Ottoman Slipcover...

 The ottoman slipcover is pretty easy.  I still have the original slipcover.  That makes it just a matter of taking the time to measure the various pieces and re-creating them.  Of course, the piping has to be made and that is always not looked forward to because I do not like making bias binding.  Here is the finished result:

I did write down dimensions this time.  I looked up to see when the last time was that I made a cover for the ottoman it was almost exactly 20 years ago.  I do not have a picture but I did find one on pattern review.

Oh, happily, I was looking at the wrong side of the fabric when I was calling it denim here. 

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Top Pattern...

 I see Itch to Stitch has a new top pattern and it is good for year round.  Here is the line drawing:

This is the Itch to Stitch Venado Top pdf pattern.  This pattern is designed for knits.  Here are the features:

• Regular and full bust options for a customized fit (full bust with bust darts)
• Long and short sleeve options to suit different preferences and seasons
• Mini shawl collar integrated with a front placket and a button closure
• Designed for light to medium-weight knit fabrics

Be sure to check out the blog post so you can see the variety of tops made by the testers.  It is a wonderful collection of short and long sleeve versions.

This pattern will have a 20% discount through April 22, 2024.  Plus, remember that the volume discount still applies – you'll get 15% off your entire cart if your purchase totals $20 or more, or 20% off your entire cart if your purchase is $30 or more.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchase anything using the links above, I will receive a small commission.

Happy Stitching!

Grief Shopping...

 Why does shopping make you feel better when you sad?  I have been trying very hard not to purchase much fabric this year as I just do not have space to store it anymore.  With the loss of my kitty, fabric shopping seemed to distract me for a little bit.  Fabric from fabrics-store.com:

I purchased 12 yards of this natural linen to finish my loveseat.  Fingers are crossed that 12 yards is enough after washing.

This is a waffle weave linen/cotton blend.  I purchased 6 yards to make a robe for my husband.  Hopefully, 6 yards will be enough and shrinkage occurrs.

This was a doggie bag purchase.  One yard of a grey pearl linen.  This will be a top of some sort for the hot summer days.

This is a doggie bag purchase.  Three yards of an asphalt linen.  This will become some sort of an outfit - pants with a matching top, a dress, or a skirt with a matching top.  Yeah, I try not to purchase anything without a clear idea of what I am wanting to make but I had been eyeing this color for a long while and it is rare to see a piece this large in the doggie bag.  

I have not purchased this amount of fabric in a long time.  I have my eye on another piece of fabric but I do not if I will get it now.  Although, it is possible that I may need another distraction.  My kitty that passed was like a baby to me.  He was the first one that I had raised from a kitten.  Believe me when I say that adults cats are much easier.  He never seemed to outgrown that kitten behavior and was still bouncing off the walls until about 2 days before his death.

Happy Stitching!

Saying Good-bye...

 Early this morning, I had to say good-bye to my sweet little kitty, Rocket.  I always referred to him as "Demon Spawn".  This reference goes back to the day we found him in a neighbor's yard being attacked by birds.  He was a wee little thing at about 12 oz with no mother or siblings in sight.  It was just before July 4th and I could not let him be outside during that time.  It took two days to catch him.  Then, it was now what do we do with him?  The obvious answer was keep him.  Here he is on day one:

He is hiding behind the toilet because he was not sure of us at all.  I did ask neighbors about him and others had attempted to capture him but he was a biter.  

He had a love of boxes, paper bags, and baskets.  Here are a few pics:

Making the bed will always be a reminder of him as he loved helping:

He loved getting water from the bathroom sink:

 or just sitting in the sink:

He loved the men in his life as long as he could sit at their feet as lap kitty he was not:

He just wanted to be nearby.

He sent me to urgent care many times because he loved biting me.  I suppose I tasted good to him because I was the only one he ever bit.  He loved my sewing room as it was the only off-limits room in the house.  If he got in there, I turned the lights out and left.  The room became undesirable at the point.  He also mostly loved his buddy JB:

Good-bye my little friend.  I can not believe that you did not make it to your fifth birthday.  I really thought I would have you another 10 years or so but life is much more fragile than we realize sometimes.

New Itch to Stitch Jean Pattern...

