Inspiration...Midi Shirtdress

 Springtime inspiration continues:

This is the Faux-Wrap Cotton-Line Midi Shirtdress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1,198.00. Details:  Approximately 50-inches from shoulder to hem, surplice neckline with spread collar, short sleeves, waist self-tie, on-seam pockets, hem fails below the knee, a-line silhouette, cotton-linen fabric, unlined, machine wash cold.   For reference, model is 5'10".

I love this dress.  I really wish I had the ability to see it in person so I could feel the fabric. It should be easy to care for.  I looked around a bit for fabric.  Vogue Fabric has a little bit of linen/cotton from Tori Richards in a print.  Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics had a huge selection of cotton/linen fabrics.  There could be fabric substitutions since this particular blend seems hard to locate in the US.

Now for the pattern, I have found an almost duplicate of the dress:

This is Butterick 5030 and View D is the look.  This is a wrap dress and not a faux wrap dress.  So how do you get the faux wrap.  I found this discussion on changing a wrap dress to a faux wrap dress.  Maybe it will be of use.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Crepe Shirt

 Spring/Summer will be here before you know it.  Plan ahead and you might have a chance to have the wardrobe ready to go with it hits.  Hot weather is really hard on me and over the last couple of years I have really turned to sleeveless items.  Here is a great sleeveless shirt with matching pants:

This is the Akris Punto Lightweight Techno Crepe Blouse.  Price tag: $440.00.  Details:  button front, sleeveless, side slit details, hip length, relaxed fit.   The model is 5'10" for reference.

They do not say anything about the collar but when you look up close at it, the collar seems to be a little longer similar to 70s styling but not quite as pointy.  What do you think of the matchy matchy with the pants?  This type of look tends to make you look leaner and taller.  Check Neiman Marcus website if you are interested in a closer look.

For the pattern, I am going to stick with tried and true:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  For me, this is a classic shirt and I have it already fitted which is important.  Obviously, this is not sleeveless.  Here are instructions from another company showing how to make a button down sleeveless.  Do doubt there are other instructions available.  The only other changes that I see would be to straighten the hem and make side slits.

If you do not want to go to all the trouble of making pattern changes, the Seamwork (affiliate link) Willis shirt will work:

Version 2 of this pattern is very similar to the inspiration pattern.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Jacket + Skirt

 Today's inspiration is for those who like to dress up.  I love this look:

This is Akris Yarn Dyed Cotton Short Jacket.  Price tag: $2990.00.  Details:  70s inspiration, round neck, button front, long sleeves with button cuffs, front patch pockets, hip length, relaxed fit, fabric - cotton/nylon/polyamide/elastine, lining - cupro.

This is Akris Pencil Skirt with Side Slits.  Price tag: $995.00.  Details: high rise, side zip closure, hem hits around the knee, a-line silhouette, side slits, fabric - cotton/nylon/polyamide/elastine, lining - viscose/elastine.  

This is like the perfect suit in the 80s and maybe the early 90s.  I suppose I was too young in the 70s to have notice this type of dressing. I would have thought that it was old lady stuff. I am an old lady now and would love to be wearing this minus those heels.

I do not think I can locate a good skirt pattern for this.  You will really have to dig back into the 80s/90s patterns to come close.  The jacket pattern is easy:

This is Vogue 7975 and it is an available pattern on the Simplicity site.  Easy peasy, right?  You will need to add a hidden placket to the front and add cuffs to the sleeves but it is all doable.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Colorblock Tunic

 Springtime inspiration is continuing.  This is an interesting tunic:

This is the Cotton Popeline Colorblock Kodak-Stripe Tunic by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $695.00.  Details:  Kent collar, button front closure, 3/4 sleeves, dropped shoulders, front patch pocket, rounded hem, relaxed fit.  Here is a look at the back: 

The back has an interesting pleat.  It looks like it comes down from the collar seam and opens just below the shoulder blades.  In looking at the front, I can also see a hidden button placket.  Be sure to zoom in the left side where the pocket is.  It is an interesting shape and perfectly matched the pattern.

