Inspiration...Knit Pants

Pants are a very day wear type item even though I personally like to wear skirts as much as possbile.  This pair of pants is probably a secret pajama:

This is the High-Rise Textural Knit Pants by Eileen Fisher.  Price tag: $218.00.  Details:  straight leg, elasticized waistband, pull-on, rayon/nylon/polyamide/spandex blend fabric, machine wash cold.

For the pattern:

This is the Butterick B6966 which is a elastic waist knit pant without side seams.  The top is a bonus.

For those who are not intersted in an elastic waist pant, this pattern might be of interest:

This is the Bridget Trousers pattern from Love Notions.  It was developed for knit fabrics.  You get the knit (secret pajamas) and the straight leg.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover....

 My first fall/winter item is completed.  This maybe a first for me.  I am usually sewing items throughout the season instead of before hand.  Here is the line drawings fot the Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover:

Here is the link to the "wearable" muslin that I made.  It may just be a lounging top.  The stripes do not match around the bust and that bothers me but I think it will be snuggly warm. Here is my final top:

I think it turned out well and I am very pleased with the fit.  It has a few issues but I doubt that anything is perfect.  As with the muslin version, the zip was a pain.  I did put off as much as I could but I wanted it finished.  The zipper probably took two days to finish.  Mostly because I was working in the evenings and it is a bit harder to see in the evenings. 

It is hard taking a picture of yourself.  The photographer is away right now.  Here is a hanger picture:

You really should consider this pdf pattern.  The results are very good.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Layered Skirt

 I found this skirt and was very intriqued.  Here is this simple little skirt:

This is the Layered Button-Front Wool-Blend Knee-Length Skirt by Prada.  Price tag: $3,150.00.  Details:  bandless waist, button-front closure, side slip pockets, chambray underskirt, wool blend outer skirt.

The price for the simple little skirt is astonishing.  Granted there are two layers.  Which comes to another intriqueing point - Why to two layers or skirts?   It caught my attention.  Now, for a pattern:

I 

This is the Silhouettes Patterns  Vera's Skirt pattern.  It is a waistless button front straight skirt.  I do not know if there are pockets included with the pattern but it is easy enough to add.  

To get the look -

• decide on length
• pick the outside fabric and the inside fabric
• the inside skirt will be a little taller and a little longer
• make your skirts

I made that sound simple.  It might not be that simple.   The skirt pattern itself is fairly straight forward.  There is a sew along for this pattern here.

So, pick out a nice wool blend fabric and find a chambray in a color that suits you.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch sale...

 Itch to Stitch is having a 20% off sale through August 31, 2026 at 11:59 US Mountain Time.  Here are a few of my favorites and some I am sewing for the fall/winter:

This is the Brisas Pullover pdf pattern.  I have made this once and love it.  The zipper is a little tricky but trust the directions they will get you there.

This is the Andorra Top & Vest pdf pattern.  This is the next pattern to muslin in my queue.  I love the idea of this top and can hardly wait to get it the muslin finished. I have my eye on some faux cashmere that will make a perfect sweater.

This is the Elmstead Pinafore pdf pattern.  This is my list of to-dos.  It has nto made it to the muslin stage yet as I am trying to locate fabric in the stash before purchasing something. I love the idea of this in corduroy.  However a denim version would work year round.

This is the Orio Jacket pdf pattern.  I have seeing some great versions of this made up and love it.

This is the Kashi Tee & Dress pdf pattern.  This is a great basic.  The pattern contains lots of options.  I have made this at least three times.  

This is the Quebec Skirt pdf pattern.  This is a great skirt.  I misjudeged the size when I made mine but it is a lovely skirt and I am hoping to make another one in a stretch corduroy.

This is the Zubiri Trouser pdf pattern.  This is a good silhouette for this year.  

This is only a little taste of what is available at Itch to Stitch.  Be sure to hop over and see what is available.  All discounts apply automatically.