Itch to Stitch newest pattern is an on-trend jean.  Here is line drawing for the Bellville Jean pdf pattern:

The jeans offer the following features:

• High rise
• Above-ankle length
• Darts at knees and front hem
• Classic five-pocket design
• Pocket stay to keep pockets in place and trim the tummy
• Designed for non-stretch bottomweight fabric

Check out the fabulous versions of the jeans made by the testers on the blog.  The pdf pattern will be on sale through April 8, 2024.  The volume discount still applies. 

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

Hope you are inspired to create some new jeans.

Happy Stitching!

Slipcovers Finished....

 The procrastination has ended with the completion of the slipcover.  Here are the end results:

This is just about as good as it gets.  The fit is mostly good.  I had to do manipulating to get the last sewn piece on but that is kinda how home dec goes sometimes.  Now, my chair is a little more up to date.  The previous slipcover is somewhere around 20 years old. So, it is old for a slip.  I probably will not be making another chair slipcover anytime in the near future but it should be easier the next time.  I have no idea how long the linen will last but I suspect that it won't last 20 years.

Next on the project list is the ottoman.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Skirt & Top

 Sometimes, you just see something you love.  This is it for me folks.  I love gingham. 

This is the Eileen Fisher Sleeveless Organic Linen Shirt. Price tag: $128.00.  Details:  yarn dyed check, 25-inches long from shoulder to hem, point collar, button front, sleeveless, box pleated back yoke, hem side slits, relaxed fit, organic linen, machine wash.

This is the Eileen Fisher Crinkled Gingham Organic Linen Midi Skirt.  Price tag: $168.00.  Details:  yarn dyed check, elasticized waistband,  on seam pockets, hem falls below knee, a-line silhouette, pull-on style, organic linen, machine wash.

Admittedly, this outfit looks a little better with the shirt tucked into the skirt.  You will need to check the Neiman Marcus website to see more.  Shall we talk about patterns?  For the shirt, I would say use an already fitted button down shirt pattern like this one: 

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  It is well drafted.  The needed changes are removing the sleeves, adjusting the shoulders/armscye area, and maybe flattening out the hem.   I would be very tempted to leave the hem the way it is.  Here is another option:

This is the Seamwork Willis sleeveless button down shirt.  This is a good option for the inspiration photo.  I think the hem needs to be adjusted but otherwise it is good.

Now, for the skirt pattern.  I found a freebie for you if you do not mind making your own pattern - 1-hour a-line skirt.  So, that is the best I could do.  This is about as simple as you can get for a skirt and I could not find one on the big 4 website.  Maybe I gave up too early.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Folks, I am going to take a break from the inspiration posts for a while.  I will return with the post when the fall/winter items start showing up in the stores.  I have more than enough ideas to keep be going for the next three or four months.

Happy Stitching!

Another Project Planned...

 I have been slowly working on the slipcover for my chair.  It is definitely a learning experience.  There are two more pieces that need slipcovers made - an ottoman and a loveseat.  The ottoman will be a piece of cake.  I have made a slipcover for it in past and the hardest part with the cording.  All along, I had intended for the ottoman to be different fabric than the chair and loveseat.  I keep thinking that the chair is almost finished and I find something else to be surprised about.   I decided to go ahead and look for fabric for the ottoman and found the fabric guru website.  The prices are excellent and shipping is reasonable.  Here is the fabric that I found:

I thought this fabric would be a perfect color for the blues in my rug.  I will say that I was a little surprised when it showed up.  Instead of the nice dark blue I got this:

This color is more of a denim color.  So, I was a wee bit disappointed.  With that said, the fabric will still work for what I need done.  

With luck, the chair slipcover will be finished soon and I will still have time to make the ottoman slipcover in March.  Although, my health seems to be determined not to allow that to happen.  

If you haven't been to the fabric guru site and you like making home dec projects, go check it out.  The prices are good.  I would advice taking advantage of the swatching services so you do not end up with a surprise like I did.  My husband said he actually liked the fabric better than the one pictured.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Shirtdress

The hot days of summer are fast approaching.  This dress would be perfect:

This is the Eileen Fisher Side Slit Organic Linen Midi Shirtdress.  Price tag: $278.00.  Details:  approximately 45" long from shoulder to hem, point collar, button front, short sleeves, chest patch pocket, box pleat back yoke, side-slit hem, hem falls below knee, shirt silhouette, organic linen, machine washable.

