Boxy Top...

 I found this top pattern at Jalie:

I thought this would be a fun, everyday type top.  Folks I picked a size, cut it out, and sewed it up.  I suppose technically it is my muslin.  I used a super soft black/white plaid that I found in the Walmart precut section.  It is probably a polyester.  Here are the results:

Big and boxy does not mean it will fit.  This pattern proves that but I will wear this top regardless.  Fit issues that I can immediately see:

• full bust adjustment (photo 1, 2, 4) I would just add length at the bust level a quand ease it in.
• round back adjustment (photo 3)

Now, I am going to put it out that it could be a balance issue and that taking a tuck approximating where I would normally add length in  the back might work as well.  

Another observation, I forgot to measure the sleeve width.  It is a little narrow for me but not uncomfortable.  If I make this again, I will definitely add width all the way to the sleeve hem.  

Overall, this is a quick easy pattern.  By the way, the fabric really is a plaid.  I can not figure out why the pictures look funny.  It does not look like the photos.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Boxy Top and Straight Skirt

 

This is the Spread-Collar Camel Hair Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag:  $1,698.00.  Details:  v-neck, spread collar, long sleeves with button cuffs, side slits, pulls over, animal hair, dry clean, delicate pick stitch around the neckline-collar-cuffs.

I was unable to locate the matching skirt so the price is unknown.

The top was easy to locate a pattern. Here it is:

This is the About Town Popover pattern by Pattern Emporum.  The fabric for the pattern is light to mid-weight.  I think this is a perfect match to the silhouette of the inspiration photo.

There isn't any way to know how heavy the inspiration top is.  So, I suppose you would just need to do the best you can do.  Of course that is what we do best, create the way we want.

As for the skirt, I think I long straight skirt would work.  Pattern might be tougher as we can not see the back of the skirt.  It seems that there has to be a walking pleat or opening  in the back.  Here is a pattern that might work:

This is the Merchant & Mills Penna Pencil Skirt.  Appropriate fabric would be 4 to 6 ounces.  The front slit could be moved to the back or made as is.

I do not think that you could miss with as a set. Make sure that the color matches within the your wardrobe and you will be able wear the individual pieces with multiple items.

Hope you are inspired to make something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

More Stuff...

 I will be the first to admit that I can plan way more than execute.  Here are my latest purchases:

This is a white/dark royal blue/multi print, 100% cotton floral print poplin shirting.  I purchased 1 1/2 yards to make a short sleeved top. Pattern unknown at this time.  Machine wash.

This is Outerspace Gray Polyester/Recycled Seawool. I purchased 2 yards.  Pattern not selected at this time but it will be a skirt.  Care:  Machine wash/air dry.

 

This is Pacific Blue 100% cotton Embroidered Floral Crinkle Suiting.  I purchased 3 yards for a Merchant & Mills Camber Set Dress.  Care:  Gentle Wash/Tumble Dry Low. 

This is a navy stretch corduroy.  I purchased 3 yards for an Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt and possibly a vest.  Care: machine wash.

This is the Style Arc Delphine Woven Jacket paper pattern.  This jacket was all over Paris when I was there in the spring.  I really want to make the collared jacket with the two front pockets.  No fabric purchased yet for it.  I will pull stash fabric and make a muslin or two before making further commitment.

Inspiration...Lace Sleeve Shirt

 A pretty blouse is a thing to have in the wardrobe.  I think it is a perfect, feminine work shirt.

This is the Lace Sleeve Shirt by Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $119.00.  Details:  point collar, long sleeves with button cuffs, shirttail hem, lace sleeves, lined body.

This is just a standard button-down shirt.  So, the pattern will be easy. Any button-down that you have already fitted.  Here is the pattern that I would use:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  It is a great little pattern.  I have made this eight or nine times.  It is a great pattern.

Hope you are inspired to make something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Machine Maintenance....

 How often do you clean your machine(s)?  I like to think that I clean my machines often.  Sometimes, I clean after ever project.  However, I was looking at my serger and could not remember the last time I hade really gave it a good clean.  So, I decided that cleaning and oiling (as appropriate) was needed. Here are the results:

Serger:

Ugh! This machine was really needing a cleaning.  I would assume that the oiling was appreciated as well.  

