Inspiration...Silk Blouse

 Still hanging on to the thought of summer tops.  Here is a style that is good one for day-to-day wear:

This is the Printed Crew Neck Stretch Silk Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  approximately 24 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem, crew neckline, keyhole button back, short cuffed dolman sleeves, hem side slits, relaxed fit, pullover style.

Here is a pattern that ticks most of items from the inspiration photo:

This is Hansie woven tee from Seamwork Patterns.  You get the general shape of the inspiration photo with simpler sewing.  You could add cuffs to this if desired.

Other patterns to consider Indygo Junction Easy Top & Tunic pattern,  This one might be had to find but it would be good and you could add cuffs to it as well.  The neckline is wider so you can get the top on/off with ease.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Gauze Dress

Dresses are so nice in the summer.  Yes, I know that not everyone feels that way but on a hot summer day a dress can help you stay cool.  The dress that I found is one of those dresses that does not touch anywhere but the hanger (i.e., shoulders).  This dress reminds me a little of the Mexican weddings dresses that we wore in the mid-to-late 80s.

This is the Johnny Was Annalise Floral-Embroidery Gauze Dress.  Price: $265.00.  Details:  Floral Embroidery, Henley neckline, cap sleeves, yoke back, side seam pockets, hem hits above the knee, side slit hem, shift silhouette, slipover style, cotton, machine wash.  (Model is 5'10".)

Here is a closeup of the embroidery:

The embroidery is really what makes this dress.  Obviously, machine-embroidery would make this a reasonably easy.  However, it is certainly doable by hand.

Honestly, I do not know of a top/dress pattern that is a woven henley.   This pattern might work:

This is the Indygo Junction Easy Top & Tunic pattern (IJ1154E).  I think the silhouette of this pattern would work well for the replicating the dress.  The neckline is a little wider but it would be easy to add the desired length to the tunic.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

 

Inspiration...Round Neck Top

The hot days of summer are coming and I think this is a perfect top for that.

This is the Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Stretch Lawn Round-Neck Top.  Price tag: $148.00. Details:  relaxed silhouette, short sleeves, crew neck, about 25" from shoulder to hem.

An almost identical pattern is:

This is Indygo Essentials Easy Top & Tunic pattern.  It is very close to the inspiration picture - change the facing to bias tape, re-shape the hem, change front/back pieces from the fold to a seam.

Go find your favorite color fabric and make a quick top.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe - Week 46

Week 46 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 46 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom.

Week 46 is a neutral light-weight second layer.  This could be a button-down shirt, a cardigan, a wrap, a cape, etc.  I think you get the idea.  It is something to wear when you go into a restaurant that is really cool or for a cool evening.  Here's some ideas:

This is the Grainline Studio Archer button up shirt pattern.  It is a classic pattern.  Once it is fitted, you can easily make it may times. View A would work well as a light weight 2nd layer.  However, it might be fun to use View B.

This is the Loes Hinse Zipper Jacket pattern.  It is a little harder to locate but can be found here.  You get two views with this jacket.

This is the Indygo Junction 5-Way Wrap pattern.  This could be a fun, versatile piece to add to the wardrobe.

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Indygo Essentials Easy Top & Tunic...

Back in February, I decided that I was going to make the Indygo Essentials Easy Top & Tunic pattern.  You can read about it here.  Well, life got turned upside down and I have spent the last few months with my parents but I brought my sewing stuff with me.  Last week, I got around to making the muslin of the pattern.  The fabric I chose to use as the muslin was a poor choice.  You can read about it here.  It left me undecided about the size that I had chosen.  After going back and forth, I decided to stick with the size that I had originally picked.  Here's the result:

I think I did okay with the size.  Although the picture looks like I didn't press it, I did.  When it isn't on the body there are no wrinkles.  What does that mean?  I'm really happy with this top.  It will be cool to wear in the hot summer heat.

Details:

Indygo Essentials Easy Top & Tunic pattern IJ1154E View B
size - XL
yardage used - 1
fabric - 100% cotton

Conclusion:

This is a great pattern.  Goes together well and is fairly quick to make.  I am very slow at sewing and get a lot of interuptions helping my parents.  I think it took about 3 hours.  I will make this pattern again.  You could change the look at bit by bringing the facings to the outside.

