Inspiration...Blazer and Wide Leg Pants

 This week's inspiration is a blazer and wide leg pants. 

This is the Tailored Seaming Linen Blazer - Cross Dyed from Talbots.  Price tag: $189.00. Details: long sleeve, hits at hip, button front closure, patch pockets, lined.

This is the Greenwich Wide Legged Linen Pants - Cross Dyed from Talbots. Price tag: $139.00. Details: flat front trouser, wide leg, fits high waist, full length, fly front with button closure, front on seam pockets, back welt pocks.

This is such a wonderful outfit.  If I was working in an office, I would have already purchased this outfit.  I will admit that the color of the cross-dyed linen is probably responsible.  How about patterns:

Jacket/Blazer:

This is the Jasika Blazer pdf pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  The only thing missing here is the patch pockets.  The collar shape is a little bit different as well.

This is Simplicity 8433.  This is a vintage design from the 90s. A fairly good match to the inspiration photo.  The collar is a little bit different.

Now for the pants:

This is Vogue 2037.  The pants appear to be very similar to the inspiration photo with the exception that they do not look high waisted.  That is easy to fix by added the appropriate length all the way around.  If you like the other two pieces in the pattern, then you have a bonus.

This is Simplicity 3073.  The pattern includes a jacket and pants.  With the exception of back welt pockets, the pants are fairly spot on for the inspiraton photo. 

Hope you are inspired to create something really nice.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Silk Blouse

 I never get tired of blouses.  Here's a lovely version:

This is Lafayette 148 Scottie Tidal Print Blouse.  Price tag: $498.00.  Details: Details:  Approximately 26" long down center back, spread collar, concealed button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, back yoke, chest patch pocket, relaxed silhouette, shirttail hem.  Check Neiman Marcus for closer details.

Please notice that this top is very similar to the many past inspirations.  Differences between this and the last inspiration shirt is the fabric, length is slightly shorten, and the hem is different.  However, the shirts look completely different.  

Here's a link to a previous post - here.  This will have the pattern information and links to a tutorial for the concealed button front.  It is so worth getting this style of shirt fitted and then making it over and over.  Small style changes can really change the look of the shirt.  

Here's an additional pattern to think about:

This is the line drawings for the Montana Shirt digital sewing pattern from Itch To Stitch.  This pattern has cup sizes from A to DD.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

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Inspiration...Drawstring Blouse

 Here is a slightly different version of the blouse:

This is the Akris punto Sashiko Flower Print Drawstring Blouse.  Price tag:  $795.00.  Details:  Kent collar, hidden button placket, long sleeves, drawstring waistband.  In looking at close ups of this, the sleeves do have cuffs.  

As always, this looks very much like the same two patterns that I usually talk about just some slight styling details - long length, elastic or drawstring waistband.

For patterns, check this post here.  It includes information on duplicating the hidden button placket.  Here's a tutorial for adding a drawstring to a jacket - here.  It would be the same technique to add to a blouse.  Personally, I think I would just an elastic casing.

As for the kent collar, I did a lot of searching on this and I think it is a spread collar.  I really couldn't find anything that suggested that they were not the same collar.  If you can find something, please let me know.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Blazer

Everyone needs a great jacket.  This will would take you right through spring and into fall:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Thatcher Y/D Denim Two-Button Blazer.  Price tag: $498.00.  Details:  Notched Collar, two-button front, long sleeved, flap pockets, relaxed silhouette.  For a closer look, check the Neiman Marcus website.

This is a great jacket.  Even the designer version is machine washable.  Here's some pattern thoughts:

This is the Jasika Blazer pattern by Closet Case Patterns.  This is a great jacket pattern.  Yes, I realize that it isn't two-button but it will work just fine. You could change to the pockets to patch pockets if you wanted. 

This is McCall's 7818.  It's a unisex pattern so it will be relaxed silhouette. 

Vogue does have a couple of fitted jackets with the two-button closure.  I would prefer the more relaxed silhouette but you can choose.  The jackets are by Clair Shaeffer.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...One Button Jacket

It's time to think about jackets.  Jackets can be worn year around.  So if you plan well, you could create a really good basic.

This is the Staple One-Button Eco Sharkskin Blazer by Theory.  Price tag: $435.00.

Details:  notch collar, one button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, welt chest pocket, side flap pockets, semi-fitted, cutaway hem, fabric is a linen/viscose/spandex

Here's a couple of patterns to consider:

This is McCall's 7818.  It is a unisex jacket pattern with all the right details.  Very close to the inspiration photo.  Pattern is available in printed and pdf formats.

This is the Jasika Blazer pattern by Closet Case Patterns.  This is a classic jacket pattern for women.  The pattern is available in both printed and pdf formats.  There is also an online class available.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...A Line Jacket

In general, I usually have a black jacket that I wear year round.  However, I love this particular jacket:

This is the Eileen Fisher A-Line Jacket.  Price tag: $298.00.  This jacket is made from a cotton/nylon fabric.  I have never noticed this type of fabric being available before.  If you see it, let me know.  If you would like a closer look, this jacket can be found on Nordstrom.

Here's the pattern I've picked:

This is the Kelly Jacket pattern by Closet Case Patterns.  This pattern is part of my pattern stash and has yet to be used.  Maybe this will be the year that I create something with this pattern.

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration.. Corduroy Skinny Jeans

Here's another fall trend:

This are Thompson Corduroy Skinny Jeans by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $328.00. These are a mid-rise jean made with a corduroy blend.

I really like these jeans and they would work well with the plaid jacket from the last inspiration post. Here are a couple of patterns to consider:

This is the Closet Case Ginger Mid Rise Jean.  I'm thinking it is just about perfect pattern choice.  Not sure about the skinny legs?  How about this one:

This is Silhouettes #3300 Lana's Jean. 

How do you feel about corduroy for skinny jeans or just jeans?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration....

I enjoy checking out Neiman Marcus from time to time.  Today, I found a wonderful jacket:

I need a need jacket for spring.  This particular jacket is water proof and wind resistant.  The fabric is cashmere and nylon.  Doesn't it sound luxurious?  Unfortunately, it is priced at $3,615.  That is a wee bit out of my budget.  I think I will see what I can to make similar jacket.  By the way, if you are interesting in looking at the jacket, it is the Loro Piana Wind Stretch Storm Freetime Jacket.   

In the pattern stash, I have the following pattern:

I think this will do a fair job duplicating the inspiration piece.  Now, I need to locate some fabric.  Although I have a huge fabric stash, I know that any type of water proof / wind resistant fabric is not part of it.  Any suggestions on where to locate this type of fabric in the US?

Happy Stitching!