As far as patterns, I think I would be tempted to try the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt but I am not sure how to get the "oversized" look correct.  I am sure it is more than making the next size larger.  The Seamwork Rachel (affililate) has a back that is drafted with the pleat.  Here is the line drawing:

For those wondering what a Kent collar is, it is a standard business collar.  Yes, I had to look it up to make sure there was not something special about it.  

Do you know of a better pattern for this?  Let me know if you do.

Happy Stitching!
  

Inspiration...Sleeveless Dress

 Oh, those 70s styles.  I do not actually remember this type of dress in the 70s but I was doing my own thing back then.  Here is a super cute dress:

This is the Akris 70's Inspired Wool Short Dress. Price tag: $1990.00. Details:  double-faced wool, round neckline, sleeveless, concealed back zip, worked in waist belt, hem fails above the knee, a-line silhouette, lined with viscose/silk.

An exact pattern will never be found of this beauty but I did think of this pattern:

This is an older Vogue pattern. It is from 1996 and View C bodice with View B skirt would give you a great likeness to the inspiration photo.  Now, you know how old some of my patterns are.  Yes, this pattern does include the lining information.  

If you check Neiman Marcus for the dress, be sure to zoom in so that you can see some of the details.  The above pattern does have a waistline so it would be possible to duplicate the "worked in waist belt".  Also, there are other dresses in similar silhouettes made in different materials.  Well, worth your time to explore.  Really if we are going to duplicate RTW, then go high end.  

Hope you are inspired to sew something beautiful for yourself.

Happy Stitching!

(Be sure to check my Destashify store. I am uploading new patterns monthly. Really it is hard to give up my collection as it gives me great joy but it is time for someone else to enjoy.)

Inspiration...Oversized Checked Button-Down

 Spring looks have caught my attention.  Here is a nice button down that is a little different:

This is the Oversized Checked-Print Button-Down Shirt by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  Approximately 34 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem, spread collar, hidden button placket, short sleeves, chest patch pocket, shirt tail hem, oversized fit, cotton, unlined.  For reference, model is 5'10".  Here is a back view as I think you need to see the sleeve:

I think the sleeve is a sweet little detail with the pleats and button cuff.  Here are a couple of other details that are not mentioned above - it has a dolman sleeve, the cuff is on the bias.  Here is a couple of pattern ideas:

This is the Nosara Shirt pdf pattern by Itch To Stitch (affiliate link).  This pattern would need to be lengthened, bias band added, hidden button placket,  and modification to the back if you want that sleeve detail.  

This is the Melody Dolman by Love Notions.  I think this pattern would only need to be lengthened, add the hidden button placket, and sleeve detail.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching! 

More Destashing...

 The pattern destashing in still occurring and probably will for a while.  I have added a couple of jean patterns, a couple of knit top patterns, and a pleated shorts/pants pattern.  

It is really hard to let go of my patterns but I am truly running out of space.  It will be harder to let go of fabric but it is coming as well.  

Here is the link to my Destashify store - here.

Happy Stitching!

Seamwork Sale...

 I am a Seamwork affiliate.  By using my Seamwork link, you get 50% off the annual subscription during the sale.  This would make a great gift for others or yourself.  Here are some of the benefits:

• 2 new monthly patterns plus all the other patterns in the library, pattern bonuses 
• discussion forum where you can talk all things sewing, share your sewing, ask questions, answer questions
• bi-annual Design Your Wardrobe - this really makes you think about what you have, what you need, what you just want to make
• sewalongs, tutorials, and techniques
• articles and past magazine issues
• helpful downloads - guides, worksheets, and planners
• fabric discounts
• a big bonus is when you sign up during a sale, that is your subscription rate as long as you are a member

I have had an annual membership since May 2019.  I was a monthly member for about 1 1/2 years before that.  Here are the reasons I became a member:

• I was losing interest in the print magazines that I was getting or they had gotten really expensive at 4 issues for over $100 per year.
• The annual membership was less expensive than purchasing monthly membership.
• The Seamwork magazine was a good alternative to one of the print magazines that I had been getting.
• I enjoy sharing on the forums.

