Inspiration...Ruffled Top

 I found this feminine little top:

This is the Ruffle Trim Blouse from Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $109.00.  Details:  Flouncy Ruffles, pintuck details, v-neck, long sleeves with smocked detail, lined body, relaxed fit, 22-inches long, polyester.

This is such a pretty little top.  I have not seen any exact patterns like this.  However, you might be able to use this pattern:

This is the Seamwork Cosmo Collared Blouse pattern.  The silhouette is similar to the inspiration photo.  Changes would be remove the collar and add the flounce.  You might be able to use the collar as the start of the flouce and then add length for the center front seam.  As for the pintucks, it would be easiest to stitch them before cutting out the top.   This way you do not have to figure out the extra width.  The sleeves would need a little extra length to get the flounce.  I do not know if width would need to be added to get the smocking.  That is a detail that would need to be investigated.  Of course, you could just add the flounce and simply the sleeve detail by just having a row of elastic.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Long, Flowy Skirt

 Earlier this week, the inspiration post was a blouse.  Here is a long flowy skirt to go with the blouse:

This is the Emma Linen Maxi Skirt from Bodin.  Price tag: $190.00.  Details:  gentle gathers, relaxed fit sitting at natural waist, fabric covered buttons, functional pockets, falls to the ankle, machine washable.

This is the perfect type of skirt.  If you pick the right color/fabric combo, it could go right into fall.  I found a skirt tutorial for this one, if you are interested.  Size modifications would be necessary, depending on your size.  

Actual patterns for this exact skirt was not easy to locate.  Feel free to let me know if you know about a similar pattern.  Here is a pattern that would work for the long flowiness of this skirt:

This is the Elowen Gathered Midi Skirt pdf pattern from Seamwork.  With this pattern, you get the long, flowiness of the skirt.  If you want it to be at the ankle, just add to the length.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Trousers PDF Pattern..

 Itch to Stitch has a new trouser pattern.  Here is the line drawing:

This is the Zubiri Trousers pdf pattern.  This is a high-rise fit with a wide leg silhouette.  There is no side seam as the waist darts provide shaping.  

Features:

• High-rise fit (natural waist)
• Wide-leg silhouette
• Front fly closure
• One front dart and two back darts for shaping
• Unique side dart in place of side seam
• Front and back patch pockets
• Ankle or full length (or customize your length)
• Designed for fluid, bottom-weight woven fabrics

Skill Level:  Intermediate

Sizes:  00-40

The Zubiri Trousers pdf pattern is on 20% off through June 2, 2026 at 11:59 US Mountain Time.  The volume discounts still apply.

Be sure to check out the testers' version of these trousers. There are many lovely versions and it gives you a really good idea of what the pants look like in solids and prints.  There is lots of inspiration.

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!

Inspiration...Embroidered Top

 This top is so springy:

This is the Cotton Embroidered Yoke Top from Bodin.  Price tag: $110.00.  Details:  relaxed shape that falls between the hip and the waist, embroidered yoke front/back, embroidered front bodice, notch neckline, cotton, machine washable.

This is a sweet little top.  I would use this pattern to kinda duplicate the look:

This is the Kit Blouse pdf pattern from Seamwork.  It is not actually like the inspiration photo but I think it would work.  You could still put plenty of embroidery around the neckline and the front bodice.

I did find a couple of options on Amazon that might be wonderful for this top.  Amazon is a good option for me as then I do not need to pay for shipping.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric Coming....

 There will be another thud on the porch soon.  Fabric purchasing is an addiction.  Hopefully, it will get used quickly.  Here is my latest round of purchases:

This is a marble look cotton/polyester shirting.  Purchased: 2 yards.  Care:  Machine wash gentle cycle.  Plans:  Seamwork Hansie

This is a blue/black/white 100% cotton sateen shirting.  Purchased: 1 3/4 yards. Care: Machine Wash.  Plans:  Itch to Stitch Vikos Top.

This is white/royal blue 100% cotton floral poplin shirting.  Purchased: 3 yards.  Care: machine wash.  Plans:  top with matching skirt no specific pattern.

I really need to quit shopping for fabric and start sewing up all this fabric that I am purchasing.  Wish me luck.

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!

Fabric for Brisas Pullover Muslin...

 I finally located a fabric for the muslin of the Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover.  Here is the fabric:

It is a dark navy or balck and off white sweater knit.  I think it will work nicely for a muslin and if I'm lucky it will be wearable.  

Here is the pullover line drawing again:

Hopefully, it will not be an issue matching the stripes. I have not printed to pattern yet. So, I do not actually know how curvy those princess seams are.  

