Knit Headband...

 Today's scrapbuster project is a knit headband.  If you have long pieces of leftover knit that is at least 4" wide, this project is for you.

This headband is knotted on top.  So if you want a different type of knot, you might need more length.  The tutorial for the knit headband is here.

Hope you are inspired to use up those bits and pieces you can not toss.

Happy Stitching!

Corduroy Skirt...

 My last two projects have been shirts.  I am actually tired of making shirts so I decided to move on the Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt pattern.  Here is the line drawings of the skirt:

I made a muslin of the skirt last year and actually wore it a lot.  So, it is time to make another one.  I looked for an appropriate fabric hiding in the stash and found this great corduroy:

The corduroy is a navy blue.  It should fit well into the current wardrobe.  This is one of my little helpers.  The corduroy must feel nice to the kittens because I have found both of them either laying or rolling around on the fabric.  Here is the finished skirt:

I know solid, dark fabrics are hard to see and hard to photograph.  My impromptu skirt turned out nice and I am looking forward to wearing it.  

I decided to reduce the bulk in the zipper area by using a shirting fabric that somewhat matched:

I also pulled out the manual for my Bernette B77 and looked to see if there were any built in stitches that might be helpful.  Here are the stitches that I found:

This basting stitch is 5.0 mm long.  Nothing special to it.  Just pick it out.  This stitch will be used again.

This is the Bartack Stitch.  Yep, instead of you figuring out the stitch width and density, there is a dedicated stitch.  It works well.  However, it used the buttonhole function which means that the buttonhole foot is used.  Visibility is limited with the buttonhole foot.  Practice before using so you understand how it stitches.

I do not know if you can tell from the picture above but there is no button at the waistband.  I had to sew on a hook and eye as the B77 just would not stitch on the waistband.  It stitched every test buttonhole beautifully but on the actual waistband it stayed in one place.  I might sew a button on the outside of the waistband just so it looks like it is suppose to.

Please note, I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate and if you use any of my links above to purchase, I will get a small commission. Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Neckerchief Scarf...

 Here is another scrapbusting project.  It is similar to the last scarf stash buster but a little different size.  This project is for smaller scraps pieces.  Think fat quarter size.  This is a tutorial for a neckerchief scarf.  This scarf also requires a light weight, drapey fabric.  Here is the link to the neckerchief scarf - here.

Happy Stitching!

2nd Classic Shirt...

This is the third item from my September plan.  I decided to go for it even if I was not super happy about the fabric.  Here is the fabric:

If I decide that it is too light weight for cooler weather, I will make it short sleeved.  Of course, it could be a great layering garment.  Back to the fabric, I ironed the fabric to check for flaws or just weirdness.  I did find one spot that looked funny.  With luck, I will cut around it or maybe put it into a seam or hem.  I still have kittens to deal with as well.  For whatever reason, some of the pins are super interesting.  No and redirecting just is not helping the situation.  Any additional ideas would be great.  I really do not want them to get hurt.

Here is the final shirt:

I am fairly happy with the way the shirt turned out.  There are not too many mistakes.  I can say that I am very happy for having Fray Block and Collins Wash Away Wonder Tape.  

If you have not tried this pattern, you really should.  It is a great basic shirt.

Happy Stitching!

Neck Scarf...

 Let's do some scrap busting.  I know when I purchase fabric online I almost always purchase more fabric than needed.  Why?  Because the fabric is usually cut in 1 yard increments.  Sad but true.  So if you have a large piece of left over fabric like 30-inches by 30-inches, you can make a neck scarf.  This will need to be something lightweight and drapey. 

Here is the link for the tutorial on making a square neck scarf - here.   

Now, remember not all scarfs are square.  Some are oblong.  Watch for additional tutorials in the future.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Floral Shirt

 This shirt feels like spring to me but I do love the colors.

This is Floral-Print Button-Down Blouse by Carolina Herrera.  Price tag: $890.00.  Details:  point collar, button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, relaxed fit, shirttail hem, cotton/elastine, dry clean, made in Italy.  