I love this style of dress.  I made this dress last fall and decided then that I wanted a dress for summer as well.  The changes are mostly already made.  I would need to add additional length and decide about whether or not I wanted the side slits.  Of course, the sleeve would be short.  Here is the pattern that I used:  

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern,  It is very well drafted.  Instructions for making a dress is on the blog.

Honestly if you have a shirt pattern that you have already fitted, use it. It saves time and money.  A quality linen can be found at fabrics-store.com.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration....Linen Jacket

 The following jacket is pretty much straight from the 90s.  It is casual but could be worn to work depending on the atmosphere at your work place.  

This is the Eileen Fisher Open-Front Organic Linen Jacket. Price tag: $248.00.  Details:  approximately 31-inches from shoulder to hem, notched lapel, open front, long sleeves, front patch pockets, relaxed fit, organic linen, machine wash cold.  (not mentioned but it is also unlined)

I have found the perfect pattern for this look.  I know, I know.  That is very unusually but it happens once in a while:

This is McCall's 8433.  It is vintage reproduction and pretty much perfect.  Just leave off the button or not.  That is why we see right?  Because it is a 90s reproduction pattern, it will require shoulder pads to support the width of the shoulder.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Pants

 How about spring/summer pants?  I have shown many tops but here is a cute little pant:

This is the Eileen Fisher Pleated Cropped Organic Linen Lantern Pants.  Price tag: $188.00.  Details: approximately 28-inch inseam, mid-rise sits high on hips,  elasticized waist, front pleats, on-seam pockets, cropped at ankles, tapered straight legs, pull-on style, organic linen, machine wash.

I really think it is the color that I am drawn to on this pants.  I had a similar pair last year and loved them.  I used the Love Notions Allegro Pant pattern.  Love everything about them.  The silhouette is a little bit different.

Here is a similar silhouette:

This Simplicity pattern seems to look a lot like the inspiration photo.  Maybe it does not have the same amount of ease.  You could increase the ease if you chose to.

Inspiration...Linen Shirt

 I am still thinking about spring/summer tops.  Here is a basic, linen shirt:

This is the Eileen Fisher Side-Slit Organic Linen Shirt.  Price tag: $148. Details: approximately 29-inches from shoulder to hem, point collar, button front, short sleeves, inverted back pleat, hem sides slits, relaxed fit.

I love the idea of a linen shirt.  My first inclination for a pattern is one that is already fitted:

 This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  This pattern would need changes: shorten the sleeve, straighten the hem, move the back pleat.  This pattern does have a yoke and the inspiration does not.  

Here is a freebie from fabrics-store.com.  It is definitely worth checking out.  It is a shirt that is similar to the the classic shirt.  The patterns from this company are well drafted.  The pattern would require the same pattern changes as the Classic Shirt.

Hope you are inspired.  Hot weather is just around the corner.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Silk Blouse

 Still hanging on to the thought of summer tops.  Here is a style that is good one for day-to-day wear:

This is the Printed Crew Neck Stretch Silk Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  approximately 24 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem, crew neckline, keyhole button back, short cuffed dolman sleeves, hem side slits, relaxed fit, pullover style.

Here is a pattern that ticks most of items from the inspiration photo:

This is Hansie woven tee from Seamwork Patterns.  You get the general shape of the inspiration photo with simpler sewing.  You could add cuffs to this if desired.

Other patterns to consider Indygo Junction Easy Top & Tunic pattern,  This one might be had to find but it would be good and you could add cuffs to it as well.  The neckline is wider so you can get the top on/off with ease.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stich Jacket Pattern...

 Just in time for spring, Itch to Stitch has a new unlined jacket pattern.  Here is the the line drawings:

This is the Itch to Stitch Delaware Jacket pdf pattern.  Here are the features:

• Cup sizes for a tailored fit
• Elegant stand-up collar
• Two-piece, set-in sleeves featuring cuffs and sleeve vents
• Unlined for a lightweight feel
• Contemporary center-front exposed zipper closure
• Optional front pockets with flaps
• Flattering cinched waist with an internal drawstring
• Designed for light to medium-weight woven fabrics

This jacket was designed for a non-stretch light to medium weight woven fabric.  So think about linens, denims, twills, broadcloth, etc.  Check out the blog post to see all the beautiful testers' versions of the jacket.

