Color Blocking...

 Have you noticed the amount of color blocking this year?  Here is a cute patchwork coat video.  How easy would that be to accomplish?  The fun part going through the remnants.  I have been doing just that but my linen, linen/cotton remnants are not in fun colors.  More like blues and grays which is what I wear a lot of.  Here is an blog post on color blocking at Deer and Doe.  Here is a pinterest board with tons of color blocking inspiration. Here is an example of a shirt:

This is a Lafayette 148 New York Striped Colorblock Button Down Shirt.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details can be found on the Neiman Marcus website.

The price on the shirt seems like a lot.  If it was just left over pieces of fabric pieced together. It would be essentially free, right?  I suppose you actually have spent money on the fabric and you should use every little bit that you can possibly use.  

I have actually been going through my remnants/scrap fabric.  I intend to make a scrappy quilt but I also have many pieces of linen/cotton or just linen.  I may try to figure something out because why not. A scrappy top could be fun.  Add a bit of embroidery or other embellishment for some fun.

Have you given any thought to the color blocking trend?  Remember to check out quilting sites/blogs for additional information on putting colors together.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tweed Dress

 This week's Inspiration is a little dressier than what I normally pick but I love it.  Here it is:

This is the Akris Punto Paneled Fringe-Seam Tweed Dress.  Price tag: $1298.00.  Details: dress featuring paneling and eyelash fringed edges, round neckline, sleeveless, side split pockets, sheath silhouette, knee length, and invisible back zipper.  For a closer look, check the Neiman Marcus website.

Here is a pattern that I think would work well:

This is the Style Arc June Sheath Dress.  You would need to create the yokes and split the front but I think this pattern would work nicely.  The pocket work has already been done.

Here is another pattern that would work well:

This is New Look 6500.  This is my go to pattern for sleeveless sheath styling.  I am pretty much use it if you have it especially if it has already been fitted.

Happy Stitching!

New Pattern - Itch To Stitch Coimbra Wrap Top PDF...

 Itch to Stitch has another new pattern out. It is the Coimbra Wrap Top.  Here is the line draw-ing:

The features are:

    - options for regular bust and full bust

    - bust dart shaping

    - optional collar

    - v-neck finished with facings

    - waist tie

    - long sleeves

    - designed for knits

Be sure to check out the blog post so you can see all the tester examples. There are some great tops there.  The Coimbra Wrap Top pdf will be on sale through February 26, 2023.  All volume discounts apply.

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Look What I Found...

 When back in November I did an inspiration post on a boxy turtleneck top.  It was a mixed media top with a chunky knitted collar.  For someone who knits that might be able to do this with a couple of hours of spare time but those who do not knit I found something wonderful over at Mood.  It is a 2x2 Rib Knit Trim Bundle or yardage - 2x2 Rib Knit.  This product makes it very easy to duplicate the look of the ~$1000 top.  

Here is a second look at the top:

If you want a second look, the information for locating it is on the first inspiration post.  Also, the Mood chunky knits come in 9 colors.  Whereas the Lafayette top comes in one.  It is great being able to make your own clothes.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Chore Jacket

 A new jacket for spring sounds good to me.  This jacket is a typical chore style jacket.  I really think it is the fabric that drew me to it.

This is the Boden Chore Jacket.  Price tag: $160.00.  Details:  100% cotton, semi-fitted shape, length ends at high hip, front patch pockets, full length sleeve, and button fastening at cuff.

Here is the line drawings of a pattern that I think would be perfect:

This is the Merchant & Mills The Ottoline pattern.  There are differences between the inspiration photo and the pattern.  I think that the Merchant & Mills pattern are very well drafted.  It is the fabric that needs to be located.  

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!

New To Me Online Fabric Shop...

 I found a new fabric shop today.  It is called KnitFabric.com.  As the name suggests, they have knit fabric and some woven fabrics.  If you subscribe to their email list, you get 10% off your first order.  There is also a rewards program.  Check out the website to learn about about the rewards program.

I am particularly interested in the Sweatshirt Fleece with matching ribbing.  There is some Polartec fabrics as well.  Those make very nice pullovers.  There is selection of water repellant fabrics and Softshell as well.  They would be perfect for a light weight rain jacket. Oh, a button in liner with the Polartec fabrics with be wonderful as well for the jacket.

My imagination has been running away planning future projects.  I will post my first fabric purchase when it occurs.

I am an affiliate of Knit Fabric.   Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  Thank you!