This shirt is a little different than most of the shirts that I show.  This one has princess seams.  You can see them if you zoom in.  The blouse also has a back yoke.  Here is my solution:

This is the Recital Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.  It has the back yoke and the princess seams.  It does not have the gather cuff or the collar.   I would take the collar from the Classic Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.

In looking around a little more, I found this Vogue shirt pattern:

This is Vogue 9029 and View A is a fair fit to the inspiration photo.  It has the princess seam, and the collar.  It does not have a back yoke but has princess seams in the back as well.  I would not use the rufffle on the cuff.  This pattern has a bit of bang with it.  Once fitted, there are six options which could give you a whole wardrobe of tops. 

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch Robe Pattern...

 Here is a pattern that could be used for gifts.  Everyone likes a nice snuggly robe.  Here are the line drawings:

This is the Itch to Stitch Roseto Robe pdf pattern.  Here are the features:

• Customize your robe with options for knee-length or ankle-length
• Large front patch pockets provide practical storage
• Equipped with a sash and belt loops for a secure and adjustable closure
• Ample ease with dropped shoulders
• Designed for woven or stable knit fabrics

This is the first Itch to Stitch pattern that is suitable for both men and women which doubles the opportunity for gifts.  It has a relaxed fit designed to accommodate many different body types.  It can be sewn from a variety of fabrics.  See the tester's robe versions for examples.

This pattern is on sale at 20% off until Novemeber 14, 2024.  Remember that the volumne discounts still apply! Spend $20 or more to receive 15% off your entire cart, or enjoy 20% off your entire cart with purchases of $30 or more.

Please note, I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate and if you use any of my links above to purchase, I will get a small commission. Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Stashes...Do We Really Need Them?

 Do we really need a fabric stash?  I have a stash that has accumulated over the last 20 years.  There is also a pattern stash that has been accumulated for an even longer time than that.  Folks, there is always more fabric and more patterns.  So, why do we fill the need to buy more fabric or patterns?

After reading this article which mainly applies to quilters but can easily apply to garment makers as well,  I really wonder about stash building.  I kinda encourage new sewers not to get caught in building a stash because the excitement is in getting the new fabric and new pattern not in the stash.  Am I the only one that does not get excited about the stash anymore?  New fabric will always be more attractive to me.  

If internet fabric sales (ie, fabric.com) had not happened, would we still have local fabric stores? That is really some food for thought.  Internet sales can be helpful to a local store in this time period.  Should the local garment stores (if you are lucky enough to have one) offer more classes?  Learn to sew classes would most likely be of interest.  Beginner home dec stuff, quilting classes, etc.  

Maybe I will a build a page for quick and easy projects that could possibly help with stash reduction of garment fabrics.  It will most likely just be inspiration type photos or links.  

Thoughts?

Happy Stitching!

Go To Patterns...

 Do you have go to patterns that seem to always be in rotation?  I seem to have collected a few.  Here are my favorites:

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern. The hard part was fitting this pattern.  Once the fitting was accomplished, I have made a couple of long shirted shirts and a popover dress.  I need to make a couple of shirts for warm weather.  

2.  Fabrics-store.com Phoebe Tank.  This is a freebie for registered people.  Once the fitting is finished, you have a great warm weather top.  I have made at least seven of this tanks.  It really is time to mix up a little bit by making some minor changes.  Every time I make new tanks, I evaluate the fit and make tweaks.

3.  Pamela's Patterns The Magic Pencil Skirt.  Oh, this one is a quickie.  Need a skirt in a flash?  This one is it as long as it is a stretch fabric.  I have at least four versions of this and one is hand sewn in the Alabama Chanin style.

4.  Love Notions Allegro Bottoms.  This is another quickie once it is fitted. I've made at least four pairs of pants and one skirt.  No doubt, there will be more in the future.

5.  Merchant & Mills Camber Set.  I purchased this pattern to make the top but have yet to do it.  However, the dress is wonderful.  I have three versions and love them all but the linen one is my favorite.  Maybe next year the top will get made.

I am still looking for a good t-shirt pattern, a blazer jacket pattern, trousers, woven tops that are different from the classic shirt and the tank.  