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  If you purchase through any of my links, I will get a small commission.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Jacket

 The last two inspirations have been denim skirts.  Now, we are moving to a tailored jacket style:

This is the Brushed Denim Jacket by Akris punto.  Price tag: $1,590.00.  Details:  spread collar, long sleeves, button-barrel cuffs, d-loop belt, side on-seam pockets, button front closure, peplum hem, 100% cotton, lining 100% cupro, dry clean.

This jacket is so cute.  Definitely different than the standard jean jacket.  Here is a pattern idea:

This is McCall's M7513.  It is a tailored jacket with a peplum.  It might work for the inspiration photo.  The collar is a little different and there are no cuffs or belt.  I think that with a little hacking the cuffs could be added.  The belt would just need to be sewn.  Denim is not a specific fabric called out with this pattern but wool and velveteen are heavy fabrics which imply to me that denim would work. If you are a Threads Insider, there is an article on how to add details to a princess seam jacket from the 1940s era.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Pencil Skirt

 If the last skirt is not the type of denim skirt that interest you, maybe this next will be:

This is the Pencil Winter Denim Midi Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $495.00.  Details:  high-rise waist, banded waistband,  side zipper closure, 100% cotton, dry clean.

I love the idea of this skirt.  I could not find an exact match to this but I did find this pattern that has the pencil skirt shape and the front slit:

This is the Pencil Midi Skirt Sewing Pattern #1327.  This pattern has a front zipper instead of a side zipper but I think it will make a nice skirt.  The pattern is meant for woven fabrics. Denim is a good option.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

A Little Something Extra....

 This is a little scrap busting project.  I recently made a Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover (affiliate links) which you can see here.  However, there are always leftover fabric.  In my attempt to not toss or hoard this little bits of fabric I have been collecting little projects to use them up.  I found this ear warmer pattern and it seemed perfect.  A lot depends on the fabric but it does not hurt to try it.  The instructions are fairly straight forward.  Here is the results:

I think it took longer to print the pattern and cut it out than it did to actually stitch it. Definitely a quick and easy project.

Hope you are inspired to up some of your little leftover knits.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt

 This is an all year type of skirt:

This is the Button-Front Cotton Denim Midi Skirt by Akris Punto. Price tag: $695.00.  Details:  cotton denim, a-line silhouette, silver buttons, high-waist, angled side slip pockets, hem falls below knees, button front closure.

Here is a pattern that would work:

This is the Sawyer Skirt pdf pattern by Seamwork.  This is a button front, a-line silhoutte, and midi-length.

I suspect that the inspiration skirt does not have the panels that this skirt has but I think that is okay.  Hope you are isnpired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover Muslin...

 It is time to start working on fall/winter items.  I started my first item with the Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover.  Here is the line drawings:

I found an interesting fabric for my muslin.  It was a very inexpensive fabric for the test garment.  I hope it will work.  After reading through the directions, I chose a 14 for the upper bodice with 18 below the bust.  I will also transfer the size 18 armscye and sleeve.  

The fabric that I chose for the muslin can be seen here.  It is a light weight sweater knit.  Matching the stripe is not going to be easy, if even possible.  Since I had plenty of fabric, I chose to fuzzy cut the collar, sleeve cuffs, and hem band.

Here is the completed test garment:

I think the muslin turned out fairly well.  It is too hot to wear this much but I need to wear it around a bit to see if it will sit correctly before cutting the fabric intended for this pattern.  If it pulls back, I need to add a little length at the back.  That is something that I do on many garments.

Overall, I think this is a solid pattern.  The hardest part was the zipper installation and I took my time with it.  I do not know how many of these pullovers I want to make but I do like it a lot.

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...Top & Skirt

 We are winding down into the hot part of the year where I am.  It is still hot but you are wanting to move more to fall colors.  Here is a great little set:

This is the Streamlined Tank and Streamlined A-line Skirt from Jill.  Price tag tank: $69.00.  Price tag skirt: $89.00.  Details tank:  crew neck, button keyhole back, side slits, mid-hip length, polyester/rayon/spandex blend fabric, machine wash cold.  Details skirt:  sits below waist with flat front and elasticitized back waistband, side zip, tailored fit, seam detailing with straddle stitch, about 30-inches long, polyester/rayon/spandex, dry-clean only.  

