Inspiration...Sleeveless Dress

 I love looking for inspiration pieces.  I do try to put pieces out there that are more consistent with my current lifestyle - retired, casual.  However, sometimes I find things that just speak to me.  This dress is one of those -

This is the Harpson Short Sleeveless Darted Wool-Blend Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details:  tailored dress with darts front, back, and waist; pickstitching around neckline and armholes; round neckline; sleeveless; hem hits around the knee; sheath silhouette; concealed back zipper closure; poly/wool.

This is such a timeless silhouette.  To me is says "Do not mess with me.".  Working ladies put a matching jacket/blazer with this and you have a power suit.  Add a pair of matching pants and you have a second power suit.  It does not matter than all three are the same fabric.  Mood Fabrics has some wool crepe for about $25 per yard.  That's a bargain considering that you might be able to get all three pieces from about 6 yards of fabric. Do not forget the lining, the zippers, the buttons, the thread for pickstitching (it might as well be added to all pieces for a high end look).

I know you are saying but a good pattern is hard to find.  Well, I think this pattern will work:

This is Butterick B6849.  Lovely little dress pattern.  It covers all seasons.  I would pick View C which is not shown but it is sleeveless.   The main difference from what I can see if the pattern has a waist seam and a back slit.  I am okay with the waist seam but I think that back kick pleat would be a much nicer look.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful for yourself.

Happy Stitching!

Round 1 - Kwik Sew Blazer...

 I started working on Kwik Sew 3715 Jacket pattern.  Here is the line drawing:

It has been 20 or 30 years since I have made a jacket of this type.  I can not remember exactly how they are suppose to fit.  I know I will get it figured.  

When tracing this pattern,  I found this message printed on the pattern stating "When cutting or tracing the pattern pieces, always follow the same size on all lines and pieces.  Never cut between sizes or "blend" sizes by cutting from one size to another.".  I have never seen this on a pattern before.

Here is the first round of the jacket:

I would say that the jacket is a little too wide in the shoulders.

Here you can see the wrinkling at the shoulder and there is a little bit of swinging forward in the front.  When zooming in on the picture, you can see that my front balance line is pulling upward.  I thnk this is an indication of need more length in the front.  I do not think that I need more length.   

You can see that the shoulder seams are falling on my shoulders in the back.  It is definitely too wide in the shoulders.

The swinging forward is still evident here and it looks like the shoulder slope and/or bust shaping needs to be addressed a little bit.

Here is a close up of the neck area.  I am really looking at two things how.  First how the collar fits to the neckline and where the shoulder seam is falling.

Overall, I like the way the jacket fits in the sleeves, waist, and hips.  It seems a little big through the shoulders and perhaps the length.

I am going to do a little bit of research on how a jacket should fit through the shoulders.  I do want to be able to wear clothing under the jacket. So fitting must be made with that in mind.  I do have a long sleeved t-shirt under the jacket above.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Blazer and Pants

 I am loving the matchy, matchy suits.  The return of dressing up a little bit.  Here is a wonderful suit:

This is the Single-Breasted Donegal Tweed Blazer by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1898.00.  Details: donegal tweed, single-breasted, padded shoulders, long sleeves, 4 button cuffs, side flap pockets, rounded front hem, tailored fit.

This is the Gates Straight-Leg Donegal Tweed Pants by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details:  donegal tweed, mid-rise, flat front, pressed pleats, side slant pockets, back welt pockets, full length, straight legs, zip fly, belt loops.

As much as I love this look, the prices are way out of my range but that is the reason I sew.  I was unable to locate a jacket pattern exactly like the inspiration.  However, I did locate this pattern:  

This is Butterick 7060.  The jacket pattern is fairly close to the inspiration photo.  Just missing the flap pockets which you might be able to draft yourself or take from another pattern. The other two pieces in the pattern are good but not for the inspiration photo.  

This is Vogue 2037.  The pant pattern is pretty good and I think it would work will for the inspiration photo.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Surgery Recover Stuff Part 2...

In my last post, I blamed the cats for my missing thread.  I found the thread with the lava sand. So, I followed this tutorial and made the heating pad.  Here are the results:

Yep, I used the same fabric so the pillow.  This type of fabric makes be happy.  I did test the heating pad by warming it for 50 seconds in the microwave.  Not bad.  

The tutorial says that it takes 45 minutes to make the heating pad but for me it was more like all day.  I would work on it a little bit and then go do something else. So, my sewing was my relaxing time.  

