Inspiration...Straight Skirt

A good day-to-day skirt is wonderful in the wardrobe and this skirt could be year round depending on the fabric chosen.  He is a glimpse:

Skirt in Navy Blue Cotton-Hemp Herringbone Canvas with Caramel Stripes by Jacon Cohen.  Price tag: $690.00.  Details:  5 pocket midi skirt.

Here is another version:

This is the Midi Skirt in Caramel Suede by Jacob Cohen.  Price tag: $1,350.00.  Details:  5 pocket style,  knee-length pencil skirt, ultra-soft suede leather, flat snap buttons in leather, slit front and back. 

Same skirt pattern with different fabrics.  The descriptions are slightly different but I zoomed in on the denim skirt on the Jacob Cohen website and it has a back slit as well.    You know that I have the perfect pattern:

This is the Merchant & Mills Clementine Skirt.  It is almost a perfect duplicate of the inspiration pattern.  What's missing?  That front slit.  How easy is that feature to duplicate?  If you already have a similar pattern fitted or not, use it.  Save that money for the fabric.  Of course, you the stash before purchasing fabric as well.

I know you are thinking about fabric now.  Cali Fabrics has the Jacob Cohen denim is stock.  Kiki Textiles (affiliate) has a faux suede that would be perfect for this skirt.  (PS...here is a code for 10% off DARLAELSKEN)

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

I am an affiliate of Kiki Textiles.  If you purchase via one of my links, I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

New To Me Sewing Resources...

 I am always looking for new resources for sewing. I just wish some of them were local to me.

I have mentioned this store before - Kiki Textiles (affiliate).  I recently recieved samples and plan ordering some suede, stretch leather, and possibly a knit.  Use discount code DARLAELSKEN and get a 10% discount.

Next resource is another fabric store - https://sewsnip.com/ .  They are a little different in their approach and it looks like they will sell goods for other stores.  Might be a great place to look for older fabric collections.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Polo Top

 Today's inspiration is all about casual.

This is the Merin Virgin Wool Polo Top by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $730.00.  Details:  color blocking, collared v neckline, relaxed fit, hip length, pullover style

I love the look of this top but I would not want to deal with the wool.  That we why we sew, right?  Here is a pattern that does a good job duplicating the style of inspiration:

This is the Frankie Polo by Love Notions.  The pattern comes in 2 lengths with 3 sleeve lengths.  It is meant for a knit fabric but the collar and placket can be done in a woven.

This pattern can easily be color blocked like the inspiration photo.  This is where the whole scraps of knit can easily be used.  It would be harder to find a collar similar to the inspiration photo.

Wawak carries solid colored rib collars.  I also found collars and cuffs at this Etsy store.  Maybe you can find other suppliers.  Of course, this type of matching can be harvested from clothing as well.  Just make sure it is in good condition.

Hope you are inspired to sew something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Mystery Quilt Series at NZP...

 I just saw the NZP was starting a new block of the month mystery quilt series for 2026.  All the quilters might interested in participating.    Here is the kickoff post.  There is a featured collection but there is not reason that you could not dive into the stash and use it.  Check the recommended tools as I am sure that they will make the quilt blocks a little easier to make.  Hopefully, the tools are already in your basket of tools.

I have already joined one monthly sewing group for the year.  I may decide to do this one as well if I have patriotic fabrics in my stash.  I really do not need to add many additional fabrics as I am busting at the seams with my current stash.  I have been trying not to add fabric to my stash but it still happens.  It is an addiction.

Happy Stitching!

Love Notions Barrington Boxy Tee...

 I am still experimenting with pattern fitting via the Pin & Needles fitting videos.  I chose the Love Notions Barrington Boxy Tee.  Here is the line drawing:

This tee is a boxy tee that hits at the high hip.  I choose to do the long sleeve, crew neck, and the split sides.  I chose a large in the shoulder/armscye area and an x-large from the armscye to the hip.

