New Itch To Stitch Cantabria Dress Pattern...

 A new dress pattern for the late, hot days of summer and early fall.  Here is the line art:

This is the Cantabria Dress pdf pattern.  The features are:

• Options for cup sizes
• Notched collar
• Sleeveless finished with faced armholes
• Fully lined
• Front and back princess seams with a back yoke
• Semi-fitted with a knee length straight skirt
• Double-breasted surplice front with buttoned closure
• Belt loops with a detachable sash
• Designed for non-stretch woven fabric

Be sure to check out the the blog post with the tester's versions of the dress.  There are lots of causal to dressy versions of the dress.  

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  The Cantabria Dress pdf pattern will be 20% off through September 6, 2023.  All purchasing discounts still apply.

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Summer Promotion...

 Itch to Stitch will be having a summer promotion.  Once a week one pattern will be on special for 24 hours.  This is August 29th pattern:

This is the Salamanca Cropped Jacket pdf pattern.  Features are:

• A, B, C, D and DD cups for the perfect fit
• Completely lined for a beautiful finish
• Cropped, swing style jacket with high-low hem
• Gathered raglan sleeves
• Designed for non-stretch, woven fabric
• Sizes 00 to 20

Details - on sale for $5 through 23:59 US Mountain Time, discount is automatic in the cart, no other discounts apply.  

Check out the blog post to see other great examples of this little jacket. 

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  All purchasing discounts still apply.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Plaid Jacket

Today's inspiration is very similar to an inspiration post done in July but it is a different designer.  Here is the jacket:

This is the Akris Small Pied-De-Poule Cashmere Short Jacket. Price tag: $3690.00.  Details: features pied-de-poule check styling, stand collar, button front, long sleeves, split cuffs, front welt pockets, hip length, fitted, lining - cupro, dry clean only.

Here is how it was styled:

I love the little black and white check dress with the jacket.  This is perfect going to work in an office outfit.  My pattern pick is the same as the July inspiration:

This is an OOP pattern by Textile Studio Patterns.  If you can find a copy of the pattern, these are the changes that I see:

1.  Add welt pockets.

2.  Add lining.

3. Lengthen sleeves

4.  Add split cuffs.

That is not a bad list of changes.  Honestly, I think that the first one will be the hard one.  It could be the second item on the list.  Maybe I will re-visit this pattern.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Knit Dress

This is a wonderful knit dress:

This is the Ellen Ottoman Dress by Boden.  Price tag: $98.00.  Details:  cotton/polyester/elastane, machine wash, shift with relaxed waist to a fitted hips with a straigtht hem, above knee length, 3/4 length sleeve, mid-weight ottoman jersey.

I love everything about this dress.  Here is a flat picture so you can see the style lines a bit better:

Love the princess seams falling into pockets.  I am unfamiliar with the ottoman knit but it seems to popular in Europe and easily available there.  Finding a pattern with this type of style lines is the issue.  I did think of one OOP pattern that is a bit similar:

This is the Go Anywhere Dress by Sewn Square One For Your Style.  The pockets on this one are patch pockets and I would really rather have the in-seam version.  Not sure what happened to the little company but you can still find the patterns occasionally.

So readers, do you know of a pattern that is similar to the style lines of the dress?

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Bobbins...

 Have you ever wondered about your bobbin and the method of insertion?  How about how the bobbin insertion affects the quality of stitching?  Many machines either have you insert the bobbin with the thread either like a "p" or a "q".  Seems fairly simple, right?

For 20 or so years, I have sewn on a Husqvarna electronic or computerized machine.  They have specialty bobbins that can only be inserted one way.  So, the issue I am about to show is not something that I have seen or thought about in a long.  The machine that I currently use the most is a Bernette B77.  It is a fairly nice machine with it's own special quirks but when I purchased it a couple of years ago I wanted a machine that made beautiful buttonholes.  It does make the beautiful buttonholes one after another unless there is a user error.

Back to bobbin, I am setting up to work on another garment and decided the machine needed to be cleaned.  It must have been a while as it really needed cleaning in the bobbin area badly.  Cleaned the machine and put everything back together.  Proceeded to wind the bobbin and thread the machine.  This is when the "brain fart' happened.  I blanked on which way to put the bobbin in.  I put it in using the "q" method.   If you did not guess, I put it in wrong.  The machine will stitch with the bobbin not inserted correctly.  Here are the results of the bobbin threaded incorrectly and the bobbin threaded correctly:

In this picture the stitching on the right in with the bobbin inserted incorrectly.