What do you think of the new hair style?  I am so ready to for a haircut.  I am about 3 months past due.  I need to wait just a little bit longer.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful for yourself.

Happy Stitching!

Indygo Junction Easy Top Muslin

I am continuing on the path of loose, woven tops.  The next muslin will be the Indygo Essentials Easy Top & Tunic (IJ1154E).  Here's a peek:

I choose the middle version in an XL.  The fabric that I choose for the muslin isn't ideal.  Here's my version:

Front with the rippled hem.  I'm not sure that I like the way the hem has turned out. 

You can really see the rippled hem in the back. 

Overall, I think this top may be too large for me.  This could be the fabric speaking.  Even though it is a woven, it has a lot give.  I'm going to throw it in the wash and see what happens. 

Conclusion on the pattern:

1. Quick and easy.  The construction is a little bit different but reading through before starting will be helpful.
2.  Sizing seems large.  It would have been helpful it finished measurements were included.  It is easy enough to figure this out for yourself by measuring the pattern.

Overall, this is a nice pattern.  I'm going to make it again a size smaller.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 38

Week 38 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 38 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom. 

Week 38 is twill or denim skirt.  Obviously if a skirt is not something you wear or would consider wearing, thn make this item any bottom that you prefer to wear in spring.  With that said, I want a denim wrap skirt.  I have the fabric and pattern. Just got to it done.  With that said, be sure and check out the skirts in the post.  The skirts from Marks & Spence are just fabulous and not particularly expensive.  I particularly liked the linen wrap skirt.

Here is my pattern choice for this:

This is the Sidekick Wrap Skirt pattern by Indygo Junction.  

Here is another option:

This is Butterick 6547.  It a wrap skirt with two views.  I think View A is a little more causal than View B but both views would be good.

Any skirt pattern you own that is meant for wovens will work.  However, the skirt or bottom is yours.  Use a pattern you already own and buy fabric.

Happy Stitching!

Sew Mojo Still Gone But...

The sewing mojo is still gone but I'm buying fabric.  I will admit that I don't need to add to the stash but sometimes a bargain calls loudly.  Here are my latest purchases:

This is a Liberty of London Cotton Poplin print.  I intend to make a top from this.  I hoping that the 2 yards purchased will be enough for whatever happens to it.  My intentions are this Indygo Junction pattern:

This is the Indygo Junction Easy Top & Tunic pattern.  View B is the view I'm considering.

This is a Kaufman Floral Indigo.  I don't usually purchase the 100% cotton fabric for a dress but the pattern on this fabric seemed to be good one.  Here is the pattern that I'm considering for this fabric:

This is th Indgyo Junction Shift Dress pattern.  Looks like it will be fairly simple to make and would look great in the blue floral.

I'm trying to purchase fabric with intention.  Both patterns are in my pattern stash but they need to be fitted.  Lets see if I can some time to fit these patterns over the next week or so.  I don't think that even if I lost weight that I could lose enough weight to matter.

Are you planning any spring and summer sewing yet?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wrap Skirt

When was the last time you made a wrap skirt?  It has been a while for me.  Here's a lovely wrap skirt to consider:

This is the Boden Constance Wrap Skirt.  Price tag: $130.00.  Details:  Wool Blend Fabric, midi length, fully lined, true wrap with internal button closure and d-ring detail at waist. For a closer look, go to the Boden USA website.

Actually, this isn't a terrible price for a skirt.  We can do better though making our own.  The following pattern is a pretty good match:

This is Indygo Junction's Sidekick Wrap Skirt.  With a tiny bit of pattern manipulation, you can easier recreate the Boden skirt - narrow the waistband, lengthen skirt to correct length, and add a lining.

What are your thoughts?  Do you like wearing skirts with boots?  Hope your inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Poncho

In the fall and sometimes in the winter, a second layer can be useful. This poncho fits would work well.

This is the Eileen Fisher Hand Woven Organic Cotton Poncho.  Price: $358.00.  I know the black and white coloring is what drew me in on this.  Here's a couple of patterns to consider:

This is Kwik Sew 4222.  There are two styles of the poncho and the line drawer kinda indicates that do not really need a pattern if you can figure out where you want to cut the fabric.

This is McCall's 7202.  The shape is a little different than the inspiration.  This pattern would give you a little more arm coverage.

