Inspiration...Maxi Skirt

 Today's inspiration is a simple, elastic waist skirt:

This is the Poplin Maxi Skirt from Gap. Price tag:$ 69.95.  Details:  Elastic waist, side pockets, cotton poplin fabric, cotton lawn lining.

The price on this skirt is not bad but the color selection is limited. It is such a simple skirt and that should make it a very quick item to sew.  Here is one pattern suggestion:

This is New Look 6287.  It is a simple skirt pattern.  I would suggest manipulating View A and incorporate the lace panels into the pattern or just simply add length to View B.  If you want the pockets, those will need to be added.  

Of course, as always, if you already have an appropriate pattern, use it.  Save the money for more fabric.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Shift Dress

 This shift dress is perfect for hot weather.  Sew it now and be ready for the season early.  Here is the dress:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Sleeveless Cotton-Blend Shift Dress.  Price tag: $698.00.   Details:  dress featuring bust darts, pick stitching, back gore darts; approximately 37-inches long; round neckline; sleeveless; shift silhouette; knee length; back zip; cotton/nylon/polyamide/elastane blend; unlined; machine wash cold, and line dry.

Here is a tutorial for pick stitching.  As for the back gore darts, I am not familiar with that term and neither is Mr Google.  Maybe they are simply referring to the back darts that simply shape the back of the garment.  If you find some better explanation, please let me know.  

Now, I will admit that I probably would not make a white dress but that is why I sew.  Sewing allows me to pick the color and shape that I want.  Now, how about the pattern.  I generally recommend this dress:

Although New Look 8500 is a great pattern, the shape is a little bit different than the inspiration photo.  I will keep looking.

Simplicity 1609 without the collar might be a good interpretation of the inspiration photo without the collar.  This might be an A-line dress.  It is not part of the description but it could be modified slightly.

McCall's 7533 View B might be a good contender as well.  This pattern gives you a little more bang for the buck with the hem variation and sleeve variations.

This is the Style Arc June dress pattern.  This is pretty close to the inspiration photo.  It does have a slight a-line shape.  

Well, it looks like I have given you lots of pattern options for this one.  This feels like it should be a very basic dress and easy to find but it was not. Hope you are inspired to sew a nice dress.

Happy Stitching!

Planning Fall/Winter Wardrobe...

 I never really made much for spring and summer this year.  The sewjo was just missing.  However, I did a bunch of mending and that seemed to get things going.  Then, I decided to make a sleeveless blouse to push out the end of summer with the Itch to Stitch Dana Point Top (affiliate link).  This is a cute top which is a step above my normal Phoebe Tank Top which I love to pieces.  You can see my versions by doing a search on the blog.

So far, I have made the following decisions for garments:

1.  A skirt using New Look 6809 (OOP) View A in denim colored stretch suiting:

 

My inspiration is this post except I am not using real denim just a denim colored fabric.  I know the silhouette is different but that is okay.

2.  A checked skirt using either Butterick 5668 (OOP) View B or Butterick  6717 (OOP) View C.  

My inspiration is this post.  I think both of the patterns are pretty similar to the inspiration photo.  

3.  A navy/white striped button down using the Classic Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.

My inspiration is this post.  I finally took the fabric out of the package and realized it is a little sheer.  I do not know if it will stand up to all the stitching required for a button down.  The weight was stated to be 130 gsm which should have been almost 4 oz per yard.  I washed the fabric and dried it in the dryer with hopes that it shrunk and tightened up the weave a little bit.

4.  A plaid button down using the Classic Shirt by Liesl & Co:

This is stash fabric.  I had intended to make the shirt in 2023 but it slipped. I have grey pants to go with this fabric.

Things that need more thought:

I need to think about some blouses to go with the skirts.  Most of the shirts/blouses have been similar to the Classic Shirt pattern above with a hidden placket.  I doubt that is the only style of blouse that I would want though.

The Pussy Bow Blouse pattern by Sew Over It would be addition.  Here is the line drawings:

I think one of these tops would be nice to go with one of the skirts or pants.  I will continue looking for blouses. Maybe it will be something more casual than this bow blouse.

 I would like to make a jacket and right now I am thinking about using this pattern:

This is McCall's 4598 View A. It is an OOP but it matches closely to this inspiration post.  I have not decided on fabric type yet.  I really need to sit down and go through the fabric stash.  I have a lot of fabric and really need to try to use as much as possible.

Happy Stitching!

