First Summer Sewing...

 I am a little behind this year with the summer sewing and my wardrobe is feeling it.  I started with the Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt using a navy twill seen in this post.  Here are the line drawing:

This is the third time I have made this skirt.  I do not necessarily want all my skirts to look alike but I do really like being able to pull out a pattern and sew it up.  You can see the changes that I made to the pattern here.  Here is my latest version of this skirt:

I did think that the fabric might be a little to light weight but it turned out okay.  On this skirt, I did a little extra hand sewing around the hem, the pockets, the waistband and it made much of the topstitching easier.  Sometimes, we forget to slow down and enjoy the process.  On to the next project.

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Happy Stitching!

More Fabric Coming...

 I know I do not really need to purchase more fabric but I did not have either of these two items in the stash:

This is a navy twill.  It is a polyester/cotton/spandex blend.  The fabric is machine wash and dry.  My intent is to make a Liesl & Co Beckham Trouser and a McCalls jacket.  Both patterns need to be fitted.

This is a teal cotton blend twill.  I purchased two yards.  My intent is to make the Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt pattern.  This skirt has been fitted and should be a quick to make item.  Well, reasonably quick.  

There is only one more fabric that I am looking for.  It is for a shirt dress and the planned color is pink.  I have not found anything yet.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Applique Pillow

 As much as I love sewing clothing, I also do home dec from time to time.  This pillow is fantastic:

This is the Hollyhocks Embroidered Linen Cushion by Susie Watson Designs.  Price tag: L85.00 ($115-$120.00).  Details:  hand embroidered, linen, finished with pompoms, back is a dimity fabric, and feather pillow included.  Size: 40x54cm (~15 3/4-inches x ~21 1/4-inches).

This is a wonderful pillow.  It is well worth your time to check out the Susie Watson Designs website.  There is a ton of inspiration there.  Who knows maybe you will find something that you need.  

Here is my favorite way to add a zipper to a pillow.  As for the actual size of the pillow, you get to decide.  Just remember to add your seam allowance.  I prefer a 1/2-inch seam allowance for home dec items.  This is really where your creativity can shine.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Shift Dress

 There is nothing like a shift dress for those hot summer days.  This dress is perfect:

This is the Sleeveless Cotton-Blend Shift Dress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  bust darts, pick stitching, back gore darts, approximately 37-inches from the shoulder to the hem, round neckline, sleeveless, shift silhouette, knee length, back zip, machine wash.

Here is a great pattern -

This is the June Sheath Dress pattern by Style Arc.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Patterns...

 I got intot the last Simplicity sale and purchased a few patterns.  Here they are:

This is Simplicity 3065.  I specifically purchased this pattern for the neckline.  I'm hoping that I can transfer the neckline to my favorite button down shirt pattern - Liesl & Co Classic Shirt Pattern.  

This is Simplicity 3111.  I purchased it specifically for the zip-front jacket.  The pants and shorts are just bonuses.

This is Simplicity 3136.  You get two views of a classic button down shirt.  I purchased this pattern specifically for view B.  Again, I'm hoping to be able to transfer the pleated to my existed Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.

This particular sale is no longer running but there is a pdf sale going which if you're looking for a particular pattern might be a good time to purchase it.

Happy Stitching!

Itch To Stitch Tuesday Sale...

 Itch to Stitch has resumed the Tuesday sale.  Here it is:

This is the Nittany Top pdf pattern.  This pattern is a perfect summer staple.  Available in sizes 00 - 40 with cup options. The pattern is on sale at $6.00USD  through 11:59 Mountain Time on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.  Want to see on others?  Check out this post.  

As always, the volume discounts apply when purchasing.  So, it is a good time to look around.

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...Sweater Vest

 This little cotton vest would make a nice topper anytime.  Here is the view:

This is the Open-Knit Cotton Sweater Vest by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $898.00.  Details: breezy open weave knit, approximately 23-inches from shoulder to hem, baseball collar, 2-way zip, dolman cap sleeve, relaxed fit, cotton, unlined, hand wash.

