Inspiration...Trousers

 As the weather starts cooling off, it is time to look at cooler weather clothes.  Today's inspiration is a trousers:

This is the the Wide & Straight Leg Trousers from Poetry Fashion.  Price tag: $248.00.  Details:  wide-legged tailored trouser, 5 pocket styling, curved pockets, ticket pocket, back darts, rounded back patch  pockets, metal fly zipper, belt loops on waist band, all over twin needle detail, linen/wool blend, machine wash.

These trousers look so comfortable.  I do not know how easy it would be to find that particular fabric blend but it might be worth looking at the big on-line stores.  If  you are lucky enough to have a good local store then shop there.  Here is the pattern that can to mind:

The is the Frankie jean pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  It is designed for non-stretch denim but I think as long as the weight of the fabric is correct that you might be able to get by with another fabric.

We have one other pattern choice:

This is the Hollywodd Trouser pattern from Liesl & Co.  It is a straight legged trouser.  You would need to add pocket detailing from a pair of jeans.

Hope you are inspired to create a great pair of pants or so for fall and winter.

Happy Stitching!

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!

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!

Starting Spring/Summer Sewing...

 I feel like I am starting spring/summer sewing late but hopefully, I can get enough items made that I will feel good about my wardrobe this summer.  Here are the intended projects:

1.  Itch to Stitch Vikos Dress - I purchased a 4.4 oz denim thinking it would work for this dress.  However, first wash it looks like a rag.  I am rewashing the yardage with hope that it will look better with the second wash as the iron would not remove the wrinkles.  Ironing did make the wrinkles less obvious but honestly I do not want a dress that needs to be ironed.  Here is the fabric:

2.  Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt - I purchased a khaki stretch twill with 30% stretch.  I do need to make a top or two to go with the skirt.  Here is the fabric:

3.  Liesl & Co Amera Dress - I purchased a indygo slub stretch denim with 10% stretch.  This pattern will need a muslin before I cut into the fabric.  Here is the fabric:

That seems like a good start with the exception of needing a top to go with the Quebec Skirt. I am sure that there is fabric in the stash that will work.

How is your spring sewing plans going?

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Some links in the post are affiliate links.  Should you click the link and make a purchase I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!  Remember with Itch to Stitch, there is a volume discount.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Knee Length Dress

 I am really starting to look toward spring/summer fashions.  The dress catch my eye because of the big floral design plus it is a causal everyday type of dress:

This is the Floral Cotton Knee Length Dress by Akris punto.  Price tag: $1,360.00.  Details:  crafted from cotton, shirt collar, partial button front, elbow-length sleeves, side seam pockets, hits aaround knee, shift silhouette, slipover style.

It is an easy going dress.  I do not know about fabric.  You might be able to get the effect with applique.  I do have a couple of ideas:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  I made a popover dress using this pattern and instruction from the Oliver & S website.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Twill Pants

 Today's inspiration is an every day basic.  Almost every one needs this sort of a workhorse in the closet:

This is the Wide Ankle Heritage Twill Pants from Talbots.  Price tag: $99.50. Details: Flat front/trouser, wide leg, hits the high waist, ankle length, front fly with button closure, front coin pocket, back patch pockets.  Fabric is 98% cotton, 2% lycra.

These pants are perfect for spring and maybe early summer.  Here is my pattern thought:

This is the Hollywood Trousers by Liesl & Co.  These are a fitted, moderately high waisted, wide-legged trouser.  You would need to add the pockets.  I looked for instructions to create a coin pocket at the waist but did not find one.  Let me know if you find a tutorial for the coin pocket.  In the meantime, I am look for a men's pant pattern that has that detail.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

A Look Back on 2025 Sewing...

 Well, I thought my 2024 sewing was not much but I think 2025 was even less.  I guess that is what happens when you have a "lemony" kind of year.  I had fun times traveling.  I had sad times losing several family members.  I had big decisions to make regarding my health which I am still working on.  

