Itch to Stitch Birthday Sale...

 Itch to Stitch is having a Birthday Sale through 11:59 PM US February 1, 2025 with 20% off all patterns.  I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through product links will result in small commission at no cost to you.  

Here are some of my favorites right now:

This is the Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt pdf pattern.   I have made this skirt a couple of times - one in khaki and one in corduory.

This is the Itch to Stitch Soller Top & Dress pdf pattern.   I have made this a few times - muslin, top and dress.  I love this pattern.  It is super quick to make.

This is the Foz Top pdf pattern.  I have made this a couple of times.  It is a great little top - long sleeved muslin top and short sleeved top.

This is the Celeste Dress pdf pattern.  I have made this dress once and it is in constant rotation during warm weather.

This is the Lamma Hoodie & Sweatershirt pdf pattern.  I have made this pattern once and it is a favorite during cooler weather.

Following are patterns in my collection that I have not gotten to yet:

This is the Nittany Top pdf pattern.  The interesting neckline is the draw for me with this.  This blouse pattern is meant for light, drapey fabric.  

This is the Seychelles Top pdf pattern.  This top is meant for light to medium fabric.  

This is the Quebec Skirt pdf pattern.  This is an interesting pull-on denim skirt pattern. This is meant to be used with a 20 to 30% stretch fabric.  It would be great for all seasons.

This is just a few of my favorite collected Itch to Stitch patterns.  Hope you find something that inspires you.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Menswear Pants

 This inspiration post is for a very basic item.  This is a menswear style pant:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Menswear Stretch Wool Pants.  Price tag: $348.00.  Details:  flat front; slim, straight legs; tab/zip front; wool spandex; dry clean.  

I am the first to admit that if you can get a nice fit in a pants pattern, that you are a winner.  One basic pair of pants like the pair shown here and you can make as many pair of pants as you want by just changing the type of fabrics.  Design details can be added.  Here is a couple of patterns to consider:

This is the Liesl & Co Hollywood Trousers pattern.  This pattern has a little bit wider leg but you can make changes during fitting.  The pattern has side pockets which I do not think that the inspiration photo has pockets.  Again, this is a style detail that you can keep or delete.  

This is the Liesl & Co Peckham Women's Trousers pattern.  This pant is a little more causal than the pattern above but has a few more design details.  

I have both of these patterns and really need to work on getting both of them fitting.  Honestly, I would much rather sew than fit but it is very rewarding to get a basic pattern fitted and then sew over and over.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Flannel Pants and Houndstooth Jacket

 In the winter, I tend to wear a lot pants.  This outfit caught my eye.  It is a perfect outfit for going to work.

This is The Sophia Straight Pant in Flannel by Anne Taylor.  Price tag: $109.00.  Details: straight leg with slim fit, front zip with hook & eye bar closure, front off-seam pockets, back besom pockets, lined, 17" leg opening, mid-rise sitting about 2-1/4" below waist, polyester-viscose-spandex fabric, machine washable.

This is Houndstooth Tweed Jacket by Anne Taylor.  Price tag: $189.00.  Details: split-hem, crew neck, long functional button sleeves, button front, button welt pockets at chest and waist, back vent, lined, 27-inches long, hips at hip.

Now, for patterns.  I found this pattern for pants:

This is the Butterick B6526.  I think the pant is very close to the look but not perfect.  

This is Vogue V1992.  The jacket is similar without the split hem.  You might even use the pant pattern. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Kitty Toys...

 I have three cats.  Two of them are kittens who need to be entertained or kept busy.  While looking at a sewing website, I found this toy pattern and thought it would be a perfect little toy.  The kittens can easily carry it around, they can pull on both ends, etc.  This is also a great little scrap busting pattern.  I went the scrap busting route with some leftover corduroy.  I used a 1/3 of the yard of fabric to create four little cattails.   Here is a picture of the cattails before stuffing:

I changed the instructions a little bit.  I did the top fold down with the seams instead of the after stitching the whole piece.  I used a jumbo tube turner to turn each cattail.  

It probably took 30 minutes to stitch and turn the tubes.  The actual challenge with these toys is stuffing.  I used the jumbo tube turner to assist with getting the catnip into the tube.  Here they are stuffed with catnip and tied:

Suprisingly, these were readily accepted by the cats.  Lots of biting, licking, and kicking.  Hopefully, that will be continue.

Happy Stitching!

Pussy Bow Blouse Muslin....