The pattern will be on sale with a 20% discount through March 6, 2024.  The volume discounts still apply which makes it a great time to purchase any other pattern that you may have eyeing.  

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

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Silk Blouse

 I am trying to get away from wearing t-shirts on a daily basis.  This little blouse would be great for a daily wearing top:

This is the Button-Down Silk Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $498.00.  Details:  approximately 26" from shoulder to hem, notched lapel, button front, ruched back yoke, hem side slits, relaxed fit, silk.

The blouse would be much better for daily use in a fabric other than silk.  That is just personal opinion.  I have owned silk that could be washed by machine and it was fine.

Pattern thoughts.  There are two patterns that I would consider.  First, is the Itch to Stitch Nosara Shirt:

This pdf pattern has more of a shirt feel with the collar but it would be easy to add a little cuff and turn the pleats into a gathered area in the middle of the yoke.

This next pattern is much closer to the inspiration photo:

This is the Melody Dolman pdf pattern by Love Notions.  This pattern does not have yoke. I think it would be easy to add one if you were inclined.  

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

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Quilted Jacket

 It is time to start thinking about the spring jackets.  Here is a cute one:

This is the Quilted Lady Jacket from Talbots.  Price tag: $209.00.  Details: long sleeved, snap closure, above hip length, patch pockets, lined, 100% polyester.

Here is a couple of patterns to consider:

The is Vogue 1830.  The pattern has the jacket with two sleeve lengths and pants with two lengths.  It is also lined and has patch pockets.  A little more curvy than the inspiration photo.

This is the Seamwork Lilliana pdf pattern.  This is boxy like the inspiration photo. You will need to play to recreate the pockets.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

I am a Seamwork affiliate. Purchasing via the Seamwork link will result in small commission.  The Seamwork link above is a 50% membership link.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Button-down Button Shirt

 Here is a basic shirt that can be worn on a daily basis:

This is the Button-Down Stretch Cotton Shirt by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $498.00.  Details:  notched lapel, button front, short sleeves, button cuffs, shirttail hem, relaxed fit, cotton/nylon/polyamide/elastane blend. 

See what I mean about this being a classic, every day type of shirt.  I do like the combination of white shirt with khaki pants.  Here is my pattern suggestion:

This is the Liesl & Co Camp Shirt + Dress pattern.  It is available either pattern or pdf.  The only change I can see is that the short sleeves of the pattern have a rolled cuff instead of a button cuff.  Only you can decide if the button cuff on the short sleeve is something that you want.   Of course, with the pattern you get the bonus of having the dress as well.  It is definitely a fit once make many times sort of pattern.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

First Shirt Muslin...

 I decided to take a short break from making the slipcovers.  Covering the pillows is fairly easy work.  The chair might be a different story.  So, quick break to muslin a shirt pattern.  Which shirt pattern?  The Nosara Shirt pdf pattern by Itch to Stitch.  Here is the line drawing:

This should be a fairly straight forward little top.  I will use a left over piece of linen fabric that I have to make the test of this pattern.  I carefully measured myself and decided to go up a size.  Why?  Well, I do not think that a size 10 will fit.  I think it will feel too tight across the back.  If it turns out that the 12 is too big, it is easy enough to reprint the pattern and cut again.  I am blending from a 12 to a 16.   I missed the instructions on which pages to print and ended up printing the whole thing.  The extra paper can always be used in another way but I sure wish I had noticed before printing.  I will use a pivot and slide technique for blending the pattern.

Here is my partially completed test garment:

I obviously picked the wrong size for this.  I used the size 12 for the shoulders and neck.  Both are tighter than I would want to wear.  The sleeves are too tight as well and they were blended to a size 16.  There is a issue with dart placement on one side.  One positive is that I put in the best looking darts that I have done in a very long time.  It looks very much like I need a FBA and it is already the largest size.  Maybe the 14/20 will fit differently.

As for this top, I might finish it and donate it.  It is a nice linen fabric. It might just fit someone else better than me.

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

Happy Stitching!