Most sewn pattern:

Believe it or not there was not a most sewn but there were four ties.

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  You can not go wrong with the pattern, if you are looking for a classic button down shirt.

2.  Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt.  This is another great basic.  

3.  Sew Over It Pussy Bow Blouse.  This is a nice little blouse.

4. Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  This is a cute blouse with lots of options.

Most loved patterns:

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.   It is just a classic that you can make over and over.

2.  Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt pattern.  This one is a repeat from last year.  It is such a nice little skirt pattern.

Most dislike project:

I am happy to report that there were not any dislike project.  Well, maybe one.  It was a quilt top that I had been given.  I ended up spending about $40 on the project only to throw it out.  It was a nasty stretchy mess and I gave up on it.

Most used project: 

This definitely has to be the surgery pillow that I made.  It has been in constant use since the day of my surgery.  It really did save me as far as my cats went.  It kept them away from the area. It was used many times when I went out in the car.  

2025 Sewing Reflection:

My sewing time was very limited in 2025.  Betweens traveling, deaths, and health decisions sewing time just did not happen much.  Sewing did save me in the month before my surgery as it keep my mind and hands busy.  The month after my surgery did not have much sewing in it but I did put together patterns and made one muslin.  We have to happy for what we can do, right?  I am trying to just go with the flow.  

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchased through one of my links, I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

New Pattern...

 Well, I fell for another pattern.  I have been working really hard to not purchase patterns because I have so many I have not even used yet.  Here is the pattern:

This is Amarena Dress by Liesl & Co. This is a perfect hot weather dress for me and a little different styling than I have worn the last two or three years.  This pattern has a bonus and it is a cut line for a top.  For me, this could be a fit once and have four dresses and tops.

We will see how it works out.  Next year has the potential to be another lemony sort of year but I am still going to plan to sew.  It helps keep my sanity.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...A-Line Skirt

 I am loving the longer fall/winter skirts this year.  Here is a great one:

This is the A-Line Crepe Weave Midi Skirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details:  crepe weave organic cotton dobby, vertical darts at waist, approximately 30-inches from shoulder to hem, sits high on the high, falls below knee, a-line silhouette, invisible back zip.

This is an overall great look.  A perfect work outfit.  I do not have access to fabrics that would make like this blouse and skirt do but I wish I did.  Here are a couple of ideas for the skirt:

This is New Look 6053.  This pattern has two variations with additional length variations.  Once fitted, you could have a whole weeks worth of skirts.  Views C or D is what I was thinking for the inspiration.  Basically, whichever one would give you the best length for you.  

This is Butterick 6866.  This is a princess seam skirt which is different than the inspiration photo but View A would give you a similar look.  This skirt might be fuller than the inspiration photo but I think it would do a good job.

I was not able to locate the camp shirt in the photo but it is very much a necessary component of the outfit.  I think this pattern would work well:

This is Liesl & Co Camp Shirt-Dress.  Perfect little pattern to duplicate the camp shirt in the inspiration photo.  I have found that the Liesl & Co patterns are well drafted.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful for yourself.

Happy Stitching!

First Fall Winter Classic Shirt...

 I am starting the first of the sewing for the wardrobe post here.  I will be starting witht the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  Here is the line drawings:

This is a pattern that I fitted over a couple of years and absolutely love it.  I have made two shirts this time.  The first shirt is made from the gray oxford shirting here. It is made using the View A of the pattern and this is the version I have made the most.  Here is the finished shirt:

Well, that is the second piece of the the ten I have planned.  The button holer on the machine gave me a hard time.  I have never had an issue with it before but it seemed that the same size buttonhole was not to be.  I had to redo at least three buttonholes not once but more than once.