 So, I am finally getting around to working on The Pussy Bow Blouse by Sew Over It.  Here is the line drawing:

After looking over the instructions, I picked the size 18 in the larger size range.  I am hoping that it will fit right out of the package as the larger size range is for a "D" cup and that is more me than the "B" cup in the regular range. After printing the pattern, I got a little excited as the 4"x4" square was not 4".  However, it did match the cm.  So, be aware of this.  Here is the muslin fabric that I chose:

This is a Walmart find and actually feel like a nicer fabric than I thought it was going to be.  When washed this fabric turned out to be one that puckers in certain areas.  I am hoping this does not affect the muslin too much.  I ended up ditching this fabric.  Although it was a very interesting fabric, it was not suitable for actually sewing.  When I cut it out, the front had moved around so much that parts of it was much smaller than the pattern.  

Since I don't have muslin fabric immediately available, I decided to spend some up close time with the pattern measuring all the lengths.  I am really glad that I did as the pattern would have been huge on me.  Here is my altered pattern:

I am still trying to figure out the changes for the sleeve cap without completely flattening the sleeve cap.  I ended up measuring the original armscye and the original sleeve.  Then, I measured the altered armscye and made changes so that the original sleeve ease was there.  Here is a look at the altered sleeve:

Thankfully, Wal-Mart precuts yielded a fabric that might be approrpriate for a muslin.  Here is the new fabric:

 It is thin and drapey and kinda interesting but not something I would ever wear (chiffon like).  The majority of the pre-cuts were knits and not really appropriate for this project.

Here is the muslin:

This is not too bad for a quick muslin.  I see one thing that I have not seen before.  It is a diagonal line from shoulder at the neckline to the bottom of the armscye.  I will need to do a little bit of research.  The darts are in a good spot.  

The back view is not too bad either.  I may add a little bit of additional room in the hip area.

I am not sure that this side view says anything about the garment. 

Overall, I am surprised at how well the adjustments that I made worked.  I was a little concerned about the armscye depth but it mostly looks good unless that funky diagonal line on the left shoulder is result of needing more depth.  Once I figure out that one item, I will be off to make both versions of this blouse.

Happy Stitching!

Patchwork Quilt...

 This week's scrap buster is more of idea with a picture:

This is the Peyton Reversible Patchwork Quilt from Pottery Barn.  

This would be a great way to use up excess flannel scraps/yardage whatever you have.  Of course, you would need an idea of how big you want your quilt but it could be baby quilt all the way to king size quilt.  Here is a link to a chart with quilt sizes.

Personally, I think that varying the size of blocks would be more interesting but it is your quilt to do what you want with.  Generally, I use a 1/2" seam with flannel because of fraying but I am sure if you do a little research you can find the answer.  

Happy Stitching!

A Packing Cube...

I found this tutorial for making a packing cube.  My niece started a new job a couple of weeks before Christmas and it will include a significant amount of traveling.  I thought this would be a perfect additional to her gear.  This was suppose to be a Christmas gift but life got in the way and now it is a late Christmas gift.  I did not use the fabric stated in the tutorial but chose to use a cute cotton print from my stash.  This makes this a stash buster project.  Now, to be honest, it could also be a scrap buster depending on the size of the scraps you keep hanging around.  Here is the fabric that I chose for this project:

My niece loves cats (as did I) and I thought this would be the perfect fabric for a packing cube. 

The tutorial uses a nylon fabric that does not ravel and I choice a cotton fabric.  I really had to look carefully at the information and make changes as needed.  Here is the finished project:

I put about 4 yards of fabric in the packing cube so that it would not collapse.  

Another view of the fabulous fabric on the back.

A side view.  This gives you an idea of how much more the packing cube could hold.

I did take the time to finish all the seams.  It was time consuming but really a necessary step.

Overall, this was not a bad project.  I am keeping the instructions so I can make additional packing cubes in the future.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Striped Sweater

 Looks like stripes are catching my attention so far this year.

This is the Sailor Striped Rib Knit Crewneck Sweater by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $695.00.  Details: merino wool, crew neck, long sleeves, fitted, pull over style.

This is a great looking top.  It is a little more fitted than I prefer to wear but since I sew, I can make any way I want. Here is a pattern that has the look/feel of the inspiration pattern:

This is the Seamwork Alice T-shirt pdf pattern.  It is a semi-fitted, long-sleeved top. 

This is a great basic to add to the wardrobe. As always, if you have a t-shirt pattern already fitted the way you like  it,  use it.  Save those dollars for fabric.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Cozy Slippers...

 Today's scrap buster project is a good one, if you have left fleeces, shrunk sweater, whatever.

The Cozy Slippers should be a really good project.  They could be really scrappy as well.  Nothing says that they need to all the same fabric.  

Hope you're inspired to create something fun.  Remember to share.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Striped Button-Down Cardigan

I love a good cardigan.  Especially one that is worn as a top.