A little bit about the fabric discounts, there are many shops in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, one in Europe, and one in New Zealand.  This discounts range from 5% to 15% with the majority being 10% to 15%.  If you are a big purchaser of fabric, patterns, and notions, it is a real possibility that you could pay the Seamwork subscription price with those discounts.

As an affiliate of Seamwork, I do receive a small commission if you use one of my links to make a purchase.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Holiday Hand Towels

 More holiday decorations:

This is the Pottery Barn Winter Dreams Guest Towels.  Price tag: $29.00.  Details:  100% cotton, embroidery 100% polyester, size 15" x 22". 

Here is another creative idea similar to yesterday inspiration post.  Again, I would use 100% linen with 100% cotton on the applique.  Cut the fabric 1" larger all the way around so that you can create 1/2-inch hems.  Be creative and have fun!  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspirtion...Holiday Pillow

 This inspiration could be a stash buster if you are a person who keeps your small scraps.  

This is the Pottery Barn Dress Patchwork Tree Lumbar Pillow Cover.  Price tag: $ 79.50. Details:  16" x 24", 24" zipper, cotton/linen/viscose blend.

This is such a fun pillow.  It is full of small pieces of fabric with tons of embroidery.  This is so full of creativity.  

How would you make this pillow?  I would use a linen fabric and cut two pieces that are 17" x 25" or 1" larger measures than the size of your pillow form. For the zipper, this would be a good application for an invisible zipper.  Follow these directions for excellent results.  For the applique, purchase some fat quarters in christmas colors or check out the small pieces in your stash, whichever works best for you.  This is where you get creative.  Use specialty stitches on your sewing machine or attach by hand the various strips to create your trees.  This is where you just have fun.  Hope you are inspired to creative something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Andres Jacket...

 Thinking about making a new jacket?  The Itch to Stitch Andres Jacket looks to be a good option.  Here are the line drawings:

Here are the jacket features:

• Options for cup sizes
• A lined three-piece hood with optional drawstrings on the inside
• An unlined bodice
• Sleeves with diagonal seam lines
• Princess seams from the shoulders
• Spacious front pockets with exposed zippers
• An exposed center front zip closure
• A high-low hem with a rounded back
• Designed to be sewn with fleece-backed softshell fabric with a touch of stretch

Jacket sizes are 00 to 40.  Be sure to check out the tester's jacket on the blog post.  The Andres Jacket pdf pattern will be 20% off through November 13, 2023.  All volume discounts apply.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchased through one of my links, I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!

What about fabric?  Well, I found that Seattle Fabrics has a variety of fleece-backed softshell fabrics.  You can find samples at this link.  You can also find fleece-backed softshell fabrics at Mill Yardage.  

I am off to read about the different type of the softshell fabrics.  This jacket looks like it would be perfect for a trip I am planning.  I think I would enjoy making a jacket over searching for a water proof jacket.

Happy Stitching!

New Patterns...

 I rarely notice the new pattern release from the big four but noticed a few interesting patterns this fall:

This is Simplicity 9855.  The top pattern does not interest me at all but the pant pattern does.  Here is the line drawing:

The pattern descriptions is "Slim fit ankle length pants with hook and bar closure have belt loops, darted back waist, front pockets and single back welt pocket.".  The pattern sizing starts at a 10 and goes through a 38W.  There is no additional information on the site regarding the pattern at this time.  I would love to see what type of fabric the pattern is designed for.

This is Simplicity 9854.  Here is the line drawing:

This appears to be a good basic coat.  One that you can actually wear in cold weather with clothing underneath.  Yes, that is kinda a diss of the coat styles of the last few years.  The sleeves always seem to be ridiculously narrow.  Here is the description from the website: "Relaxed fit coat features notched lapels, inverted pleat at the center back, button closure and patch pockets with flap."

