Inspiration...Denim Skirt

I really like a denim skirt and I have planned plenty of them without ever following through.  However, a version of the following skirt might get made:

This is the Side-Slit Belted Denim Midi Skirt from Akris punto.  Price tag: $730.00.  Details:  high-waisted, pencil silhouette, hem falls below knee, side slit hemm invisible back zipper, viscose, dry clean.

I do not know about you but I do not want a dry clean only denim skirt but I sure like the idea of this skirt.  Here is the pattern I was thinking:

This is the Encore Skirt from Love Notions.  This pattern has lots of options with one of the options being a pencil skirt.  I would use the pencil skirt at the long length and create a slit on one side.  Ease peasy.  Then, create a fabric belt.  I am not sure how long belt would need to be but I would think that twice your waist length would be a good starting point.  Width would probably be at least the width of the skirt waistband.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Single Button Blazer

 Jackets are showing up every where.  This one is great style:

This is the Single-Button Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1,698.00.  Details:  single-breasted front, tonal stitches, notch lapels, long sleeves, structured shoulders, chest welt pockets, hip flap pockets, tailored vent, button-front, acetate/polyester, dry clean.

I love that this type of styling is coming back.  Make matching trousers and maybe a skirt along with it. Why not?

Here is the perfect pattern for this jacket:

This is the Closet Core Jasika Blazer pattern.  View A is perfect for the inspiration pattern.

The perfect fabric will need to find.  Preferably a fabric that would not need to be dry cleaned. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Dress PDF Pattern....

 Itch to Stitch has a new pdf pattern and it is fabulous.  Here is a look at the line drawing:

This is the Itch to Stitch Markina Dress pdf pattern.  This pattern is designed for medium weight knits with 50% stretch.  It has a slightly flared skirt, tailored details.  It makes a wonderful work dress or everyday type of dress.    

Features are:

• Designed with cup sizes for a great fit
• Fitted silhouette for a sleek, flattering shape
• Button placket at the center front bodice
• Waistband for definition and shaping
• Gentle A-line skirt for graceful movement
• Optional decorative pocket flaps below the front waistband
• Short and long sleeve options
• Designed for medium-weight stable knit fabrics

Check out the testers' versions to see the different interpreations.  All are beautiful.

The pattern is 20% off through March 24, 2026.  Remember that the volume discount still applies.  So, it's a good time to add other patterns that you have been looking at.

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

Hope you are inspired.  This is really a nice looking dress pattern.  

Happy Stitching!

Bread Bags....

 Do you make bread bags for your homemade bread? 

I made a bread bag about eight years ago and it is still going strong.  However, I saw a discussion about bread bags made with beeswax fabric.  Now, I am wondering if I should have one of those.  The real question I guess is do I really need it.  

I found article regarding linen bread bags verse beeswax bread bags but this person is selling the bags.  Then, I found this article regarding using linen bags pros, cons, and best practices.  This article was good.  I do use my bread bag inside a bread box as that keeps the bread away from my cats.    This is just a few articles regarding bread bags.  There are many available with just a simple search.

I also noticed that most articles did not really mention beeswax bags.  There is a lot of effort needed for making your beeswax fabric bags.  I am thinking it is more than I want to do. The linen bags seem to do what I want them to do and well enough. I think I will continue to make linen bread bags.  I did find a couple of tutorials that might be of interest:

How to make a Simple Bread Bag

How to make beeswax wraps and no sew bread bag

Do you make your own bread bags?  Do you have an opinion on the type of bag?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...V-Neck Dress

 I think summer is going to be a hot one this year and I need to be prepared.  This dress is perfect for hot weather.  Add little jacket and even the air conditioning can be conquered.

This is the V-Neck Linen Dress from Poetry.  Price tag: $258.00.  Details:  100% linen, machine wash, slightly fitted and a-line skirt silhouette, deep v-neckline, princess seams front and back, long godets in the skirt, pockets in the side seams, metal zip fastening at center back with long cotton tape pull.