This is the Striped Button-Down Cashmere Cardigan by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $898.00.  Details:  Approximately 28 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem, cashmere, v neck, button front, long sleeves, relaxed fit, unlined, dry clean.

The striped knits are easy to come by but the cashmere striped knit is not.  Just grab your striped knit combo and make it.  Here is a perfect pattern:

This is the Itch to Stitch Foz Top pdf pattern.  The main difference between the inspiration photo and the Foz is the Foz has a slimmer fit.  So you would need to account for that unless that is the fit that you prefer.

I have made this particular pattern at least three times and love it.  Looks like it will be used again this year.  I think both the long sleeved version and the short sleeved version should be used. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

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!

Patchwork Top...

If you have scraps that are of similar weight, then think about actually making more clothing.  This is where you can get very creative.  

1. DIY patchwork cropped tank

2. Patchwork Top

3.  Patchwork Top

4.  This idea could extend the life of a garment - Lazy Patchwork

5.  This idea is more like crazy quilting - Patchwork Top.  This idea can be applied to the scarfs in earlier posts as well.  Do not forget embellishments as it makes the crazy quilting look fabulous.

6.  Patchwork Dress

I think this is enough to get the creative juices flowing.  Have fun.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration..Collared Dress

 This collared dress has vintage feel because of the sleeves.  I have not seen a dress pattern with this feature in a long time.  Here is the dress:

This is the Collared Silk-Linen Midi Dress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $998.00. Details:  Pick-stitch detailing, center front seam, approximately 48 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem, stand collar, short sleeves, hem fails below knee, a-line silhouette, slip over style, silk/linen, unlined, dry clean.

Folks, I love this dress style.  It is the perfect dress for a long, hot summer day.  Unfortunately, I can not find a perfect pattern match.  Here is a couple of dresses that I thought might give you the general feel of this dress:

This is Vogue 1777.  This is a loose-fitting, partially lined dress with dropped shoulders, short sleeves with turn back cuffs, bust darts, waist pleats, welt pockets.  This dress pattern gives you the collar and the loose feel of the inspiration dress.

This is the Merchant and Mills Factory Dress.  This is a slip over dress with cuffed shorts sleeves, and pockets.  With this pattern, I think you could length the top pattern into dress.  This would give you the center front seam, the collar, and the fullness of the inspiration photo.

I think this would be wonderful in a blue gray linen/cotton blend.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

2025 Project List...

 I have a few thoughts for projects in 2025:

1.  Make a loveseat slipcover.  Fabric is already purchased.  I will need to draft a pattern or maybe use drape it.

2.  Make my DH a new housecoat.  This is a slipped project from 2024.  Thankfully he does not care.

3.  Make a Love Notions Octave Coat.  This is another slipped project.  2025 is the year to finish it.

4.  Make a Love Notions Clef Coat.  This is a pattern I purchased early in the year and forgot that I had it.  

5.  A quilt for my nephew.

6.  Various home dec projects.  

7.  Work on fitting Love Notions Duet Trousers.  

8.  Work on clothing items as I see a need/hole in the wardrobe.  

9.  Make a JOY banner for my niece. 

I have not sewn much the last couple of years.  I also have not shopped much.  I am starting to see holes in the wardrobe.  I would imagine that will encourage a bit more sewing or have to shop.

Goal for 2025:

1.  Reduce the amount of fabric purchases.

2.  Reduce the number of patterns purchased.

Honestly, this list should keep me busy even if I only accomplish half of it.  The slipcover will keep me busy for a couple of months.

Happy Stitching!

A Look Back At 2024 Sewing...

 Folks, I did not do a lot of sewing in 2024.   The sewjo took a little bit of a vacation.  So many things happened.  My cat passed suddenly.  I went to Ireland for three weeks and want to go back.  I got two new kittens and that makes sewing an adventure.

Most sewn pattern:

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  This is such a great shirt pattern.  I have so many plans for changes.  The designer has a lot of information on the blog regarding this pattern as well.

Most loved patterns:

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  I do not think I can say much more about this pattern.  It is just a classic that you can make over and over.

2.  Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt pattern.  This one is a repeat from last year.  It is such a nice little skirt pattern.

Most dislike project:

1. Itch to Stitch Dana Point Top pattern.  Do not get me wrong about this top.  It is a great hot weather top.  It is a little outside my comfort zone in styling and I just could not get the top to fit me.  After two muslins, I gave up.  

2024 Sewing Reflection:

My sewing for 2024 was pretty limited.  I did manage to complete two slipcovers and that was a big win.  I did manage to make some shirts which are also a big win.  I did not get as much completed as I wanted but life happens and you have to go with the flow.

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!