Here is the the pattern changes:

The only change that I made on the sleeve was to make the sleeves a little wider through the bicep area.  I followed what I had seen a "cutter" do to a shirt and decided if they could do it so can I.

The bodice changes were minor.  My bust point is shorter than average so I move the bust point up 1 inch by taking a pleat in the pattern.  To get the waist in the correct spot, I added 3 inches just above the waist.  I made identical changes to the back bodice.

We have been having renovations down and I had to move all of my fabric from their hiding spot in my room.  It was like Christmas.  I found many fabrics that I had forgotten about.  I found this wonderful cotton knit in a royal blue.  

I have been having pretty good luck with making changes according to the Pins & Needles fitting method so I ditched the muslin and just made the top.  I did have challenges but it was 100% machine issues.  My coverstitch machine just did not want to function properly.  I ended up having to finish one side of the bottom hem in a different stitch because the lower looper on the coverstitch machine would not stay threaded.  It was very frustrating.  Here are the results of my efforts:

The fit is far from perfect but every bit as good as anything I can purchase.  In looking at the pictures, I am wondering if I need a round back adjustment.  Many tops need a high round back adjustment but I do not feel like that is the case here.  I will definitely make a couple more for spring/summer because that v-neck version really calls to me.  Maybe if I dig around a little more I will find more suitable knit fabrics for this pattern.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch - Laon Shirt pdf Pattern

 Itch to Stitch's first pattern release of 2026 is the Laon Shirt pdf pattern.  Here is the line drawings:

The Laon Shirt is a classic, timeless shirt designed to be a true wardrobe staple—the kind you can dress up or down and keep coming back to. One of its defining features is the front princess seams from the armholes, which allow the shirt to gently contour the body for a flattering fit without feeling restrictive. It’s polished, comfortable, and easy to wear.

 

Laon Shirt Features:

• Cup sizes for a beautifully contoured fit
• Classic shirt design with collar, collar stand, and front button placket
• Princess seams from the armholes for shaping and a flattering silhouette
• Back yoke for durability
• Long sleeves with plackets and buttoned cuffs
• Curved hem for a polished finish
• Designed for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics

Skill Level: Intermediate

Sizes: 00 – 40 (See “Size Chart” tab below for detailed measurements)

Your purchase includes the pattern in A4/Letter files, A0 files, and a projector file with all sizes.

 

To celebrate the release, the Laon Shirt is 20% off from now through Tuesday, January 13, 2026.  The buy more, save more discount still applies making it a good time to pick up other patterns that you are interested in.

To see how the pattern looks on a variety of people, check out the testers' lovely shirts.

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

Happy Stitching!

Kiki Textiles Samples Arrived...

 The samples that I ordered from Kiki Textiles has arrived. The samples are generously sized from 3-inches x 6-inches to 6-inches x 7-inches.   

The red stretch faux leather is a wonderful fabric but I am not sure that I could pull off the bright color anymore.  I am thinking about ordering a darker color because it would make a fabulous skirt or jacket.  The microsuedes are a nice, thick fabric which would be perfect for a jacket, pants, or skirt.  I am thinking that the gray microsuede needs to become a jacket.  The Lulu Yoga Spandex is a little thin for me but I am a little old lady even if I do not like to admit it. The 4-way stretch faux leather (pleather) is a nice stretchy knit based fabric.  It would be wonderful on it's own or as a trim.  The gray twill pattern nylon spandex is interesting.  It is opaque as long as it is not heavily stretched.  It would make a nice skirt or pants maybe a jacket.  The faux cashmere knit is beautiful brushed knit.  The dusty rose color that I ordered is beautiful.  It needs to be a pullover of some sort.  

Here are my thoughts:

1.  The grey microsuede is just asking to be made into a jacket like this inspiration photo.  I would probably use a jean jacket pattern to get the results.

2. The faux cashmere is asking to become a light-weight sweater.  Not sure which pattern I want to use be it is definitely going to be coming to my house,

3.  The 4-way stretch leather (pleather).  I may be get a couple of colors for trims.  I need to wash the sample and see what happens.