This is such a cute little topper.  Yeah, I know that they are calling it a vest but it does not look like a vest to me.  Here is the pattern that came to mind when I saw it:

This is the Itch to Stitch Deba Topper pdf pattern.  You would need to figure out the differencces between the inspiration photo and the pattern - lengthen it, change from a button closure to a zipper closure. This pattern is also for a woven.    Hope you are inspired to great something wonderful.

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...Linen Dress

 This is a perfect hot weather dress.  It hangs from the shoulder and has some cute details.

This is the Ruched Pintuck Linen Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag:  $998.00.  Details:  textured pintuck bib and front ruching, approximately 37-inches from shoulder to hem, band collar, concealed button front, short dolman sleeves, back yoke, on-seam pockets, hits around the knee, a-line silhouette, linen, unlined, machine washable.

I seriously doubt that we would be able to find an exact pattern for this dress.  I did think of this pattern:

This is the Itch to Stitch Nosara Shirt pdf pattern.  It is not the perfect pattern but if you own it, it is a very good start.  Here are the changes that I would make - eliminate the collar, length the pattern and straighten the hem, make the concealed button placket, add the pintucks.

Easy Peasy, right?  It might take a little bit longer to make the dress because of all the changes.  As for the pintucks, remember to stitch them and then baste to the hem.  That way the pintucks do not interfer with anything.  Hope you are inspired.

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!

Fabrics For Wardrobe Plan...

 I have spent a couple of weeks going through my most stash looking for appropriate fabrics for the fall/winter sewing plan.  Folks, I have a lot of fabric.  I have looked and looked. Here are the fabrics that have been pulled so far:

From left to right top row - blue knit for t-shirt, pink cotton pique & gray oxford for button down shirt, and teal challis for blouse. From left to right bottom row - navy sateen for skirt, and gray twill for pants.  

As much as I try to use up what is in my stash, only one item in the above is from the stash - the gray twill.  Although you could argue that once fabric comes into the house, it is stash.  I have really dug through my stash and found tons of fabric that I had forgotten but I do not have any navy twill.  Yes, folks, I was very surprised. I have enough to keep me busy while I look for the fabric pieces that are missing.  

The piece that is first up will be the navy sateen for a skirt.  It is a little bit on the light weight side and will definitely work for summer but will need replacing if I want a navy skirt for winter.  Then, I will work on the Love Notions Rhapsody blouse as I have already been working on fitting that blouse. Once it is fitted, I will make a summer blouse and then the teal blouse.  I have really been wanting to new clothes for now.

That is it for now.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shorts

 I rarely post shorts but the length of these shorts would be perfect for me, the little old lady:

This is The Boardwalk Short by Ann Taylor. Price tag: $69.50.  Details:  hits just above the knees, zip front with double hook & bar closure, belt loops, front off seam pockets, back welt pockets, side slits.

Yep, this is pretty much the perfect shorts.  Now, for a pattern or two:

This is Simplicity 9647.  You get trousers and shorts.  The shorts look pretty good.  They has a slash pocket instead of the side seam pocket.

This is Vogue 9008.  This pattern offers two styles in three lengths.  I think View C is the closest match.  I would copy the side seam pockets and the waistband from View D, E, or F (probably the same pattern piece for all three). 

Hope you are inspired.  It is getting a little late to make summer items but maybe you live in an area that has warm/hot weather well into the fall.

Happy Sewing!

New Itch to Stitch Mindelo Top...

 Itch to Stitch has a great new top pdf pattern that is perfect for hot summer weather.  Here is the line drawings:

The Mindelo Top pdf pattern features a flattering V-neckline, center front button closure, and four fun sleeve options so you can sew it exactly your way:

• Sleeveless
• Sleeveless with single ruffle
• Sleeveless with double ruffles
• Flutter sleeves

It’s designed for lightweight woven fabrics and comes in sizes 00 to 40 with cup options included—so you can get the fit you love with the fabric you adore. Be sure to check out the blog post to see that many versions of the Mindelo Top pattern in action and for a bit of inspiration.

