Inspiration...Blazer Jacket

 It is time for some timeless style with jackets.  Here is a good version:

This is the Cashmere-Wool Single-Breasted Blazer Jacket by Akris punto. Price tag: $1670.00.  Details: notched lapel, single-breasted front, long sleeves, slit cuffs, padded shoulders, chest welt pocket, hip patch pockets, slim fit, walking vent back, wool/nylon/polyamide/cashmere, dry clean.

I looked high and low for a two-button jacket and this one finally popped up:

This is McCall's 8614.  It is a perfect reflection of the inspiration picture except for the lower pockets which are easy enough to replace with patch pockets.  It might take a little more fitting to accomplish this as it is a uni-sex pattern.  So it most likely fits a man a little better than a woman.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

McCall's Early Spring Pattern Picks...

 It is that time of year where the new patterns are starting to come out.  The McCall's Early Spring patterns have landed.  Sadly, McCall's does not actually target my age group but this release reminds me of my teenage years.  Here are my picks:

This is McCall's 8256.  This is pull-over tops with gathers and binding.  I am particularly drawn to the View A and View B.  

This is McCall's 8260.  I have a love of loose, flowy skirts and this pattern appears to deliver this with the skirt, shorts, and culottes.

This is McCall's 8263.  This is classic style guayabera shirt.  This style of shirt often has embroidery from the shoulder to the hem and yes, it has the four pockets.  The pockets would also reflect any decoration (i.e., pleats, embroidery, etc).  This pattern may well end up in my stash so I can sew for my guys.

This is McCall's 8265.  This infant pattern has some great little basics in it.  Not sure about the little headband or hats.  That is something I could never keep on my son's head--any type of hat.

Well, that is it for this release.  What did you think was interesting?

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric...

I do not need more fabric but here I am adding to the stash.  Here is the latest acquisitions:

This is a floral 100% rayon challis.  I ordered 3 1/2 yards for a skirt.  My intentions is to make the McCall's 8248 from this post.  This fabric is machine wash.

This is 100% cotton sateen.  I ordered 2 1/2 yards for a skirt.  Mostly like will be the same skirt pattern as above.  The fabric is machine washable.  

If you are wondering about wanting to make both patterns in the same patterns, it is a cute pattern and I really like it.  It makes sense to me to make more than one because of the time spent fitting.  This skirt may not require a lot of fitting but I know there will be length issues.  May as well make two and maximize the time spent fitting.

Happy Stitching!

Poncho Top...

I love the idea of the poncho tops.  It is an easy on/off item. When I saw this pattern from McCall's, I knew it would be the perfect item for my Mom who has congestive heart failure.  Here is the original post from my fall roundup.  Here is the pattern:

Now this item takes a lot of fabric.  The first version was view A in a recommended size of XL and a little short even for my 4'11" Mom.  The fabric used is from Joann Fabrics.  I was very disappointed in this fleece as it was described as a cabled fleece but it was really a printed fleece. It is still a color my Mom is very happy with.  Here is the first version on me:

As you can see this is really big.  It is actually the recommended size for me.  Just for reference, I'm 5'5".  If another version is made, I think we will be moving down a couple of sizes to a M.

I see versions of this in knitted cables all the time.  Everyone seems to love them.  I think I would like one of these for myself but the right fabric needs to be located.

Happy Stitching!

Fall Pattern Roundup...

 I have less than enthused with the Big 4 pattern offering in the last couple of years but this fall it is looking a bit better.  We will start with McCall's:

McCall's 8241.  This is called a poncho top.  I will definitely be purchasing this pattern.  I just love the idea of this and would wear it as a second layer.

McCall's 8248. This is called a pleated school skirt and it comes in  three lengths.  I really like the long one.

Overall, I thought this McCall's release was a home run.  There were several other patterns that I really liked but I do need to be realistic with how many I might actually make.  Next, let's go to Butterick:

Butterick 6855. Blouse with center front pleat, gathers at front/back yoke, sleeve variations.  I like the look of this blouse.  I think I have something very similar so I might not invest in this but it is cute.

There are other patterns in the fall release that are nice but many are very similar to things that are already in my pattern stash.  I discovered that I purchase a lot of the same designs so I am attempting to cut back.  On to Simplicity:

Simplicity 9375. Faux wrap skirt with a twist.  Variation with faux flat wrap front.  I really like the knee length and longer skirts.  This pattern is definitely coming to the pattern stash.  I need to dig through the fabric stash and see what fabric is available.  

Simplicity 9376.  This is a pull on pleated or pintucked pant.  I like the idea of these pants.  I have similar patterns but really like the look of these.  Not sure how I actually feel about pleated pants returning to fashion.  They are a little harder to fit because it is easy to overfit and have a gapping pleat instead of a flat pleat.

Surprisingly, there are a lot of crafty type patterns in the Simplicity release and a couple in the McCall's release.  It is nice to see this happening again.  McCall's use to have some of the best instruction of home dec.

