Inspiration...Sleeveless Dress

 The hot days of summer are approaching.  Are you ready?  This dress is perfect for those hot days of summer:

This is the Sleeveless Organic Linen Midi Dress by Eileen Fisher.  Price tag: $288.00.  Details:  sleeveless, scoped neckline, 48-inches from shoulder to hem, elastized hem, a-line silhouette, slipover style, organic linen.

Yes, this is a fairly shapeless dress but when it hot you do not want anything touching you and this dress fits the bill.  I can see this in a light weight denim or maybe a heavier chambray.  Your dress, you get to pick fabric and color.  Now, for the pattern:

My first thought is the Phoebe Tank from fabrics-store dot com.  Yes, it would need to be lengthened but if it is already fitted, the majority of the battle is done.  This is a freebie pattern and must create a login to get.

For those who do not really want to go to the trouble of fitting and lenghtening a pattern, here is another option:

This is the Style Arc June Sheath Dress pattern.  Depending on your height, this might need to be lengthened to the your desired location.  

As for adding the elastic at the hem, that is entirely up to you.  It looks to me like the elastic is only slightly smaller than the circumference of the hem.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Mauritius Top PDF Pattern....

 Itch to Stitch has a new woven top pattern.  Here is the line drawings:

The Itch to Stitch Mauritius Top pdf pattern has the following features:  

• Cup sizes for a personalized fit
• Wrap design with a secure button closure
• Flattering peplum paired with a defined waistband
• Two sleeve options: short sleeve and long sleeve with pleated wrists
• Designed for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics

The Skill Level is marked immediate on this pattern and the sizes are from 00 to 40.  

The Mauritius Top is 20% off through 11:59 (US Mountain Time) on April 21, 2025.   All remaining discounts still apply.  The more you spend, the more you save.   All discounts are automatic. 

For additional inspiration, check out the testers' versions of the Mauritius Top on the blog here.

I am an  Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt + Button Front Shirt

 Today's post is all about the casual outfit. Here it is:

This is the Everyday Linen Button Front Shirt from JJill.  Price tag: $99.00.  Details:  linen/cotton fabric, button front, low hip length, side slits, long sleeve.  Expedition Denim Skirt by JJill. Price tag: $79.00.  Details: cotton/spandex blend; close fitting through waist, hip, and thigh; contrast top stitching; belt loops; 5-pocket styling; fly front with tack button; sits below waist; back slit.

I really like the simplicity of this outfit.  The floral blouse is a great way to get floral into the wardrobe without it being too much.  Here are the pattern selections:

For the button front shirt:

This is the Liesl + Co Classic Shirt pattern.  View B is a button front shirt option.  This pattern is well worth getting fitting and making over and over.

For the skirt:

This is the Style Arc Tommie Jeans Skirt pattern.  I would move the front slit to the back.  I looked everywhere I could think of to find a pattern with the pockets from the inspiration photo.  I was unable to locate it.  However if you have a pattern that has those pockets, just it to add the pockets.

As always, you what you have.  Save those dollars for fabulous fabrics and accessories.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Kimono Blouse

 

This is the Carnation Striped Cap-Sleeve Kimono Blouse by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $695.00.  Details:  point collar, consealed button front, relaxed fit, back pleat, hip length, cotton.

I think the fabric is what makes this blouse.  I like wearing shades of pink.  

I have not really seen a kimono sleeve top with a shirt collar or the consealed button front.  I suppose you could copy the kimono sleeve onto a classic button down shirt and created your own consealed button front.  Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Blazer and Wide Leg Pants

 This week's inspiration is a blazer and wide leg pants. 

This is the Tailored Seaming Linen Blazer - Cross Dyed from Talbots.  Price tag: $189.00. Details: long sleeve, hits at hip, button front closure, patch pockets, lined.

This is the Greenwich Wide Legged Linen Pants - Cross Dyed from Talbots. Price tag: $139.00. Details: flat front trouser, wide leg, fits high waist, full length, fly front with button closure, front on seam pockets, back welt pocks.

This is such a wonderful outfit.  If I was working in an office, I would have already purchased this outfit.  I will admit that the color of the cross-dyed linen is probably responsible.  How about patterns:

Jacket/Blazer:

This is the Jasika Blazer pdf pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  The only thing missing here is the patch pockets.  The collar shape is a little bit different as well.