 

Inspiration...Maxi Skirt

 There is just something about a pencil skirt.  I love pencil skirt and wore them all the time when I was a young professional.  I would love to own this skirt:

This is the Straight Houndstooth Maxi Skirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  center back slit, hem falls below knee, skirt falls straight from hip to hem, invisible back zipper, wool/acrylic/nylon/polyamide, dry clean.

I love the look of this skirt.  I do not love the price or the actual fabric type.  I do not want a dry clean only fabric in a skirt.  This skirt does not look like it has a waistband.  Take a close up look at the skirt at Neiman Marcus.  If I was making this skirt, I would follow the instructions for a narrow waistband here.  Otherwise, be sure to use a petersham ribbon like the one sold at The Sewing Place.  This ribbon is colorfast and 100% rayon. 

Here is a few patterns to consider:

This is New Look 6697. It is pretty close to the inspiration photo with the exception that is actually has a waistband.  Bonus: you get a little crop top pattern.

This is McCall's 8004.  This pattern has three skirt versions.  View C is closest to the inspiration skirt.  This one has pleats instead of darts plus a waistband.  

This is Butterick 6746.  This pattern gives you several variations.  View A or B lengthened and a slit added would be very close to the inspiration skirt.

Houndstooth fabric is fairly easy to find.  Since you are making this, you are not limited to the black and white.  Make it your's.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt

 I found another denim skirt with different style lines than the last one:

The is the Washed Denim A-Line Midi Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $560.00.  Details:  high waist, angled side slip pockets, hem falls below the knee, a-line silhouette, center front vented hem, invisible side zipper, cotton/wool/nylon/polyamide, dry-clean.

This is a nice simple silhouette and we can do better than a dry clean skirt.  Here are a couple of options for patterns:

This is New Look 6767.  To me this skirt is spot on for the inspiration skirt plus you get a top pattern.  The only issue that I see is that it is designed for lighter weight fabric.  I would try it any way.

This is Vogue 2032.  This pattrn has slightly different style lines than the inspiration photo but still pulls the general look.  I think the slit maybe a bit deeper on this one.  

Are you ready to pull out those boots?  I think this skirt and the last denim skirt are just perfect for cooler weather and boots.  Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Crocheted Dress

 It has been a while since I found anything inspirational but this dress is really creative for those who crochet. 

This is the Ann Taylor Geo Crochet Sweater Dress.  Price tag: $179.00.  Details:  crewneck, sleeveless, hidden back zipper with hook-and-eye closure, lined.

I have no idea how to recreate but I bet someone who crochets a lot could do it.  Here is a pattern that would work for the general shape:

This is New Look 6500 but any dress with a similar shape would work especially if you already have it fitted.  Hope you are inspired to get out your needles/yarn and start stitching.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tank Dress

 Are you a person who is still sewing for summer in July/August?  I do.  I get tired of my summer clothes and need a refresh.  This dress is perfect for now and into early fall.  I can see if being worn a lot.

This is the Zenergy UPF Neema Floral Dress.  Price tag: $119.00.  Details:  Lightweight, rapid-dry, moisture-wicking, four-way-stretch Neema fabric rated UPF 50+ to block both UVA and UVB rays; classic fit; sleeveless, scoop neck, on-seam pockets, front-facing high low hem, midi length;  machine wash, length is 42-inches front & 44 1/2-inches back, machine wash.

This is not an expensive dress.  I had not heard of Neema fabric before and found this article.  I have not found anyone selling yardage.  Let me know if you a fabric retailer selling yardage. 

Pattern thoughts:

This is New Look 6352.  You get two length variations and two sleeve variations.  It is suppose to be a 1 hour pattern.  It is a bargain at $3.99 even if you just make it once.

This is the dress that I thought of when I saw the inspiration dress.  This is the KISS Dress by Brensan Studios.  The KISS stands for Keep It Simple Sewing!  Unfortunately, it is OOP but you might get luck and find something,  This dress can be a pullover or more fitted with a zipper and darts.  It has two lengths - knee length and boot length.  

I have this pattern and I think I am going to take a closer look at it.  Especially, the knee version that is a little fitted or not.  Hope you are inspire to create something wonderful!

Happy Stitching!

Black & White Shift Dress...

 When back in March, I had an inspiration dress that I really loved.  Here is the dress:

The link above is for the post which gives the details on the dress.  Here is the fabric that I found:

Not an exact match but close enough to get the idea.  Yes, I am going to use the Butterick 6500 pattern.  It is already fitted, well mostly. I made changes to the armscye opening returning it closer to the original drafting of the pattern.  Here is a glance at the pattern cover:

I will not be lining the dress this time but I will be using a one-piece facing which gives a very clean look to the dress.  Since the facing is already drafted, I used this video to assist with the attaching and turning of the garment.  This video will work as well.  Two methods that both work well.  Here is a couple of places to find information on installing an invisible zipper - method 1 and method 2,  Invisible zipper is not needed for the dress but I like the invisible zippers.

