Inspiration...Corduroy Jacket

 It is time to think about jackets for fall.  This is a little bit like a chore jacket:

This is the Organic Cotton Stretch Corduroy Jacket by Eileen Fisher.  Price tag: $248.00.  Details: relaxed fit, classic collar, button front, and button cuff with double pleat, and patch pockets.

I am not convinced that a stretch fabric is needed for a relaxed fit but that is for you to decide.  I do love the idea of this style of jacket in corduroy.  Here is the first pattern that I thought of:

This is the Rhett Jacket pdf pattern by Seamwork.  It is a workwear inspired chore jacket.  

I have made this jacket and it is one of my favorite jackets that I have made.  I did not realize that it had been so long since I made the jacket.  It is still going strong.  Maybe it is time to make a new version.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Dress

 I found a new website to checkout styles for the upcoming season.  It is called Poetry.  Great name.  Here is the dress:

This is the Velvet Sleeveless Dress.  Price tag:  $235.00.  Details:  cotton velvet and lined with cotton, buttons from neck to hem, sleeveless for layering, modern V-neck with topstitching, topstitched bust darts to waist, center front seam with topstitching on either side, top-stitched princess seam from shoulder to hem on the back, side seam pockets with topstitching, deep stitched hem, dry-clean only. 

This dress sounds so beautifully made with all the topstitching and the fact that it is lined.  I am not particularly familar with the cotton velvet as I usually avoid fabrics that are high maintenance. No doubt we can get the look without the maintenance, right?  Here is a pattern that I think gives the illusion of this dress:

This is the Dani Pinafore pdf pattern by Seamwork.  This pattern does not have the princess seaming for all the topstitching detail nor does it have the row of buttons down the back.  This pattern is appropriate for heavier fabrics like corduroy, denim, suede, faux suede.  Perfect for layering.  I think a faux suede would be wonderful.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cigarette Pants

 ...and I thought wide legged pants were going to continue.  Here is a pair of cigarette pants:

This is the Manhattan Cotton Twill Cigarette Pants by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  flat front, side slant pockets, back welt pockets, side slit hems, cropped at ankle, slim tapered legs, fly zip, belt loops, rise approximately 10 1/4-inches, 29-inch inseam.

This is a very neutral outfit to take you right into fall.  Now, what patterns would be best?  I can think of two but neither are perfect but would get the look.  Here are the options:

This is the Seamwork Clover Pants.  You get the overall look of the Cigarette Pants just not all the details.

This is the Love Notions Sabrina Slims.  Again, you can achieve the look but not all the details.

I think there is plenty to think about here.  What do you think about the Cigarette Pants?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Oversized Shirt

 Today's inspiration is an oversized button-down shirt.  I really like the fabric on this shirt.

This is the Striped Cotton Oversized Amagansett Shirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  exaggerated oversized shape, dropped shoulder, long sleeve, button front with adjustable cuffs, shirttail hem, layered double pocket, 100% cotton, machine washable.  Note - it is not mentioned in the description but the shirt also has a hidden front placket.

This shirt is really large.  I am not a smal person and I think that I could wear a size small which has a bust of  50 1/2-inches.  That would still give me around 7-inches of ease.  Here is a pattern that has the same oversized shape:

This is the Roan Tunic pdf pattern by Seamwork.  This is fairly close to the inspiration photo.  The inspiration shirt also have a back yoke and a back pleat.  You could always add the back yoke.  If I were making this shirt, I would definitely be changing the pockets.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

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!

Wardrobe Considersations...On Going Discussions 3

 Now we are moving on to Outwear.  This is where I did not like the suggestions made by the AI.  Then the discussion went to silhouettes.  We ended up with Seamwork Flor Cardigan and McCall's 7818 jacket.  I was causioned about the fitting the uni-sex jacket.  Here are the line drawings:

This is the Seamwork Flor Cardigan.  This will be made up in a gray knit.  This is an unfitted pattern so it will require a little work.

This is McCall's 7818.  It is an uni-sex jacket with a little bit of an oversized fit.  It will be made in a navy fabric.  This is an unfitted pattern so it will require a little work.

How do you think the AI is doing so far?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Striped Sweater

 Looks like stripes are catching my attention so far this year.

This is the Sailor Striped Rib Knit Crewneck Sweater by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $695.00.  Details: merino wool, crew neck, long sleeves, fitted, pull over style.

This is a great looking top.  It is a little more fitted than I prefer to wear but since I sew, I can make any way I want. Here is a pattern that has the look/feel of the inspiration pattern:

This is the Seamwork Alice T-shirt pdf pattern.  It is a semi-fitted, long-sleeved top. 

This is a great basic to add to the wardrobe. As always, if you have a t-shirt pattern already fitted the way you like  it,  use it.  Save those dollars for fabric.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cap Sleeve Silk Blouse

Today's inspiration is a simple, little top that is a basic.  This is great little layering piece as well. 

This is the Cap Sleeve Silk Blouse by Giorgio Armani.  Price tag: $1495.00.  Details: cap sleeves, round neck, button closure, hip length, relaxed fit, silk, dry clean.