This is Simplicity 8433.  This is a vintage design from the 90s. A fairly good match to the inspiration photo.  The collar is a little bit different.

Now for the pants:

This is Vogue 2037.  The pants appear to be very similar to the inspiration photo with the exception that they do not look high waisted.  That is easy to fix by added the appropriate length all the way around.  If you like the other two pieces in the pattern, then you have a bonus.

This is Simplicity 3073.  The pattern includes a jacket and pants.  With the exception of back welt pockets, the pants are fairly spot on for the inspiraton photo. 

Hope you are inspired to create something really nice.

Happy Stitching!

Rhapsody Muslin...

 I am starting my spring/summer sewing with the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  Here is the line drawings:

This pattern has lots of options. There are two length options and nine sleeve options.  The muslin will be the cap sleeve with the neckline ties.  The fabric that I am going to use for the muslin is this fabric that I purchased earlier in March. When that fabric was washed, it turned into a nice piece of fabric.  

Here is a little look at my modified pattern:

Lots of length changes.  I have been following Karina at Lifting Pins and Needles and following her tips on making wovens tops.  So far, it has been worth the effort.  (Yes, I noticed that a kitty had been chewing on one of the pattern pieces.)

Here is the muslin:

Well after all the work, I realized that I had selected the wrong size for the top portion of the bodice.  I will not say that the top is tight but it is definitely too narrow.  Funny thing is that with every pattern from Love Notions I have made the same mistake but went up a size because I did not believe I could wear that size.  Now, I know for sure that my initial instinct was correct.  The top is always very long and needs 2 to 3 inches removed.

With luck, I will be able to reuse this fabric for another muslin.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch Kashi Top & Dress PDF Pattern...

 Itch to Stitch has another new knit pattern for a t-shirt and dress.  Here is the line drawings:

The Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee & Dress PDF pattern has the following options:

• Regular and full bust options, with bust darts on the full bust option
• Three neckline options: crew, scoop, and V-neck
• Three length options: short, hip, and dress
• Three sleeve options: short, 3/4, and long
• Designed for light to medium-weight knit fabrics

The Skill Level is marked beginner + with the sizes from 00 to 40.  

The Kashi Tee & Dress PDF pattern is 20% off through April 1, 2025.  All remaining discounts still apply.  The more you spend, the more you save.   All discounts are automatic. 

For additional inspiration, check out the testers' versions of the Kashi Tee & Dress pdf pattern  - here.  All versions of the pattern are represented.  

I am an  Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration Of A Different Sort...

 Slow sewing...what does it mean to you?  To me, it is taking my time making something whether it is by machine or by hand.  Obviously, by hand is a little bit slower than the machine.  

As I was looking around today, I found Thread and Sprout on Instagram.  There is so much inspiration among the photos shown.  If you wonder over to the website, you will find more eye candy along with tutorials, ready made items, art, etc.  

You might even want to purchase something.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shirtdress

This is one piece dressing at it's best:

This is the Claudine Drawstring-Waist Linen Maxi Shirtdress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details:  peter pan collar, half button front, short sleeves, rolled cuffs, drawstring cinched waist, side slip pockets, a-line silhouette, side slit about 15 3/4-inches, linen, dry-clean, approximately 52 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem.  

My first thought for a pattern was this:

This is the Love Notions Melody Dolman pdf pattern.  The collar is different which I think I would prefer, the pattern would need to be lengthened, and converted to a pull over. All are doable.  If you already have this pattern,  all you need to do is locate some linen or a linen blend. 

Obviously if you already have a similar pattern, use it.  Save those dollars for fabric or notions.

Happy Stitching!

Classic Button-Down Shirt....

 Well, it is finally done.  The last shirt from my fall planning.  Yep, it took more than six months to accomplish.  Here is the fabric:

I admitted to purchasing this fabric in September.  I am very happy that it did not spend a great deal of time hanging out the fabric stash.  As stated in the fabric post, I used the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt:

This shirt pattern has been used many times.  Once it is fitted you can sew it over and over.  I need to figure out a short sleeved version.  Here is the finished shirt:

Happy Stitching!

A Little Indulgence....