The pattern is on sale at a 20% discount through June 25, 2025.  As a bonus, the volume discounts still apply.  So, it is a good time to look around for additional patterns,

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...Button Front Pencil Skirt

This is the Button Front Pencil Skirt from Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $129.00.  Details:  button front, front slash pockets, back welt pockets, belt loops, length 34-inches, cotton/spandex.

This is a great every day kind of skirt - work, casual.  Here are a few options for patterns:

This is Vogue 2118.  The skirt in this pattern gives the illusion of the inspiration skirt.  The pockets are different.  If you have patterns with similar details, they could be moved to the skirt pattern.

This is Silhouette Patterns Vera's Skirt.  This is another pattern that gives the illusion of the inspiration pattern.  This one does not have a waistband or pockets.  All design details of that type would need to be added.

This is the Seamwork Brookes Skirt pdf pattern.  This kinda leans more toward a denim type skirt but the pattern has potential.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

 

Inspiration...Wrap Skirt

 Sometimes, you just see a skirt and fall in love.  This is me and this skirt:

This is the Belted Wrap Skirt from Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $119.00.  Details:  midi length, braided adjustable belt, hidden back zip, lined, 32-inches, shell- viscose/lyocell, lining - polyester, dry-clean.

Even though I love the styling of the skirt.  It is not in a color that I would normally wear.  That is why we sew.  

Here is a pattern if you want a true wrap skirt:

This is Simplicity 8699.  View A would be a good impression of the inspiration photo.

If you head over to the Amazon McCall's store, you will find a few mock wrap skirt patterns.  Sizing is the issue with those patterns but maybe you can find a pattern number to keep looking.  Of course, you could get lucky and find a pattern in the correct size.

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

 

Wardrobe Considerations...The Overall Plan

 Here is the sewing plan with pattern selections, fabric selections, and color:

• Liesl & Co Peckham Trouser in navy and gray.  Fabric will be cotton twill.
• Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt in teal. Fabric will be a cotton sateen.
• Liesl & Co Classic Shirt in pink and gray.  Fabric will be a cotton pique and cotton oxford cloth.
• Love Notions Classic Tee in navy.  Fabric will be a cotton/lycra jersey.
• Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse in teal.  Fabric will be a solid challis.
• Seamwork Flor Cardigan in gray.  Fabric will be a knit of some sort.
• Liesl & Co Classic Shirt dress length in pink.  Fabric unknown at this time.
• McCall's 7818 jacket in navy.  Fabric unknown at this time but would be nice if matched first item.

Whew!  That is a lot of sewing.  I do need to track back to the  "Starting From Scratch" series at the Vivienne Files.  Just to make sure that I am on track.   

Of this items, the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt, Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt are fitted.  I am in the process of fitting the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  That leaves the Liesl & Co Peckham Trousers, Seamwork Flor, and McCall's 7818 jacket to be fitted.  That is a lot of fitting.  I really do want the trousers fitted though and will be starting with them first.

 Do you think this is too far in front of the season to start planning?  Have you tried this?  It would really be nice to get ahead of a season and not be sewing like mad to make something to wear right now.

Hope you are inspired to sew.

Happy Stitching!

Fabric Arrived!...

 All the fabric that I have ordered over the last couple weeks has arrived.  There were two disappointments:

The navy twill.  The color is spot on.  Exactly what I wanted.  However, it is a very thin shirting.  I totally missed the weight of this.  It is a beautiful fabric.  I will use it.  I just need to decide if a lining will be necessary for the skirt.  

The teal sateen.  The fabric is perfect for the intended skirt.  The color is much lighter than I was expecting.  

I need to re-evaluate.  I am not sure that the lighter teal color will work with the whole color scheme and it is suppose to be for fall/winter.  Maybe I will do a post will all of the chosen fabrics together.

How do you find ordering fabrics online?  Do you occasionally find duds?

Happy Stitching!

Wardrobe Considersations...On Going Discussions 3

 Now we are moving on to Outwear.  This is where I did not like the suggestions made by the AI.  Then the discussion went to silhouettes.  We ended up with Seamwork Flor Cardigan and McCall's 7818 jacket.  I was causioned about the fitting the uni-sex jacket.  Here are the line drawings:

This is the Seamwork Flor Cardigan.  This will be made up in a gray knit.  This is an unfitted pattern so it will require a little work.