This is Indygo Junction Warm and Cozy Wrap.   I thought I would throw this one out there.  It's a bit different than the inspiration silhouette but it is a very wearable design.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Long Kimono Jacket

Looking for a light weight coat?  This one would definitely fit that description:

This is the Eileen Fisher Boiled Wool Long Kimono Jacket.  Price:  $448.00.  I really like the color of this one.  In the right color, this would be a go with everything jacket.

The Indygo Junction Contemporary Kimono would be a great pattern to recreate the Eileen Fisher jacket.  Changes would be lengthen both the sleeve length and jacket length, add pockets, and create a shawl collar.  You might also consider reducing the width of the sleeve and that may take a little playing.

As far as the boiled wool, just do and internet search.  It's available at many fabric stores.

Happy Stitching!

Contemporary Kimono...It's Done!

This jacket took longer than I thought that it would.  Life kinda got in the way of any sewing.  Just so you can keep you with what I'm doing, here are the previous posts on this subject:

1.  Inspiration...Kimono Jacket
2.  Comtemporary Kimono...The Planning
3.  Contemporary Kimono...The Time Had Come to Start
4.  Contemporary Kimono...Stitching Complete on the Main Body

Finished Kimono:

I did make a change and it is minor.  After reading through the directions for the sleeve band, I decided to double it.  I just felt that the double layer would stitch a bit better given that I had no intention of putting interfacing on the bands.

Details:

1.  Needles used for hand stitching were Size 24 Cross Stitch Needle.
2.  Thread was DMC Size 8 Pearl Cotton.  I used 1 spool.

Advice:

1.  Pay very close attention to the layout information or you will not have enough fabric.
2.  Decide before sewing the pieces together how you want your seams finished.  In some cases, it's better to finish before stitching together.  In other cases, it's better to wait till your finished.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Contempary Kimono...Stitching Complete on the Main Body

The hand stitching for the kimono has moved along quicker than I thought and I'm very pleased.  Just so you can keep you with what I'm doing, here are the previous posts on this subject:

1.  Inspiration...Kimono Jacket
2.  Comtemporary Kimono...The Planning
3.  Contemporary Kimono...The Time Had Come to Start

Here are the finished components:

Front

Back

Sleeves

The only decision left now is the front band.  I'm really leaning toward using a blank band on the front.  Here's an approximation of what it would look like:

Black Front Band

The other choice would be is use the same fabric as the rest of the jacket.   Next post on this subject will be the completed jacket.

Happy Stitching!

Contemporary Kimono...The Time Has Come To Start...

Fall will be here before we know it.  So, that makes it time to get started on the planned kimono.  Here are the previous posts on the subject:

1.  Inspiration...Kimono Jacket
2.  Comtemporary Kimono...The Planning

As previously stated, the gray will be the main body of the jacket along with the sleeve cuffs.  The inside and pockets will be black and I may edge the seam side of the pocket in gray.  That decision doesn't have to be made until the jacket is ready to stitch.  I'm going to leave the front band as a decision for later.

Originally I was going to do a muslin but after seeing the pattern pieces, I decided that I would just go for it.  This may be a big surprise in the end.  Hopefully, it will fit and I will like it.

There were a couple of decisions that needed to be made before I can actually stitch the pattern.  The stitch length will be approximately 1/4-inch with 1/2-inch between the stitching lines.  I think this is doable.  It may take a bit to do the handwork but I can do it.  That is, unless my fingers get sore from all the stitching.  Here is a couple of samples:

This is the black thread on the gray.  I'm thinking that the stitches and the lines are too close together. 

I think this sample is a little better and a little closer to the inspiration picture.

The jacket front, back, and sleeves have been cut out.  If you haven't worked with this kimono jacket pattern before, make sure that you follow the fabric layout or you may not have enough fabric.  The layout is unique.

Happy Stitching!

Contemporary Kimono...The Planning

In February, I did an inspiration post on a Kimono Jacket and I really liked that jacket.  I finally got the pattern:

Instead of a short jacket like the inspiration photo, I will be making the jacket in the longer length with the sleeve bands.  Here's the fabric that I chose to use:

This will be the exterior of the jacket.

This is the interior of the jacket.  Both of these fabric are an Essex Cotton/Linen blend.