I am off to see what I need from this site.  Planning must be one of my favorite parts of sewing judging from the size of my stash.

Happy Stitching!

Starting A Christmas Project...

 While cleaning my sewing room, I discovered a forgotten project.  I am positive that I purchased it before I closed my quilt shop so maybe I have had it since 2017.  I think it has marinated long enough.  Here is the pattern:

I also found that I had all the notions to go with it:

Now that I have rediscovered all of this, I am going to make it.  Going through my scraps and small yardage pieces, I found the following fabrics:

The only fabric that I might change out is the one on blue Santa one on top.  That particular fabric is for the backing and I might pick something else.  The front of the Santa has to be finished first any way so there is lots to do before the backing has to be picked out.

I have a lot of projects in the works (fitting the Love Notions Classic Tee, the Love Notions Allegro Pants, finishing the binding on a quilt, making many yards of piping for my slipcovers, and Santa).  It has been a long time since I have had time to work on multiple projects at once.  Hopefully, I can handle it.

Happy Stitching!

Jumping Outside The Project List...

 I knew when I posted my 2023 project list that it would be fluid.  I think that is part of sewing.  When I was younger and sewing, I completed what I was working on before moving on.  With that said, I did not really have a fabric stash.  At the most, I would have fabric for one or two projects at a time.  Honestly, a fabric stash did not exist until the internet.  There are many days when I wish I did not have a fabric stash now.  I think I always collected patterns.  

I am going to add pants to my list.  Not literally, but I find pants something that I want to make consistently but do not because it is too hard.  With that said, I will be following a process similar to the one that I used with the Willow Tank but with pants.  I will be following the measuring diagram from the Vogue Sewing book for taking measurement. Here is a visual: 

In addition to taking the measurements and comparing to the pattern, I will be re-watching the "Let's Sew Easy Pants" Mini Series by Karina of Lifting Pins and Needles.  The Vogue Sewing book does show some alterations both flat pattern and "on the body".  Karina will show some as well.  The Silhouette Patterns youtube channel has pant fitting information as well.  There is a two-part series as well as older videos that show fitting on a bodies (a little hard to find).

There are two patterns that I am considering.  The first one is the Love Notions Allegro Bottoms pdf pattern. Here is the line drawing:

 The version that I want is the long pant hemmed.  It has been a favorite in the past but I suspect that sizing has changed based on the fit of the current pair.  The second pair that I am thinking about is the Peckham Women's Trouser by Liesl & Co.  Here is the line drawing plus pant picture:

These patterns represent easy and moderately challenging.  At least, to me they do.  

The only thing I am a little worried about here is I have been losing weight which is a great thing but is something that requires re-fitting of patterns every 20 or 25 lbs.  I need to lose the weight but I do not exactly enjoy the whole muslin process.  Maybe this process will encourage me actually making some pants after I have played with the muslins instead of holding off till April.

It will be interesting to see how the patterns change using the flat pattern method of checking lengths and widths.  Next post on this will show the patterns.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Belted A-Line Skirt

 The hot weather will be here before we know it.  I am hoping to be ready this year.  Here is a nice skirt that could be worn weekly:

This is the Belted Denim A-Line Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $395.00.  Details:  D-ringed belted waist, high-waist, side patch pockets, a-line silhouette, knee length, hook/fly zip, belt loops.  Model is 5'10".  For a closer look, visit Neiman Marcus website.

Even though I know I have seen a pattern very close to this look, this is the closest I could find today:

This is McCall's 7475 and View A or View B would work depending on the length that you wanted.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

First Fabric Purchase This Year...

 I have been working really hard not to purchase fabric this year but I really wanted some linen for this summer.  My favorite tank top pattern is fabulous in linen (pattern is a freebie from fabrics-store called Phoebe Linen Tank Top).  I purchased 1 yard of  white linen for a new Phoebe Tank Top:

One of my favorite pant patterns over the last couple of years has been Love Notions Allegro Bottoms. I purchase 2 yards of some Deco Rose linen for a new pair of pants:

It is possible that I will need to re-fit the Allegro Bottoms pattern.  I have lost a bit of weight since last fall which is one of the reasons that I am refitting so many patterns.  Just about everything feels big.  I am hoping that I can get creative with some of the dresses that I made toward the end of summer last year and still be able to wear them this year.  