McCall's 8432.  Ah, I remember wearing this type of pant in the 90s.  Stirrup pants were so nice.  I do not necessarily remember them being pleated but memory is not necessarily accurate.  If I were making this these view A would be without the stirrup and view B would be with the stirrup.  Here you go for those pleated pants.

Butterick 6933.  The jacket and the pants are spot on for what I have been seeing online.  Not so sure about the skirt but if you are looking for jacket and pant pattern this on looks like it would be good. Here is the website descriptions: "Semi-fitted, partially lined jacket has notch collar, shoulder pads, princess seams, welt pockets, and long two-piece sleeves with button trim. Bias, A-line skirt has elastic waist and narrow hem. Full length pants have side front pockets and side seam zipper." 

Vogue 1996.  You like sewing for the men in your life.  This pattern has pants covered.  There is pleated pants, flat front pants, and pockets to make cargo pants.

Vogue 1973.  Finally, a blouse pattern with a bow and two sleeve styles.  I know that a this type of shirt is kinda limiting but you can fit once and make twice.  This was another style that I saw a lot for fall.  Wish the patterns came out sooner.

I guess that is all that caught my attention.  I will say that if you like vintage patterns there are a lot of reproduction in the fall offerings.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Dress

 I do love a good dress and wear them almost exclusively when it is hot.  This is dress is pretty good for the spring and fall.

This is the Heathered Elbow-Sleeve Midi Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $898.00.  Details:  length approximately 49-inches from shoulder to hem, v neck with spread collar, elbow length sleeves, hem falls below the knee, shift silhouette, pullover style, linen, unlined.  For refer, the model is 5'10". 

Even though I stated spring and fall above, this might be a good hot weather dress as well because of the fit.  My first thought for a pattern was this one:

This is the just released Amarena Dress pattern by Liesl & Co.  It is not exactly the same but it has the same feel.  You can also make a top with this pattern.

To get a little closer to the inspiration photo, you might consider this pattern:

This is the Merchant & Mills Factory Dress pdf pattern.  This pattern has the collar of the inspiration.  I would think that removing the skirt portion and lengthening the bodice would be a pretty good likeness to the inspiration photo.  

It all depends on how you interpret the inspiration photo.  Sometimes small changes to a pattern can make it seem completely different.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Corduroy Shirt Dress

 I am returning to cooler weather inspiration.  I really like shirt dresses.  

This is the Boden Eloise Cord Midi Shirt Dress.  Price tag: $190.00.  Details:  99% cotton 1% elastane, machine wash, straight shape, midi length, side seam pockets, front patch pockets, long sleeves with functional cuffs, front button with collar, self fabric tie belt.  For reference, the model is 5'10".

If you have a shirt pattern that has already been fitted, please use it by adding the necessary length.  Make that pattern and those dollars already spent work for you.  If you do not have a shirt pattern, here is my favorite:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  It is a very well drafted pattern.  I have made it several and like every version.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Stitching, Stitching, Stitching...Working on the Love Notions Octave Coat

 I am slowing getting my planned projects going for fall/winter.  The next project is the Love Notions Octave Coat.  The pattern and instructions have been printed.  Next, will be taping the pattern together.  That is the down fall of a pdf pattern but you can print it as many times as you need which is a plus.  I noticed this past week that the pattern had been updated.  As far as I can tell the change is adding a new lapel.  Then, I saw that there was a new class for the Octave Coat available.  So it was a yes please, I will take that class.  Another benefit is that by taking the class you get instructions for making a zipped version of the coat.  

This will probably be a slow sew for me.  I never seem to get things done quickly any more.  Even when it should be a quick project.  Just does not happen.  However, the weather has decided to cool off and I really meant for this to be done before that happened.  I am not planning for this to be a heavy coat more like an intermediate coat as the fabric is a suiting weight.  This will be the first coat that I can remember making.  I hope it goes well.

How has your sewing been going?  Have you made a coat before?  How did it turn out?

Happy Stitching!