In this picture, the top stitching is with the bobbin inserted incorrectly.  

Can you see the difference in the stitching?  You can really tell by feeling the two lines of stitching.  It feels like the tension is wrong and looks like the top thread is riding on the top of the fabric.  Amazingly, the machine did not object other than what you see in the picture.  No funny noises.

So, would you have guessed that the issue was the bobbin thread? or would you have thought the issues with mis-threading the upper thread?

We are never to old to learn, are we?   I have been stitching fifty years or so.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Fall Dress

 Simple, basic dresses.  Everyone needs one or two in their wardrobe.  Here is a classic (not color but style):

This is the Wool-Silk Crepe A-Line Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $898.00.  Details:  a-line silhouette, jewel neckline, above elbow sleeve, exposed zipper, seam pockets, yoke and waist seams, above knee length, dry clean only.  Model is 5'8".  

This dress also comes in black and navy.  Just in case, you want to purchase it.  This color was chosen because you can actually see the details.

This type of a classic dress would have a long live based just on style.   After much looking, I finally found a similar dress from Butterick circa 1969:

If you can find this pattern, it would be easy to make necessary changes - add a yoke, expose the zipper, delete the tab,  decide whether you want the center front seam.  

Honestly, I thought I would find a ton of patterns similar to the inspiration dress.  I was very surprise.  

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Boom...More Fabric

 I have worked really hard this year not to buy to over purchase fabric.  I have done a fair job but more fabric is on the way.  Here it is:

This is a navy/white grunge geometric nylon/viscose/spandex stretch twill. Two yards was purchased.  It is 60" wide, mid-weight, 2-way 35% stretch, machine wash cold, tumble dry,  This is definitely for the stash and next spring.  It will either become a sleeveless dress or a pair of pants.  It will be determined next year.

This is a Periwinkle & Gray Plaid Fine Cotton Shirting.  I purchased three yards.  It is 100% cotton, lightweight, no stretch.  Machine wash and tumble dry low.  It is destined to be Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  

Hopefully the shirting will be used this fall.  That is my plan anyway.

Happy Stitching!

Interesting Fabric...

 I was cruising about knitfabric.com today and found the following items:

This Santa panel is so pretty.  It would make a nice lap quilt.  It is called Santa by the Fireplace.  The panel is 36" x  43".  So, cute!  I have a holiday lap quilt.  Maybe I need two.  

How adorable is this?  This is so perfect for little people.  My son would have loved this when he was a little boy.  This is Cookies Bamboo Cotton Lycra. It is a pre-order item.  I am so tempted.  Could an old lady get by with wearing a Christmas Cookie t-shirt? Oh, there are five coordinating knits as well. 

This is definitely a little boy print.  Winter construction trucks, so cute.  This is called Trucks Bamboo Cotton Lycra.  It is another pre-order and there is coordinating knits with this one as well.

How about a nice flannel?  This is a medium weight flannel that is 57/60" wide.  This is called Navy & Green Plaid Flannel.  They are several different colors of this weight of flannel.  This would make a great shirt or flannel pjs.

How cute are these panels?  Oh, how I wish I had little people to sew for.  This is the Kid's Cookie Baking Crew panel set.  You get three panels with this one.  There are several coordinating fabrics for this one.  This is another pre-order fabric.

Be sure to check out all the other loving fabrics.  There is several holiday prints available. The ones above are just a few.  Now, I off to see what else I can find.  

I am an affiliate of knitfabric.com.  Some of the links above are affiliate links.  I would get a small commission should you decide to purchase through one of my links at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Summer Promotion...

   Itch to Stitch will be having a summer promotion.  Once a week one pattern will be on special for 24 hours.  This is August 14th pattern:

This is the Itch to Stitch Nottingham Top pdf pattern. Features are:

• Front, off-centered, twisted knot
• Relaxed fit bodice
• Scoop neck with neckband
• Three sleeve options—long sleeve, elbow short sleeve and butterfly sleeve

This is a beginner's pattern with sizes 00-20.  It is designed for a light to medium weight knit.   Be sure to check out the tester's versions on the blog. The pattern is on sale for $5.00 today.