 I have been working hard at not purchasing so much fabric and so many patterns.  However, I did indulge in the the latest Itch to Stitch pattern - the Vikos Top and Dress pdf pattern.  Here is the line drawings:

Right now, I am really interested in the short sleeved top.  Hot weather is coming and I must be ready.  Who knows, a sleeveless version could happen as well.  If I have time, I might make the short sleeved dress.  I have lots of dresses in my hot weather wardrobe.  Can you have too many dresses?

I will check the stash before considering purchasing anything.  Hopefully, I can locate a stash fabric for the muslin as well.  I have at least two projects in front of these.  I hope the other projects are finished quickly.

I am an  Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Zip Front Jacket

 Sometimes simple, classic styles are perfect and I think this is one of them:

This is the Zip-Front Tailored Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price: $798.00.  Details:  approximately 21-inches from shoulder to hem, spread collar, zip front, long sleeves, stitched vertical darts, front welt pockets, tailored fit, cotton/nylon/polyamide/elastane fabric, unlined, machine wash.  

This is a very classic jacket. It is a basic.  It is very similar to the jacket in this inspiration post.  How about a pattern?

This is Butterick 7008.  View B is very similar to the inspiration photo with the exception of the vertical darts.  You can always add those it you want.  You would probably need to check length to make sure that it will hit the hip area where you want it to.  This pattern probably has more ease than the inspiration jacket as well.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Jacket

 Here is a nice every day sort of jacket:

This is the Zip Front Tailored Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details: approximately 21-inches from shoulder to hem, spread collar, zip front, long sleeves, stitched vertical darts, front welt pockets, tailored fit, cotton/nylon/polyamide/elastane, unlined, machine wash cold.

I would use a navy twill for this jacket.  It is fairly easy to locate.  Here is the pattern that I think would work:

This is the Style Arc Delphine Woven Jacket pdf pattern.  You could get a similar look with the left side pattern, add a zipper, add the collar, add welt pockets, and skip the lining.

Hope you are inspired to create a jacket for yourself.  

Happy Stitching!

Cleaning Those Machines...

 I just finished up two projects and decided to clean my machines.  When you are going through the whole process of changes needles, thread, and bobbin, it really does not take long to clean a sewing machine.  Here is the result of cleaning my machine after the two bow blouses:

Honestly, I am a little surprised at the amount of fluff in my machine after two projects.  This did spur a cleaning of the serger as well which was also cleaned just before the two bow blouses projects.  Here is the result cleaning the serger:

I am more surprised here because I do a little bit of dusting of the serger every time I turn it on.  This was a lot of fluff.  I wanted to take the plate off but I was unable to get one of the screws loose and I certainly did not want to strip the screw.

Remember to keep your machines clean. My machines are ready to go for the next project.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch - Vikos Top & Dress PDF Pattern

 Itch to Stitch has a new dress and top pattern available.  Here are the line drawings:

This is the Vikos Top & Dress pdf pattern.  The pattern has a split neck neckline with two length options and three sleeve options.  Here is the feature list:

• Cup sizes for a tailored fit
• Two length options: top or knee-length dress
• Three sleeve variations: short, 3/4 length with a split cuff, and 3/4 length with a buttoned tab
• Graceful split neckline finished with a facing
• Optional in-seam pockets for the dress
• Pull-on design—no zippers or buttons required
• Relaxed fit for effortless comfort
• Designed for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics

The  Vikos Top & Dress pdf pattern is 20% off until March 17, 2025.  All remaining discounts are still available.  The more you spend the more you save.  All discounts are automatic.

For additional inspiration, check out the testers' versions on the Vikos Top & Dress pdf pattern announcement page - here.  

I am an  Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Pussy Bow Blouses...

 Since the muslin of the Pussy Bow Blouse, I have made two versions of the blouse:

This is Version 1 with the keyhole opening with the higher neckline.  The changes that I did was to add 1/2" high round back alteration and backing off a little bit on the armscye depth alteration that I had done.  The blouse is not perfect but I will enjoy wearing it.

This is Version 2 with the v-neckline.  This version I narrowed the shoulders by 1/2-inch and moved the shoulder point forward.  Overall, I think that the fit is a little better.   It is still not perfect (does that exist?) but I will enjoy wearing it.