I love the look of this outfit.  I even love the color.  However, the dry-clean only is a bit off putting because I know I would not want to do and try to wash it on gentle cycle and hang dry.  It might work and it might not work.   Here are some thoughts on patterns - 

Tank:

This is the Phoebe Tank by fabric-stores.com.  I think this would be a great pattern for the inspiration tank.  It does not have the keyhole back opening but that is okay in my box.  This pattern takes a little bit of time to fit but is a great pattern.

Skirt:

This is the Seamwork Arbor Skirt pdf pattern. This is a full a-line skirt with in-seam pockets and an invisible zipper.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Midi Skirt

 It is time to start thinking about fall/winter.  Skirts that work with boots is a great start.  Here is an interesting one:

Complete look.

This is the Wool Midi Skirt by Prada. Price tag: $2,700.00.  Details:  drawstring elasticized waistband, central inverted front pleat, contrast satin-effect underskirt, side zip closure.

The first picture is just showing the skirt as an outfit.  

I could not find an exact pattern for this style of skirt but New Look has several drawstring skirts that are straight.  Here is a tutorial that explains adding an inverted pleat.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cardigan and Skirt

 The look of this inspiration is really good:

This is the Chunky Yak Knit Half-zip Pullover.  Price: $995.00.  Details:  half-zip pullover knit in chunky stitch, fold-over collar, long sleeves, half-zip placket, wool/yak/cashmere, dry clean only.

The skirt - Plaid Lightweight Wool Blend Shelley Midi Skirt. Price $895.00.  Details:  bandless waist, side zip, light-weight viscose/wool blend, stitched pleats at the waist, 100% rayon lining, dry clean only.

The chunky boots are fun for this outfit as well.

The pattern for the pullover is easy:

This is the Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover pdf pattern (affiliate links).  The right chunky knit fabric could really bring this top into the look of the inspiration.  Mood Fabrics has many chunky knits.

I was unable to find a pattern exactly like the inspiration skirt. Here is a bias skirt pattern:

This is Pamela's Favorite Bias Cut Skirt by Pamela's Patterns.  This pattern gives you two lengths and two silhouttes -full and slim.  For the pleats, this tutorial  might help.  I would say that the inspiration is a inverted pleat but you do you.  Here is a link to the few fabrics that Mood Fabrics had in a light weight wool.

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!

Inspiration...Pleated Skirt

 Sometimes, you find a cute skirt but can not figure out why the pricing is the way it is.  Here is one:

This is the Floral Pleated Poplin Midi Skirt by Prada.  Price tag: $5.600.00.  Details:  100% cotton poplin, floral print, elastic waistband, side on-seam pockets, pleated a-line silhouette, dry-clean.

Have you calmed down about the price for a pleated poplin skirt with an elastic waist?  Well, I did find a pretty good pattern to match this silhouette:

This is New Look N6605.  Unfortunately, it is a discontinued pattern but you can find it on the resale market.

Floral poplin is relatively easy to find.  Just head over to your favorite fabric store online or physical.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

 

Closet Curtains...

 Years ago, I made linen curtains for a large window in my home. The bedroom is on the small size being only 10'x10'.  I finally decided to take the closet doors off so that 3-feet that the doors took up could be used.  This allowed me to center the bed in that room instead of having it pushed up to within inches of the window.  Here is the linen curtains that I made for the closet:

I am pleased with the way these turned out but some how the measurements were a little bit off.  We had originally measured the height to be 86-inches.  However, it was noted that the fabric was puddling on the floor.  I am not going to work on this anymore.  It should be okay as long as no ones stands on and tries to open the curtains.  

