Inspiration...Linen Jacket

 Continuing with the spring theme...If you start by January, you should have the spring/summer wardrobe done by the time the warm weather starts.  Here is a nice looking linen jacket:

This is the Check-Print Single Breasted Blazer by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag:  $998.00.  Details:  Approximately 28-inches from shoulder to hem, notched lapel, single-breasted front, long sleeves, chest patch pocket, front slip pockets, rounded front hem, center back vent, relaxed fit, cotton/linen, unlined.  For reference, model is 5'10".

This is a great linen jacket.  The fabric might be difficult to locate but you can not go wrong with a navy and white print for summer.  Here is the pattern that came to mind when I saw the jacket:

This is Silhouette Patterns #1900 jacket pattern.  The only obvious changes that I see with the pattern is adjusting the buttons to 3, maybe shorten the length, remove the shoulder pads, and making patch pockets instead of welt pockets.  This pattern is a princess seam to the shoulder so you would have to play a little bit to see how everything matched up.  The inspiration photo appeared to have a dart.

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shirtdress

 It looks to me like spring items are starting to showing up.  This dress is a pre-order.  

This is the Floral-Embroidery Cotton Midi Shirtdress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1298.00.  Details:  Approximately 45 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem, spread collar, hidden button placket, short sleeves with rolled cuffs, belted waist, on-seam pockets, hem falls below the knee, a-line silhouette, unlined.  For reference, model is 5'10".  

I just love everything about this dress except the price.  I am pretty sure this dress has a dolman sleeve on it.  I looked around a little bit for a dolman sleeve shirt dress but did not find anything of interest.  I did find instruction for how to create a dolman sleeve - Tutorial.  There are many links on the blog for creating a hidden button placket.  Just do a search.  As for the pattern, this one might work:

The pattern has the button front and the full skirt.  You would still need to make the dolman sleeve, lengthen the skirt, and the hidden button placket.  Of course, it would need to be fitted.  I think a vintage pattern from the 80s or 90s would probably work better.  It would require work to locate one though.  

Remember it is always best to use something you have already fitted.  That way you have more money to spend on fabric and notions.  I thinking about the Classic Shirt pattern and wondering what it would take to change it.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pleated Skirt

 I have a love for a long pleated skirt.  This skirt is not as long as I would like but I that is why I sew:

This is the Rag & Bone Garnet Pleated Italian Wool Midi Skirt. Price tag: $425.00.  Details: High rise, a-line silhouette, hem falls below the knee, back zip closure.  Here is a picture of just the skirt so you can see some of front details:

This is such a classic skirt style.  For a pattern, I think you will need to look vintage.  I have not see any pleated skirt patterns of this style recently.  I looked.  I remember making this style in the 70s and 80s.  You could probably find this style in earlier decades as well.

It seems that it is probably easier to locate fabric for a skirt than it is for a pattern.  Anyone up for drafting a pattern?    There is some Rag & Bone wool fabric at Mood here.

Happy Stitching!

Plaid Classic Shirt...

 It feels good to have another item made for fall/winter.  I have gotten really slow with my sewing.  Here is my latest classic shirt:

The pattern used is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  Once you have it fitted, you can make many shirts.  The pattern is the same basic pattern that is used for a button down shirt.  It is very well drafted and has good instructions.  If you head over to the Olive & S website, you will also find a ton of information regarding this pattern.

I cut this version of the classic shirt in a single layer in an attempt to get the horizon stripes to match.  The body of the shirt is great.  I missed by a hair on the sleeves.  The yoke, button placket, cuff, and sleeve placket are all cut on the bias.  

Overall, I am very happy with this shirt and hope it gets a lot of wear.  The weather has been calling for a bit warmer clothing.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wide Legged Pants

 I am so happy that wide legged pants are making an appearance.  Here is a great plaid pair:

This is the Westbourne Wide-Legged Pants from Boden.  Price tag: $140.00.  Details:  fit through waist and hip with wide leg, full length, side pockets, back jetted pockets, button fastening at center front with zip fly.    (Jetted pockets appear to welted pockets.)

This is a great overall outfit.  My first thought of a pant pattern is:

This is the Liesl & Co Peckham Women's Trousers pdf or pattern pattern.  These pants have just a little bit of elastic at the sides which is different than the inspiration photo.  Here is another option:

This is the Liesl & Co Hollywood Trousers pdf pattern. This is a classic trouser pattern.  This pattern does not have the welt pocket and you would need to add it. 

While we are at it, we might as well make a complete outfit.  Here is the top pattern:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pdf or paper pattern.  This is my favorite shirt pattern.

If you want to take it a step further, you might add a jacket for a suit like effect:

This is the Closet Core Jasika Jacket pattern.  It is a classic blazer pattern that would look good with anything you want to pair with it - jeans, trousers, skirts.

If you go to the Boden website, you will find lots of inspiration for either the pants or shirt.  Did you know Boden states on their website "Buy better, buy less, wear more." .  That is a good idea for those buying or sewing.  Just something to consider.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cord Shift Dress

 The weather is cooling.  It is time to think about warmish clothes.  Here is a cute little dress:

This is the Evie Cord Shift Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $110.00.  Details: corduroy, lined bodice, sleeveless, semi-fitted, side seam pockets, back zip.