I think I will need luck on finishing the remaining eight projects.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wide Legged Pants

 I really like the look of these pants.  The wide leg would be comfortable.  Here is the first glance:

This is the Linen-Cotton Twill Wide Legged Pant by Polo Ralph Lauren. Price tag: $398.00.  Details:  high rise sits high on the hip, flat front, side slant pockets, back buttoned welt pockets, full length, wide legs, zip fly, belt loops, linen/cotton, dry clean.

I love that these pants are styled with a casual shoe.  Here is the pattern that I would use to recreate:

This is the Hollywood Trousers by Liesl & Co.  They are a fitted, moderately high-waisted, wide legged pant pattern.  The only thing missing is the welt pockets but that is an easy detail to add.

The linen/cotton twill might be a hard combination to find.  However, there are lots of twill blends available.  Both Mood and Califabrics has many variations of a twill blend.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Printed Shirt

 I have become obsessed with the Poetry website.  Here is another shirt:

This is the Printed Shirt from Poetry.  Price tag: $198.00.  Details:  100% cotton, machine washable, short boxy silhouette, delicate collar and stand, double yoke, soft gathering at front and back yoke, full length sleeves, gently gathered sleeves into a narrow cuff with one button, gently curved shirt-tail hem.

I love this blouse but I can not bring myself to order it nor can I not think about the price.  I would be terrified that I would do something to it.  A pattern is not hard to come come up with.  To me, this is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt with some minor modifications:

I have made this pattern like seven times in the past two years.  There is nothing like having a pattern that you can just sew and not worry about the fit.  However, it does boring to make the exact shirt over and over.  Here are the changes that I would make to view B:

• Take away the pockets
• Add enough width to the from bodice to make the gathers to the yoke
• Narrow the cuff
• Add length to the sleeve to make up for the narrow cuff
• Add width to the back bodice to gather into the yoke (remember that there is pleats)
• Change the placket to a plain blouse placket.

I think that is all the changes.  I will be on the look out for some kind of fabric that gives the feel of this shirt.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tweed Pants

 We will stick with the tweed clothing for a bit.  Here is a beautiful pair of tweed pants:

This is the Donegal Tweed Gates Pants by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details:  full through hip and thigh, sits at waist, zip front, full length, slant pocket and back welt pockets, back waist dart, high rise.

This is just a wonderful looking pair of pants.  Tweed is a fabulous fabric.  Here is the perfect pattern:

This is the Liesl & Co Hollywood Trousers pattern. This pattern is an almost perfect fit for the inspiration photo.  Just add the back welt pockets and you are done.

This will make part of a wonderful suit if you are so inclined.

Happy Stitching!

More Patterns...

 Yeah, I added more patterns to the ever growing pdf pattern collection.  I took a deal on a couple of Liesl & Co patterns:

This is the Camp Shirt + Dress pdf pattern.   

This is the Recital Shirt.  I am really interested in the pleated front on this one.  I am also fairly certain that the collar from the Classic Shirt will work on this pattern.

I have had really good luck with Classic Shirt pattern and I am hoping that adding these two patterns will add a little more interest.  As much as I like the Classic Shirt, it is time for sometbing a little bit of different.  Of course, both of these patterns will need fitting and that is a time issue.

Happy Stitching!

New Patterns...

 I got intot the last Simplicity sale and purchased a few patterns.  Here they are:

This is Simplicity 3065.  I specifically purchased this pattern for the neckline.  I'm hoping that I can transfer the neckline to my favorite button down shirt pattern - Liesl & Co Classic Shirt Pattern.  

This is Simplicity 3111.  I purchased it specifically for the zip-front jacket.  The pants and shorts are just bonuses.

This is Simplicity 3136.  You get two views of a classic button down shirt.  I purchased this pattern specifically for view B.  Again, I'm hoping to be able to transfer the pleated to my existed Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.

This particular sale is no longer running but there is a pdf sale going which if you're looking for a particular pattern might be a good time to purchase it.

Happy Stitching!

