Itch to Stitch Vikos Muslin 2...

 With my last Vikos muslin, I decided that I had started with the wrong size.  So, I reprinted the pattern using the following sizes - 12 from the bust up, 14 at the waist, 18 at the hip, and 18 at armscye/sleeve.  Here is the pattern work:

I almost enough of the same fabric as the first muslin so I went for it.  I just needed a small piece for the front facing.  Here is the result:

I think the fit in the shoulders look a little bit better.  Yes, I have the shoulder pinned.  I will explain further down.  

With the shoulder pinned, the dart placement looks pretty.  There are some weird wrinkles in the front and I am hoping that is because the shoulder has been pinned up without the sleeve area being dropped the same amount.

This picture shows that the left sleeve is still a bit tight.  I guess I will double check my measurements.  Maybe I need a larger armscye/sleeve.  

The dart placement is acceptable.  This shoulder might not be pinned up as much as the other as my husband did it for me.  

So, I decided to shave off 1/2-inch at the shoulder and moved the armscye down 1/2-inch.  Even though the sleeve on the left side looks very tight, it is actually comfortable.  I wore the muslin around the house for a couple of hours doing normal activities.

I think the third "muslin" will be from wearable fabric.  As, I think it fits fairly well and  it actually get boring stitching the same thing over and over.  My plan is one top and one dress for summer.  

Just for comparison, here is a picture of Muslin 1 and Muslin 2 side by side:

Thoughts?

Once I get this fitted, I should be able to knock off a top in about one hour.  This is a really well drafted top and I really like the look of it.  Take a look at the Itch to Stitch Vikos pdf pattern.

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Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Button Front Maxi Skirt

 A classic every day type skirt is a wonderful thing to have in the classic.  It makes short work of getting dressed in the morning when you do not feel like making a lot of choices.  Here is a nice skirt:

This is the Button-Front Maxi Skirt from J Jill.  Price tag: $89.00.  Details:  100% cotton, sits below waist, pull-on waist, a-line silhouette, machine wash gentle tumble dry low, 33" back length.

When you look at this skirt up close in the front, you would never know this was a pull-on waist.  That front band looks real.  I would think the belt would be neccessary to hide the elastic in the back if you doing a tuck.

I am sure you know that I was not able to find an exact pattern for this skirt.  That would just be too easy.  There is this pattern:

This is the Sawyer Skirt pdf pattern from Seamwork patterns.  It does offer the button-front and the a-line silhouette but not the elastic pull-on waist.  It might be easy to increase the back panels to allow the pull-on silhouette.   You could also take an elastic waist a-line skirt pattern and add a placket.  Here is a tutorial for making a fake placket or a real placket.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Fit & Flare Skirt

 I really like that the longer skirt are showing up again.  Here is an example:

This is the Fit & Flare Twill Skirt from Talbots.  Price tag: $129.00.  Details:  100% cotton, length 30-inches, full, midi-length, hidden side zipper closure, removable belt, machine wash & dry.

I admit that they need to hit in the right spot to look good. So, get out  Ithose measuring tapes and start figuring out where they need to hit for you.  The length of this skirt would probably be best just as the calf is curing down to the ankle.

If you have a straight skirt pattern already fitted, you could use it to make this type of skirt.  Here is a tutorial.  If you would rather have a pattern, then try this one:

This is Butterick 7012.  The skirt would do for the inspiration photo.  It might be a little wider.  This pattern gives you a couple of bonus pieces.

This is Simplicity 9267. This pattern gives you the waist band and the pleats. Very cute skirt.  It could be manipulated to remove the front band and put the zipper on the side.  

Itch to Stitch Vikos Muslin....

 I indulged in this pattern a year ago.  Here are the line drawings: 

This is the Itch to Stitch Vikos Top & Dress pdf pattern.  I love the simplicity of this pattern with two lengths and three sleeve variations there is plenty of options.  I chose a size 14 with DD cup.  I made changes to the pattern following the information the Karina at Pins & Needles provides in her fitting woven tops videos.  Here are the pattern changes:

To the front bodice, I reduced the length from the neckline to the bust point by two inches, then increased by 2 5/8" to move the waist line down.

I matched the changes from the front bodice to the back bodice at the side seams and then reduced the waistline changes at center back from 2 5/8 inches to 1 3/8".  

On the sleeve, I added width at the side seams.  

