Inspiration...Plaid Button-Down Shirt

 There is nothing like a good button down shirt.  For me, this one clicks all the boxes:

This is the Darleen Plaid Chambray Button Down Shirt by Ralph Lauren Collection. Price tag: $1490.00.  Details:  point collar, button front, long sleeves, button barrel cuffs, chest button-flap pockets, yoke back, relaxed fit, linen.

I just love the look of this shirt but I really do not love that price.  The pattern:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt. The only change I would make is the flap on the pocket.  Although there may be a flap included in the pattern.  As for a linen plaid, Cali Fabrics does have some light weight linen in a plaid.  

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric On The Way...

 I tell myself that I do not need any more fabric but once in a while I see something I must have and it never comes alone.  Here is my latest purchases:

This is Black/White/Powder Blue 100% rayon print crepe.  I purchased two yards.  That is enough for a blouse.  Care:  Machine Wash Gentle Cycle.

 This is a cotton/polyester Dusty Cloud Gray Oxford Cloth.  I purchased two yards and intend to make a button-down with it.  This will make a good basic.  Care:  Machine wash gentle.

This is a Dark Vintage Wash Cotton/Lycra Strertch Denim.  I purchased two yards.  Unknown what I will make with this.  There is enough for a skirt or pants.  Care:  Gentle wash.

Now, I must sew, sew, sew.  I purchased six yards of fabric with no where for it to go storage wise.  I do have projects that will use up that amount of fabric.  So, I will just be replacing old stash with new stash.

Happy Stitching!

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!