Inspiration...Trouser Skirt & Jacket

 This outfit screams fall to me:

This is the Techno Cotton A-Line Midi Skirt by Brunello Cucinelli.  Price tag: $3,100.00.  Details:  high waist, single pleat front, angled side slip pockets, a-line silhouette, hem falls below knees, button tab/zip fly, belt loops, cotton/nylon/polyamide, lined, dry clean only.

Here is a close up of the skirt:

Here is a winter version of the same skirt pattern:

Price tag: $3,650.00.  Fabric:  wool/nylon/polyamide/elastane.

Now that I have shown the skirt in two different versions, I hope that your creative mode is roaring.  Unfortunately, I could not have an exact pattern like this.  My guess is that a pattern could be found in the resale market from the 80s, 90s, and maybe the 2000s.

The jean style jacket.  I would say that if you are going to make one jacket for fall/winter, this is the style to make.  I am seeing if everywhere in leather or suede.  I have been looking for a faux leather/suede that is washable.  I know it is out there.  Jacket patterns:

This is the Seamwork Audrey pdf pattern.  It calls for denim or canvas but I think that a faux leather or suede would be suitable.  

There are many jean style jackets patterns.  So, really just pick your favorite and run with it.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee Round 3...

 With this round of the Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee, I chose the scoop neck option and made a small change to the shoulder slope:

With this version, I made 1/4-inch change to the shoulder slope.  This fabric is the nicest of the three cotton jerseys that I have used recently.  It is buttery soft.

As far as any additional changes, I do need to make a minor change to the armscye and I think that I have worked out the corresponding change to the sleeve.  I have made three of these in a row and it is time to challenge myself with something different.

I do believe that this pattern is going to be my TNT for T-shirts.  I have not made the crew neck version yet.

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...A-Line Midi Skirt

 It is time to start looking toward fall and winter wardrobe considerations.  Here is a cute little skirt:

This is the Check Wool A-Line Mid Skirt by Akris Punto. Price tag: $775.00.  Details:  Stretch wool, high waist, angled side slant pockets, a-line silhouette, hem falls below the knee, walking vent front, invisible side zipper, lined, dry clean only.

This would be a great day-to-day skirt but not the dry clean only label.  Here is my first thought for a pattern:

This is the Merchant & Mills The Penna pdf pattern.  It is a very simplified version of the inspiration photo.  It is more of an a-line with a front slit and side seam pockets.  A perfect little pattern. Honestly, if you are interested in a closer representation, then you need to look more toward older patterns.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Top/Dress PDF Pattern...

 Itch to Stitch has a new top/dress pattern and it is perfect for hot summer days. Here is the line drawings:

This is the Aiken Polo Shirt/Dress pdf pattern.  It is a classic polo style.  

Here are the features:

• Regular and full bust options
• Bust dart on full bust option
• Sleeveless, short-sleeved, and long-sleeved options
• High-hip-length shirt or knee-length dress
• Side slits for comfort and ease of movement
• Optional ruffles along the front placket
• Classic polo collar and front placket
• Designed for light- to medium-weight knit fabrics

Skill Level:  Intermediate

Sizes:  00 - 40

Be sure to check out all the testers' versions for inspiration.

The Aiken Polo Shirt/Dress pdf pattern will be 20% off through 11:59 Mountain Time on July 21, 2026.  Remember discounts will stack.   Have fun shopping!

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 Sewing!

Inspiration...Denim Jacket

I am looking toward fall/winter wardrobe planning.  I always plan more than I can execute.  Here is a great denim jacket:

 This is the Three Pocket Cotton Denim Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1,298.00.  Details:  22-inches from shoulder to hem, notched lapels, button front closure, long sleeves approximately 32 1/2-inches long, front patch pockets, relaxed fit, cotton, dry clean only.

Yes, it is a cute jacket and well worth duplicating.  I suspect a jacket like this would be worn a lot.  Here is a look at the jacket on a model with matching jeans:

This gives you an idea of the of proportions and what it would look like as a two piece set.  Here is a pattern that gives a similar look: 

This is the Merchant & Miles The Ottoline.  This pattern might be a little more casual than the inspiration photo but maybe it is just techniques used to make it.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Long Sleeved Dress

 This dress screams latefall to me.  I can not imagine wearing it when it is hot.  Here is the dress:

This is the Floral Cotton Muslin Tiered Mini Shirt Dress by Akris Punto.  Price tag:  $1,660.00.  Details:  Lightweight Cotton Muslin, bond collar, self-tie split v front, long sleeves with button cuffs, side seam pockets, a-line silhouette, falls below knee, invisible back zip, cotton/polyurethane, dry clean only.

Folks, I looked for a pattern that was similar but failed.  How about look and feel of the inspiration photo?  The Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse/Dress.  Here is the line drawings:

This pattern would give you the tie and split neck.  The dress already has the first tier.  You would need to calcalute the remaining tiers.  For the sleeve, I would use one of the long sleeve options and add length if needed.  I found this tutorial on using this pattern and adding one tier.  If you have a pattern that explains how to do tiers, use it.

Fabric will make the dress.  Here is a link to the Florals at Mood.  You will need to page through to get to 2-tone florals but they are there.  

Hope you are inspired to create something fabulous.

Happy Stitching!

Itch To Stitch Kashi Tee Round 2...

 With this round of the Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee, I chose the v-neck option and made a small FBA.  Here is the result:

I really like the v-neck of this view of the Kashi Tee.  It is a really good height.  The minor FBA that I did seems to be good although there is still a bit of wrinkling above the bust.  I will make another small tweak to the shoulder slope next. I might even add a little bit of additional length to front maybe not a traditional FBA.