If I were to make another heating pad, I would probably do things a little differently.  This used 1/4-inch seam allowances.  I will increase the seam allowance.  The smaller seam allowances on stuff like this makes me nervous.  To be fair, I did make 1/2-inch seam allowance on the end that was used to fill the tube with the sand.  The heating pad is fairly heavy.  I do not like the idea of a seam failing and ending up with black sand everywhere.  Otherwise, it is a good tutorial.

Happy Stitching!

Surgery Recovery Stuff...

 I am having surgery at the end of month.  There is so much to do and think about.  Honestly, I am trying hard not to think about the surgery.  It is highly recommended that you have a pillow when traveling and just in general during recovery.  I have cats and they will be very interested in spending time with me.  So protection will be necessary. I found this youtube video and related blog post.  This is my starting point.  Digging through the stash resulted in this find:

It feels like a 100% cotton flannel.  It just happens to be in one of my favorite prints.  Here is the pillow:

For the neck heating pad, I had to order 100% cotton thread and the lava sand.  Both are available on Amazon.    Did not make the neck heating pad.  The cotton thread disappears and I am fairly certain that my younger cats had something to do with it.  I was not willing to pay another $10 for a spool of cotton thread.  Some days, I do miss JoAnn Fabrics just so I can go pick up thread when I need it. 

Hopefully, the pillow will be helpful during recovery.  Two days till surgery.

Happy Stitching!

Seamwork Bryn Dress...

 On a whim,  I decided that I needed another dress that was somewhat loose.  Just so I will have something to wear after my surgery.  So, I picked the Seamwork Bryn Dress.  Here is the line drawing:

I did pick it because of the loose silhouette.  I really wanted to use just stash items for this dress which was a challenge all by itself.  I finally found a remnant of royal blue fine wale corduroy which was pretty much perfect.  There was just enough for the outside of the dress.  I picked a plain black cotton for the facings, and a wild leopard print for the lining.  For the pattern, I cut it out and followed the advice of Katrina at Lifting Pins & Needles and checked all the lengths of the pattern.  Made all my crazy adjustments.  When I was finished with all the lengths adjustment through the body, I made sure that the actual length of the dress was going to be good.  I do not really need to be wearing dressing at mid-thigh.  Down to the knee is fine with me most of the time.  Then, I realized that the bust point on the pattern was no where near where my bust point was.  The level was correct but not location.  It was 3 inches off.  Folks, that is a lot.  The pattern apex to apex was 14 1/2 inches.  My apex to apex is 8 1/2".  Then, I had to figure out how to move a curved dart horizontally.  Not a fun experience but I think I did it.  Here is the resulting pattern:

You can see the dart movement along with where there was shortening and lengthening of the pattern.  I did not make a muslin of the changes.  I am cut out and see what I end up with.  If it does not work, it will be just a bit of wasted time and fabric.  Here is the finished dress:

The darts did turn out to be a challenge not just because they had to be moved at the pattern stage but when I made the dress the dart was just too long.  I had to alter the dart twice.  It is not perfect but wearable.

The changes that I made to the pattern are minor.  It was mostly length changes to match my measurements.  I did move the bust dart horizontally.  I also added a bit of length to the dress to make it long enough for me to be comfortable.

I think overall this is a fairly good dress. However, the balance seems off. I am wearing legging under neath which could be causing a little bit of issue but not sure.   If I had made a muslin, it probably could have been addressed but it is what it is.  Wearable.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Iguazu Top PDF Pattern...

 Itch to Stitch's newest top pattern is here.  Here is the line drawing:

This is The Iguazu Top pdf pattern.  This pattern has the following features:

• Regular bust and full bust options for an excellent fit
• Waterfall-style draped cowl neckline
• Semi-fitted silhouette
• Sleeve options: cap, short, ¾, and long sleeves
• Designed for light- to medium-weight knit fabric with drape 

The sewing skill level is beginner+.  The size range is from 00 to 40.  The Iguazu Top is on sale through October 27, 2025. All discounts apply.  So, the more you purchase the more you save.

Check out the testers' version of the Iguazu Top here.

Think of those fabulous fabrics that will make this cute little top.  Quick and easy holiday looks.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

Itch To Stitch Anniversary Sale!...

 Itch to Stitch is having an 11th anniversary sale.  Everything is 30% off from November 8 to November 11 except Orio, Clemente, and Sorata patterns are 20% off.   Here are some of my favorites:

This it the Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt line drawing.  This is a lovely, a-line skirt with princess seams.  It is probably one of my favorite skirt patterns.  I have made at least four of these skirts.  Two for fall/winter and two for spring/summer.