There was not anything in the Vogue fall release that interested me.  It did seem to contain much of high fashion but I guess with the events of the last couple of years fashion has gotten even simpler.

Hope you enjoyed looking at my picks from the new fall releases.  I have little time to sew these days but certainly do a lot of dreaming, planning, and purchasing.  What are your picks from these releases?

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Boyfriend Jacket

 In the heat of the summer is not normally when I am thinking about fall/winter clothes.  However if you start now, it will be ready when you need it.

This week we have another jacket to consider:

This is Akris punto Tartan Check Boyfriend-Fit Jacket.  Price tag: $1390.00.  Details: tartan check pattern, notched lapel, single-button front, long sleeves, vented cuff, side flap pockets, viscose/cotton/nylon fabric, acetate lining.  

This is a beautifully made jacket.  I would love to have this in my closet but I do not love the price tag. I have included the back view on this one so you could see that the collar  matches the back as well. Here is a pattern option:

This is McCall's 7818.  I think it is a good match to the inspiration photo.  The back is slightly different.  If considering using a plaid, match sure to purchase enough fabric to cut the plaid to match.  This is usually one extra repeat per large pattern piece.  I would even consider getting a plaid to make the muslin.  If you are going to match the plaid it does take planning especially those sleeve heads.

Hope you are inspired to create something beauiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Silk Blouse

 Blouses are a wonderful addition to the wardrobe.  This silk one is interesting even if it is a bit low cut.  We can correct that type of issue when we make our own clothes.

This is the Therese Matt Silk Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $598.00.  Details: V neckline with notched collar, button front, long blouson sleeves, button cuffs, shirring at cuffs and back yoke, side slits, relaxed silhouette, approximately 26" long.  

Don't you just love how this is being shown tucked into jeans with a belt?  I haven't seen this look in a long time.  Here's a blouse that looks a lot like it:

This is McCall's 8067.  View D is very close to be the inspiration top. Just don't use the pockets unless you want to.

Frankly, it seems like the inspiration picture is very expensive.  Even if you purchased silk for your version, the largest size only takes 2 1/2 yards of fabric.  Mood carries silk from $25 to $50 per yard.  I admit that I would find it difficult to cut into $50 yard fabric.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Midi Skirt

 It is very nice to see the longer skirts returning to fashion scene.  Here's a nice slim one to consider:

The is the Lafayette 148 New York Rafferty Crepe Midi Skirt.  Price tag:  $398.00.  Details:  Waist darts front and back, falls straight from the hip, center back zip, back slit (looks like a kick pleat to me), falls below the knee, and lined.   For a closer look, hop over to Neiman Marcus.

This type of skirt reminds me of the 80s and 90s.  I am happy to see these return to fashion.  Let's see what kind of patterns we can find.

 This is McCalls 8051.  It is a pattern for a pencil skirt in 5 different lengths.  This pattern looks like a very good match to the inspiration pattern.  

You can't just make a skirt unless you already have something in your closet to go with it.  On the Neiman Marcus site, they have an option to see how it's worn.  A couple of options to make a complete look would be a tank and/or a button down shirt. I have a tank fitted so that would be super simple.  

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful and useful.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe - Week 45

Weeks 45 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 45 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 45 is dark, neutral, lightweight pants.  This is probably more my style than last week's shorts.  As stated last week, it doesn't have to be pants.  This could just as easy be a dress.  Here's a couple of options that would work well:

This is Jag's Woven Yoga Pants pattern by Silhouette Patterns.  This is a nice elastic waist pant with an ankle length.

This is McCall's 7942.  It's an elastic waist pant with side pockets.  This pattern also includes shorts and a skirt. Making it a good option for those items also.  I guess this is a good bang for your buck.  I'll be surprised if we see cheap patterns any more.

Hope you are inspired to create some light-weight pants.  

Happy Sewing!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 36

Week 36 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 36 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 36 is a textured, printed or patterned short sleeve top.  It is meant to add variety to the wardrobe.  If it's hot where you are, you could possibly make it sleeveless.  Your wardrobe, your choice.

Here's a couple of suggestions:

This is the Sew Liberated Aida Top.  It is a roomy top and you can have lots of fun with prints with it.  If pdf patterns are ok, you can order it here.  This is the Sew Liberated website.  A little searching and you can find a paper version.

This is M7976.  This is a loose fitting top with neckline and hemline variations.  This could be a fun litte top pattern.

The Week 35 post also included top patterns that would work.  Most of the top patterns I have chosen are for woven fabric.  Knits are always an option.  Just grab your favorite t-shirt pattern.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shirtdress

The shirtdress has been going strong for a while and they are still going strong for spring.  Here's another lovely version:

This the Lafayette 148 New York Doha Stately Stripe Short-sleeved Shirtdress..  Price tag: $848.00.  Details:  spread collar, button front, short sleeves, center back box pleat, flap chest pockets, self belt, sheath silhouette, and side slit hem.

