A Little Planning...

 Last year when I was putting away my spring and summer items, I took the time to write down what I had.  I was very surprised at how long the list was.  Here's my list:

• 11 dresses
• 2 skirts
• 6 pants
• 7 tank tops
• 2 woven shirts
• 3 knit tops

This is just the items that I packed away.  There are more knits tops, jeans (many), pants, etc.  Why do I need so many clothes?  Even with the number of clothes that I have, there are days that I can not figure out what to wear.  Things that I specifically do not have is appropriate funeral attire and dressy get together stuff.  

In looking at the list, I think I need to concentrate on some woven tops.  I have pants that would qualify as "dressy" but I lack the top to finish the outfit.  Maybe it is time to really weed out the closet and take more stuff out.  I am hoping that the stash will yield appropriate fabric.  

In this post, I talked about making another dress and a skirt.  I do intend to make both of those items.  I few woven tops/blouse would benefit my wardrobe. Stash patterns that I am considering:

• Love Notions Melody Dolman.  Needs to be fitted.
• Itch to Stitch Nosara Shirt.  Needs to be fitted.  Yes, it is similar to the Melody Dolman but more shirt like.
• Love Notions Vivace Dolman.  Needs to be fitted.
• Itch to Stitch Seychelles Top. Needs to be fitted.
• Itch to Stitch Nittany Top.  Needs to be fitted.

This is just a few of my patterns.  Some of these tops lean toward the very casual and some of them are a little more dressy so that the fabric will make the top speak.  The part that slows me down is that they all need fitting.  I think I have a muslin of the melody dolman already made but I do not remember what size I chose.

This year I opted not to participate in the Seamwork Design Your Wardrobe class.  I have worked through the  parts of the class I wanted to through the last 3 or 4 years.  I tend to make long lists of things to complete and do not need the added pressure this year of trying to do too much.  I want to let my creative soar a little bit and sew more than clothes.  The Design Your Wardrobe class is really good to make yourself look at what you need in your wardrobe.  It really helped me to focus more on the fabric in my stash.  I will continue to do that this year.  The stash feels like a wasted resource.  It does yield up fabric for muslins and more.  There is just too much fabric.  

I am working on my slipcovers right now but I am ready to work on something else for a day or two. I think I will pick on of the patterns above and make or redo a muslin to check the fit.

I am an Itch to Stitch and Seamwork affiliate.  Any purchases made via the above links will result in a small commission.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Slipcovers Started...

 Last year sometime, I made "patterns" for the cushions on one of the items that I was going to slipcover.  Unable to locate them, I made new.  Here are the "patterns" with notes about each cushion:

 This is the back piece.

This is the seat cushion piece.

Here is the pieces cut:

Back cushion.  I had already sewn the zipper and the sides before taking the picture.

Bottom cushion.  It is ready to sew.

Piping:

I am hoping that the piping that is made will make at least one cushion.  My machine is having issues.  After sewing the items above, it kept telling me that it needed to rest.  I have not seen this message before and it was happening every two or three inches at the end of the evening of sewing.  I haven't sewn much with this machine since the last time I had it serviced.  The answer to the issue was a simple cleaning in the bobbin area.

Here are the pieces sewn:

Whew! The easy part is over.  I made my fair share of mistakes working on this.  I had to recut the cushions front/back because I forgot to add the seam allowances.  Dumb mistake but it happens with this type of work.  The cushion front/backs are being used for piping.  I am going for as little waste as possible.

Now, I need to figure out the main chair slipcover.  There is a lot of pleats that need to be figured out and a lot piping.  Hopefully, the 80 yards of piping that I purchased will be enough to complete the chair and loveseat.

Happy Stitching!

Inspirtion...Sleeveless Top

I almost exclusively wear sleeveless items in the summer.  Otherwise, I feel like I am melting.  Here is a great sleeveless option:

This is the Pleated Cotton Popeline Blouse by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $595.00.  Details:  kent collar, concealed button front, sleeveless, elongated back, side slits, hip length, features pleating.  Here is a gander at the back:

This is a great little top.  I can see that being worn a lot.  How to make?  I would start with this pattern:

This is the Classic Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.  Changes would need to be made but that is a good thing when you have a basic shirt pattern.  You can fit one and make it many times.  Things I could change:

1.  Make it sleeveless.  This would entail raising the armscyce and probably narrowing the sleeve. 

2.  Concealed placket. Tutorial here.

3. Add tucks/pleats to front and back.  Tutorial here.  Note that the tucks/pleats are released around the waist.

4.  Straighten hem and perhaps lengthen.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch Shirt/Dress PDF Pattern...