This is the Itch to Stitch Foz Top line drawing.  This is a lovely v-neck knit top.  It can be worn as a top or as a second layer.  I have made three of these tops.

This is the Itch to Stitch Soller Top/Dress line drawing.  This is a lovely v-neck top/dress.  I have made two of the tops and one of the dress.  It is a great top/dress.  Easy to make.

This is the Itch to Stitch  Azores Top & Dress line drawing  I think a challis would be perfect for this pattern.  The top would work equally well with a skirt or pants.  This one is on my list.

This is just a small list of the patterns that are on the Itch to Stitch website. There are lots of lovely patterns.  Go check it out.  I have found that the patterns have been well drafted. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

New To Me Pattern Company...

 Today, I found a new to me pattern company - Daughter Judy Patterns.  This site has both sewing patterns and knitting patterns.  There are not a lot of patterns yet but the ones that are there are interesting.  My favorite one is this skirt:

This is the Henry Skirt.  It is almost a classic wrap.  It wraps but I think there is more coverage than a classic wrap skirt as in no accidental flashing.

So, check out this designer.  You might find a great pattern.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...A-Line Skirt

 I am loving the longer fall/winter skirts this year.  Here is a great one:

This is the A-Line Crepe Weave Midi Skirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details:  crepe weave organic cotton dobby, vertical darts at waist, approximately 30-inches from shoulder to hem, sits high on the high, falls below knee, a-line silhouette, invisible back zip.

This is an overall great look.  A perfect work outfit.  I do not have access to fabrics that would make like this blouse and skirt do but I wish I did.  Here are a couple of ideas for the skirt:

This is New Look 6053.  This pattern has two variations with additional length variations.  Once fitted, you could have a whole weeks worth of skirts.  Views C or D is what I was thinking for the inspiration.  Basically, whichever one would give you the best length for you.  

This is Butterick 6866.  This is a princess seam skirt which is different than the inspiration photo but View A would give you a similar look.  This skirt might be fuller than the inspiration photo but I think it would do a good job.

I was not able to locate the camp shirt in the photo but it is very much a necessary component of the outfit.  I think this pattern would work well:

This is Liesl & Co Camp Shirt-Dress.  Perfect little pattern to duplicate the camp shirt in the inspiration photo.  I have found that the Liesl & Co patterns are well drafted.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful for yourself.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Plaid Midi Skirt

 I love that the skirts are long for fall/winter this year.  This one is menswear inspired:

This is The Trouser Column Midi Skirt from Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $139.00.  Details:  length is 34-1/2 inches, column silhouette for that long lean look, front zip closure with extended hook and bar closure, belt loops, front slash pockets, front vent, and back welt pockets.

This is such a great skirt.  If you pick the right colors for your wardrobe, it could be and every day piece.  Here is a pattern suggestion:

This is Vogue 2032.  It is a lined skirt, semi-fitted through hip, sits 1" below waist, has fly front zipper, side front pockets, back welt pockets, belt loops, front slit and front and back pintuck detail.  This is almost perfect for the inspiration photo.

I would do View A.  Then, make sure that the length is correct for yourself.   The fabric for the pattern looks to be a mid-weight such as gabardine, linens, denim, twill, and sateen.  I would guess that a plaid suiting would work as well.  Mood Fabrics has some beautiful plaids that would work well for this pattern.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...A-Line Midi Skirt

 I found this perfect little skirt.  Yes, it is perfect for fall.

This is the Ruched A-Line Maxi Skirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  elasticized waist, double side ties, on-seam pockets, ankle length, a-line silhouette, pull-on style, cotton/nylon/polyamide, unlined, machine wash cold.

This is a great little skirt and so easy to replicate.  Here is the pattern that I think would be perfect:

This is New Look 6287.  The pattern has four views which could make it a veratile pattern.  You might need to add a little bit of width to get the same volumne of the skirt.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Popover Shirt

Here is a perfect top for everyday use.  Here is that tunic:

This is the Wool-Cashmere Flannel Pocket Popover Shirt by Lafayette 148.  Price tag:$ 1,198.00.  Details:  Relaxed shirt, drop shoulder long sleeve, pleated cuff, pullover, flap patch pockets, high-low shirttail hem, dry clean only, 94% wool/ 4% cashmere/ 2% elastane.