Sadly, I have not really even started much of my summer sewing and I really need to get that done before I start on fall/winter.   I will be ready though.

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!

Inspiration...Midi Sleeveless Dress

 The hot days of summer of coming.  My favorite clothing for hot summer days is a dress.  Here is a perfect one:

This is the Delphine Midi Sleeveless Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $99.00.  Details:  100% cotton, machine washable, fit & flare styling, side pockets, designed to fall to mid-calf, sleeveless, notched neckline, drawstring waist. 

There are options with this dress  - three prints and three solids.  The sapphire blue is perfect.  

Here is a pattern line drawing that I think will work well:

 This is the Bobby Dress pdf pattern from Seamwork. The neckline is a little bit different and the waistline but I think it gives the same feel.  If you are a Seamwork member, there is a bonus available as well that adds a flutter sleeve.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

I Fell For One More Pattern Sale...

 Yes, I did indeed.  Here is the line drawings for the pattern that I fell for:

This is the Frank Jean Pattern (pdf for me).  There are lots of variations with this pattern - 2 rises and 3 leg shapes.  

I am not sure why I needed this pattern but I have it.  I also have multiple other jeans patterns that I have not tried yet.  Wish me luck!

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt....

 Last fall, I purchased stretch twill to make a Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt.  Here is the fabric:

 

It is a 4-way stretch twill in cotton.  It is nice an stretchy.  Here is the Quebec Skirt line drawing:

After reading the directions, I choose a size 16.  I also decided to shorten the skirt by 1-inch.  I did this at the shorten/lengthen lines on the pattern.  I am feeling a little doubtful about the choosen size but it is what it is.  Next, I decided to make the back pockets a little fancier by using decorative stitching.  Here is the design that I chose:

I will modify it a little bit to fit my pocket but this will start the process.  I think I will do a three-step straight stitch in a matching thread.  This was from a pdf that Closet Core had done on jean pockets.

Now, I need to decide about stay tape.  I do not really own this and usually use knit interfacing.  Generally, I would cut for this purpose with the grain so there would not be any stretch but there is a deep curve in the front pockets and I am not sure it will work. I will play a bit and see what happens.  I do not really have much extra fabric to play with.  I do not have any sewing stores nearby.  Yes, a sewing desert.  Just about everything needs to be purchased online.  Okay, here is what I ended up with:

I think it is workable.  I drew the seamline on so I could see where to place the tape.  On to drawing the pocket design.  Here are the results:

Sorry, the picture is not so good but maybe you can tell what it looks like.  Here is a practice topstitching.  I tried both a regular straight stitch and a 3-step stretch stitch with sew-in stablizer and wash-away stabilizer.  Here are the results:

Honestly, I can not tell much difference between the stabilizers.  When test-stitching, I tend to use up bobbins from other projects.  You can see it in the picture above. The second row of stitching has a black bobbin.  I kinda like the way that looks.  It is not what I want for this project but it could be usefully in another project for decorative stitching.  

Now, I need to figure out the thread thing.  I only order one spool of thread and this project has a ton of topstitching.  What was I thinking?  I have a fear that even if I use the thread for top thread, that I will run out of thread.  I do have a large stash of thread so hopefully there is something in there that is very close if not the same color.  So, I did end up ordering additional thread.  The shipping was as much as the cost of the thread.   Here is some additional pictures:

Here I have the pockets basted on.  I used two lines of basting one in a dark color to hold everthing in place and a second line in water solution thread to hold the very edge level.

Topstitching on the skirt front.  I am very happy with the way it has turned out.  Not perfect but good.

At this point the skirt, look skirty enough to try on.  I was disappointed.  Yes, I can get into the skirt but I do not want anyone to see me in the skirt.  I finished the skirt up to the elastic and that is where it will stay until  I have slimmed on a bit.  Here is the finished skirt:

Conclusion:  I love this pattern.  It is the perfect straight skirt pattern.  I am currently looking for fabric with 30% stretch.  You know all the factors - right straight, right color, ect.  I found a stretch corduroy that might work for a winter skirt.

The Quebec Skirt instructions are wonderfully written.  If you follow them, you will end up with a beautiful skirt.  Just make sure you pick the correct size.

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!

Inspiration...Leather Jacket

 I saw the general style of this jacket all over Paris when I was there in early April.  The jacket is a good style:

This is the Button-Down Nappa Leather Jacket from Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag:  $2,498.00.  Details:  Approximately 23 1/2-inches from the shoulder to the hem, spread collar, and button-down front, long sleeves, button cuffs, patch pockets, straight hem, relaxed fit, and leather.