Sewing machine:

Ugh! That is a lot of gunk.  I know that I cleaned the machine this summer because the machine will tell you to clean it.  Okay, I admit I did not know the message existed until I got it.  I had been doing a lot of topstitching and I guess between the fabric and thread it produced a lot of lint.  So, maybe it has been a couple of months and several projects since it was cleaned.  I did take the time to oil the machine.

Coverstitch:

This machine had the least amount of lint.  I have used it quite a bit this summer so maybe I cleaned it and did not remember.  I could not find any oiling information for this machine.   I need to do a deeper dive and make sure I am not missing anything.

I am actually appalled at how linty the serger was.  That machine gets wiped out before each new project most of the time.  

How often do you remember to clean your machines?  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Modern Trouser

 Today's inspiration is all about daily wear.  Trousers or pants depending on how you look at them. 

This is The Modern Trouser by Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $129.00.  Details:  tailored, fitted, high rise which sits 1/2-inch to 1-inch below nature waist, front zip with hook and bar closure, off-seam pockets, back besom pockets, leg lengthening flare, classic 32-inch inseam, petite 29 1/2-inch inseam,  shell - 96%polyester 5% lycra, lining - 100% polyester, machine washable.

I like the idea of these pants but in looking at the details neither the classic or petite would fit without some sort of length alteration but that is why we sew, right?

Here is the pattern that I chose:

This is the Peckham Women's Trousers by Liesl & Co.  This pant pattern has a back elastic waist but otherwise I think it is a perfect match to the inspiration photo.

I really like the drafting at Liesl & Co.  Everything that I have made has been good.  I think I have made the Classic Shirt eight or nine times if not more.   I have not made this particular pant pattern but I will. 

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Shirt

 This inspiration is a casual denim shirt.  

This is the Perezzi Denim Wrap Shirt by Veronica Beard.  Price tag:  $348.00.  Details:  washed denim, surplice neckline, long sleeves, button cuffs, side tie closure, 60% cotton 40% tencel, machine wash, 26-inches from shoulder to hem.

Here is the pattern that I chose:

This is Silhouette Patterns 4019 - Diane's Wrap Dress.  The pattern is almost exactly like the inspiration pattern.  It just needs to be cut shirt length.  It has princess seam which is different.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch Dress PDF Pattern....

  Itch to Stitch has a new dress pattern and it is perfect for hot late summer or early fall

days. Here is the line drawings:

This is the Baiona Dress pdf pattern.  The dress featutes are:

• Regular and full bust options
• Short kimono sleeves
• V-neck neckband
• Elastic waist with 3 rows of elastic in casing
• A-line, knee-length skirt
• Option for plain hem or ruffled hem
• Optional inseam pockets
• Designed for lightweight woven fabrics

Skill level:  intermediate

Sizes:  00 - 40

The Baiona Dress pdf pattern will be 20% off through Septemeber 13, 2026.  To see examples of the dress made-up, check-out the Itch to Stitch Blog post.

The volume discounts still apply in the cart so it is a good time to look at other patterns.  The discounts are as follows:

• Spend US$20 or more and get 15% off your entire cart
• Spend US$30 or more and get 20% off your entire cart

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...Silk Blouse

 It is time to look at tops.  A found this lovely silk top:

This is the Ashlynn Paisley Silk Blouse by Veronica Beard.  Price tag:  $448.00.  Details: silk paisley print, collarless design, long sleeves, shirttail hem, button cuffs, button-front closure, dry clean.

I am also drawn to paisley print.  The above blouse has a very nice print.  For a pattern, I was unable to find a pattern that matched exactly but I did find one with a similar look.  Here is the pattern:

This is McCall's M7868.  There is a variety of blouse views so you could theroically once fitted make several blouses.  It has the collarless design, the gathering around the neck, the gathered sleeves.  What is missing?  The sleeve cuffs, and the button front.  

Here is a link to paisley fabrics at Mood.  Lots to check out.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

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!