That price tag is a whole lot out of my price point but it is reasonably easy to replicate.  I have picked a pattern that is actually in my pattern stash and is not exactly like the inspiration pattern but it is a tunic.  Here is the line drawing:

This is the Liesel & Co Galley Tunic & Dress pattern.  This is a relaxed-fit pull-on tunic.  It does not have the dropped shoulders or the pockets on the tunic front.  In looking at the material list, it might not be appropriate for the flannel but I think I would try it if it was not a heavy flannel.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Orio Jacket PDF Pattern

 Itch to Stitch's newest jacket pattern is here.  Just in time for the fall weather.  Here is the line drawng of the Orio Jacket:

The Orio Jacket pattern has the follow features:

• Cup sizes for a better bust fit
• Princess seams from the shoulders for shaping
• Two-piece sleeves with simplified plackets and cuffs
• Center-front zipper closure
• Hood with a drawstring
• Optional single welt pockets
• Shirttail hem for a classic finish
• Unlined and lightweight—ideal for layering
• Designed for medium-weight woven fabric

The sewing skill level is intermediate.  Sizes are 00 - 40.  The Orio Jacket will be on sale at 20% discount through September 30, 2025.  All purchasing discounts still apply so it is a good time to purchase any additional patterns that you have been eyeing.

Be sure to check out the testers' versions of the jacket on the blog.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Corduroy Jacket

 It is time to think about jackets for fall.  This is a little bit like a chore jacket:

This is the Organic Cotton Stretch Corduroy Jacket by Eileen Fisher.  Price tag: $248.00.  Details: relaxed fit, classic collar, button front, and button cuff with double pleat, and patch pockets.

I am not convinced that a stretch fabric is needed for a relaxed fit but that is for you to decide.  I do love the idea of this style of jacket in corduroy.  Here is the first pattern that I thought of:

This is the Rhett Jacket pdf pattern by Seamwork.  It is a workwear inspired chore jacket.  

I have made this jacket and it is one of my favorite jackets that I have made.  I did not realize that it had been so long since I made the jacket.  It is still going strong.  Maybe it is time to make a new version.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

First Fall Winter Classic Shirt...

 I am starting the first of the sewing for the wardrobe post here.  I will be starting witht the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  Here is the line drawings:

This is a pattern that I fitted over a couple of years and absolutely love it.  I have made two shirts this time.  The first shirt is made from the gray oxford shirting here. It is made using the View A of the pattern and this is the version I have made the most.  Here is the finished shirt:

Well, that is the second piece of the the ten I have planned.  The button holer on the machine gave me a hard time.  I have never had an issue with it before but it seemed that the same size buttonhole was not to be.  I had to redo at least three buttonholes not once but more than once.

I think I will need luck on finishing the remaining eight projects.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wide Legged Pants

 I really like the look of these pants.  The wide leg would be comfortable.  Here is the first glance:

This is the Linen-Cotton Twill Wide Legged Pant by Polo Ralph Lauren. Price tag: $398.00.  Details:  high rise sits high on the hip, flat front, side slant pockets, back buttoned welt pockets, full length, wide legs, zip fly, belt loops, linen/cotton, dry clean.

I love that these pants are styled with a casual shoe.  Here is the pattern that I would use to recreate:

This is the Hollywood Trousers by Liesl & Co.  They are a fitted, moderately high-waisted, wide legged pant pattern.  The only thing missing is the welt pockets but that is an easy detail to add.

The linen/cotton twill might be a hard combination to find.  However, there are lots of twill blends available.  Both Mood and Califabrics has many variations of a twill blend.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Washaway Wonder Tape...

 For years I have used Collins Washaway Wonder Tape to help with the sewing.  Any time that you need to stitch close to an edge and do not want to use a pin, the washaway wonder tape is the answer.  Of course you could always baste, if you are enjoying slow sewing.

The washaway wonder tape is a tape that is for basting and you can sew through it without gumming up your needle.  Collins brand is the one I have always used.  Unfortunately, it has gotten extremely hard to find.  So, I have started looking for alteratives and I have found two that seems to work well.  Here is the first one:

The Dritz Washaway Wonder Tape was my first tape to try.  This tape seemed to work well.  

The second tape that I tried was this one:

This is the Wawak Wash Away Tape.  

All three of these tapes are double-sided adhesive tapes that dissolve in water.  Of the three tapes, the Wawak is the most cost effective.  It is about half the price of the other two tapes.  Unfortunately, it is out of stock at Wawak until October.    The Dritz and Wawak tapes look and act like the same tape.  Both look different than the Collins tape.  

