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.  

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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!

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!