I think that the Style Arc Delphine Woven Jacket pattern is a perfect duplicate of this inspiration photo.  Here is the line drawings:

Now, whether or not you make out of leather is totally up to you.  Personally, I have never sewn a garment out of real leather.  However, I would be game to try a faux leather of some sort.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Another Pattern ...

 I decided that this pattern needed a place in my stash.  It is a fairly simple blouse and should be easy to make.  Here is the line drawing:

This is the Thea Blouse by Sinclair Patterns.  I like the simple style of this blouse and think it will work well for me. The sleeves on the blouse appear to have a good volume which I really like.  I am rarely happy with changing the sleeve/armscye on a pattern.

Here is to me for maybe getting it fitted by the end of summer for new fall/winter blouses.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Double Cloth Top

 I really need to add more top to my wardrobe.  This style of top is a maybe.  It is a little outside my comfort zone.  Here it is:

This is the Rae Double Cloth Top from Boden.  Price tag: $99.00.  Details:  100% cotton, box pleats, puff sleeves with stretch in the cuffs, straight as in not too tight, falls between waist and hip.

I was not sure what double cloth was but found and explaation here at Blackbird Fabrics.  The color of this top is perfect which probably means you can not find it.  Here is the pattern that I thought would work will for this top:

This is the line drawing for the Kit Blouse pdf pattern from Seamwork.  I would probably drop the back tie and maybe change the elastic to shirring. Otherwise, I think it is pretty good match visually for the inspiration photo.  Not exact but fairly good.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Top...

 Itch to Stitch has a new top pattern.  Here is the line drawings:

This is the Mariz Top pdf pattern by Itch to Stitch.  It is a pattern for all seasons.

Features:

• Regular and full bust options
• Raglan sleeves with gathers at the front and back
• Two neckline options: round neck with neck band, or round split neck finished with binding
• Three sleeve lengths: short, medium-short, and long
• Designed for light- to medium-lightweight knit fabric

Mariz Top pdf pattern will be 20% off through May 12, 2026.  Now, is a good time to think about picking up other patterns as there is a volume discount that applies automatically to your cart.

Be sure to check out the testers' version of this pattern for inspiration.

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!

More Fabric...

 Buying fabric is a real addiction.  Here are my latest acquitions:

This is a dark navy blue/gray rayon/nylon/lycra ponte knit.  I purchased 2 yards with the idea of making pants.  Care:  gentle wash cold, dry low.

This is dark cerulean blue/white cotton lawn.  I purchased 3 yards with the idea of making a skirt, maybe.  Care:  gentle wash cold, dry low.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Jacket

 Here is a little linen jacket:

Close up of the jacket:

This is the Single-Breasted Linen Jacket from Giorgio Armani. Price tag: $2,595.00.  Details:  notched lapels, button closure, two front welt pockets, breast welt pocket, partially lined, length 70 cm, fabric - flax, lining - cotton.

This is not must different than the jacket. Just a different price point.  You can see a little bit of the seam finishing inside the jacket.  It is called Hong Kong finishing.  The how-tos should be in a basic sewing book like Vogue Sewing, here is a written tutorial, and here is a you tube tutorial.   

Here is another jacket pattern:

This is Butterick 6960.  With this pattern, it is pretty much what you see if what you get.  It is just a jacket but it is very close to the inspiration photo.

Also, remember to make a second garment to go with your jacket.  That way, you will always have a matching outfit. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Top

 Summer time is meant for linen.  I believe it is also meant for sleeveless tops on those really hot days of summer and this top definitely qualifies.

This is the Sophia Linen Top from Boden.  Price tag: $110.00.  Details:  100% linen, straight not too tight, machine washable, designed to fall between the waist and the hip, keyhole and button fastening at back neckline.

I love this top.  I do not have any striped fabric stashed. I am sure if you look that a similar look can be found.  Here is the pattern:

This is the Phoebe Tank from fabrics-store.com.  This pattern would definitely need to be fitted but once it is done you can make many woven tank tops.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

Itch to Stitch Vikos Dress...

 It time to get the Itch to Stitch Vikos Dress going for summer.  I purchased the denim fabric last fall.  I finished a muslin toward then end of March.  I suppose technically this version will be a muslin too but I plan on wearing it unless it turns out terrible.  According to my notes, the sizing will be from a 12 to 16 to 18 with a slight shoulder angle change.

The photographer is away.  So, for now, there will just be a hanger picture.  I am pleased with the fit.  Changing the shoulder angle did fit some of the back wrinkles.  Hopefully, this dress will be in regular rotation this summer.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Some links in the post are affiliate links.  Should you click the link and make a purchase I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!  Remember with Itch to Stitch, there is a volume discount.

Happy Stitching!

New Fabrics Coming....