What are your favorite patterns?  Are they quick items to make or are they a classic pattern for you?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cap Sleeve Top

 Sometimes you find things that make you say "Wow".  That is how I feel about this top.

This is the Striped Cap-Sleeve Top by Carolina Herrera. Price tag: $1590.00.  Details:  round neckline, button front, cap sleeves, relaxed fit, viscose/elastine, dry clean.

I love, love, love the look of this top and sincerely hope I can locate a pattern that I can duplicate it.  This is such a beautiful play with stripes.  You really need to check the Neiman Marcus site so you can see the whole outfit because it is matchy, matchy.

I started looking for a kinda similar pattern because perfect matches are hard to find. I did find a pattern that might work.  Here is the line drawing:

This is the bonus view of the Sage Top from Seamwork.  Yes, that means you have to be a member at Seamwork to have access to this view.  What the pattern has - shoulder princess seam, button front.  What the pattern doesn't have - cap sleeves, higher neckline, center back seam.

I will continue to look around for other alteratives.  As much as I like the Seamwork community, the top patterns are a real struggle for me to fit as I am much shorter in the upper chest.  Sometimes, the struggle of fitting is not worth the amount of time that it takes to accomplish for one garment.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Button Down Shirt

 I have found an interesting button down shirt.  It is just a little bit different.  Here is a glimpse:

This is the Button-Down Striped Cotton Shirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $598.00.  Details: Approximately 28-inches long, spread collar, button front, long sleeves, button cuff, chest pocket, back yoke with stitched box pleat, shirt tail hem, relaxed fit, cotton, unlined.

Here is a glimpse at the back:

The back pleat would be so easy to duplicate.  Just add the needed amount at the fold and mark it.  Note that this is stitched all the way to the hem and then pressed flat.  It is a small detail but so easy to change the look of the shirt.

The other detail that is a bit different on the shirt is the collar stand.  If you look closely, you can see that there are two buttons instead of the normal one button.  I am not sure about how to duplicate that.  I am fairly certain that there is more to it than just sewing an extra buttonhole/button. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.  I have been known to sit and play with this type of item.

As for the pattern, my standard go to button down shirt:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  I have sewn this shirt many times and it is a great pattern.  Things to change would be not to add the button/buttonhole to sleeve placket and add the pleat down the back of the shirt.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

1st Classic Shirt....

 The fitted pattern for my Liesl & Co Classic Shirt had gone missing and it took a couple of weeks to locate it.  The first shirt for this season, I am using a stash fabric:

The original post where I discussed using this fabric is here.  While I was pressing it, I found this:

The dreaded flaw marker.  Thankfully, the flaw is fairly close to the edge.  Unfortunately, I was not informed that this was a fabric with a flaw.  I did carefully iron this to make sure that was the only one.  This is the only obvious flaw.  There is a second marker shown in the picture but I could not locate another flaw.  I will try to cut around this section of the fabric.

The actual cutting out of this shirt was a real adventure due to my kittens.  I chose to cut out in a single layer and the kittens seemed to find pins interesting.  They were taking them out almost as fast I was pinning.  It was only certain pins that they found interesting.  The first night was very frustrating but the second day I was able to finish the cutting out.

The adventures continued as the sewing.  Kittens stitching their head through the machine harp.  They continued pulling out every pin that looked interested.  Then, they sewing machine needle.  There was more than once that I thought one of them was going to get a paw under the needle but I was able to thwart every attempt.  

The very last thing that happened to this project is I ran out of thread.  I did start with a new spool of thread but obviously a small spool is not big enough for a button down shirt with lots of topstitching.  Thankful, the local JoAnn Fabrics had the matching thread.  Since I was at JoAnn's, I went ahead and looked at buttons.  It was truly a pitiful selection.  Obviously, the closest store to me is not looking for garment sewers.  There is another nearby store.  It is only a little further away.  Maybe it is time that I investigated it.

Running out of thread kinda put my sewjo off for a few days but I finally finished it.  Here is the result:

I am really happy with the shirt and hope that it will be worn a lot.  There are ton of mistakes but that happens with almost everything that I make anymore.  

On to the next project.

Happy Stitching!