I think that I am done with the pattern for while.  Really how many bow blouses can you have?  I think two is plenty.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Dress and Jacket

 I really love the look of this outfit.  

This is the Leather Trimmed Cotton Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1298.00.  Details: approximately 20-inches from shoulder to hem, spread collar, 2-way zip front, long sleeves, tailored fit, cotton/leather, professional dry cleaning recommended.

Dress is the Leather Trimmed Cotton Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details: approximately 37-inches from shoulder to hem, crew neck, short sleeves, hem hits around the knee, a-line silhouette, back zip (leather trimmed), cotton/leather, professional dry cleaning recommended. 

Here is a pattern that would work well for the jacket:

This is the Style Arc Delphine Woven Jacket pdf pattern.  I would use the jacket on the left, add the collar, remove the cuff, and lengthen the sleeve.

Here is a pattern that would work well for the dress:

 This is the Style Arc June Sheath Dress pdf pattern.  It has a center back seam so that you could add trim in all the right places.

Here is a selection of fabrics from Mood that might be suitable for the dress/jacket - fabric.

For the trim, you might be able to locate an actual leather trim. However, there are lots of vegan leather that work work or a suede knit.  

Hope you are inspired to make something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

A Wee Bit More Fabric...

 The stash shrinks a little bit then it expands a little more.  Yep, I purchased another piece of fabric.  I thought this one would be good for patterns that required a light weight, drapey fabric.  Since it is a Walmart precut, there is not any way to know what the fiber content is.  I am guessing that it is a blend of some sort.  Here is a view:

It is a kinda pretty.  The weight is a little like a lawn.  I purchased a 3-yard piece.  My intent is to use this as muslin for the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  There should be enough yardage here to make two muslins.

Happy Stitching!

Scrappy Idea...

 Today's scrap buster is more of a creative idea.  Just a picture but a great way to use up those odds and ends you can not bring yourself to get rid of.  

This scrap buster brings the scraps to the front of the project.  The star of the show so to speak.  You could add all kinds of embellishments.

Happy Stitching!

New Buttericks...

Here are a few of the spring butterick patterns that I find interesting:

This is B7008.  It is a bomber style jacket with collar variations.  I find view B a little more interesing only because matching ribbing is really hard to find.  This one might actually find it's way into my pattern stash.   

This is B7030.  It looks to be a good general pattern for the entire family.  

This is B7024.  It is a wide leg pant pattern with length variations.  This one feels very on target with trends.

Here is B7017.  This one could be a fun pattern if you like all the sleeves.  Hopefully, the pattern includes an armscye for the sleeves.

This is B7016.  Here is a light-weight jacket pattern for the whole family.  

This is B7022.   It is a sleeveless button front dress with length variations.  This would be a nice warm weather dress if that neckline is one you like.  This one would need those circumferences to be correct so that there is not any gapping.  So, had a seat when you are fitting to check the ease.

Not a very exciting release but there are a few patterns that could become TNTs.  With JoAnn Fabrics closing, I will not longer have access to Butterick Patterns except via online sources.  The only physical patterns sold in the area are McCall's outside of the JoAnn Fabrics.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration - Scarves...

 I am seeing scarves showing up this spring.  Here are a few that I found interesting:

This is Fringed Sketchbook-Print Square Scarf by Lafayette 148  New York.  Price tag: $398.00.  The scarf is 55-inches square.

This is Charcoal Dust Square Silk Twill Square by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $298.00.  This square is 35-inches square.    

This is the Watercolor Poppies Square Scarf by Burberry.  Price tag: $520.00.  This is approximately 35-inch sqaure scarf.

This is Tie-Dye Silk Scarf by Eileen Fisher.  Price tag: $118.00.  No size is given on the oblong scarf but from seeing on the model, it is at least 54-inches long.

This is Striped Linen Blend Scarf by Brunello Cucinelli.  Price tag: $1450.00.  This scarf also does not give a size.  I would have to guess that it is at least 54" maybe longer with the fringe.

Marcy Tilton has some great abstract prints that could possibly be used for a square scarf.  All you need to decide on the size and hem detail.  Mood Fabrics would also be a great place to look for fabrics to make a scarf.

Scarves are so easy to make.  Just decide to size/shape/finish and there you go.

Happy Stitching!