This is McCall's 7818.  It is an uni-sex jacket with a little bit of an oversized fit.  It will be made in a navy fabric.  This is an unfitted pattern so it will require a little work.

How do you think the AI is doing so far?

Happy Stitching!

Oh Yeah, More Fabric...

 I have started working on the wardrobe plan.  Checking the stash has a little bit of interest but you know that new fabric is always better, right?  Here is the lastest fabric:

This is a pink/gray pique cotton shirting.  I purchased 2 yards to make Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  Care:  Machine wash cold and tumble dry.

This is a Teal Rayon Challis.  I purchased 2 yards with thoughts of making a Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  Care:  Machine wash, tumble dry.

This is a teal cotton sateen.  I purchased 2 yards with the idea of making a Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt. Care:  machine wash cold, tumble dry.

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!

That is it for now.  Shipping has gotten really expensive.  I guess I should be looking at the stash more to reduce costs.

Happy Stitching!

Wardrobe Considerations...On Going Decisions 2

We are now moving on to tops.  The AI suggested many top patterns but the only one that I took was the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.   The other tops pattern will be the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse and the Love Notions Classic Tee Shirt.  Here are the line drawings:

Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  These will be mostly easy.  There will be two shirts with colors of pink and grey.

This is Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse & Dress pattern.  Lots of options with this one.  I am currently working on fitting this blouse.  There will be one shirt in teal.  I might add another one in navy (AI suggested item.

This is Love Notions Classic Tee Shirt.  This pattern has several options. I may need to refit this pattern.   It should be a good option for a good, everyday type top.  This one will be in navy.

Happy Stitching!

Wardrobe Considerations...On Going

 Jumping right into the AI's suggestion of starting with bottoms, the AI and I picked the Liesl & Co Beckham Trousers in navy and gray along with the Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt in teal.  I have the Taroko Skirt already fitted which will make this easy. However, the Beckham Trouser has not been fitted.  So, that will be my challenge.

Here is a line drawing of the Peckham Trousers:

The only thing I am a little leary about is the pockets.  Slash pockets always seem to gape on me.  I will not know if I do not try, right?

Here is the Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt line drawing:

The skirt will be the easy bottom piece to make.  I am almost exactly a size 18.  I need to take in the waist a little bit.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pullover Dress

 This inspiration dress is very casual and lots of fun:

This is the Lily Pullilzer  UPF 50+ ChillyLilly Mandi Dress.  Price tag:  $198.00.  Details:  straight fit, shorter sleeves, 37-inches from shoulder to hem (based on size 4), fits chest and hips with more room at waist.  

If I lived near a beach, this print would be perfect.  I do not but I love the silloutte.  The first pattern that I thought of was Love Notions Frankie Polo:

In the Lily Pulitzer way, I found this fabric:

This is the Cheerful Summer Floral jersey knit* from knitfabric*. This is such a fun knit.  I would be tempted to use a sold fabric for the collar.

This is the Sunshine Floral jersey knit* from knitfabric*. This is such a fun knit.  

This is the Cobalt Heavyweight Cotton Lycra knit* from knitfabric*.  This is a more practical everyday type of knit. 

There are tons of knits fabrics at knitfabric*.  You should check them out.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.  Also the inspiration is a nylon/lycra knit, so consider that type of fabric as well.

*I am an affililiate of knitfabric.  If you purchase something through one of my links, I will get a small commission at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

Wardrobe Considerations...

