Soller Top & Dress...

My fall wardrobe is coming along.  I do expect it be a warm fall so the next item can to worn with sweaters or jackets. The muslin for the Itch to Stitch Soller Top can be found here along with any changes that I had decided to do.  Here is the top which I added 1-inch to the length:

Here is the dress which I added 2- 1/2 inches to the length:

I love this dress!  It does not have a lot of hanger appeal but it is beautiful on.  It is a very slim fit but not fitted.  I am considering making a matching belt.

I did find another small piece of knit that will work for the Soller Top.  I have not decided if I will be making another one but if I do I will also make a skirt to go with it so I will have an outfit that can be worn to church.

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Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Shorts Pattern...

 The weather is still hot here so it is a perfect time to stitch some new shorts.  Here is the Itch to Stitch Brampton Shorts pdf sewing pattern:

The Brampton Shorts are a elastic wait pull-on short with a paper-bag-styling.  They are high-waisted with multiple length options, optional side pockets, optional back patch pockets, optional belt loops and sash, and relaxed thigh fit.  Be sure to check out the blog post for lots of inspiration.  The pattern is on sale through August 31, 2022.  All discounts apply.

This short will require a drapey fabric.  Think something with the same drape as a rayon or tencel twill.  This type of drape will look good with the leg width.

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Happy Stitching!

It Was An Unfinished Project...

 Long ago, I started a mystery quilt.  Here is the last post on this particular quilt - here.  I finished the top and sent it off to the quilter.  The quilter did a beautiful job quilting it for me but I have left it sitting in a bag since I got it back.  Yep, it moved across country with me.  The hard part was done.  No idea why I stopped at the easy part.  In an attempt to get some of the unfinished projected finished, I decided it was time to finish this quilt.  I used this calculator to determine how much fabric that I needed to create my double bias binding.  So 3/4 of yard later, I was ready to start the process of attaching the binding.   Here is my finished quilt:

There is one more unfinished quilt.  At this point, it is a finished top.  I need to locate a quilter.  The quilt top was finished in the same time period as the one above.  I think it is time to get this finished.  This one will remove a huge chunk of fabric out of the stash closet.  I am ready.  Some day, I will be able to empty my storage unit of fabric.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cashmere Jacket

 Here is another jacket to think about.  It is a classic style.

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Highlands Button-down Cashmere Jacket.  Price tag:$ 2498.00. Details: Approximately 22-inches long from shoulder to hem, grosgrain piping, crew neck, button front, long sleeves, chest button-thru patch pockets, relaxed fit, alpaca/cashmere/polyamide, rayon lining.  Model is 5'10".

This is a classic jacket style.  Be sure to check it out at the Neiman Marcus website.  The details on this one as the buttons and the grosgrain are the major details.  Also, just be aware that you need grosgrain that is meant for clothing and not hats.  Clothing grosgrain will not release dye and is 100% rayon.

Here is a similar style:

This is Vogue 8804.  It is a Claire Shaeffer pattern with her instructions.  It is not a beginner pattern but is doable for someone with a little bit of experience.

Sadly, there are not many patterns of this jacket style anymore.  If you look on the pre-owned market you might find more patterns.

Hope you are inspired to make a beautiful jacket this fall.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Plaid Jacket with Pleated Pants

 Fall is coming.  I can see that the trees that survived the hot, hot summer are starting to change a little bit.  It seems a bit early.  I am working on the last two summerish garments and then I am moving to fall.  So I am out looking for inspiration.  This outfit would be really nice for working in an office environment although I am not sure how many of those outfits are needed these.  Most of the people I know that work in office environments are doing most of the work from home these days.  On the outfit:

I wanted a picture of the entire outfit.  If I were still working, this is exactly what I would be happy wearing.  Here is a close-up of the jacket:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Highlands Plaid Open-Front Reversible Jacket. Price tag: $1698.00.  Details: reversible jacket with leather piping, 22 1/2" long from shoulder to hem, crew neckline with open front, long sleeves, patch chest pockets, relaxed fit, wool.

Pants - Lafayette 148 New York Waverly Tapered Pants. Price tag: $898.00. Details:  approximately 28" (model is 5'10"), mid-rise sits high on hip, side seam pockets, cuffed hems, cropped at ankle, full through thigh, tapered leg.

Turtleneck -Lafayette 148 New York Knit Raglan Sleeved Turtleneck Sweater.  Price tag: $598.00. Details: Approximately 24" long from shoulder to hem (size small), turtleneck, long raglan sleeves, relaxed fit, pullover style.

As far as patterns go, I would use the same patterns as mentioned in this post.  For the pants, I would try this pattern:

This is Simplicity 9376.  There are a couple options in this pattern.  The pant might not be as full as the inspiration photo but you decide how much ease you want.  Other options might be looking for a vintage pattern from the 80s or 90s.  As far as the top, just use an already fitted t-shirt pattern and add a collar the length you want.