My plan is to use a black DMC pearl cotton in a size 8 to stitch the fabric layers together.  With luck this will go well as I have never attempted this sort of stitching before to create a cloth.

The Kantha style stitching is just a running stitch.  I couldn't find any information on stitch length.  So, I guess I get to decide.  The inspiration picture appears to have largish size stitches.  I'm not sure that I would go larger than 1/4" in length with the stitches.

Have you made a garment using this style of embroidery?  I would love to hear about it.    I will do periodic updates on the project as I go along.  I suspect that it will take a little while to do the hand stitching.  I shouldn't need this type of jacket until fall.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Kimono Jacket

This little jacket popped up in one of my Facebook group and I had to share:

This is the Neeru Kumar jacket.  It was available at Santa Fe Dry Goods.  Price tag: $335.00.  I like the idea of this jacket.  It is a kantha style garment which is more or less two layers of fabric sewn together.  Here's the pattern that I think is a good match:

This is the Contemporary Kimono Jacket by Indygo Junction. It's a very close match for the inspiration picture.  You would need to add a patch pocket.  The pattern has in-seam pockets.

As far as a fabric goes, I think a cross-dyed cotton would work perfectly.  Equilter and fabric (dot) com both carry cross-dyed cotton.  I would check a local quilt shop and see if they have any suitable cottons.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shift Dress

Dresses can be a quick easy way to get dressed everyday.  Here's a shift dress that certainly fits that bill:

This is Lafayette 148 New York Thoren Shift Dress with Knit Trim.  Price Tag:  $498.00.  It is made from a viscose/nylon/spandex stretch crepe.  You can see more details on the Neiman Marcus website.  In looking at the fit of this dress on the model, it could really benefit from additional darting. 

When I saw this dress, I immediate thought of this pattern:

This is Indygo Junction Shift Dress IJ1151E. It doesn't have sleeves but it's a good representative of this style.  It is possible that you could draft the sleeve.

This pattern has the sleeves and general idea but would need more alterations:

This is Butterick 6473.  With this pattern you would get the neckline with the sleeves but the portion above the waist would need to be lengthened. 

Hope you inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Wrap Skirt

I've always liked wrap skirts.  Today, I found this skirt:

Its the Kate Spade Vintage Stretch Denim Wrap Skirt from Nordstrom.  Price tag: $198.00.  A few details:  26" long in a size 8 and true wrap style.  The fabric is a blend.

This is a good basic.  If you purchase a good denim, this will be in your closet for as many years as you want to keep it.

Here's a couple of pattern ideas:

1.  Self drafted - How to sew wrap skirt.  You would need to add length for the waistband and add a buttonhole or open seam at the sid.

2.  Indygo Junction Wrap Skirt pattern:

The silhouette on this one is a little different with the wider waistband. However, you do get several options.

The Indygo Junction pattern is hiding my pattern stash and really needs to be tried.

Happy Stitching!

Indygo Junction Sale...

I thought I would let you know that Indygo Junction is having a Christmas in July sale through the end of July.  It's a buy 2 patterns and get one pattern free sale.  That's a pretty good sale.  So, go take a look and think about any type of gift you might want to make and give.

Get inspired and sew, sew, sew.

Happy Stitching!

(affiliate links included)

Inspiration...Cool Summer Top

I'm always on the lookout for ideas for cool summer tops.  This will be my first summer at this location in 30+ years and I remember it getting very hot by August.  Here's the latest find:

It has a tank top vibe with a little asymmetry going on.  The asymmetry is what drew me to it.  This is the Nic & Zoe Promenade Top and it can be found on their website.  The price is $118.00.   The fabric is satin.

This would be fairly easy to reproduce using an already fitted tank top.  First you would need to decide on the length and then draw the pattern.You will need two separate fronts and two separate backs.  Most likely, make the side seam of the outer front and outer back 1/3 shorter.  Clear as mud?  You could also use this pattern:

This pattern gives you the asymmetry on the front but the neckline is different.  Actually, I prefer a v-neck.  This pattern is also in my pattern stash.  You can find the Indgyo Junction under Asymmetrical Top & Tunic pattern (affiliate link).  As far as fabric, I don't think I would use a satin but I would definitely use a cotton or a blend of some sort.  I just need to dig through my stash and see what's available.

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful!

Happy Stitching!