Please note that this offer can not be combined with other promotions.  Discount will be applied automatically during the check out process.  Be sure to check out the blog post to see all the beautiful variations.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  All purchasing discounts still apply.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Long Skirt

 I enjoy wearing skirts with boots in the winter.  I find them warm just because of all the layers.  This skirt caught my eye because of it's simple shape:

This is the Slit-Hem Wool Tricotine A-Line Midi Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $595.00.  Details: A-line silhouette, falls below knee, invisible side zip, virgin wool, lined with cupro, dry clean.  Model is 5'10".  

I like the look of the skirt but I do not want a lined wool skirt that is dry clean only.  I am thinking I can find a nice fabric that I can line and still be happy.  The first pattern that I thought of was a pattern long out of print:

This is the Brussels Skirt pattern by Textiles Studio Patterns.  This is from the nineties and it is a super quick make.  This is a straight skirt instead of an a-line.  This pattern is hiding in my pattern collection and worth pulling out and using.  I do not think I would make the skirt that long but I did the last time I made it.  

This is another vintage pattern McCall's 6263.  View A looks like a dead ringer for the inspiration.  There are copies available on the web.  Sizing might be an issue.  

Something to consider - you do not need to purchase a new pattern for every item you want to make.  If you have an existing a-line skirt pattern but it does not have a center front seam.  Create one.  Save those dollars for beautiful fabric.

Hope you are inspired to make something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

The Act of Sewing Book...

 Back in October of last year, I invested in the Act of Sewing by Sonya Philip with the intention of playing with the patterns over winter.  Somewhere around that time period, I got Covid and spent three long weeks with it.  At this point, I got the top pattern traced in a size that I thought was appropriate at the time.  This pattern is very much like Shirt No 1 in the 100 Acts of Sewing pattern line.  I was really looking forward to playing and trying various modifications.  Fast forward a couple of weeks, I tripped and fall fracturing my knee cap.  This was 12 long weeks of definitely not being able to sew.  Then we decided to move my Mom to an apartment.  There went another 2 months of helping with packing, moving, unpacking, selling a house and goods in the house, closing on the house, etc.  

Now we are into April, spring sewing is here but where is my boo?.  Here it is August and I have found my book with the already traced pattern.  Maybe this will be my late fall/winter playing this year. It will definitely be in between other projects because I have many projects already planned for fall/winter.  

Here is what I am planning:

1.  Make the top pattern as is and get it fitted. 

2.  Modify the top pattern for a v neckline.

3.  Modify the top pattern with a split front.

Now, I just need to figure out how much fabric need for each project and whether or not there is stash fabric available for the project.  If I do not have fabric to make a muslin or a top, I will purchase some fabric.  Muslin fabric will come from the walmart pre-cut bin.  The finished project will be whatever I find and I am willing to wear. 

Have you seen this book and work through it?  What were your results?  Happy  or not happy.  

Happy Stitching!

PS...Remember to check out Darla Sews at Destashify.  I add new items frequently.  Please, help me bring my stash under control. 

On Trend Patterns...

 Have you ever noticed that it seems to be difficult to find patterns that are very similar to what is currently being offered in RTW?  If you're lucky, you can find an OOP pattern that will match fairly closely.  Here is a pattern that is on trend for fall:

This is Butterick 6933.  Very much on trend for the matching trouser and jacket.  I am not sure about the skirt.

I would add a matching or coordinating straight skirt to this look.  Especially, if I was working in an office environment.  Here is a good example:

This is the Liesl & Co Extra-Sharp Pencil Shirt.  The patterns I have made from this company have all been well drafted.  This is not a classic example as it has a bias side panel on it.  Here is another example:

This is a freebie straight skirt pattern, folks.  

Remember a straight skirt that it pegged just a little bit at the hem, has a better look than a straight skirt.  

Well, this kinda turned on trend to capsule wardrobe.  Honestly with this type of patterns, you could make a whole wardrobe.  Think five pair of pants (make that fitting time worth your time), five skirts, two or three jackets.  If you are really ambitious, you could make three piece suits.  Just need some classic blouse patterns.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Summer Promotion...

  Itch to Stitch will be having a summer promotion.  Once a week one pattern will be on special for 24 hours.  This is August 8th pattern:

This is the Crystal Cove Cami pdf pattern.  The features are:

• Options for A, B, C, D and DD cups
• Relaxed fit bodice
• Spaghetti straps
• Overlapping back with curved hem for a unique look

The pattern comes in size 00-20.  It has been designed for lightweight woven fabrics.  Check out the blog post to see the tester versions.  The pattern is on sale for $5.00.  