I love the idea of this dress but was unable to locate an exact match on pattern.  So, I chose the sleeveless and the v-neck to match.  Here is the pattern that I chose:

This is the Sorata Dress pdf pattern from Itch to Stitch.  This dress has a V-neck and sleeveless is one of the options.  It is also a slip on style.  No zip.

I do not currently own this pattern but I think I may soon.  I am wanting to revamp my summer wardrobe this year as I did not have time to do much sewing last year.  Just realized this is a very similar dress to another inspiration post but I chose a different pattern.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  It you use a link on this page, I will receive a small commisson if you purchase through one of these links.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching

Cosmetic Pads...

 I found this tutorial for cosmetic pads on the Schmetz website.  Here is a peek:

I decided that this would be a useful gift for my Mom.  The tutorial is for using scraps or previously used items but I purchased a black hand towel and a fat quarter to make my little cosmetic pads.  I think the idea is great but the instructions are not.  It more or less says to sew.  Okay, I can do that.   Here is the finished project:

I actually found this project a little annoying.  I discovered that I did not like sewing the little circles.  I do think this is a great idea but if I make these for myself I will just serge the edges and be happy. 

This could truly be a great scrap busting project.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Dress

 In hot weather, dresses rule.  Here is a great example:

This is the Irene Linen Midi Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $260.00.  Details:  100% linen with 100% cotton lining, machine wash, fit & flare, side seam pockets, fully lined, ankle length.

Sometimes, it is very hard to find patterns that are very close to the inspiration photos but I think this Itch to Stitch dress pattern does a fair job:

This is the Comillas Dress pdf pattern.  This dress is designed for light weight wovens.  You get a couple of versions with this pattern.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

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

Happy Stitching!

Twill Fabric...

 I was looking spring fashion and found a jacket made from technical twill.  I am sure your first thought is the same as mine "What is technical twill".  Looking at the description it is a polyester twill.  In my sesrch for technical twill, I found an interesting article about twill that disgusses the characteristics, properties, and uses of twill.  It is well worth reading to understand twill better.  Yes, it does talk about "technical" twill and it is not a special fabric.  So, the only reason the jacket was $1300 is that it had an interest cut and yeah, no similar patterns.  Oh, to be a pattern designer.  Hope you enjoy the article.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Gathered Waist Dress

 This dress is a perfect summer dress:

This is the Gathered Waist Dress from Poetry. Price tag: $268.00.  Details:  yarn dyed & laundered 100% linen, machine washable, long slightly long-waisted silhouette, neat collar and stand, button through, mother-of-pearl buttons, waist-seam with gathering front & back, patch-pockets on bodice, side seam pockets, short cap sleeves, shoulder princess seams on bodice, twin needle seam details.

I really love this dress.  It is so wearable.  For me, this would be a wear-everyday type of dress. Unfortunately, I could not find a pattern with the collar the same as the inspiration photo.  However, if you have a collared blouse pattern that is already fitted, you are mostly there.  Just determine where you want your waist and how long you want the dress to be. The skirt part would just need to be about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 times the waist area.  It does not need to be a perfect measurement because this dress is not tightly gathered.

If creating your own pattern is not you, then Sew Liberated has a couple dresses with roughly similar silhouettes except for that collar.

Happy Stitching!

Stash Increase...

 I found a fabric that was cute but you can not just order one piece.  You have to justify the shipping cost.  Here are the purchases:

This is the one that started it.  This is a coctail print 100% cotton sateen shirting. I purchased 2 yards with the idea of making my husband a shirt.  Care: machine wash.

This is a blue/black plaid brush shirting.  I purchased two yards.  Destined to be a shirt maybe for me.  Care: machine wash.

This is blue/white dobby weave cotton/nylon/lycra mix.  I purchased two yards.  Not sure but if it is heavy enough it would make a nice simple dress.  Machine wash gentle.

