Wednesday, January 8, 2025

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!


Monday, January 6, 2025

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!

Thursday, January 2, 2025

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!

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

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!