Here's a pattern that matches the silhouette pretty well:

This is McCall's 8031.  View B seems to match the inspiration picture pretty good.  I would use the short sleeve from View A as the only change.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Animal Print Dress

The styling of this dress reminds me very much of the style dresses I wore in the 1990s. 

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Agneta Painterly Animal Print Dress. Price tag:  $1298.00.  Details:  V-neckline, short sleeves, tonal belt, a-line silhouette, side pockets, maxi length, silk with polyester lining.  For a closer look, check the Neiman Marcus website.

I don't about you but I think I could make a lot of dresses for the price tag on this one.  It is certainly a very wearable silhouette.  Here's a pattern:

This is the Seamwork Bertie dress pattern.  This is a new Seamwork pattern and it is only available to Seamwork members at this point.  Use this link to become a member - Membership and you will get $3.00 off your first month.  I also get a small benefit at no cost to you if you join.  This dress also have a variation available to members that has 3/4 length sleeve with a cuff.  The changes that I see making to this pattern is to shorten the sleeve, add length, and make a belt.  Small changes that are very doable.

I also like the idea of this dress:

This is McCall's 8031.  View A would give a similar silhouette.  The collar is different but I think it is a good match otherwise.

So many decisions.  Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Sewing Mojo...Where did it go?

I have done very little sewing so far in 2020.  Oh, I look and dream but nothing.  I have been re-working items that were made in December. It was realized that there was a issue with tension on my machine.  There is nothing that I dislike more than redoing something. 

So, I purchased some fabric and have grand intentions.  Here's my plan:

This is a blue tencil twill.  Of the fabrics I purchased, this one is probably the most boring which means it will be the most versatile.  My intentions is to make a Seamwork Bertie shirtdress with this fabric.  Here's the line drawing:

The only change will be to make the sleeves shorter.  A muslin will be needed to check the fit.  This dress I really want.  This pattern is a members only pattern during the month of February 2020.  Here's a membership link - Seamwork.  You will get a $3.00 discount by using this link.  I will also get a small benefit at no additional charge to you.

This is a cotton/tencil stripe in blue.  My intention is to make McCalls 8031 shirtdress in view A.  Here's a peek at the pattern:

I don't believe that I need to make any changes to this but only creating a muslin will answer that question. 

This is a Rayon crepe in blue/black.  I intend to make Seamwork Natalie with this fabric.  Here's the line drawing:

This pattern will need a muslin also.  Hopefully, there will not be a need for many changes.

Thisi s a polyester jersey.  I liked colors and intend to make a t-shirt.  The pattern hasn't been determined for this yet.

I also want to add a jacket in grey to this and I need to figure out some bottoms.  All of these patterns will need a muslin.  That means that I will be using up stash fabric.  Hope you found this interesting. 

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...Paperbag Wide Legged Pant

A wide-legged pant always reminds me of the 70s.  This pair is a wonderful casual denim:

This is the Paperbag Full Length Wide Leg Pant by Boden.  Price tag: $90.00.  Details:  high-waisted, fitted at the waist with a wide leg, front pockets, back welt pockets, detachable self fabric belt, hook and bar waist fastening with zip fly.

Here's a couple of patterns to consider:

This is McCall's 7726.  View D is very close to the inspiration picture.  I am not sure about adding the welt pockets to the back as there is already something going on.

Here's a slightly different option of the paperbag pant:

This is the Paper Bag Pant pattern by Sewn Square One. 

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

McCall's Early Spring Picks...

The McCall's Early Spring patterns have been released.  Here are my picks:

This is McCall's 8031. It a shaped shirtdress with darts and a notched collar.  Since there isn't really a description,  there are 3 sleeve varations and 3 hemline variations.  This would be a nice year round dress.

This is McCall's 8041.  This is a blouse pattern with two neckline variations and two hemline variations. 

What do you think of the new McCall's artwork? 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Basic Layering Tee

Do you sew basics that you will wear day in and day out?  I'm wanting to stitch more of this type of item.  Here's a basic tee:

This is the Nic+Zoe Countryside Top.  Price tag: $118.00.  This is their take on the classic layering tee.  Details:  v-neck with facing, long-tail with curved hem, loose-fitting, v-neck back with yoke shaping.

You need to look at this top to appreciate, I think.  You need to see the back.  Just head over to the Nic+Zoe website.  Now let's think about patterns:

This is M6964.  This pattern offers a variety of necklines and sleeves which makes it versatile.  It doesn't have the faced v-neck but the v-neck is good.  The hemline would need to be dropped a little and curved.  Make use of your french curve.

If you have a t-shirt pattern already fitted, use it.  Just remember that a v-neck is not really a straight line.  Use the french curve.  Have fun!

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!