Please note that this offer can not be combined with other promotions.  Discount will be applied automatically during the check out process.  Be sure to check out the blog post to see all the beautiful variations.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  All purchasing discounts still apply.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Skirt & Blouse

 If I was stilling working in an office, the following outfit would be a big plus.  Here are the individual pieces:

This is the Scottie Stamp-Print Button-Down Silk Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details:  Approximately 27" long from shoulder to hem, point collar, hidden button placket, bracelet sleeves, button cuffs, shirt tail hem, relaxed fit.

This is the Pleated Stamp-Print Midi Skirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $898.00.  Details: Sits high on hip, elasticized waistband, hem falls around knee, a-line silhouette, pull-on style.

Here is a glimpse of the two pieces together:

Both pieces are dry-clean only.  The model is 5'10".  

Pattern suggestions:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  The pattern would require minor changes to look like the inspiration photo.  The cuffs on the inspiration photo look longer than a typical cuff.  This is a style decision on your part.  Just remember, if you add in one spot to subtract in another spot.  The hidden button placket is a definite change.  Again, it is a style decision on your part.  Here are a couple of  tutorials on how to create the placket -  How To Make Hidden Buttonholes and  How to Make a Hidden Button Placket.   The second tutorial is my favorite method but I would think that both have advantages.

 This is McCall's 7844.  It is a pull-on elastic waist pleated skirt. It sounds very much like the inspiration photo. The waistband looks different in the inspiration photo but you do get a pleated skirt with four length options. The pattern is OOP but it looks like it can still be purchased.  I would either wait for a sale or look for second-hand.

Be sure to check out the photos on Neiman Marcus website for these items.  There is a lot of inspiration for outfits.  I can see this being the basis of a capsule wardrobe by adding a navy jacket, pants, skirt, and a camisole or short/long sleeve top.  Then, perhaps pulling another color out of the print and making another couple of tops.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Clearing Out...

After a lot of thought, I have decided to start clearing out my sewing collections.  I just have too much stuff and it is time to share.  

Currently, I am uploading patterns to Destashify.  There is a link to my little area at Destashify on the left side of the page under Affiliates, Etc - Destashify - Darla Sews.   I do plan on adding fabric, books, and notions.

Happy Stitching!

More Patterns...

 Why is it that the "new and shiny" is always more interesting?  It does not matter if it is patterns or fabric.  Here are my newest patterns:

The  Nosara Shirt pdf pattern by  Itch to Stitch.  I was going to hold off on buying this and then started seeing the wonderful projects by others and decided to go for it.  I can always make an end of summer top or two.  

This is the Whisper Boyshorts pdf pattern by Sinclair Patterns.  This will be my first attempt at underpants.  Since I am a person who rarely tosses small pieces of knits, I should have plenty of knits that would be eligible for this type of project.  Really it is a win-win to use up small stash knit pieces and gain underwear. The question is can I make underwear that fits reasonably well. I have already printed the pattern and I am ready to go through my stash.

This is the Liesl & Co Alvalade Men's Trousers pattern.  I purchased the pdf version.  I do not need this pattern but I do like to sew for the men in my life occasionally.  I indulged in the 50% off sale.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  All purchasing discounts still apply.

Happy Stitching!

Project Planning...

 I am still working on fall/winter projects (project 1 and project 2/3).  The stash is yielding a lot of previous planned projects.  Here is the first fabric:

This is fabric that I purchased way back in July 2021.  There is three yards which should be perfect for a shirt.  Here is another fabric:

This is another three yard piece.  I do not know how long it has been in the stash.  Longer than I have been documenting each purchase with the intended pattern.  

I have already fitted this pattern:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  It is already fitted which should make making the tops quick and easy unless I decide to change a detail or two or three.  

I am trying to not over plan as I tend to not finish projects because the "new and shiny" grab my attention.  I guess those are the wild cards that should always be allowed for.

How is your planning going for the next season?

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Summer Promotion...

   Itch to Stitch will be having a summer promotion.  Once a week one pattern will be on special for 24 hours. Today's special is the Chirripo Top:

This top has the following features:

• Options for A, B, C, D and DD cups
• Relaxed fit bodice
• Front and back yokes with squared neckline
• Front and back gathers below yokes for accent and shaping
• Options for flutter sleeves and sleeveless

Check out the blog post for additional inspiration.  This is a great hot weather top.

Please note that this offer can not be combined with other promotions.  Discount will be applied automatically during the check out process.  Be sure to check out the blog post to see all the beautiful variations.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  All purchasing discounts still apply.

Happy Stitching!