This version is very wearable and will be worn.  The next version will be another scoop neck version.

I feel like the needs to be some changes made to the armscye but I do not know how to make the corresponding changes to the sleeve.  If you are aware of a tutorial or explanation of what needs to be, I would welcome the information

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...Oversized Button Down Shirt

 This particular shirt is probably more for cooler weather than warm weather but it is not too early to start sewing for cooler weather.

This is the Large Striped Cotton Poplin Oversized Button-Down Shirt by Akris punto. Price tag: $775.00. Details:  laarge striped print with patch pocket at hip, point collar, button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, oversized fit, hem below hip, shirttail hem with size slits, cotton/elastane, dry clean.

I really like the idea of this top.  The use of the stripes is great.  I would think that a slim pant of pants would be great with this.

There are several companies that have oversized button-down shirts.  It is a simply google search.  The inspiration shirt does not have a yoke and I could not find a button down pattern without the yoke.  So, you can decide the yoke issue.

Otherwise, I love the stripe idea but not the price.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Another Pattern...

 I have been trying not to invest (collect) so many patterns that go unused.  The Itch to Stitch Summer Sale got me though.  Here is the line drawing of the pattern that I picked up:

This is the Santorini Tank.  I have been seeing more of these tanks recently and they are very cute.  So, my goal is to try this sometime this summer.  

I really wish my sewing would be faster but I have turned into a very slow sewer.

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!

Itch to Stitch Summer Sale...

 Itch to Stitch is having a summer sale through June 30, 2026.  Everything is 25% off which is applied automatically at checkout.  Here are a few of my favorites:

This is the Kashi Tee & Dress PDF pattern.  I just made this pattern and it may very well become a TNT for me.  You get three necklines, three lengths, and three sleeves.

This is the Vikos Top & Dress pdf pattern.  I have made a dress and a top is planned.  

 This is the Taroko Skirt pdf pattern.  This is probably my favorite skirt pattern right now and I have made at least four versions.

This is the Soller Top & Dress pdf pattern.  If you are looking for a quick and easy top/dress pattern, this might be the one.  I have made this at least three times.

This is the Quebec Skirt pdf pattern. I have made this skirt once and I loved the results.  Just make sure you follow the directions closely on size select.

There are many, many more Itch to Stitch patterns.  Check the shop page.  Check the blog post for any pattern that looks interesting to see what the testers made.  Tons of information.

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!

Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee...

 I purchase many patterns and admire them but I am trying harder to use them.  Looking for a well fitting t-shirt has been interesting.  I do not necessary want to make t-shirt after t-shirt from different patterns but I have tried many.  The Itch to Stitch Kashi T-shirt pattern has a fair number of options with it - three necklines, three sleeve lengths, three body lengths, and regular bust/full bust.  Here is the line drawings:  

The pattern gives you information on size selection.  I am always skeptical of the sizes that are suggested but I went with it because it is just fabric.  The size suggest was a c-cup, a size 12 in the bust and shoulders and an 18 from the bust down.  Style was short sleeves, scoop neck, and hip length.

For fabric, I found a cute little knit that I had tried multiple times to use but it seemed to twist.  Somehow this time, I was able to get it flat to cut out the pattern.  Here are the results of my efforts:

Overall, this does not look bad.  Other than the transition of the sizes, I did not attempt any other pattern fitting before cutting out.  That is a win-win.  It probably took me and 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours to complete.  I used all three of my machines - stitched darts with the sewing machine, did all the seaming with the serger, and finished the hems with the coverstitch machine.  The coverstitch machine was probably the hardest but it did pretty good with the stitching tonight.  

I fully realize that this is not perfect.  I can see the wrinkles.  This was my muslin which will probably get worn.  In looking at the pictures, I think I need additional length/width for the bust.  Just a little.  I can see the wrinkles on the sleeve in the back but those I am unsure how to fix.  

Next one will get a little bit of a full bust adjustment.  It should help with the little bit of wrinkling at the bust and level out the side view of the front.

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!

This n' That...

 I just realized that it had been a while since I posted anything.  So, thought I would give you a bit of an update.  

What have I been doing?  Not a lot.  A little bit of pattern play.  Nothing made yet but the patterns have to be printed and checked.   

Now, for the biggy.   My sewing room has gotten completely out of control.  We did a house renovation late last year and lots of stuff ended up in that room.  It just kept compounding and I finally said enough is enough.  However, it is so bad that I can not bring myself to spend more than 30 min or an hour everyday.  So, that is what I have been doing.  Rearranging, folding fabric, purchasing more containers so that I have something to put excess fabric into.  The fabric will be headed toward the storage unit with all my other excess.  

With luck, that fabric will not become out of sight out of mind.  It had done that in my sewing room because I could not see it.  I found some really great fabric.  Some of it, I know what it was destined to become and some it who knows.  I will say that I have far too much fabric.  I need to sew it because it is really hard for me to get rid of it.

I can honestly say that you really should not purchase fabric just for the sake of purchasing fabric.  A small stash maybe but I am talking maybe 4 or 5 pieces at most.  There is always more fabric.  Yeah, I know sometimes you see something that you just have to have.  I get it but I also have a 10x10 storage unit for my excess.  Will I use all of it?  Probably not.  Someday, my son will say "What was she thinking?".   I have been better about not purchasing and hopefully this clean out will not have me purchasing more.  

I will get my inspiration posts started again soon.  Probably in July.  Hopefully, I will get some sewing done before then because I need to clothes and I do not want to go shopping.

Happy Stitching!

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!