This is black/white/gray abstract geometric 100% polyester crepe.  I purchased two yards.  I will either make a shirt for my Mom or me.  Care: Gentle wash.

This is a gray/navy/alabaster cotton floral print.  I purchased two yards.  This in intended for a simple dress.

This is a red/lavender cotton ditsy poplin.  I purchased 1 1/2 yards.  This is destined to be a top.  Care:

machine wash.

This is a black/boyenberry herringbone weave ponte knit.  Not sure how much I purchased of this.  There is a least enough for a skirt.  I am hoping I can get more.  Care: Gentle wash, tumble dry low.

I think this is enough for now.  Hopefully, none of it will hang around for long.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...V-Neck Dress

 Spring is in the air.  I have been looking at my summer wardrobe and realized it is time to make a few new pieces.  Hopefully, that will occur.  Here is a dress that is perfect for our hot weather:

This is the V Necked Linen Dress from Poetry.  Price tag: $258.00.  Details: 100% linen, yarn dyed and laundered. slightly fitted and a line skirt, deep v neckline, princess seams front and back, long godets in skirt to create fullness, pockets in side seams, metal zip fastening with long cotton tape pull, center back seam.

I could not find an exact match to the princess seam type but here are a couple:

This is Butterick 6850 (also McCall's 7352). This is a princess shoulder dress.  View C is sleeveless with View B neckline.

This is Burda 6894.  It is a princess seam going into the armscye.  The flare is different in this pattern than the inspiration.

If you find a better pattern, please let me know. Hope you are inspired to create a something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Another Pattern Added...

 I decided to add the latest Itch to Stitch pattern to my collection. Here is the line drawings:

This is the  Elmstead Pinafore pdf pattern from Itch to Stitch.  I am thinking I will make this in denim.  I have plenty of denim hanging out in the fabric stash.  I might has well use some of it, right?

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  It you use a link on this page, I will receive a small commisson if you purchase through one of these links.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Jewelry Roll 2...

This is the second Seamwork Ari jewelry roll that I have made.  The first can be seen here and it is a better representation of the pattern.  

I made mistakes with the second jewelry roll but I can live with them.  The mistake was on the snap pockets, I stitched a 1/4-inch seam instead of a 3/8-inch seam and I did not notice until I started stitching the pockets on.  I decided to just go with the roll.  It worked.  Here are the finaly pictures:

I found some happy little coordinating prints in the cotton stash and just went with it.  I think it turned out cute.

The stash is down another yard.  Now, if I could just convince myself not to purchase more fabric.  I have been fairly good this year.  I have purchased a little bit yardage but hopefully, it will not hang around long.  Fabric is so much easier to purchase than to use up.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Suede Coat

This inspiration is probably more for someone who can either sew really fast or wants to plan ahead to the fall season ans sew ahead of time:

Thisi s the 100% Suede Leather Coat Limited Edition from Zara.  Price tag: $759.00.  Description:  100% Suede Leather (goat), lapel collar, long sleeves, front patch pockets, front button closure, bound buttonholes.

This is such a fabulous coat.  I am sure that is heavy because it is leather.  Really the price is not too bad for a leather product.  A faux suede would be wonderful.  Not as warm as the leather but it would still be nice and you would not need specialty cleaning.

Here is a pattern idea that could give a similar look:

This is the Bay Coat by Seamwork.  It would give a similar feel even if it is not exactly the same as the inspiration photo.  You would need to remember to separate the pattern so that the pieces would give the illusion of leather and top stitch.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Knee Length Dress

 I am really starting to look toward spring/summer fashions.  The dress catch my eye because of the big floral design plus it is a causal everyday type of dress:

This is the Floral Cotton Knee Length Dress by Akris punto.  Price tag: $1,360.00.  Details:  crafted from cotton, shirt collar, partial button front, elbow-length sleeves, side seam pockets, hits aaround knee, shift silhouette, slipover style.