Digging through the stash produced a light weight woven fabric that I loved the color but knew I would never make anything to wear from it.  Cut everything out and stitched up.  Folks, this is a very easy pattern to stitch.  Once the fitting is good, sewing this could probably be no more than 1 to 1 1/2 hours and I am slow when it comes to sewing.

Here is my first muslin version:

I see a wrinkle that I am not familar with.  The one radiating from mid-armscye to the bust.  I will see if pinning the shoulder makes and changes to that.  I am also wondering if it might be too wide from armscye to armscye above the bust.   

I can see that the dart is a little too high.  I think I need to figure out if it is a bra issue or I need new measurements.  It could be both.  The left sleeve looks like it needs more room and I think I need more belly room. 

Yes, the left arm is definitely needing move space.  Although it does not feel like it needs it with the top on.  I need to figure out the diagonals wrinkles in the mid back.  I am hoping that is not an issue with my pattern alteration.

Definitely need more belly space.  I can not tell what is causing the diagonal lines in the back.  The front is most likely the dart misplacement and maybe needing more dart space.  

Conclusion:

1.  This is a well drafted pattern.

2.  I need to print another pattern so I can give myself more space in the waist and hip.  

3.  Figure out if the dart issue is my bra.  I will be able to see that is some of other summer dresses.  Otherwise, it is an easy fix to move the dart.

I am going to be honest.  If this was a fabric that I was willing to wear, I would probably wear this top as it currently is.  Why?  Because, I can not purchase stuff that fits better.  

The next version will be a size larger in the waist & hips.  I am going to go play with pinning the shoulder at the armscye and see if some of the issue is sloper slope. 

Maybe I should get my husband to help me make a sloper slope template and this issue could be corrected before cutting out.  Just a thought.

If you have any suggestions on my fitting, feel free to leave a comment.  

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Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt

I really like a denim skirt and I have planned plenty of them without ever following through.  However, a version of the following skirt might get made:

This is the Side-Slit Belted Denim Midi Skirt from Akris punto.  Price tag: $730.00.  Details:  high-waisted, pencil silhouette, hem falls below knee, side slit hemm invisible back zipper, viscose, dry clean.

I do not know about you but I do not want a dry clean only denim skirt but I sure like the idea of this skirt.  Here is the pattern I was thinking:

This is the Encore Skirt from Love Notions.  This pattern has lots of options with one of the options being a pencil skirt.  I would use the pencil skirt at the long length and create a slit on one side.  Ease peasy.  Then, create a fabric belt.  I am not sure how long belt would need to be but I would think that twice your waist length would be a good starting point.  Width would probably be at least the width of the skirt waistband.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Single Button Blazer

 Jackets are showing up every where.  This one is great style:

This is the Single-Button Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1,698.00.  Details:  single-breasted front, tonal stitches, notch lapels, long sleeves, structured shoulders, chest welt pockets, hip flap pockets, tailored vent, button-front, acetate/polyester, dry clean.

I love that this type of styling is coming back.  Make matching trousers and maybe a skirt along with it. Why not?

Here is the perfect pattern for this jacket:

This is the Closet Core Jasika Blazer pattern.  View A is perfect for the inspiration pattern.

The perfect fabric will need to find.  Preferably a fabric that would not need to be dry cleaned. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Dress PDF Pattern....

 Itch to Stitch has a new pdf pattern and it is fabulous.  Here is a look at the line drawing:

This is the Itch to Stitch Markina Dress pdf pattern.  This pattern is designed for medium weight knits with 50% stretch.  It has a slightly flared skirt, tailored details.  It makes a wonderful work dress or everyday type of dress.    

Features are:

• Designed with cup sizes for a great fit
• Fitted silhouette for a sleek, flattering shape
• Button placket at the center front bodice
• Waistband for definition and shaping
• Gentle A-line skirt for graceful movement
• Optional decorative pocket flaps below the front waistband
• Short and long sleeve options
• Designed for medium-weight stable knit fabrics

Check out the testers' versions to see the different interpreations.  All are beautiful.

The pattern is 20% off through March 24, 2026.  Remember that the volume discount still applies.  So, it's a good time to add other patterns that you have been looking at.

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!

Hope you are inspired.  This is really a nice looking dress pattern.  

Happy Stitching!

Bread Bags....

 Do you make bread bags for your homemade bread? 

I made a bread bag about eight years ago and it is still going strong.  However, I saw a discussion about bread bags made with beeswax fabric.  Now, I am wondering if I should have one of those.  The real question I guess is do I really need it.  

