Inspiration...Vest

 The vests seem to be very popular the last couple of years.  I do own a fleece vest but it is the only one.  However, this style of vest might change it:

This is the Sherpa Fleece Button-Front Vest from Clearwater Creek. Price tag: $99.95 Details: v-neck, button front, extended shoulders, patch pockets, fleece, contrast binding, mid-hip, relaxed fit, about 26-inches.

Here is the pattern the I think would be a great pattern for a duplicate:

The is the Seamwork Moss Lined Boxy Vest pdf pattern.  This is very similar.  The neckline could  become a little deeper "V'.  It could be easily lengthened.  

Now for fabric.  I looked for various fabrics. I wanted something that was washable.  Minky Sherpa is washable if you can find it.  However, purchasing a blanket might actually work well.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Elmstead Pinafore Part 2

 I decided to keep working with the Itch to Stitch Elmstead Pinafore (affiliate) muslin that I created.  I reduced the seams by 1/8-inch all the way around.  Here are the results:

The fit across the belly is much better. It is amazing that that letting the seams by 1/8-inch at each seam would look so much better.  Just above the bust I have pinned approximately 1-inch at the armscye.  I think that I like the look better with the narrowing across the upper chest.

I looks like a little bit of a full bust adjustment is necessary but I think that I will ignore it.  Perfect is hard to do.

I think I need a little more space across the hips. I am going to add 1/4-inch at the back princess seams.  The width across the back at the armscye is too wide.  I am going to add about 1/2-inch for a round back adjustment.

  

This side view is not too pretty.  I think I missed adjusting this by just making sure it was it was smooth.  

After I see the back, I need to add the little buckle at the back.  It gives the back a little bit of definition.  On the the finished item.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Pullover Pattern...

 Itch to Stitch has done it again.  This time it is a beautiful pullover.  Here is the line drawings:

This is the Itch to Stitch Martigny Hoodie pdf pattern.  This is like the perfect little everyday piece. 

Martingny Hoodie features:

• Regular Bust and Full Bust options for a great fit
• Flattering deep V-neck
• Lined hood with drawstring
• Slightly dropped shoulders
• Slanted side seams with inseam pockets
• Options for short sleeves with cuffs and long sleeves with cuffs
• Wide bottom band
• Designed for medium-weight knit fabrics

Such a cute top!  Be sure to check the testers' versions for more inspiration.   The pullover can be made with medium weight knits and lined with either woven or knit fabric.  

Skill Level - Intermediate

Sizes - 00 - 40

The Martingny Hoodie pdf pattern will be on sale through November 4, 2026 through 11:59 pm US Mountain Time.  All volume discounts still apply which makes it a good time to add something you've 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!

 

Itch to Stitch Elmstead Pinafore Muslin...

 It is time to start some fall/winter sewing.  Yes, I am starting a little late but you have to start sometime.  I am going to start with the Itch to Stitch Elmstead Pinafore pdf pattern (affiliate links).  Here is the line drawing:

After reading through the instructions on sizing and measuring myself, I decided to use a 14D for the bust up and move to a 20 at the waist/hip.  The 20 is a little bit bigger than what I normally do.  If I think it is too big I definitely know how to take seams in.  There are six so a small change can easily be made.

I printed the pattern and made the changes listed above.  The front side piece is a little shorter than the front center piece which is easy to correct.  I took the time to measure lengths. There was also a difference in the length of the back compared to the front.  Here is a view of my modified pattern:

 

I realized after I took the photos that I missed something.  The front side which I thought was longer than the other pieces, I actually made a mistake when I pinned the pieces together.  I forgot to pin out the seam on the pocket.  Now, I get to decide if I want to remove the 1/2" addition or if I want to add the 1/2" to the side piece.

When I was visiting a large city with actual fabric stores, I found a navy fabric that I thought would work for this but I will need to do a muslin before cutting that.  The stash generally yields an acceptable fabric for muslins and I found a fairly nice stretch woven.  

Yes, the garment fabric is different than the muslin fabric but I think it will be okay.  I am really just testing that the lengths are good.

Here is the muslin version:

It looks like it was cropped a little too much but it will do.  The fit in the bust is pretty good.  I was a little afraid the location was off but not the case at all.  I do think that it is a little wide just about the bust at the armscye.  Sorry the camera is in the way,  maybe I should try to get another picture of that area.