I found the Dritz tape on Amazon and the Wawak tape at a new local fabric/craft store.  The Collins tape might be found in quilt stores.  I have not been to any local quilt stores to see what they might have in stock.  I do need to visit to see if anyone carries thread because it is a true bummer to have to wait for thread to arrive to start a project.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Printed Shirt

 I have become obsessed with the Poetry website.  Here is another shirt:

This is the Printed Shirt from Poetry.  Price tag: $198.00.  Details:  100% cotton, machine washable, short boxy silhouette, delicate collar and stand, double yoke, soft gathering at front and back yoke, full length sleeves, gently gathered sleeves into a narrow cuff with one button, gently curved shirt-tail hem.

I love this blouse but I can not bring myself to order it nor can I not think about the price.  I would be terrified that I would do something to it.  A pattern is not hard to come come up with.  To me, this is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt with some minor modifications:

I have made this pattern like seven times in the past two years.  There is nothing like having a pattern that you can just sew and not worry about the fit.  However, it does boring to make the exact shirt over and over.  Here are the changes that I would make to view B:

• Take away the pockets
• Add enough width to the from bodice to make the gathers to the yoke
• Narrow the cuff
• Add length to the sleeve to make up for the narrow cuff
• Add width to the back bodice to gather into the yoke (remember that there is pleats)
• Change the placket to a plain blouse placket.

I think that is all the changes.  I will be on the look out for some kind of fabric that gives the feel of this shirt.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Christmas Pillow

 Christmas is my favorite time of the year.  I love decorating and will start the day after Thanksgiving and end around the epiphany.  This year I found this pillow cover:

This is the Nostalgic Tree Embroidered Pillow Cover from the Pottery Barn.  Price tag: $99.50.  Description: 50% cotton/27% linen/23% rayon, reverses to 100% cotton melange in solid color, zipper closure, accomodates 20-inch insert, spot clean.

I truly love the idea of making this pillow cover.  The embroidery would be a definite slow down for me because I am slow.  Here are generally instructions for creating a pillow cover:

1.  Size - I make mine the same size as the pillow insert so that the dog ears are less likely to show.  Example - this is a 20-inch pillow insert add 1-inch to the that to allow for 1/2-inch seam allowances.

2.  Decide how you want to do the zipper.  I have instructions for a lapped zipper here.  

3.  Generally instruction for how I decided on the sizes for the back are here.  

4.  How to create your piping here.

If you want to see the floor pillows that the created, do a floor pillow search.  I still have those pillow covers and forms.

Now for the embroidery, I think I would just free hand something and start embroidering.  Don't forget to locate little ornaments for the tree.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Jacket and Skirt

 This outfit is create a long and lean silhouette.  It gives a little bit of the 90s feel.

This is the Camel Hair Patch Pocket Collarless Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $2198.00.  Details:  camel hair, dry clean, straight fit, twill lining, dolman long sleeve, snap closure, patch pockets, tonal pickstitch finish.

This is the Camel Hair Slim Pencil Skirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1198.00.  Details:  slim silhouette, sits at waist, zip back, lower calf length, waist darts, lined, charmeuse piping with pickstitching at the waist, camel hair, vented back, dry clean.

Here is a detail shot of the pick stitching for the jacket:

Here is a detail shot of the piping and pick stitching on the skirt:

Here is a video on how to accomplish pickstitching from Threads.

To complete the outfit, check out the Striped Silk French Cuffed Blouse by Lafayette 148.  Price tag: $998.00.  All items can be found on the Lafayette 148 website.

This is such a great outfit for working at an office.  I suppose if you just wanted to dress up a bit on a daily basis it would still be great.  Now, for some patterns:

This is the Atelier Scammit Claudie jacket pattern.  The view on the upper left is the one that I thinking would do a fair job for the inspiration jacket.  You would need to add a closure as this pattern is meant to be open.  

This is an older Butterick pattern from the 2000s.  View A has the kickpleat.  This has pockets which you can leave or take away depending on the look you are wanting.  This might be difficult to find but anything similar would work.

I have made this particular pattern and I found it to have a very pronounced high curve.  So, keep that in mind and be sure to make a muslin or toile.

Fabric - 

• Easy care - a brushed cotton twill - a Mood fabric
• Medium care - a wool fabric - online fabric store
• More effort care - a cashmere camel hair herringbone - etsy store

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!