 A little over 10 years ago, I walked through the "Starting From Scratch" series at the Vivienne Files. I have always been happy with the colors that I chose in that time period - black, grey, pink, teal.   I tend to wear more black in cooler seasons and change that the navy in warmer seasons.  I do not feel like I have done well with keeping my wardrobe in good shape.  I do think 2020/2021 had something to do with it along with just being busy but most of my clothes are tired or maybe I am just tired of them.  Needless to say, it is time to walk through this process again.  This time however, I am going to use an ai to assist.  So far, it has been interesting.  Here is what has occurred so far:

1.  I asked for Suduko style wardrobe item in navy, grey, pink, and teal.  Here is the response I received:

• Row 1: Navy top, Pink bottom, Gray outerwear, Teal accessory
• Row 2: Pink dress, Teal top, Navy bottom, Gray accessory
• Row 3: Gray top, Navy accessory, Teal bottom, Pink outerwear
• Row 4: Teal dress, Gray top, Pink accessory, Navy outerwear

2.  Fabric recommendations:

• Navy: wool crepe or cotton twill for structure
• Pink: silk crepe or cotton poplin for softness
• Gray: ponte knit or wool gabardine for versatility
• Teal: linen blend or cotton sateen for freshness

I thought this was a good start.  I am not sure where this will go or how much I will complete.  I need to look to the stash for some of the fabric but I know I do not have much in teal colorway but I have a lot in the navy colorway.

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric Coming...

 Okay, I know that I do not really need more fabric but I ended up at the Mood sale and found one item that I have been looking and another item that I wanted.  Since I no longer have a local sewing store, I also purchased matching thread, and a zipper.  Here is the fabric:

This is blue mid to heavy weight cotton/lycra jersey.  It is 64-inches wide.  I purchased 2 yards.  

This is a navy 100% cotton twill.  It is 58-inches wide and I purchased 1 1/2 yards.  I want to make the Itch to Stitch Taroko skirt.  This pattern is becoming a favorite.  I was really wanting a navy twill and this one was a little bit expensive but hopefully it will work out well for the skirt.

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!

New Itch to Stitch Simien Top & Dress PDF Pattern

 Here is the line drawing for Itch to Stitch's newest top/dress pattern:

This is the Simein Top & Dress pdf pattern.  The pattern has the following features:

• Options for cup sizes
• Options for a hip-length top or a knee-length dress
• Options for a cowl neck or a round neck
• Options for short sleeves or 3/4-length sleeves
• Set-in sleeves for a classic look
• Flattering front princess seams originating from the neckline
• Optional in-seam pockets integrated into the front princess seams (dress version only)
• Simple pull-over style with no zipper or buttons
• Designed for fluid, medium-weight woven fabrics

This pattern will be on sale with a 20% discount through May 19, 2025 11:59 pm mountain time.  All volume discounts still apply so it is a good time to look at other patterns as well. 

Remember to check out the testers' version on the blog of the top/dress as well.  There are some really beautiful garments there.  Lots of inspiration.

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!

Scrappy Top....

 This top looks so intentional.  I love the scrappiness of it.

Thisi s just a random picture from Pinterest. I can see doing this with scraps hiding among my growing piles of scraps.  I can see doing this with knits as will.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Maxi Skirt

 Today's inspiration is a simple, elastic waist skirt:

This is the Poplin Maxi Skirt from Gap. Price tag:$ 69.95.  Details:  Elastic waist, side pockets, cotton poplin fabric, cotton lawn lining.

The price on this skirt is not bad but the color selection is limited. It is such a simple skirt and that should make it a very quick item to sew.  Here is one pattern suggestion:

This is New Look 6287.  It is a simple skirt pattern.  I would suggest manipulating View A and incorporate the lace panels into the pattern or just simply add length to View B.  If you want the pockets, those will need to be added.  

Of course, as always, if you already have an appropriate pattern, use it.  Save the money for more fabric.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Scrappy Skirt

 I really like the idea of this skirt.  It is patchwork of various fabrics making it a good scrap busting project.

This is the Mae Multi Patchwork Striped Pencil Skirt by Ralph Lauren Collection. Price tag: $3490.00.  Details:  high waist, knee length, pencil silhouette, back walking vent.

This is an almost classic pencil skirt.  It does not have a waistband but a facing which is why I say almost.  Here is a pattern that is fairly close:

This is Vogue Patterns 2017.  There are a lot of options in the pattern but the skirt is fairly spot  on for the inspiration skirt.

This is Simplicity 9553.   This is another pattern with several options but that View B skirt is spot on to the inspiration. 

Hope you are inspirated to make something interesting.

Happy Stitching!