 Mood Fabrics was having a sale and I indulged a little bit.  Here is the fabric that I got:

This is a deadstock fabric. It is dark blue, country blue, and white floral print.  I purchased two yards with the thought of making a long sleeved t-shirt like Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee & Dress pdf pattern.  Care: machine wash warm or cold, tumble dry low.

This is a deadstock.  It is a stretch cotton 2x2 rib in country blue.  Care - machine wash warm or cold, tumble dry.  I purchased 2 1/2 yards with the intent of making the Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover pdf pattern and just realized that I did not purchase enough fabric.  I guess I will try to figure out how much additional fabric that I need as this is a heavier fabric and would be nice as a pull over.  The fabric width is much smaller than I thought.  Guess that is what a get for not remembering to look.

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!

Inspiration...Gingham Dress

 This is a lovely, linen dress.  Perfect for the warm days.

This is a the Arabella Linen Blend Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $260.00.  Details:  55% linen & 45% cotton blend, machine washable, side pockets, fit & flare, detachable belt, falls to the ankle.

This dress makes me want to purchase some nice navy/white gingham.  Here is the pattern that I think will work;

This is McCall's 6696.  The pattern has lots of options.  The changes I would make is shorten the sleeves, remove the collar, put the neckband on the bias, and lengthen the skirt.  You need to make a belt.  Obviously, if you have a shirt dress pattern already fitted, use it.  Some the money for the fabric and notions.

The fabric makes this version of the inspiration photo  However, you should really head over to Boden and look at all the variations of this dress.  I also like the embroidered one.

As far as actual fabric goes, both Mood and Yardblox has some nice ginghams.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Skirt

 When the weather is hot, all I want to wear is skirts and dresses.  This skirt is pretty high on the list of things that need to made:

This is the Layla Linen Skirt from Boden.  Price tag: $160.00.  Details:  80% linen - 20% recycled linen,  machine washable, relaxed silhoutte not too loose, sits at natual waist, functional pockets, falls mid-calf, and elastic waist with drawcord fastening.

Love this skirt.  Here is my choice of patterns:

This is the Love Notions Allegro pant/skirt pattern.  The long version is pretty perfect to use for this type of skirt.  Yes, I know the slits are different than the inspiration photo but that is okay.  It would be easy enough to change the center front fold to a seam (do not forget to add the seam allowance).  

Linen fabric is pretty easy to find.  Fabrics-store.com is my favorite linen place. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Another Pattern...

 So, I caved yet again on another pattern.  Yes, it was the  Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover pdf pattern.  Here is the line drawing:

This is a top that I had been thrinking about making.  I was going to purchase new fabric but after seeing the shipping costs I decided to check the stash first.  I think that I found a couple of fabrics that will work well.  Just need to double check the stretch.  Then, find zippers and matching thread.  Hopefully, the thread will not be much of a challenge.  

I have been trying harder to use these patterns that I have purchasing rather than just collecting them.  I am hoping to perhaps sew this over the summer preparing for cool fall days.

This pattern is still on sale through today (April 21,2026).  All discounts still apply so it is a good time to pick up any other pattern you 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!

Inspiration...Square Neck Dress

 This is a pretty little dress:

This is the Square Neck Occassion Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $270.00.  Details:  fit & flare skirt, falls to low calf, machine washable.

This is a great use for the border prints.  Here is a pattern:

This is Hazel Dress pdf pattern from Seamwork.  It might need to be lengthened to match the inspiration photo.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...T-Shirt Dress

 This inspiration is an every day item.  A basic.

This is the Scuba Mini T-Shirt Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details: Approximately 36 1/2 inches from shoulder to hem, crewneck, elbow sleeves, on-seam pockets, hem falls above the knee, shift silhouette, invisible back zipper, nylon/polyamide/elastane, hand wash. Model is 5'10".

I love the idea of this dress. A t-shirt dress is perfect for every day. However, the description of this dress seems confusing to me.  It does not seem mini to me and I am okay with that because I do prefer knee length.  The fabric is described as super stretchy with great recovery but it has a back zipper. Personally, I would not go to the trouble of putting a zipper in a t-shirt dress.

As for the pattern, I would say that any loose fitting t-shirt pattern would work. If I make time to re-create this dress using a t-shirt pattern it would probably be this one:

This is the Barrington Boxy Tee by Love Notions.  You get a lot of options with it.  Once it is fitted, all you need to do is add length.  Of course, any pattern that you already own and is fitted is perfect. 

As for the fabric, I am not familar with this particular fabric type.  I do not know if it would actually be cool enough in hot weather.  Do you know?  I would probably use a nice cotton knit but I am certain that I do not have that in the stash. 

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!