4.  The gray twill pattern nylon.  I am considering this fabric.  I have some patterns that would work with it.  Fitting would probably be the issue with this type of fabric and I am not sure that I can find a suitable muslin fabric.

Well, that is it for now.  I am an affiliate of Kiki Textiles.  If you were to purchase from my link above, I would get a small commission.  If you follow my link and decide to purchase, use the DARLAELSKEN and get a 10% discount.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Slim Legged Pants

 It is time to start thinking about late winter or early spring.  I think have found the perfect pant.

This is the Bleecker Slim-Legged Pant by Lafayette New York 148.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  9-inch rise, 30 1/2-inch inseam, 39-inch outseam, 14-inch leg opening; sits just below the natural waist; slim fit legs; center crease front and back; side zip; acetate/polyester bleand; dry clean.

I really like the pant but I really do not like the price.  I found three patterns options:

This is the Sabrina Slims pdf pattern by Love Notions.  

 This is Pants..Perfected! by Pamela's Patterns.

This is the Clover Pants pdf pattern by Seamwork.

All three of these patterns have similar features.  Even though the Sabrina Slims were my first pattern thought, the Clover Pants and Pants Perfected patterns are probably a little closer to the inspiration photo.  

I do not really want to get similar fabric to the inspiration photo just because of the care needed.  All three pants can be made from stretch wovens with varying degrees of stretch.  Two of the pants can be made from knits.

Happy Stitching!

Projects 2025 Results...

 Last year, I tried to project plan for the year.  It was a great list but only a little was actually done.  It was a "lemony" year.  As I look at the list, the only thing I really accomplished was clothing items.  I did make a gift or two but not the ones on the list.  Maybe actually planning is not what I need to do.  If I decide to try again, the list probably will not look much different.

As far as goals, I think I was fairly successful.  I purchased 45 1/2 yards of fabric for the which is about 15 yards less than the year before.  As far as patterns, I purchased more than I needed to because I have not made one of them yet.  I purchased a total of nine patterns.  At least, that is what I admitted to throughout the year.  

Do you make a list of projects?  How about a list of goals?  How did you do with either list?

I hope that 2026 is a better sewing year than 2025.  I will admit 2026 has the same "lemony" feel but for slightly different reasons than 2025.

Happy Stitching!

A Look Back on 2025 Sewing...

 Well, I thought my 2024 sewing was not much but I think 2025 was even less.  I guess that is what happens when you have a "lemony" kind of year.  I had fun times traveling.  I had sad times losing several family members.  I had big decisions to make regarding my health which I am still working on.  

Most sewn pattern:

Believe it or not there was not a most sewn but there were four ties.

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  You can not go wrong with the pattern, if you are looking for a classic button down shirt.

2.  Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt.  This is another great basic.  

3.  Sew Over It Pussy Bow Blouse.  This is a nice little blouse.

4. Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  This is a cute blouse with lots of options.

Most loved patterns:

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.   It is just a classic that you can make over and over.

2.  Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt pattern.  This one is a repeat from last year.  It is such a nice little skirt pattern.

Most dislike project:

I am happy to report that there were not any dislike project.  Well, maybe one.  It was a quilt top that I had been given.  I ended up spending about $40 on the project only to throw it out.  It was a nasty stretchy mess and I gave up on it.

Most used project: 

This definitely has to be the surgery pillow that I made.  It has been in constant use since the day of my surgery.  It really did save me as far as my cats went.  It kept them away from the area. It was used many times when I went out in the car.  

2025 Sewing Reflection:

My sewing time was very limited in 2025.  Betweens traveling, deaths, and health decisions sewing time just did not happen much.  Sewing did save me in the month before my surgery as it keep my mind and hands busy.  The month after my surgery did not have much sewing in it but I did put together patterns and made one muslin.  We have to happy for what we can do, right?  I am trying to just go with the flow.  

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchased through one of my links, I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!