Fabric for Brisas Pullover Muslin...

 I finally located a fabric for the muslin of the Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover.  Here is the fabric:

It is a dark navy or balck and off white sweater knit.  I think it will work nicely for a muslin and if I'm lucky it will be wearable.  

Here is the pullover line drawing again:

Hopefully, it will not be an issue matching the stripes. I have not printed to pattern yet. So, I do not actually know how curvy those princess seams are.  

Sadly, I have not really even started much of my summer sewing and I really need to get that done before I start on fall/winter.   I will be ready though.

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...Polo Top

 I am always looking for interesting tops.  This one is very interesting especially if you are a knit sewer with lots of extra small pieces:

This is the Ribbed Knit Wool Polo Top with Color Block Color by Akris Punto. Price tag: $495.00.  Details:  spread collar, v-neckline, short sleeves, hip length, fitted, pullover style.  Here's a view of just the top:

What you can not see unless you zoom in is that the body of top is done is a ribbed knit.  I do not live in climate where I would wear a short-sleeved wool knit.  However, I can see this done is a cotton knit or cotton blend or a good activewear.   I know the almost perfect pattern:

This is the Love Notions Frankie Polo pdf pattern.  You would only need to modify the sleeves a little bit, if you chose.  

Hope you are inspired to pull out that box/bag of knit pieces and get creative.

Happy Stitching!

Itch To Stitch Anniversary Sale...

 It is Itch to Stitch's 9th birthday.  To celebrate, the pdf patterns on the website are on sale through October 10, 2023 as follows:

🎉 Islares, Cantabria, and Nosara patterns are now 20% off!
🎉 All other patterns are available at a 25% discount!

No special code is needed.  The discount is automatically applied at checkout.  Here are some of my favorites:

Taroko Skirt pdf pattern - this is a great everyday skirt

Soller Top & Dress pdf pattern - 

Foz Top pdf pattern - 

Lammie Hoodie & Sweatshirt pdf pattern - 

Here is a couple to consider for fall on trend:

Zamora Blouse pdf pattern:

La Paz Jacket pdf pattern:

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

New Itch to Stitch Islares Top Pattern...

 Here is a the new Islares Top pattern from Itch to Stitch:

The top features are: 

• Options for regular bust and full bust
• Squared front and back necklines
• Options for short, 3/4 and long raglan sleeves with shoulder darts
• Curved hem
• Designed for light to medium-weight knit fabric with good recovery

Be sure to check out the blog post to see all the fabulous tops made by the testers.  The pattern will be on sale through October 2, 2023 with a 20% discount.  All volume discounts still apply.  

Need fabric suggestions?  Here are a few from knitfabrics.com :

• Double Brushed Poly Fabric
• T-Shirt Knit Fabric
• French Terry Fabric

These are just a few of the fabrics at knitfabrics.com.  Just be sure to match the stretch of the fabric to the listed stretch. 

I am an affiliate for  Itch to Stitch and knitfabrics.com.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  Thank you.

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Summer Promotion...

   Itch to Stitch will be having a summer promotion.  Once a week one pattern will be on special for 24 hours.  This is August 14th pattern:

This is the Itch to Stitch Nottingham Top pdf pattern. Features are:

• Front, off-centered, twisted knot
• Relaxed fit bodice
• Scoop neck with neckband
• Three sleeve options—long sleeve, elbow short sleeve and butterfly sleeve

This is a beginner's pattern with sizes 00-20.  It is designed for a light to medium weight knit.   Be sure to check out the tester's versions on the blog. The pattern is on sale for $5.00 today.

Please note that this offer can not be combined with other promotions.  Discount will be applied automatically during the check out process.  Be sure to check out the blog post to see all the beautiful variations.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  All purchasing discounts still apply.

Happy Stitching!

Another New Pattern...

 I can not sew fast enough.  I have slowed down the purchasing but the new Love Notions Juliet Top pdf pattern looks like a winner to me.  Here is the line drawings:

Folks there are options here - 4 sleeves, 3 yokes, and a full bust option.  Oh yeah!  I can also see this with a 3/4 length sleeve.  Easy enough to create with that long sleeve pattern.  

I hope I get to this pattern this year.

Happy Stitching!

New Pattern - Itch To Stitch Coimbra Wrap Top PDF...

 Itch to Stitch has another new pattern out. It is the Coimbra Wrap Top.  Here is the line draw-ing:

The features are:

    - options for regular bust and full bust

    - bust dart shaping

    - optional collar

    - v-neck finished with facings

    - waist tie

    - long sleeves

    - designed for knits

Be sure to check out the blog post so you can see all the tester examples. There are some great tops there.  The Coimbra Wrap Top pdf will be on sale through February 26, 2023.  All volume discounts apply.

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Another Itch To Stitch Foz Top...