Linen is a fabulous fabric to work with.  I have a very small piece of fabric left over and I may make some tie backs if I can find some simple tie back hardware.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Corduroy Dress

 Today's inspiration is a simple pullover type dress and completely for those who love the general style but find it a bit short:

This is the Sleeveless Pinafore Mini Dress from Old Navy.  Price tag: $44.99.  Details:  v-neck, wide straps, center back seam, patch pockets, relaxed fit, 100% cotton.  Model is 5'9". 

I really love the idea of this little dress but it is shorter than I would be comfortable wearing.  I also like that it comes in corduroy or denim.  Since I already have a corduroy dress, think that a denim one would be good.  Here is the pattern with very similar design lines:

This is the Seamwork Dani Pinafore pdf pattern.  This pattern has a waistline seam and inseam pockets. It would be very easy to substitute the patch pockets for the inseam pockets.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Long-Sleeved Blouse

 I found this cute little blouse:

This is the Farrah Paisley Long-Sleeve Blouse from Veronica Beard.  Price tag: $448.00.  Details:  Silk blend, v-neck, long sleeves with elastic band, classic fit, hip falls to hip, pullover style, dry clean.  

Here is a closeup of the blouse:

I will admit that the color drew me in but I also really like the paisley print.  I am sure that a fabric can be found that will be representative of the paisley fabric and not be dry clean only.  Here is the line drawing of the pattern I chose:

This is the Itch to Stitch Seychelles pdf pattern.  I think it has a similar vibe to the inspiration photo.  The sleeves are gathered with a button rather than using elastic.  I suppose it you wanted you could use elastic.  

I am an Itch to Stitch affilate.  Purchasing through my links will result in a small commission to me without any cost to you.

Mood has a nice selection of various paisley fabrics in various types of fabric. 

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Sinclair Pattern Whisper Shorts...

 I purchased the Sinclair Patterns Whisper Shorts pattern a couple of years ago as this is my favorite style of undies.  As you can tell, I was not in a big hurry to accomplish it.  It felt like another collected pattern.  Then, on one of my sewing lists someone mentioned making tank tops from leftover knit pieces that were too small for tops and I thought I will see if I can do that with the Whisper pattern.  Your machines are already threaded with the right color of thread, right?  Here is the result of me using small pieces of leftover knit:

I used a size 16 with a 3-inch inseam and cut the rise at the highest.  I really did not intend to have the highest rise.  So rather than cut off the 1 1/2-inches, I used a 1-inch elastic for the waistband that had it hitting in approximately the same area.  I used three of my machines - serger for seams, sewing machine to apply the elastic, and coverstitch machine for hems and waistband.  Except for all my futzing, it was fairly quick.  I will say that I have a much higher appreciation for the price of undies.

The instructions:

I do not usually have an issue with pattern instructions.  The instructions for the gusset on the shorts had me scratching my head.  I finally gave up and did my own thing.  Appears to have turned out okay. It made me realize that I probably do a glance at illustrations instead of directly reading instructions.  The photos did not really help me.

Overall impression, is using those scraps for under garments can be a money saver.  I would love to hear how you use up those left over knits.  I know I am not the only person who only wants 1 1/4 yards but has to buy 2 yards.  I do not have little people to sew for anymore.  I would recommend the pattern.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Box Pleat A-Line Skirt

 Looking forward fall dressing, this skirt would be a nice addition:

This is the Box Pleat Cotton Gabardine A-Line Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag:  $495.00.  Details:  cotton gabardine, front box pleat, a-line silhouette, high waist, angle slit pockets, knee length, invisible back zipper, belt loops, dry clean only, lined.

I really like the idea of this skirt and I am sure that I have a similar pattern hiding in the stash.  Here are a couple of pattern ideas:

1.  This is a draft your own pattern tutorial. This is great.  Once you draft a pattern that fits, you can make minor changes to create different looks.  

2.  This is a freebie skirt from Tiana's Closet - The Gabby Front Pleated Skirt.  I have not tried this line of patterns but Tiana is very generous with her time.  Even the patterns she charges for are very inexpensive.  Definitely worth a try.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

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!