I feel like the tummy and hip area could use more space visually.  I will say that I am sitting in the muslin right now and it is very comfortable.  I support that could be the stretchy fabric.  Here is the back:

I think it is harder to evaluate fit when you are taking own pictures with a phone.  I do think that the hipline needs more visual ease.  

I think that I need to go up a size in the waist and the hips.  I did do a 20 in the hip according to my notes but I am positive that I just adjusted from the 14 bust to the 20 hip ao the waist is somewhere between the two.  

Off to evaluate what I really need to do here.  I do want to have a version of this for winter.

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric Arriving...

 You know that a new pattern (Itch to Stitch Taravera Blouse) generally required new fabric as well, right?  So, I purchased a couple of knits during the latest Fabric Mart sale.  Here they are:

This is midnight blue/cornflower blue/white 100% cotton jersey knit.  I purchased 2 yards for the Itch to Stitch Talavera Blouse in a short sleeve.  Care:  machine wash gentle/tumble dry

This is deep navy blue/white poly/lycra polka dot print double brush.  I purchased 2 1/2 yards of this fabric. I intend to make a long sleeved version of the Itch to Stitch Talavera Blouse.  Care:  Mashine wash gentle/ tumble dry.

This is a French Vanilla 100% cotton tubular knit.  I purchased 1 yard.  I do not have anything in particular for this fabric.  It is really a stash fabric intended for cuffs and ribbing.  This type of fabric has gotten difficult to find and using the same fabric for cuffs and ribbing as the body of the project does not always work well.  Care: mashine wash gentle/tumble dry low.

That is it for purchasing more fabric.  I really need to sew, sew, sew since I am still buying, buying, buying.

I am an Itch to Stitch afflilate. Any purchases made from my links will result in a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tweed Jacket

 I love a nice jacket and if I was still working the following jacket would be mine:

This is The Long Crew Neck Jacket in Tweed by Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $209.00.  Details:  crew neck, long sleeves, front button closure, front chest and hip welt pockets, lined, straight fit, 26-inch long, polyester/wool, dry clean only, hits at hip.

Finding a similar pattern was difficult.  I did find one without the pockets:

This is Vogue V1992.  The jacket in this pattern is lining but the skirt and the pant patterns are not.  I think you really need to line both items if you use a looser fabric.

Hope you are inspired to create a wonderful jacket.

Happy Stitching!

Resistance Is Futile...

 I have been working really hard not to buy so many patterns but it seems to be futile.  Maybe if I did not look at other's creations, I would be a little more successful.  I have had some great success with the Itch to Stitch patterns (affiliate).  Once you figure out your size, it is all good.  Yes, I did purchase the latest pattern and will attempt to make something before the end of the year.  Who does not need a great blouse?  Here is the line drawings:

This is the Talavera Blouse.  The curved yoke is fun.  Now, I need to dig through the stash and see if anything interesting is available.  I suspect that there are not many pieces in there long enough to accommodate the long sleeve top.  A double bonus as I can whip up a summer top as well.  There might very well be stash fabric available in the correct length for a short sleeve top.

This pattern is still on sale through October 26, 2026 and the volume discounts still apply.  That makes it an excellent to pick up additional patterns of interest.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made with my links will result in a small commission at no additional cost to you.   

Off to see what is available in the stash.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Blouse Pattern....

 Itch to Stitch has a new blouse pattern and it is perfect for year around.  Here is the line drawings:

This is the Talavera Blouse pdf pattern.  This easy little blouse is made for knits with 50% vertical and horizonal stretch.  

Talavera Blouse features:

• - Regular Bust and Full Bust options for a great fit
• - Elegant classic collar
• - Curved front and back yokes with soft gathers
• - Front button closure
• - Short-sleeve and long-sleeve options
• - Sleeves gathered at the cap and bottom, with cuffs
• - Designed for lightweight knit fabrics

The Talavera Blouse will be on sale through October 26, 2026.  It is a good time to look around at other patterns and use the volume discount for additional discounts,

Be sure to check out the blog post to see all the wonderful versions that the testers created.