Here is the finished dress:

Now, I just need some new accessories like a long necklace or a different pair of shoes.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sheath Dress

 I am all for a good dress in the heat of summer.  

This is the Postcards-Print Vintage Cotton Canvas Sheath Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $898.00.  Details:  Jewel neckline, sleeveless, vertical waist darts, hem around knee, a-line silhouette, invisible back zipper, unlined, length approximately 35 1/2-inches, dry-clean only.  Model is 5'10".  

This dress is all about the fabric.  I do not know that I have ever seen fabric exactly like this.  If you have, please send me a link.  As far as a pattern goes, I am going with my fall back shift dress pattern:

Yep, New Look 6500.  This is a classic shift dress pattern.  All you need to do is add some waist darts front and back to snug it up (or not).  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Patchwork Dress

 Patchwork seems to be everywhere this season but it sure is a great way to use up those bits and pieces that you can not bring yourself to get rid of.  Here is a great little dress:

This is the Akris punto Washed Denim Patchwork Short Dress With Belt. Price tag: $1298.00.  Details: patchwork styling, round neckline, sleeveless, back zip closure, belted waist, a-line silhouette, lined.

This is such a great way to use up leftover fabric.  I would try to match the types of fabric - linen, linen/cotton, cotton.  Who has not had to purchase more fabric than they needed?  Many times you have to purchase in whole yards.  Here a pattern suggestion:

This is a classic shift dress pattern - New Look 6500.  The last I checked it is still available.  Any shift dress pattern that you have available and fitted works for this.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

 I am having such a hard time deciding what to do next in my sewing list.  Usually, I just move from one project to the next happily.  Unless I have made the pattern before, there is always a muslin of some sort.  Here is the projects the I am pondering:

This dress pattern with the following fabric:

The pattern is already fitted kinda.  There may need to be some tweaks.  The only decision is to line or not.  Since this is a stretch fabric, I may not line it but I will definitely do the one piece facing.  Next item:

This is the  Taroko Skirt pdf pattern by Itch to Stitch.  I found a piece of khaki fabric that I think will work.  Stash reduction is always good, right?  Then there is this skirt:

This is the Merchant & Mills Clementine Skirt and I am planning this fabric:

The next project that I am considering is this dress:

with this fabric:

This pattern needs to be refitted as I misplaced the fitted pattern and the pattern which resulted in my finally repurchasing the pattern.  Then this pattern:

with this fabric:

 This pattern needs to be refitted as well.  

Folks, there is more planned projects.  I need to quit planning new projects and work on the projects that I already have planned.  I think you can see my dilemma.  It is just so hard to chose.  I want all of these projects.  All patterns need fitted.  One needs minor changes.  Guess I will pick one and go.  You will see what I picked soon.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Should you purchase anything from the provided links, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you.

Happy Stitching!

Fabric...

 My resolve to not purchase fabric is not doing well.  I think I managed not to purchase any fabric for 4 to 6 months.  Believe me when I say that was not enough.  I was not sewing during that time period.  Here is the latest purchase:

I found this at a site called Destashify.  It is the first time I have purchased anything from there.  It is an interesting concept.  This piece is suppose to a cotton twill with about 5% stretch.  

This past Monday, I did a inspiration post on a black/white butterfly dress.  It was not a particular expensive dress but more than I wanted to pay for a dress that may or may not fit.  I decided this fabric would work very well for that dress. Now, I am hoping that this cotton twill is heavy enough for a dress.  

Yes, I will be using this pattern:

I will most likely put pockets on it and make sure that it is knee length.  I am excited and ready to sew.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Dress

 Summer is coming.  Have you started adding to your summer wardrobe yet?  I have been fitting muslins so that when warmer weather hits I can move quickly.

Here is a fabulous spring/summer dress:

This is Talbots Metallic Butterfly Jacquard Dress.  Price tag: $149.00.  Details:  Shift dress, jewel neck, sleeveless, hidden back zipper, hits at knee, lined.

This is not a terribly expensive dress.  I know from experience that this type of dress would never fit me.  The fabric is really key here and probably the hardest part to locate.  If you find a nice jacquard with an all over print.  Let me know.  Now, for the pattern:

Yes, this is my typical pattern for this type of dress - New Look 6500.  View D looks like it is spot on for the styling.  You might want to double-check the length.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!