Something I want to mention about the jacket, if you are wanting a reversible jacket make sure to muslin it first with similar weight fabrics.  It is surprising how much an added layer of fabric will change the fit.  Also instead of leather, look into the leather look knit.  It will be much easier to work with unless of course you just love leather.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Embroidered Jacket

 Fall is around the corner.  Here is more thoughts on fall style:

This is the Boden Embroidered Crop Jacket.  Price: $220.00.  Details:  fully lined, falls to high hip, sleeve gathered into cuff, semi-fitted, no center front closure, 100% cotton inside/outside with polyester filling.  Here is a close up of the embroidery:

This is highly embellished embroidery.  If you zoom in, you can see all the embroidery and beads.  You could use a bit of applique for the flowers if you chose to and then added the additional embellishments.

This is a super simple jacket shape with the exception of the sleeve.  Here are some pattern ideas:

This is the Silhouette Patterns Janie's Jacket pattern.  This is a very simple jacket.  Once you have it fitted, you could make several different jackets changing the look with the type of fabric, and notions.

This is Vogue 7975.  It is a very basic jacket with various closures. This is not the only Vogue pattern in this style.  You would just need to check them out and see which one is best for you.

As always, check your pattern stash.  There might just be the correct pattern hidden inside.  Hope you are inspired to sew something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Soller Top Muslin...

When the Soller Top/Dress pattern came out, I knew it would be the perfect summer top.  Not much different than a tank or t-shirt but even to be a little different.  For the muslin, I found this fabric in the stash:

Content unknown but it is most likely a rayon blend.  Love the colors.  Here are the results:

I made a straight size 20 and it took about 1 yard of fabric.  I was certain that I would need to play with bust darts and removing them but the top seems to hang straight which is very surprising.   For me at 5'5", the top feels a little short (as shown, it is just covering the waistband).  This could just be an age group issue as I also made a larger size so that it would not be tight.  The top will definitely work with high-waisted pants as is.  

Conclusion:

1.  The Soller Top/Dress pattern is a winner.  I want both a top and a dress to finish the heat of summer and fall.  Most people could probably finish this in an hour or two.  I am slow so it took a couple of days.

2.  Changes:  add 1-2 inches to the length.  I will making the assumption that the dress will be shorter than the "old lady" in me can handle as well.  

I am off to check the stash for small pieces of knit fabric to make a top or two using this pattern.  I already have the fabric selected to the dress. 

Happy Stitching!

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Fall Pants...

 Even through the temps are still in the high 90s and feels like the mid-100s, it is time to think about things for fall.  If we can accomplish a few things before the weather starts changing, we will be a bit ahead.  Here is some pants that I have shown in past seasons but it seems to still be going strong:

This is the Lafayette 148 Acclaimed Stretch Gramercy Pant.  Price tag: $498.00.  Details: Slim fit, side zip, pintuck seams, sits at waist, ankle length.  I choose a color so that you could see the details on the pant.  Here is a link to other posts regarding this pant.  You will see that I have considered many patterns to recreate this pant.  Here is another consideration:

This is the Love Notions Sabrina Slim Pants pdf pattern.  Once fitted it would make a nice pant or two or three.  

Hope you are inspired to start working on your fall wardrobe.

Happy Stitching!

Itch To Stitch Celeste Dress...

 The days are getting extra hot.  I thought last summer with the high 90 temps was bad but this just seems to be giving that to us and more.  Dresses have become far more comfortable with the heat.  I am using this fabric that I purchased in June:

You can read more about the fabric at the link above.  I am really happy with this fabric and think it will be perfect for the Celeste.  Here is a front view of the muslin:

I decided that the muslin would be fine.  I could see that I needed just a wee bit of a bust dart adjustment but decided not to attempt it.  Here is the dress:

I can see that I will need to live with wrinkles with this fabric.  It is truly a fabulous fabric but I did not realize how easily it wrinkled until I sat down to slip my shoes on.  I guess a little starch or similar product maybe required.

Here is the size information along with changes:

1. Overall, a size 16 DD with a size 20 armscye and sleeve.

2. Added 2-inches to the length.

Overall, I am very happy with this dress.  There will definitely be another in my future especially since dresses are so much cooler to wear when the temperature is in the high 90s or low 100s F. 

Next version:

1.  I will add about a 1/2 to the bust dart.  Since this is a prince seam, I need to figure out how to do it correctly.  

I do have an issue that shows up on the back and on the back of the sleeve.  I have never been able to figure out the issue.  I think so of it is the shape of the armscye but I also think it is the shape of the sleeve.  Here is a picture of the back:

Here is a close up of the left sleeve:

Here is a close up of the left back:

In looking at the closeup, it is possible that I need to narrow the back.  I just do not know.  I can say that the sleeve does not bind in any way and feels comfortable.  I can also say that I see this issue in a lot of pictures that other people post in various forums.  

If you have any ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear them.  I think that I just need to play.  I still have my muslin and I can certainly play with it a little bit more.  I usually do all kinds of snipping and adjusting when I am working on a muslin and I did not do it with this one.

I am an Itch To Stitch affiliate.  Some of the links on this page are affiliate links.  Should you use one of the affiliate links to make a purchase, I would receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!

Happy Stitching!