Allegro Bottom Pants and Phoebe Tank...

 The final bit of sewing for the month of April.  Another pair of Allegro Bottoms pants in linen and another Phoebe Tank.  There is certainly something to be said about fitting a pattern and using it more than once.  It makes sewing much more enjoyable and satisfying.  Here is the Allegro Bottoms in a navy linen:

Here is the Phoebe Tank is a shade of blue linen:

I actually purchased these two linens to go together but I do not think I will wear them together.  I suppose that makes this tank an orphan.  The pants are such a great neutral that they will never be an orphan.  I guess we will see in the future what I find to go with this tank.  This will be the last Phoebe tank this year unless I decide to make it into a dress.

Happy Stitching!

Friday Update...

 This bi-weekly update does not contain a lot.  I have been reading more than usually.  

I started another room since the last update.  Not done with the bedroom yet.  I still have not decided what I want to do with furniture.  Rearrange or move to another room.  The whole moving furniture to other rooms is getting harder to do.  I also worked on a few floral decorations.

I worked on the Love Notions Allegro Bottoms.  After listening to the lesson in the Love Notions class that I am taking, I decided to stay with a size 14.  The muslin (no pictures) indicated that I needed more space.  I made minor changes to the back and added 1/2-inch to the side seams.  Click the link to hear/see more information.

Overall the last couple of weeks have not been too exciting.   I do not seem to be doing a lot lately.  These posts will move to a monthly update.  Maybe the last Friday of the month.

Happy Stitching!

Love Notions Allegro Bottoms Pants...

 The Allegro Bottoms Pants pattern by Love Notions is probably the most sewn pant pattern I have now.  I lost enough weight over the winter that my pattern needed to be reworked.  I had a hard time deciding what size to make.  Finally, I decided that the size 14 would be the best option after watching part of a sewing class that I purchased from Love Notions and listening to her advice on how to select a size.

Next, I checked my length measurements against the pattern and realized that I needed more length in the back crotch.  I proceeded to add this at the hip line, cut out, and sewed the pants.  The extra length added at the hip line was a mistake on my part.  The additional length was in the wrong place and added wrinkles under the tush.  So, I took that length via a sewn dart on the muslin and tried the pants on again.  Definitely needed additional length for sitting but still had wrinkles under the tush.  So I pinched another 1/4-inch dart.  This information was transferred back to the pattern.  Here is a picture of the changes on the back pattern piece:

I also decided that I really needed more space in the hips.  I added the 1/2-inch to the outseam and then stitch the half inch.  Here is the pink linen made up:

Overall, I am fairly happy with the fit of these pants.  The white tank is one of the tops made to go with these pants.  I also played around a little bit with a jacket that I made a couple of years ago and I think it will make a great outfit for going out to eat.  Just the tank for the hot day and the jacket for the air conditioned restaurant.  Here is the outfit:

This pink linen for the pants was one of the two linens that were part of my first fabric purchase of the year.  I am excited to say that both pieces have been used now.  This is probably a first for me in many years.  Fabric almost always becomes well seasoned stash before I get around to it.

Happy Stitching!

Decorating Elements...

 I have been working on various little floral elements for around the house.  Here is some of it:

This is currently in the front entry.  It will most likely stay.  The mirror sitting on the floor has not found a new home yet.  

This is a little arrangement that has been put out for many years.  It moves from time to time.  No idea where I got any of the elements.

I have had this little ceramic basket for years.  I put in a few pansy stems.  It is currently in the main bathroom.

I found this little lavender bottle at Michael's online.  It is to add a little something to the kitchen.

This little birdcage cage from Michael's online.  I sat it on a couple of books to raise it up a bit.  The little blue birds were made locally about 35 to 40 years ago.  I do not know if they are still being made or not.  I thought putting the little glass kitty off to the side was funny.  I know that my cats would be sitting watching birds.  I have not decided if this will stay this way.  I really wish that I could find a little nest.

This is another I am not sure that it will stay this way.  For now, I have this birdcage (from Michael's online) sitting on a round wood serving stand from Target.  For now, I have an ivy garland wrapped around with a reddish colored candle.  This almost feels like there should be more.  

That is all the decorating changes this past week.  Here is a picture that I took at our local lake just before sunset:

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Suit

 If I was still employed in an office, I would be all of this type of outfit.  I love the look of a pant suit.

This is Lafayette 148 Linen Canvas Collarless Jacket and Pant.  Price tag - Jacket: $1398.00, Pant: $798.00.  Details - Jacket: Slim fit, Jewel neckline, long sleeve, button closure, chest button patch pockets, bust darts, french piping, quilted cotton interior with thermore filling, high hip length, dry clean only, 100% linen;  Pant: full through hip and leg, zip closure, back waist darts, front slant and back welt pockets, mid-rise, full length, 100% linen, dray clean only.