Both of the fabrics were from the Doggie Bag section at Fabrics-Store.  I do not think that I have purchased the type of linen that the pink linen is before so I am hoping that it is appropriate for the pants that I have planned.  If not, I will find some other bottom pattern that should work.  The pink for bottoms is a little outside my comfort zone.  

If you like sewing with linen, check out the Fabrics-Store.  Linen has become one of my favorite fabrics to sew.  I have made clothing, curtains, and bread bags from various types of linen from this shop.  They have daily specials along with the Doggie Bag section which is left over bits and pieces from bolts.  The fabric in that section generally sell very quickly.

Happy Stitching!

Yet Another New Pattern...

 Yes, I purchased the Nusle Joggers pdf pattern by Itch to Stitch to go with the Nazare Up-Zip Hoodie pdf pattern by Itch to Stitch.  I have a perfect french terry hanging out in the fabric stash that would just love to be used.  Hopefully I can locate some stash fabric for muslins as well.  Here are the lined drawings for both patterns:

I really like the view A of the joggers and absolutely love the style lines of the jacket.  Hopefully, these will get made up quickly.  

Happy Stitching!

Project List - Love Notions Classic Tee

 The Love Notions Classic Tee is another pattern off the Project List.  I choose this pattern because it is not a fitted t-shirt.  As I have aged, I dislike very fitted anything.  Here is the line drawings:

The muslin will be for the scoop neck version.  It was not a lot of fun figuring out what size to trace.  I ended up with a medium through the shoulders with extra-larger through the remainder of the body, the largest size for the sleeve and armscye.  Here is my traced and marked up pattern:

Other than the size changes that I made from M-XL-XXXL, I have not made any changes to the pattern.  I did note the armhole depth level, bust level, and waist level.  I still need to finish walking the pattern to make sure that everything matches - side seams, shoulder seams, and armscye.

The neckband is a medium and the sleeve is an XXXL.  I had originally traced the sleeve last fall and no longer needed the sleeve changes that I had made.  I had done a pivot and slide and made the sleeve just a little bit larger.  

Walking the pattern revealed that the side seams not matches.  So, I double-checked the pattern that I had printed with the traced patterns  and they matched the side seam patterns.  I will correct but I have never heard anyone state that there was an issue with the side seams.  I did not find any additional issues.

I found a rayon/lycra knit in the stash.  It looks like it may have been a Walmart find.  It will be perfect for a muslin.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Dress

 I found this little denim dress and really liked the idea of having a denim dress for summer.  Here is the front and back view of this dress:

This is Lafayette 148 New York Short-Sleeved Denim Dress.  Price tag: $798.00. Details:  exposed darts, approximately 37-inches from shoulder to hem, crew neck, short sleeves, a-line silhouette, hem around knee, invisible zipper, and cotton/elastane fabric.

The real details are on the back of this dress and it is worth checking the Neiman Marcus website to look at them.  The idea that I pull from the photo is the double-topstitching.  As with any denim, the topstitching is the showstopper.   As much as I love the detail on the back, I do not want to figure out how it is done.  I think this pattern would work:

This is New Look 6500.  It has been in my pattern stash for a long time.  I have made a sleeveless dress using this pattern but it was one of those items that I enjoyed making but never wore.  Dress A of this pattern looks like it might work as the inspiration dress.  Here is a close-up of dress A:

A dress made just like the image in a light weight stretch denim with all the topstitching and pockets might just be perfect.  The pattern calls the sleeves 3/4 length and they might have to be shortened.  

Happy Stitching!

Willow Tank Round 2...

 I have continued working on the Willow Tank muslin.  In the last post, I was going to increase the armhole depth by 1/2-inch.  I did this but it still wasn't enough.  Then, I made the change equal to 3/4-inch.  I think that is perfect.  This put the bust dart when it should have been, I think.  I draped the bust dart and pinned in another inch.  Here is the results of those changes:

In this picture, the length from the shoulder to the bust is better.

In the picture you can see the bust dart positioning.  I think the location is good but needs to be a bit shorter.  I can still a little bit of rippling along the back armscye.  I think that means I need a little bit more length and I will do a small increase at center back by 1/4-inch.  

This is so you can see the difference in the hang of the top from left to right.  The left side has the larger dart pinned in.

The back view with the armhole depth enlarged from first go around.  It is the same 3/4-inch. I do not see any additional pulling under the arms.  I do see some strange wrinkles that I am not familiar with.  They look like backward parenthesis about where the bottom of the shoulder blades would be or bottom of the armscye.  