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...Plaid Skirt

 I am really loving the long skirts this year.  This one is a lovely wrap skirt:

This is the Plaid Wrap Midi Fringe Skirt from Ann Taylor. Price tag: $159.00.  Details:  32-inches long, hidden back zip with hook and eye closure, fringe, front button closure, lined, hits mid-calf, polyester/wool/other, dry clean only.

Obviously with a back zipper, it is not a real wrap skirt.  The pattern that I selected is:

This is Simplicity 8699.  You get a variety of wrap skirts styles with this pattern.  A wool fabric is mentioned as a recommended fabric.  The silhouette of the pattern is a little bit different than the inspiration photo but I think it gets the same idea across.

Hope you are isnpired to create something wonderful.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shirtdress

 I seem to be very attracted to dresses this season.  This one is very wearable:

This is the Long Shirtdress from Poetry Fashion.  Price tag: $298.00.  Details:  gentle a-line silhouette, rayon/linen blend, full-length sleeves gathered into cuffs, stitch detail waistband, side seam pockets, machine washable, collar and stand, deep hem. 

This is such a great silhouette.  I even like the port color.  Here is the pattern that I think would make a great version of this dress:

This is the Penny Dress from Seamwork.  It would need a different sleeve.  However, once you have fitted the dress there is a possibility that you could get three dresses - long sleeve, short sleeve, and sleeveless.

I found two companies that offer a rayon/linen blend - Charlee Fabrics and Denver Fabrics.  I have no doubt that there are many other companies carrying this type of fabric.  These two companies have colors that I am interested in.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Trousers

 As the weather starts cooling off, it is time to look at cooler weather clothes.  Today's inspiration is a trousers:

This is the the Wide & Straight Leg Trousers from Poetry Fashion.  Price tag: $248.00.  Details:  wide-legged tailored trouser, 5 pocket styling, curved pockets, ticket pocket, back darts, rounded back patch  pockets, metal fly zipper, belt loops on waist band, all over twin needle detail, linen/wool blend, machine wash.

These trousers look so comfortable.  I do not know how easy it would be to find that particular fabric blend but it might be worth looking at the big on-line stores.  If  you are lucky enough to have a good local store then shop there.  Here is the pattern that can to mind:

The is the Frankie jean pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  It is designed for non-stretch denim but I think as long as the weight of the fabric is correct that you might be able to get by with another fabric.

We have one other pattern choice:

This is the Hollywodd Trouser pattern from Liesl & Co.  It is a straight legged trouser.  You would need to add pocket detailing from a pair of jeans.

Hope you are inspired to create a great pair of pants or so for fall and winter.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wrap Skirt

 I really like the idea of this long skirt.  

This is the Wrap Over Skirt from Poetry Fashion.  Price tag: $228.00.  Details:  machine wash, hemp-organic cotton-yak cord (corduroy), gentle a-line shape, wrap over skirt, real horn buttons, single button inside to hold wrap, pockets in side seams, darts in the back waist, deep hem finish.

I just love the look of this of this skirt.  Especially, with the sweater.  Pattern ideas:

This is Simplicity 8699.  You get a variety of wrap skirts styles with this pattern.  The corduroy is not mentioned as a recommended fabric but I think it would work as velveteen is mentioned as a recommended fabric.

This is Laura Skirt pdf pattern by Seamwork.  This skirt would probably work. The a-line silhouette might be a little fuller than the inspiration photo but the corduroy is a definite go with this one.

Fabric - if corduroy is a go for you then the following locations have great options:

Califabrics

Mood Fabrics - lots of fun options here.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Jacket Pattern...

  Itch to Stitch has a new jacket pattern and it is perfect for fall and early winter days. Here is the line drawings:

This is the Itch to Stitch Salas Jacket pdf pattern.  There are lots of options with this jacket.  Here are the features:

• Regular and Full Bust options
• Relaxed fit with dropped shoulders and long sleeves
• Three neckline options: Round, Collared, and V-neck
• Three length options: Short, Hip, and Thigh
• Front patch pockets
• Unlined
• Designed for pre-quilted fabrics

The pattern comes in sizes 00 - 40 and is rated a beginner +.  This pattern is on sale at a 20% discount though September 30, 2026.  Do not forget that the volume discount still applies which makes it a good time to add another pattern you have been eyeing.

Be sure to check the various tester versions of the jacket.  It really gives you a look at the various jackets in various fabrics.

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!