This outfit is also shown with the following top (might as well make an outfit):

This is the Lafayette 148 Silk Charmeuse Bias Tank.  Price tag: $498.00. Details: a-line silhouette, v-neck, ultra thin straps, low hip length, lined, 100% silk, dry clean only.

Here is the pattern selections:

This is the True Bias Ogden PDF pattern.  I think this is a fairly good match.  The straps may be wider than the inspiration photo.  That is a design element that you are allowed to change.

This is the Liesel & Co Hollywood Trousers pattern.  You can get it either paper or pdf version.  This is a classic trouser pattern and well worth fitting and making over and over.  The waist may be higher than the inspiration photo.

This is Vogue 7975.  It is not an exact match to the inspiration pattern.  I do not think it is as boxy but it is the only current pattern I could find. It might be worth searching out Claire Shaeffer's patterns for this one.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Scrap Sale at The Confident Stitch...

The Confident Stitch is having an earth day sale! What on do you ask?  Scraps.  Let's keep those out of the landfills and get creatity.

Well, let's start with the Wool Scrap Bundle with only 20 available. Next, is the Quilting Scrap Bundle with 106 available.  The final offering is Knits, Light woven, Heavy woven Bundle with quantity varying depending on the type.

Scrappy items are very popular right now.  Just check out high end fashion and you will see if every where.  What additional ideas?  Check out The Confident Stitch blog post on just this topic.  You might get ideas for you own scrap stash.

Hope you get some good ideas for your own stash scraps.

I am an affiliate of The Confident Stitch.  Use of the links on the page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Shirt

 Here is a perfect top for summer:

This is the Lafayette New York 148 Framed Striped Cotton Shirt.  Price tag: $498.00. Details: straight silhouette, shirt collar, sleeveless, button front, patch pocket, side slits, pleated back yoke, hip length, 100% cotton, machine wash/dry.

This ticks most of the items for clothing on a hot summer day.  This easy to replicate with your favorite button-down shirt pattern.  You might have to adjust the armscye to prevent see through.  My favorite button-down pattern is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt:

Yes, there are plenty other shirt patterns available and definitely use one that you already have fitted. I like this one because of how well it is drafted.  The changes that I would make is not cut off for the front placket, remove the sleeves, raise the armscye, straighten the hem, and add the side slits.  I know it sounds like a lot of changes but it is not.  Probably the hardest piece would be getting the armscye correct.  If you already have a fitted sleeveless armscyc, then use that armscye on the shirt.

I am an affiliate of The Confident Stitch.  Any purchases made through a link will result in a small commission for me with no cost to you. Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

New Pattern Alert - Itch to Stitch Amador Top...

 Itch to Stitch has another new pattern - the Amador Top pdf pattern. It is a perfect top for spring/fall or those warmish days that appear in other seasons.  Here is the line drawing:

Details - dolman style elbow length sleeve, v-neck, regular or full bust, designed for light weight knits with good recovery.

Be sure to read the blog post and check out all of the tester version.  The pattern is on sale through April 25, 2023.  All discounts apply when purchasing multiples.

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  Any purchases made through a link will result in a small commission for me.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Started Decorating Another Room...

Yes, I started another room before finished the living room/family room.  It will get there.  I am still contemplating moving furniture around a bit. So that is slowing down that area.

I have moved to the primary suite and changed out the bedding. This was a Target find and suits my purposes.  It is white with 2 shades of gray florals.

My "white" furniture turned very cream with this comforter. 

I have not decided yet what other changes happening here.  This room contains the piece of furniture that I am thinking about moving to the living room/family room.  If I do move it, it will most likely mean that several other pieces of furniture will get moved around.  There is rattan chair that I purchased long ago that I would love to have in the living room/family room.  Unfortunately, the cats think is a scratching post and I would hate to be yelling at them all the time regarding something that comes natural to them.  Believe me, they get yelled at enough without adding to the situation.

I also managed to clear off and re-arrange the top of the dresser.  Somehow the top of my dresser is the dumping zone in my bedroom.  I will also be cleaning the drawers so I am positive that there are things stuffed in there that are not being used.  

I am sure that I will find other objects to fill on the top.  The geraniums have been around for  years and have always been in the front entry.  They bring a little bit of red into the room.

Off to figure out what else can be accomplished while I make decisions about furniture.

Happy Stitching! 

Inspiration...Abstract Blouse

 At first glance, this next top/blouse looks like a tank top but it is a little different.

This is the Lafayette 148 Sleeveless Abstract-Print Blouse.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details: crafted from  abstract print raw edge strips, approximately 23 1/2-inches long from shoulder to hem, scoop neckline with keyhole button back, sleeveless, racerback, relaxed fit, pullover style, polyester, unlined, handwash.  For reference, model is 5'10". 