It is an easy going dress.  I do not know about fabric.  You might be able to get the effect with applique.  I do have a couple of ideas:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  I made a popover dress using this pattern and instruction from the Oliver & S website.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Stretch & Sew T-Shirt...

I am always trying to find the perfect t-shirt pattern.   You know not too tight.  I guess this is my age showing on me.  I chose to look deep into my pattern stash and pulled out a Stretch & Sew t-shirt pattern from 1990. Here is the  pattern view:

I am going to make View A with long tapered sleeves and regular hems.  Now, I need to figure out the needed size.  I can still wear the t-shirt that I made years ago.  It is a little tight in the belly area.  After a lot of measuring, I decided on a 36 for the shoulder area and a 44 for the remaining body of the t-shirt.  

The pattern requires a 25% stretch.  I found a Walmart cut that I think will work for a test or maybe a wearable muslin.  I am hoping the only thing that will be difficult will be getting the double needle or coverstitch.  This should be a fairly quick project.  Here is the result:

The t-shirt/top is not perfect but it is certainly wearable for an item that I just traced out and stitched.  I had wanted a mock turtleneck but I kept playing with the length and width until it felt right.  So, the neckband is not a mock turtleneck nor it is a typical crewneck.  It is somewhere in between.  

The next time I make this I will need to address the problems - the neckline is a little too high, a full bust adjustment is very much needed, and that back wrinkle.  I am not sure about it.  It seems to be something new but it has shown up on the last two t-shirts that I have made.  It could be a round back alteration needed.  On many patterns, I make a high round back alteration.  I did not on this one.  Maybe the tape measure will provide the answer.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch...Elmstead Pinafore pdf pattern

The new Itch to Stitch pattern is a perfect transistion piece.  Here is the line drawing of this wonderful pintafore pattern:

This is the Elmstead Pinafore pdf pattern from Itch to Stitch.   It is a versatile wardrobe staple designed to be worn over a shirt, turtleneck, or t-shirt—whether short sleeve, long sleeve, or sleeveless. Its classic silhouette works beautifully in a variety of fabrics: corduroy for a traditional look, denim for casual wear, or woolen for a slightly dressier style. Perfect for spring or transitional weather, this pinafore combines comfort with a graceful, flattering fit.

Features:

• Designed with cup sizes for a great fit
• Front and back princess seams from the armholes
• Back yoke with optional waist strap for adjustable shaping
• Center front button closure with a V-neckline
• Integrated slanted pockets at the front hip
• Neckline and armholes finished with bias bindings
• Designed for medium-weight stretch woven fabric

Designed for Intermediate sewing level with sizes 00 to 40.

Check out the testers' versions on the blog to see wonderful examples of the pattern. 

The pattern is discount 20% through February 24, 2026 at 11:59 US Mountain Time.  The volume discount still applies.  So, it is a good time to add on any additional patterns that you may have been eyeing.

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

Happy Stitching!

Jewelry Roll...

  I try to make a small gift of some kind for my niece every Christmas.  I am always late with the gift.  In 2025, I had a great excuse.  I had just had surgery and the sewing room was off limits.  I am just not getting around to stitching the gift.  Here are the line drawings:

Seamwork Ari View B.  This pdf pattern has two versions and I chose the one with all pockets.  Remains to be seen if that is good or not.

Here is the finished jewelry roll:

The pattern is fairly easy to assemble.  The hardest part is installing the snaps on the base of the case.  I have snap pliers and there is very little room to push fabric inside of it.

Overall, I am very happy with how it turned out.  I am planning another one in the near future.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pencil Skirt

 I think pencil skirts are perfect.  Most people can wear one.  Here is the fanc one that I found:

This is the Pencil Skirt in Satin by Saint Laurent.  Price tag: $2,700.00.  Details:  mid-rise pencil skirt, concealed side pockets, concealed back closure, 87% viscose-12% cupro-1% elastane, made in France, dry-clean.  