I found article regarding linen bread bags verse beeswax bread bags but this person is selling the bags.  Then, I found this article regarding using linen bags pros, cons, and best practices.  This article was good.  I do use my bread bag inside a bread box as that keeps the bread away from my cats.    This is just a few articles regarding bread bags.  There are many available with just a simple search.

I also noticed that most articles did not really mention beeswax bags.  There is a lot of effort needed for making your beeswax fabric bags.  I am thinking it is more than I want to do. The linen bags seem to do what I want them to do and well enough. I think I will continue to make linen bread bags.  I did find a couple of tutorials that might be of interest:

How to make a Simple Bread Bag

How to make beeswax wraps and no sew bread bag

Do you make your own bread bags?  Do you have an opinion on the type of bag?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...V-Neck Dress

 I think summer is going to be a hot one this year and I need to be prepared.  This dress is perfect for hot weather.  Add little jacket and even the air conditioning can be conquered.

This is the V-Neck Linen Dress from Poetry.  Price tag: $258.00.  Details:  100% linen, machine wash, slightly fitted and a-line skirt silhouette, deep v-neckline, princess seams front and back, long godets in the skirt, pockets in the side seams, metal zip fastening at center back with long cotton tape pull.

I love the idea of this dress but was unable to locate an exact match on pattern.  So, I chose the sleeveless and the v-neck to match.  Here is the pattern that I chose:

This is the Sorata Dress pdf pattern from Itch to Stitch.  This dress has a V-neck and sleeveless is one of the options.  It is also a slip on style.  No zip.

I do not currently own this pattern but I think I may soon.  I am wanting to revamp my summer wardrobe this year as I did not have time to do much sewing last year.  Just realized this is a very similar dress to another inspiration post but I chose a different pattern.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  It you use a link on this page, I will receive a small commisson if you purchase through one of these links.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching

Cosmetic Pads...

 I found this tutorial for cosmetic pads on the Schmetz website.  Here is a peek:

I decided that this would be a useful gift for my Mom.  The tutorial is for using scraps or previously used items but I purchased a black hand towel and a fat quarter to make my little cosmetic pads.  I think the idea is great but the instructions are not.  It more or less says to sew.  Okay, I can do that.   Here is the finished project:

I actually found this project a little annoying.  I discovered that I did not like sewing the little circles.  I do think this is a great idea but if I make these for myself I will just serge the edges and be happy. 

This could truly be a great scrap busting project.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Dress

 In hot weather, dresses rule.  Here is a great example:

This is the Irene Linen Midi Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $260.00.  Details:  100% linen with 100% cotton lining, machine wash, fit & flare, side seam pockets, fully lined, ankle length.

Sometimes, it is very hard to find patterns that are very close to the inspiration photos but I think this Itch to Stitch dress pattern does a fair job:

This is the Comillas Dress pdf pattern.  This dress is designed for light weight wovens.  You get a couple of versions with this pattern.

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!

Twill Fabric...

 I was looking spring fashion and found a jacket made from technical twill.  I am sure your first thought is the same as mine "What is technical twill".  Looking at the description it is a polyester twill.  In my sesrch for technical twill, I found an interesting article about twill that disgusses the characteristics, properties, and uses of twill.  It is well worth reading to understand twill better.  Yes, it does talk about "technical" twill and it is not a special fabric.  So, the only reason the jacket was $1300 is that it had an interest cut and yeah, no similar patterns.  Oh, to be a pattern designer.  Hope you enjoy the article.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Gathered Waist Dress

 This dress is a perfect summer dress:

This is the Gathered Waist Dress from Poetry. Price tag: $268.00.  Details:  yarn dyed & laundered 100% linen, machine washable, long slightly long-waisted silhouette, neat collar and stand, button through, mother-of-pearl buttons, waist-seam with gathering front & back, patch-pockets on bodice, side seam pockets, short cap sleeves, shoulder princess seams on bodice, twin needle seam details.

I really love this dress.  It is so wearable.  For me, this would be a wear-everyday type of dress. Unfortunately, I could not find a pattern with the collar the same as the inspiration photo.  However, if you have a collared blouse pattern that is already fitted, you are mostly there.  Just determine where you want your waist and how long you want the dress to be. The skirt part would just need to be about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 times the waist area.  It does not need to be a perfect measurement because this dress is not tightly gathered.

If creating your own pattern is not you, then Sew Liberated has a couple dresses with roughly similar silhouettes except for that collar.

Happy Stitching!