dress, this pattern certainly fits the bill.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful. 

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  Any purchases via the links on this post will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Another Itch To Stitch Foz Top...

 The Itch To Stitch Foz pdf pattern has been one of my favorite patterns since it came out.  You can see my favorite late fall/winter/early spring version here.  This version is going to short sleeved.  Here is the fabric that I chose:

You can read more about this fabric here. It says that I purchased 1 1/2 yards but it sure seems like there is more fabric than that.  I used approximately 1 1/4 yards.  Drum roll...here is my lovely new Foz Top with the Love Notions Allegro Pants that I made in May here:

Here is the same Foz Top with black pants and sandles:

My sewing machine just did not produce a stitch I was happy with so I did pull out the coverstitch machine to finish the hems.  It was challenge because I have not even looked at the coverstitch machine in a couple of years.  I know shame on me.  However with the help of youtube, I was able to get it threaded first try.  Then it was off to play with the tensions and differential on scrap fabric.  You know both of these were a challenge as well.  First try on the actual garment ended up wavy, so I changed the differential.  Any one else find the coverstitch machine a challenge?

Overall, I am happy with the results.  The fit of the top in the the ITY knit feels closer than the fit of the top in the ribbed knit.  I know it is the difference in the fabrics.  Next time, I will give myself a little additional room at the sides.  I also see that I really need to increase the bust dart and do a small sway back adjustment.  It definitely makes me want to get rid of the belly as it is a bit clingy. I do tend to avoid the ITY knits for that reason.  I will wear my top as the weather permits.  Maybe I can figure out how to slim the belly so the top does not have as much to cling to.

Happy Stitching!

(I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchase through my link, I would get a small commission. Thanks you!)

Inspiration...Fall Shirtdress

 Shirtdresses always seem to be in style.  I know I was wearing them in the 90s.  Here is this fall version:

This is the Lafayette 148 Organic Silk Georgette A-Line Belted Shirtdress.  Price tag: $1,198.00.  Details:  Organic Silk Georgette, a-line, calf length, tailored shirt collar, above elbow sleeve, button front, inseam pockets, metal slider belt, dry clean.  

I was unable to locate a pattern that was similar but I this one:

This is Simplicity 9260.  It starts at a size 10 and goes up to a 28w.  This pattern does not have a waist seam like the inspiration photo but I think the short sleeve version would certainly work. Once it is fitted, you can create the long sleeve version and a sleeveless version.  That is bang for your buck and time spent fitting.

Now, I am all for using patterns that you already own.  If you have a fitted shirt pattern, think about adding a skirt.  Just decide how much circumference you want at the skirt bottom and draw a pattern or use a a-line skirt pattern from a different pattern.  You got this. 

I was a little surprised at how few shirtdress patterns were being shown in the big 4 pattern companies.  There was a Butterick that might work.  The size range was smaller but the collar was different.  Remember, it is your dress you can make whatever way you want.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wrap Skirt

 Looking at wardrobe inspiration can be a lot of fun.  Even though it is hot outside, it is time to start thinking about the fall/winter wardrobe. This next skirt is something that I keep returning to and thinking about.  So, I thought I would share it:

This is Lafayette 148 Wool Silk Crepe Mini Wrap Skirt.  Price tag: $698.00. Details:  a-line silhouette, wrap front design with interior and exterior buttons, above the knee length (model is wearing a size 2 with 18-inch length), darted for a close fit, sits at natural waist.

Here is a close up of the great button/buttonhole hole detail:

The skirt has a beautiful bound buttonhole with a large covered button.  These are the type of details that bring you sewing up to the next level.  Here is a pattern that gives a similar feel:

This is Simplicity 9375.  The pattern shows 2 versions of the skirt in 2 lengths.  This is a faux wrap skirt but I think it gives a similar feeling as the inspiration picture except I get to enjoy a longer length.  Crepe is one of the fabrics mentioned as a good match for the pattern.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!