To me, that price is shocking for a simple little pencil skirt.  Of course, I am not particular familiar with the satin that is being used but I try to stay away from dry-clean only anything.  There are no pictures of this skirt on a model in full length.  So, I am not sure of the length of the skirt but it does not appear to have a kick pleat for walking which would imply that it is above the knee.  I could be wrong about that but it is really hard to walk in a pegged skirt without the pleat.  The waistband appears to be faced.  I would also make the assumption that there is some type of lining.  Otherwise, I doubt that the fabric would be sturdy enough to wear.  

Here is pattern options:

This is New Look 6544.  This is a faced waist pencil skirt in two lengths plus straight legged pant pattern.  This pattern has a kick pleat.  I would do the long length skirt for the inspiration photo.

This is McCall's M8051.  This pattern has a pencil skirt with five length variations, faced waist, kick pleat.  I would think that View B or C would come closest to the inspiration.  The skirt would need to be pegged.

I am sure that more pencil skirt patterns can be found in re-sale.  The New Look pattern was the only one that I could locate that was similar to the inspiration pattern.  

Do not forget to make a lovely blouse to go with the skirt.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

New Vogues...

 I decided to take a peek at the New Vogues.  They seem to be doing better with the offering this season.  Here are the patterns that interest me:

This is Vogue 2150..  This is a nice looking sheath dress.  I think it is very work appropriate in View A with a jacket of some sort.  I think the longer length of View B is a little more casual.  To get this fit right on this one, you want to use sitting measures so there won't be gaping.

This is Vogue 2143.  It is a re-issue of  1978 Diane von Furstenburg design.  This one could be very nice if you can find a good knit fabric.  

Those were my favorites.  I do not have anywhere to dress up for anymore.  So, I probably will not purchase either pattern but I can dream, right?  I do miss dressing up to go to work.  

What are you thoughts of the 80s style with the wide, extended shoulder with the big shoulder pads?  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Eyelet Shirt

 Spring is in the air.  It is time to think about spring/summer sewing.  Here is an interesting top:

This is the Eyelet Cotton Poplin Cap-Sleeve Collared Blouse by Akris punto.  Price tag: $625.00. Details:  crisp cotton poplin with abstract eyelet embroidery, spread collar, split v front, cap sleeves, relaxed fit, hip length.

Here is a close up of the top not on a person:

The real appeal of this top is the lovely eyelet.  The chances of actually finding that eyelet is fairly slim.  I did look around a little bit and found that the Fabrics & Fabrics website has a huge selection of beautiful eyelets.  

I have not seen an exact pattern like this but it should be fairly easy to duplicate.  Love Notions has the Melody Dolman that might work:

The front would need to be cut on the fold and a tab put in.  I know that Liesl & Co has instructions for doing this to the classic shirt pattern on their website.  Another pattern to consider is:

This is the Nosara Shirt pdf from Itch to Stitch (affiliate links).  Same issue as the Love Notions pattern.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Love Notions Encore Skirt...

 After finishing my first stash project of the year, I decided to make an "outfit".  I still had plenty of fabric left so I decided to make a skirt.  Here is the line drawing of the skirt that I chose:

The Encore Skirt has lots of options.  I could not decide between the pencil skirt and the a-line skirt so I printed both patterns so I could measure.  I watched the Lifting Pins and Needles video on making this skirt in a knit and I may very well copy her yoga waistband because I can.  

After much debating, I decided to go with the a-line skirt.  I am hoping that it will be a bit more flattering at this point in my life.  I also decided to go ahead with the yoga waistband.  Here is a picture of the finished skirt:

Here is the yoga style waistband:

I really like this skirt.  This version was super easy to make with the yoga waistband.  I will definitely make a woven project as I am positive that there is fabric in the stash that would work.

This project and the sweater project are showing me the limations of my sewing machine.  My sewing machine barely had enough strength to go through the layers of this fabric.  I will say that I broke at least one needle and yes, I was using the correct size needle.  I suppose it possible that the machine needs a visit to the technician.

Happy Stitching!