A little more alterations and I enlisted the help of the photographer:

I have hand stitched larger darts.

The front is hanging better with the larger, shorter dart.

The back is hanging much better.  The weird backward parentheses is mostly gone.  A 1/4" high round back alteration was done.  When I restitched the side seams, I only stitched to the waist leaving the remainder open to see how the wrinkles looked.  I think the answer is that the width of the pattern doesn't match me yet.  It could be that the waist is hanging lower than should which would be the width of the hip in the wrong.  Regardless, I need a little more space for the backside.  Here is the finally version of the pattern:

Folks, I am going to call this pattern ready to sew the spring/summer wardrobe in April.  The changes need to be transferred to the pattern.   I might have to redo this if I happen to lose more weight but if I do not then I can whip a couple of tops and a dress with this pattern fairly quickly.

One item checked off my list.

Happy Stitching!

New Jogger Pattern Itch to Stitch Nusle Joggers PDF Pattern

 Itch to Stitch has another new pattern.  It is the Nusle Joggers PDF pattern.  Here is the line drawings:

Details: 

    - elastic waist with drawstring

    - mid-rise that sits at natural waist

    - slant pockets

    -  3 leg options - split hem, ankle cuff, and capri cuff

    - designed for 4-way stretch with good recovery

I really like the look of the split hem option.  This pattern is perfect to go with the Nazare Zip-Up Jacket pdf pattern.  Not sure at this time how long the Nusle pattern will be discounted but all discounts apply.  So if you did not put the Nazare Zip-Up Jacket pdf pattern, now is a good time to add to your collection.

Now I am wondering if I can go all matchy matchy with the jacket and pants.  Thoughts?

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tunic

 Sometimes you find a top that is perfect but only for a short time.  This top is one of those.  Maybe you could get a color that would span fall and spring.  

This is the J Jill Easy Button Front Tunic.  Price tag: $99.00.  Details: 100% linen, split neck, relaxed fit, gathers at center back/front yoke/sleeve cuffs, 3/4 sleeves.  A medium top measure 29 1/2-inches at center back.

Such a cute top and perfect for early spring.  Here is a pattern that is almost perfect :

This is the Sew Over It Zadie Blouse pdf pattern.  There is a couple of changes that might be needed - shorten the sleeves to 3/4 length and straight the hem. There could be some lenghtening/shortening as well.  This pattern does call for light weight fabric.  You can get light weight linen,  Check at fabrics-store.com .  They have many colors of light weight linen.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Pleats, Pleats, Pleats...

 I am starting to see pleating returning to fashion.  Pleated pants have been gone for a while and I am started to see pleated pant patterns again.  I found this article at Sew Daily that might be helpful - here.  One thing to remember with pleats in the hip measurement must be the fullest part or the pleat will gap and it is not a good look.  I found this illustration that may be helpful:

Pleated pants almost always have pockets.  Here are some tutorials for various pockets:

slant pocket drafting 

welt pocket instructions

Silhouette Patterns has a welt pocket tutorial as well.  Click on Welt Strip Pockets. You might find other information on this page interesting as well.

Front Fly Zipper

Video of Front Fly Zipper

Front Fly Zipper with Shield

Crotch point - this is really a personal preference.  I have always followed the thought that the looser the pant the lower the crotch point hang.  Jeans and leggings are as close as you can get the crotch.  Trousers crotch point should be lower than a jean or leggings crotch point,  I am guessing but it is probably about 1/2-inch drop.  

Here is an article on how dress pants should fit.  It is for men but you will get an understanding - here.

Here is an article discussing pant fit that shows measurements - here.

Here is an article on pant fitting adjustments - here.

I also have a series on pant fitting from 1963 - here.

Hope this is enough information to get you started on your pant fitting journey.

Happy Stitching!

Oh, Yeah, Another Pattern...

 Resistance is futile.  That is what it is for me to resist all things sewing.  Yes, I purchased another pattern.  Yes, it is a super interesting.  Hopefully, I will make it because I love the line drawings. Here is the line drawings: 

 It is the Nazare Zip-Up Hoodie pattern by Itch to Stitch.  You can read more about the pattern here but it is not on sale any more.

I have read/watched several reviews and love every version I have seen.  Now, I just need to locate some fabric and no doubt it will not be in the huge stash but I look first.  Really what is the use of the stash if you can not find something to use in it.  

Happy Stitching!