Wardrobe Considerations...The Overall Plan

 Here is the sewing plan with pattern selections, fabric selections, and color:

• Liesl & Co Peckham Trouser in navy and gray.  Fabric will be cotton twill.
• Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt in teal. Fabric will be a cotton sateen.
• Liesl & Co Classic Shirt in pink and gray.  Fabric will be a cotton pique and cotton oxford cloth.
• Love Notions Classic Tee in navy.  Fabric will be a cotton/lycra jersey.
• Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse in teal.  Fabric will be a solid challis.
• Seamwork Flor Cardigan in gray.  Fabric will be a knit of some sort.
• Liesl & Co Classic Shirt dress length in pink.  Fabric unknown at this time.
• McCall's 7818 jacket in navy.  Fabric unknown at this time but would be nice if matched first item.

Whew!  That is a lot of sewing.  I do need to track back to the  "Starting From Scratch" series at the Vivienne Files.  Just to make sure that I am on track.   

Of this items, the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt, Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt are fitted.  I am in the process of fitting the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  That leaves the Liesl & Co Peckham Trousers, Seamwork Flor, and McCall's 7818 jacket to be fitted.  That is a lot of fitting.  I really do want the trousers fitted though and will be starting with them first.

 Do you think this is too far in front of the season to start planning?  Have you tried this?  It would really be nice to get ahead of a season and not be sewing like mad to make something to wear right now.

Hope you are inspired to sew.

Happy Stitching!

Oh Yeah, More Fabric...

 I have started working on the wardrobe plan.  Checking the stash has a little bit of interest but you know that new fabric is always better, right?  Here is the lastest fabric:

This is a pink/gray pique cotton shirting.  I purchased 2 yards to make Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  Care:  Machine wash cold and tumble dry.

This is a Teal Rayon Challis.  I purchased 2 yards with thoughts of making a Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  Care:  Machine wash, tumble dry.

This is a teal cotton sateen.  I purchased 2 yards with the idea of making a Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt. Care:  machine wash cold, tumble dry.

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

That is it for now.  Shipping has gotten really expensive.  I guess I should be looking at the stash more to reduce costs.

Happy Stitching!

Wardrobe Considerations...On Going Decisions 2

We are now moving on to tops.  The AI suggested many top patterns but the only one that I took was the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.   The other tops pattern will be the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse and the Love Notions Classic Tee Shirt.  Here are the line drawings:

Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  These will be mostly easy.  There will be two shirts with colors of pink and grey.

This is Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse & Dress pattern.  Lots of options with this one.  I am currently working on fitting this blouse.  There will be one shirt in teal.  I might add another one in navy (AI suggested item.

This is Love Notions Classic Tee Shirt.  This pattern has several options. I may need to refit this pattern.   It should be a good option for a good, everyday type top.  This one will be in navy.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Plaid Button-Down Shirt

 There is nothing like a good button down shirt.  For me, this one clicks all the boxes:

This is the Darleen Plaid Chambray Button Down Shirt by Ralph Lauren Collection. Price tag: $1490.00.  Details:  point collar, button front, long sleeves, button barrel cuffs, chest button-flap pockets, yoke back, relaxed fit, linen.

I just love the look of this shirt but I really do not love that price.  The pattern:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt. The only change I would make is the flap on the pocket.  Although there may be a flap included in the pattern.  As for a linen plaid, Cali Fabrics does have some light weight linen in a plaid.  

Happy Stitching!

Classic Button-Down Shirt....

 Well, it is finally done.  The last shirt from my fall planning.  Yep, it took more than six months to accomplish.  Here is the fabric:

I admitted to purchasing this fabric in September.  I am very happy that it did not spend a great deal of time hanging out the fabric stash.  As stated in the fabric post, I used the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt:

This shirt pattern has been used many times.  Once it is fitted you can sew it over and over.  I need to figure out a short sleeved version.  Here is the finished shirt:

Happy Stitching!