This is not a very expensive dress.  It made me think of this dress by Seamwork:

This is the Knox pdf pattern.  No, it is not exactly like the inspiration photo but this was the first pattern that I thought of.  

This is the Bryn pdf pattern.  This pattern is a little closer to the inspiration pattern.  The neckline might be lower.  

Either of these patterns can be found on Seamwork by clicking the affiliate link, click on patterns, sort by dresses or search by name. 

I am an affiliate of Seamwork.  By clicking on a link and purchasing, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Thank you!

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Button Down Blouse

 Button down blouses/shirts are such a wardrobe staple.  We should have many for every season.  This next blouse I have posted many iterations of it.  This is where having a fitted pattern can result in a great wardrobe.  Here is the top: 

This is the Scottie Printed Silk Button Down Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00. Details:  spread collar, concealed button placket, long sleeves, wide button cuffs, back yoke, box pleat, relaxed fit, shirttail hem.

I know it is the color that drew me in.  I checked at Cali Fabrics to see what type of prints that might have and there are tons here.  I have not found the exact print or even one similar.   What pattern?  Well, I am going to go to the one I always suggest as it is one that I have fitted.

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  This is a link to the designer site and there is a ton of information for this pattern.  I have found it to be very well drafted.    Here is my preferred method of making a hidden placket at Threads - How to Make a Hidden Button Placket.  As for making changes to the cuff, when you widen the cuff remember to shorten the sleeve.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Decorative Pillow

 I love throw pillows.  Here is one that is being shown in the Pottery Barn Holiday collection:

This is the Love Patchwork Lumbar Pillow Cover from Pottery Barn. Price tag: $79.50.  Details:  100% cotton linen, yarn dyed fiber, reverses to 100% cotton in natural, zipper closure, accommodates a 16-inch by 26-inch insert, machine wash.

Folks, this would be so easy to duplicate.  The only thing that you really need to decide on is the color scheme.  The applique could be hand drawn if you desired.  I would need a template.   Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Itch To Stitch Anniversary Sale...

 It is Itch to Stitch's 9th birthday.  To celebrate, the pdf patterns on the website are on sale through October 10, 2023 as follows:

🎉 Islares, Cantabria, and Nosara patterns are now 20% off!
🎉 All other patterns are available at a 25% discount!

No special code is needed.  The discount is automatically applied at checkout.  Here are some of my favorites:

Taroko Skirt pdf pattern - this is a great everyday skirt

Soller Top & Dress pdf pattern - 

Foz Top pdf pattern - 

Lammie Hoodie & Sweatshirt pdf pattern - 

Here is a couple to consider for fall on trend:

Zamora Blouse pdf pattern:

La Paz Jacket pdf pattern:

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

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

Holiday/Winter Throw...

 I just found some really cute holiday/winter fabric:

The is the Cozy Cabin Plaid 100% Cotton Waffle Knit from knitfabrics.com.  It is a 4-way knit and 55-inches wide.   

My first thought when I saw this was that it would be perfect to make a throw.  Two yards should be plenty to make a nice comfortable throw.  I think I will think on this one.  I really wanted to make some new stuff for holiday/winter decorating.

 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!

Inspiration...Tie-Neck Blouse

 I love that the tie-neck blouses are returning to fashion.  Here is one with pleated sleeves:

This is Lafayette 148 New York Pleated Elbow-Sleeve Tie-Neck Blouse.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  Approximately 20 1/2-inches long from shoulder to hem, V neckline, elbow blouson sleeves, banded cuffs and hem, relaxed fit, pullover style, unlined, silk.

I love the look of this blouse but I do not love the price tag.  When I saw this, my first thought was this blouse:

This is the Sew Over It Pussy Bow Blouse Sewing pdf pattern.  I think the neckline really reflects the inspiration photo and it is the part that I am most interested in duplicating.  Here is a youtube video on adding width to the top of the sleeve - video.  This is a style element along with the sleeve length.  You get to decide.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Next Project...Classic Shirt in Black/Red/Gray Plaid

 Even though the sewjo has been missing or barely there, I am going to continue attempting to work on my fall plans.  My next project will be using the following items:

The is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  I made a dress with the last version I made with this pattern.  This is the fabric:

This feels like it is 100% cotton flannel.  I am sure that I purchased it to make the Classic Shirt above.  Given my luck with cutting out plaids doubled, I will be cutting this out in a single layer so that I have some hope of matching the plaids.  At the very least, I want the plaid to match at the center front.  I am not that good of a cutter to get a pattern to match at all points - front/back, shoulders, sleeves.  I suspect some of it has to do with the pattern.  I have just a little over 2 1/2 yards of this fabric.  

My goal is to finish the planned items that already have a fitted pattern first.  These all should have been finished in August and no later than the end of September but as stated early the sewjo have been severely lagging.

Happy Stitching!