Here is a close-up of the blouse:

If you zoom in, you can see the strips.  When I first saw the blouse, I thought the fabric was just an abstract.  Think of the possibilities with this one.  It could be a scrap buster if you had a good stretchy base fabric to attach to.  The price tag blows me away as well.  

If I were considering doing something like this, I would start with my favorite tank top pattern which is the Phoebe tank.  Although I do suspect that this is a knit and the Phoebe tank is for a woven.  Anyway start with your favorite tank and have some fun.

By the way, there is a dress version of this also and it is a must see.  Not sure that one would be using scraps unless you have a lot of long skinny pieces which sometimes happens.

Happy Stitching!

Friday Update...

 Looks like the Friday updates may be bi-weekly instead of weekly.  I have been relatively busy changing decor at my house - post 1 and post 2.  Maybe this next week I will start the slipcovers.  They really should not be hard just time consuming figuring out what needs to be done.  

I made another tank made.  I am very happy with the fit of the sleeveless armhole.  I may make another version of this tank but I think it will be the last for this year unless I decide to follow through and make a tank dress.  

Also, I made a t-shirt from the Loves Notions Classic Tee Shirt pattern.  I love the fabric.  The pattern needs more tweaking for me.  It is wearable even with it's flaws.  I have many pieces of fabric destined for t-shirts.  

I  purchased more fabric.  The blue linen is destined to become another tank.  I love the color and wish that I had picked up more than a remnant.  

I have started working on the Allegro Bottoms pants pattern.  I need to work out the sizing before I get too far.  I traced and started working on a size 14 and decided that I needed to rework the sizing as I did not think I had enough room.  I am planning two pair of pants in linen and tight would probably pull the seams out.  

I have been working through another season of the Design Your Wardrobe at Seamwork.  I do not follow through with every lesson but it does seem to help a bit with my planning.  Most of what I have made or planned has been the linen from Fabrics-store.com.  I have a real love for linen.  

I also purchased the Love Notions Duet Trousers Course.  This is the first time that I have taken a class from this site but I decided to give it a try.  I had purchased the pattern a couple of years ago and it has been updated now with more sizes and a fully belly adjustment which I thought was interesting.  Anyway, you may see me attempting that pant was well in the near future.  Karina at Pins & Needles just made a pair of the Duet Trousers in linen and put her own spin it.  It is worth watching.  It gives me all kinds of ideas.

Happy Stitching!

Love Notions Classic Tee....

I seem to have finally got started on the spring/summer sewing.  On my project list this year was the Love Notions Classic Tee.  I started with figuring out what size to trace which was many.  This post talks about that.  Next, I cut out and stitched the muslin.   The muslin was a drapier fabric than this version but I do like the top.  Here it is:

I am loving the scoop neck.  I will tweak it just a little bit on the next version.  I am going to tighten it up a bit so there is not any gaping when I lean over. 

You can see that I need a little more of an FBA than the full front provides in the pattern.  The front is swinging forward just a little bit. 

The back is baggy especially through the shoulders.  I am not sure if I should attempt an alteration to correct this.  The top is not meant to be fitted at all.  Maybe I will play with this later.

Yes, definitely need a larger FBA for this one.  

Honestly, this top is totally wearable.  It is as good as anything that I purchase and maybe a little better because the shoulders are not hanging off my shoulders.  I might be able to go to a smaller armscye.  We will see how much tweaking that I am willing to do.  

I love this fabric.  I am not sure exactly what it is but it feels like a cotton interlock.  Love the pink tie-dye.   Third top for summer.

I do not think I will make it to the Love Notions Laundry Day Tee.  The Classic Tee seems to be pretty good.  I think one more scoop neck and one v-neck and I will be ready to go.

Happy Stitching!

Still Decorating...

 Last week's post on the redecorating was just the beginning.  We ended up purchasing a new picture to put above the fireplace:

The print is 30-inches x 30-inches.  Still considering the little floral plaques that I made.  At this point, haven't decided about what will end up on the mantel.  Still thinking it through.  We're going a little French Country in the decorating style.  I do not want to repaint so I will be decorating around the colors that I have.  

I will continue updating as I figure things out.  Sometimes, it is just a matter of giving stuff new homes.  There will definitely be a lot of floral going on.  

Happy Stitching!

Not Sewing But Decorating...

 It has been about four years since I have done any major changing things up.  Oh, I done a bit of changing décor out but nothing major.  I have tried a little bit but not a lot of effort.  Last year I made a swaggy thing for the window in the family room/living room.  It is kinda plain but looks interesting with various garlands drapped over it.  I had a red berry garland hanging over it most of the winter.  Sorry, no pictures.  I was the director of most things this winter because of the fractured knee cap.  