 It is the first Itch To Stitch pattern release of 2024.  It is a lovely shirt/dress pattern.  Here is the line drawings:

The Majorelle Shirt/Dress pdf pattern would be great casual or off to the office.  Here are the features:

• A choice between regular bust and full bust options
• Versatile option for either a shirt or dress
• Optional ruffled collar
• Stylish center-front buttoned closure
• Long raglan sleeves for a contemporary look
• Elastic sleeve hem for added comfort
• Delicate gathered neckline for a feminine touch
• Specifically designed for use with lightweight woven fabrics

Be sure to check out the blog post so that you can see all the wonderful versions created by testers.

The Majorelle Shirt/Dress pdf pattern will be discounted (20% off) through January 28, 2024 and all volume discounts still apply.  It is a good time to pick other patterns.   

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...Polo Top

 I am always looking for interesting tops.  This one is very interesting especially if you are a knit sewer with lots of extra small pieces:

This is the Ribbed Knit Wool Polo Top with Color Block Color by Akris Punto. Price tag: $495.00.  Details:  spread collar, v-neckline, short sleeves, hip length, fitted, pullover style.  Here's a view of just the top:

What you can not see unless you zoom in is that the body of top is done is a ribbed knit.  I do not live in climate where I would wear a short-sleeved wool knit.  However, I can see this done is a cotton knit or cotton blend or a good activewear.   I know the almost perfect pattern:

This is the Love Notions Frankie Polo pdf pattern.  You would only need to modify the sleeves a little bit, if you chose.  

Hope you are inspired to pull out that box/bag of knit pieces and get creative.

Happy Stitching!

Seam Rippers...

 The seam ripper is a simple tool and probably one you do not think about except when you need it.  Right?  Do you have expectations that the seam ripper will always be nice and sharp?  I did.  I had never given it much thought that it would dull.  I do not use an expensive seam ripper.  The one I uquse the most is like this one.  Just a simple Dritz seam ripper.  I own several of the Dritz seam ripper.  I also own a seam ripper like this one. My brother made this for me.  I love it and it works well when my hands are hurting or any time really.  Unfortunately at any given time, I can only find one even through I own 4 or 5.  I have not idea why they disappear so easily.

Now if you purchase a new seam ripper, it will be noticeable immediately that the old seam ripper is dull.  So, how do you sharpen a seam ripper?  I found this question/answer along with a video on usage here.  Do you follow best practices with your seam ripper?  I have to admit to only sometimes. We all have a favorite ways to do things and using the seam ripper is no exception.

For the actual sharpener, you can use steel wool.  If I looked around in husband's garage items, I am positive that I would find steel wool.  The bead reamer has my interest.  A simple google search resulted in many different versions at many different prices. I suspect, as with many tools, the price point will determine quality.  This could easily be something that can be found in the hardware section at stores.  In fact, I think I have seen similar tools while digging around in my husband's tools.

Thoughts?  Would you rather purchase a new seam ripper or sharpen an existing seam ripper?

Happy Stitching!

Time To Start Considering Next Projects....

 I posted a very genetic project list on January 1 this year.  Now, I am starting to really think about what I want to do.  Here are a few thoughts:

1.  I purchased linen for slipcovers about three years ago.  This is the year that they are going to be started/done.  Since I am not fast at sewing any more, this will probably take most of the year and I will most likely need to purchase additional fabric because I want to do a chair and a love seat.  Slip covers require a lot of piping which I intend to use scraps to make as much as possible.

2.  I purchased the Style Arc Corina Knit dress pattern last fall during a sell.  I wear dresses/skirts on a daily basis once the weather warms up.  I do not really need to add to my current collection of dresses but I will for this pattern.  This will probably wait till April to start.  As I would be very disappointed, if I gained/lost weight after making a muslin of the dress.  Fabric is already stashed.

3.  Another Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt (affiliate links).  I love this skirt.  The skirt I made late last summer is a little big in the waist and slips down to my hips.  I love the khaki twill that I used.  With luck, the stash will yield something appropriate.  Again, this will probably be late March or early April project.

I think that is enough for now. I am off to locate the patterns that I made for the first slipcover.  Really, I had started this project a little over a year ago.  Then, fell and fractured my kneecap.  It was months before I could get behind a sewing machine again.

What is your method of planning projects?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tie Neck Blouse

 Today's inspiration is an interesting little blouse:

This is the Pleated Elbow-Sleeve Tie-Neck Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  Approximately 20 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem, v-neck, elbow blouson sleeves, banded cuffs and hems, relaxed fit, pull-over style, silk, unlined, dry-clean.   For reference, model is 5'10".  Item can be found on the Neiman Marcus website.

There are many things about this blouse that I love - the tie neckline, the blouson sleeves, and the blouson hem.  I have been unable to locate a pattern with this sort of style but found this pattern at The Maker's Atelier:

This is The Tie Blouse and Dress pattern.  This pdf pattern is not exactly like the inspiration photo but it has the tie neck.  The sleeves could be spread to create the pleats and bands could be added to the hems.  I think the feel of this is similar. 

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Sewing Related Christmas Gift Part 2...