 The Itch To Stitch Foz pdf pattern has been one of my favorite patterns since it came out.  You can see my favorite late fall/winter/early spring version here.  This version is going to short sleeved.  Here is the fabric that I chose:

You can read more about this fabric here. It says that I purchased 1 1/2 yards but it sure seems like there is more fabric than that.  I used approximately 1 1/4 yards.  Drum roll...here is my lovely new Foz Top with the Love Notions Allegro Pants that I made in May here:

Here is the same Foz Top with black pants and sandles:

My sewing machine just did not produce a stitch I was happy with so I did pull out the coverstitch machine to finish the hems.  It was challenge because I have not even looked at the coverstitch machine in a couple of years.  I know shame on me.  However with the help of youtube, I was able to get it threaded first try.  Then it was off to play with the tensions and differential on scrap fabric.  You know both of these were a challenge as well.  First try on the actual garment ended up wavy, so I changed the differential.  Any one else find the coverstitch machine a challenge?

Overall, I am happy with the results.  The fit of the top in the the ITY knit feels closer than the fit of the top in the ribbed knit.  I know it is the difference in the fabrics.  Next time, I will give myself a little additional room at the sides.  I also see that I really need to increase the bust dart and do a small sway back adjustment.  It definitely makes me want to get rid of the belly as it is a bit clingy. I do tend to avoid the ITY knits for that reason.  I will wear my top as the weather permits.  Maybe I can figure out how to slim the belly so the top does not have as much to cling to.

Happy Stitching!

(I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchase through my link, I would get a small commission. Thanks you!)

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 16

Week 16 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 16 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.

This week's item is a cotton turtleneck in an accent color.  As stated last week, no turtleneck for me.  However, I will add a crewneck t-shirt.  If I can find a nice cotton interlock or jersey, I may may it.  Most probably, I will purchase.  I know I don't have fabric for this item in the stash.  Here's the patterns I will consider:

This is the Sihoulttes pattern #195 Sweater Set.  Once fitted you can make many variations.  I may also consider this pattern:

This is Stretch & Sew #333 T-Shirt Collection.  It is long out of print but can be found occassionally.  I have made View A many times.  

Are you following along with this series?  How are you using this to help with your wardrobe?  Any additional helpful information?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...T-shirt

There's nothing like a t-shirt in your wardrobe.  I don't know about you but I own several.  Here's the inspiration t-shirt:

This is the Moncler Slim-Fit Log-Sleeve T-Shirt.  Price tag: $200.00.  For a closer look, visit the Neiman Marcus website.

There isn't really anything special about this t-shirt other than the price tag and the fact that it is dry clean only.  This is a reminder to remember to make those items that you wear day-in and day-out.  There is no reason why they can't fit beautifully, too.  If you have a t-shirt pattern that you love, use it.  If not, try this pattern:

This is Silhouettes #195 Sweater Set.  Once this is pattern has been fitted you can make many tops in a short period of time.

Go make so beautifully fitted tops and make something beautiful!

Happy Stitching!

Another Sleeveless Top...

When I completed this top this past week, it was the hottest day of the year so far.  ACK!  I don't have enough clothing for these hot days.  Here's the top which is really a muslin:

This pattern is from the Sleeveless Top from The Versatile Twin Set Pamela's Patterns.  This is the older version of the pattern not the newer version.  Following the directions from the pattern on fitting, I'm a medium in this pattern with the darted front.  When I traced off the front, I decided to trace the small from the armhole up and a medium from the armhole down.  This was the only change that I made.  In looking at the pictures, I think I should have gone with a straight medium.  My bra straps show. 

In the first picture, I would say that I need a larger dart.  The shoulder angle might be off a little bit.  There might be a tummy issue.  Actually when you zoom in on the picture, it doesn't look like a tummy issue but the tummy is there and could be causing an issue.

In the second picture, I would say that I definitely need more width across the back and a sway back adjustment. 

All in all, this isn't a bad start on this pattern.  The top is wearable around the house making it a great top for this hot weather.  I wouldn't think of wearing it in public without a cardigan over it.  It's a shame about this top not fitting so great.  The stripes match perfectly. 

 I do think I want to give this top another try.  Here are the changes:

1.  Trace a straight medium and do the petite adjustments with a larger dart and sway back adjustment.  Maybe add to the side seam on the front so I can play with any tummy issues.

2.  Possible change - the neckline shaping.  I'm always a little leary of a neckline that replicates the face shape.  I think it may not be the most flattering.  Maybe change it to be a bit more of a v-neck.

Discussion --  Please tell me your favorite way to hem a knit.  Please note that the top is hemmed at the neck, armholes, and the bottom hemline.  It is simply turned back and stitched.  I always have difficulty with this type of instruction.  The stitching always pops when using a straight stitch.  I did try on it samples and didn't work.  I tried the straight stitch with regular thread in the top and a stretch thread in the bottom; and that didn't work.  I ended up hemming using the "lightning" stitch on my machine set to a 4.0 length and .5 width using the regular thread in both the needle and bobbin.   The hem is nice and stretchy with this stitch but it isn't pretty.  Normally, I would use a twin needle with stretch thread in the bottom.

Happy Stitching!