I went shopping for flower picks and garlands for a spring/summer swag decoration.  I do not have a lot of choice here.  It is mostly Walmart and JoAnn Fabrics.  I found some lambs ear garland and some pink flowers.  Here is the results:

Sorry for the dark picture but it is about as good as I can get facing a window.  It certainly is not perfect but will do for now.  Then, I decided to clear off the fireplace area.  Here is the blank canvas:

I got everything dusted really well.  It is hard to decide what to do with this.  Here is how I started:

The florals that are in the middle on the mantel will go up on the wall.  This may or may not be staying long term.  At the very least, it will be there through summer.  This is just decorative plaques with wall paper behind.   Notice that I have a red/pink theme kinda going.   The clock will definitely stay on the mantel.  I do not know about the candle lantern.  I think it needs a pink candle in it.  The crystal candle holder I stuck a taper candle in it and I am not sure about that at all. 

Next, I cleared off the table under the TV.  Not sure what I am going to do with it at this point.  I do like that there is very little on it.  I am betting that will last one whole day.  Not sure about the ladder.  It is a very rustic piece.  I use to keep it leaned up against a wall but my cats were constantly knocking it down.  

I did hang one of the floral prints that had been above the fireplace above the antique radio.  I attempted to put the other print on the opposite side of this arch but there is not enough room.  

Honestly, this is the hardest room to decorate that I have ever had.  Rectangles are easy.  This room has three arches, two doorways, one 6-ft x 6-ft window, a fireplace, and two angles walls.  

I will post more pictures as I do further updating.  I do have furniture that can be moved around a bit along with other accessories.  The linen slipcovers will also change the look of everything in the room. I suppose I need to check and see what is in the attic storage.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Midi Dress

 This is a little dressier than my normal dress picks but I would still wear it day-to-day.  

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Sleeveless A-Line Linen-Blend Midi Dress.  Price tag: $1198.00.  Details:  Approximately 48-inches from shoulder to hem, jewel neckline, princess seams, hem falls at mid-calf, a-line silhouette, invisible back zipper, viscose/linen blend, unlined, dry clean only.

Great dress, right?  I think we can make it for a little less.  Here is a similar pattern:

This is Butterick 6850.  It is a princess seam a-line dress pattern.  The only detail that I can see missing is the waist seam.  The vertical lines on this pattern is a little more flattering.  Remember we can adjust the hem length to perfect length for ourselves.  That is the beauty of making your own clothes.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Side Twist Dress

 The hot weather is coming and this dress is perfect.

This is the Nic + Zoe Water Drops Dress.  Price tag: $188.00.  Details: knit fabric, fitted, side twist, rayon spandex, pullover, round neck, sleeveless, falls slightly above the knee, Missy sizes length is 37-inches from shoulder.

The silhouette on this dress is great. The print is even better.  Let's see what kind of patterns can be found:

This is the So-Sew-Easy In A Twist Dress.  This dress is very close to the inspiration dress.  The neckline is different especially in the back.  The price on this little dress pattern is really good.  Be sure to check the size range on this one. 

 

This is the Style Arc Corina Knit Dress.  This link goes to the Style Arc website.  If you are interested in multi-pattern try Etsy or Amazon.  Again, this one has a slightly different neckline but does have that fabulous side twist.

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Another Tweak Another Tank...

 After making the tank here, I decided just a little more tweaking was necessary.  Here are the changes (sorry, it is a little light but you can zoom in):

The is the back of the Phoebe Tank pattern.  I keep the original alterations and added 5/8-inch at the hipline to nothing at the armscye.  

This is the pattern that I went back to the start on,  The last muslin, I made the bust dart and then closed the dart.  Then made a tank.  The pattern still needed a bit of tweaking.  I made a change that I do not usually attempt.  Since I was still getting a little bit of gapping at the armscye, I made a dart and transferred it to the hem.  If you zoom in, you can see where I had corrected the width of the pattern along with all the dart changes.  I also decided to make a small change to the 3/8-inch that I had added to the side with the last muslin.  I left the 3/8-inch at the bust and took it to nothing at the bottom.  Hoping this will help with the extra fabric in the front.  Okay, I know it is only 3/4-inch difference but it will help.

Here is the result of the those effort in white linen:

I think I nailed the fit at the armscye.  It looks pretty good,

In linen, there is not much wrinkling around the bust on the left side but I think I stretched the hem when I was pressing the hem.  Guess I see what it looks like after the next wash,

I fairly happy with the fit here.  Yeah, there is a little bit of wrinkling but I suspect that the fabric is hanging on my jeans.  I could be wrong.

The right side shows just a tad of wrinkling around the bust.  I think I am going to call this done.  All that needs to be done now is trace the front pattern piece and date it.  

I already have another piece of linen coming for another tank in this pattern.  I had been thinking about making a dress from this pattern.  We will see.  I have lots of clothes.  I need to concentrate on some bottoms so my next muslin will be pants.  Most likely Love Notions Allegro Bottoms pattern.

Happy Stitching!