 Sometime this past fall, I found The Maker's Atelier.  These patterns seem to be loose fitting for the most part and there are a couple that I am interested in.  I am very interested in the magazines.  I have not ordered in yet but most likely will.  Somewhere a long the line I discovered the Hurth Ruler at Home Atelier. This ruler interested me a great deal.  I requested this ruler and received it for Christmas.  If you are in the US, the ruler can be found at Cochenille.  Here is a peek at the ruler:

I have downloaded the instructions for using this ruler. I am really looking forward to having time to play with this.

There are also measuring bands available.  I am also intrigued by them.  In fact, the Cochenille site has many interesting things.

Have you tried these rulers?  Did they work for you?  I will post my results as I do the measuring and compare to the pattern.

Happy Stitching!

Sewing Related Christmas Gift Part 1...

 I received a surprise sewing related gift for Christmas.  I do not remember noticing this book before:

 There may or may not be ulterior motives with this gift but I do enjoy sewing for my husband.  If you are looking for menswear patterns, this book has several - long sleeved shirt, short sleeved shirt, trousers, jacket, boxer shorts, pajamas, house coat, slippers, messenger bag, wallet, bow tie, cravat, and flat cap.  There is enough here to create a wardrobe.

It might be fun to compare the patterns in this book to other patterns that I have collected.  I have the Silhouette Patterns George's Shirt pattern which is a classic men's dress shirt.  I have the Liesl & Co Alvalade Men's Trousers pattern.  I have not attempted either pattern.  

You can see some of the shirts that I have made for my husband - here. Those were made using an older Simplicity pattern and using measurements from RTW to determine the size.  I do enjoy sewing for my husband.  He is willing and happy to wear funky prints.  

I guess if I am really going to work on sewing something for my husband that I should get some measurements.  There is a basic measurement chart in the book but it is just a starting point.  Posture affects fit a lot and that generally is done by draping.  

I will share anything this gets made.  Somethings might be modeled by my husband and/or my son.  I do sew for both but generally it is pajamas that get made the most.

Did you get any sewing related items for Christmas?

Happy Stitching!

A Look Back At 2023 Sewing...

 As I look back at my sewing for 2023, I found that I did not do much sewing.  My sewjo really took at vacation.  It did slow down my purchasing both fabric and patterns. Here is what I found:

Most sewn patterns:

1.  Fabrics-store dot com Phoebe Tank.  This is easily the most sewn pattern I have ever owned and it was free.  

2.  Love Notions Allegro Bottoms.  This is a great elastic waist pant pattern with pockets.

3.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  This is a great basic.  Designer has tons of information on the website about this pattern.  Definitely will change over to short sleeves for spring.

Most loved patterns:

1.  Merchant & Mills The Camber Set.  I have made this dress multiple times.  Quick and easy.  The dress that I made this year with it was a linen blend.  The linen was definite perfect for the pattern.

2.  Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt.  This is another great basic.  This is not as quick and easy as item 1 but still a good one. 

Most disliked item that I made:

1.  Blue-gray Phoebe tank.  Not sure why I did not love this top.  I thought for sure that I would love this but the fabric was a little different with this one and I just did not find myself reaching for it very often. In fact, everything else had to be dirty for me to even considerate it.  

2023 Sewing Reflection:

I realized that I did not do as much non-apparel sewing as I had intended in 2023.  As much as I love sewing apparel, other things are more creative. Maybe that was what caused the sewjo vacation.  I also realize that I did not come close to accomplishing my list of goals that I made for 2023.   All I can do is keep trying.

How did your 2023 sewing end up for you?  Were you happy with what you accomplished?  

Happy Stitching!

2024 Project Lists...

 I did not do some well with my 2023 project list.  I finished about half of it.  I guess that is an accomplishment in itself, right?  My thoughts for 2024 are:

1.  Make clothing only as needed.  I know that sounds odd but the last couple of years I feel like I was making myself sew clothes as in 6-8 items for spring/summer and 6-8 items for fall/winter.  I think this year I want to be more intentional with my sewing.  Make it if I need it.
2. Make at least one non-garment item each month.  This might not be doable.  Maybe some months I will be more done than other months.  It just needs to be fun. 
3. Finish 1 or 2 or 3 unfinished items.  If I do not finish them, they will end up in the trash should something happen to me.  
4. Purchase as little fabric as possible.  I have so much fabric that I could open my own store.  It will not happen.  I need to really evaluate the fabric that I have.  I loved it when I bought it. I just tend to over plan.
5. Purchase patterns only if I really need it.  At this stage of my life, I do not need anything fancy.  I tend to wear a lot of dresses/skirts when the weather is hot and more pants when the weather is cooler.  I own hundreds of patterns and it is hard to let go but I have started.  Go check out my Destashify store.  Maybe you will find something good.
6. Work on fitting some of the patterns that I already have.  It will reduce stash and keep me busy.

This year's project list is definitely less defined than last year's project list.  Maybe that will keep the creative juices flowing and the machines purring.

Happy Stitching!