Such a simple little top for such a big price.  The big pattern companies do not seem to be putting out good basic patterns anymore because this type of top pattern should be everywhere and it is nowhere.  Is this a failure to pick up on what the designers are planning?  As far as fabric goes, Mood has lots of silks from $15/yard to $50/yard.  Even at those prices, you could fill your closet with tops for the price of the silk blouse pictured above.  Personally, I would/will go for a easier care fabric.

So, did I find any patterns?  Yes, a couple:

This is the Cap Sleeve Shell pattern by Pamela's Patterns.  It comes in two lengths.  The neckline is slightly different than the inspiration photo.

This is the Hansie pdf pattern by Seamwork.  Again, this one is similar to the inspiration photo but has a slightly different neckline.

Let me know if you know of a pattern that resemble the inspiration photo and I will add it.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Ribbed Dress

 This dress feels more like fall but if it is warmer where you are, it could maybe work into winter with a jacket.

This is the Ribbed Mock-Neck Sweater Dress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price: $798.00.  Details:  ribbed knit, mock neckline, elbow length, hem hits around the knee (43-inches from shoulder to hem), shift silhouette, pull over style, cashmere/wool.  Model is 5'10".

This is a simple silhouette and the color is fairly basic which could easily make it a go-to dress.  If grey is not your color, you get pick.  I have a couple of thoughts on patterns:

The is the Seamwork Edie Top pdf pattern.  I think the neckline on this is perfect.  As for the remainder of the dress, this one would probably work:

This is the Seamwork Lito T-shirt Dress pdf pattern.  This would give you the looser fit through the body.  The pattern would most likely need to be lengthened depending on you height.  The sleeves would need to be lengthened as well.  

If you do not mind french darts, this pattern lengthened would work:

This is the Silhouette Patterns Fisher's Mock Tee Top.  The pattern would need to be lengthened into a dress.  

Hope you are inspired to make a great, everyday type of dress.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Skirt & Top

 Sometimes, you just see something you love.  This is it for me folks.  I love gingham. 

This is the Eileen Fisher Sleeveless Organic Linen Shirt. Price tag: $128.00.  Details:  yarn dyed check, 25-inches long from shoulder to hem, point collar, button front, sleeveless, box pleated back yoke, hem side slits, relaxed fit, organic linen, machine wash.

This is the Eileen Fisher Crinkled Gingham Organic Linen Midi Skirt.  Price tag: $168.00.  Details:  yarn dyed check, elasticized waistband,  on seam pockets, hem falls below knee, a-line silhouette, pull-on style, organic linen, machine wash.

Admittedly, this outfit looks a little better with the shirt tucked into the skirt.  You will need to check the Neiman Marcus website to see more.  Shall we talk about patterns?  For the shirt, I would say use an already fitted button down shirt pattern like this one: 

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  It is well drafted.  The needed changes are removing the sleeves, adjusting the shoulders/armscye area, and maybe flattening out the hem.   I would be very tempted to leave the hem the way it is.  Here is another option:

This is the Seamwork Willis sleeveless button down shirt.  This is a good option for the inspiration photo.  I think the hem needs to be adjusted but otherwise it is good.

Now, for the skirt pattern.  I found a freebie for you if you do not mind making your own pattern - 1-hour a-line skirt.  So, that is the best I could do.  This is about as simple as you can get for a skirt and I could not find one on the big 4 website.  Maybe I gave up too early.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Folks, I am going to take a break from the inspiration posts for a while.  I will return with the post when the fall/winter items start showing up in the stores.  I have more than enough ideas to keep be going for the next three or four months.

Happy Stitching!

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...Quilted Jacket

 It is time to start thinking about the spring jackets.  Here is a cute one:

This is the Quilted Lady Jacket from Talbots.  Price tag: $209.00.  Details: long sleeved, snap closure, above hip length, patch pockets, lined, 100% polyester.

Here is a couple of patterns to consider:

The is Vogue 1830.  The pattern has the jacket with two sleeve lengths and pants with two lengths.  It is also lined and has patch pockets.  A little more curvy than the inspiration photo.

This is the Seamwork Lilliana pdf pattern.  This is boxy like the inspiration photo. You will need to play to recreate the pockets.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

I am a Seamwork affiliate. Purchasing via the Seamwork link will result in small commission.  The Seamwork link above is a 50% membership link.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Pants

 I am not sure about the short length of these pants but I like the idea of a pair of denim pants being brightly colored:

This is the Maru Hello Sunshine Print Denim Pants by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $595.00.  Details:  button/zip fly, belt loops, 5 pocket style, straight legs, full length, semi-fitted, cotton elastine, lined with cotton.  

I would think that any jean pattern that you have already fitted will work here.  These pants look like they have a high waist to me.  Here are a couple of suggestions:

This is the Ginger Jeans by Closet Core.  I think the View B for the hips, and View A for the legs would be perfect.

The Tessa Jeans pdf pattern by Seamwork (affiliate link).   These are a high rise pant with relaxed leg.

Of course, there are many, many jeans patterns around.  Pick your favorite and have fun. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Crepe Shirt

 Spring/Summer will be here before you know it.  Plan ahead and you might have a chance to have the wardrobe ready to go with it hits.  Hot weather is really hard on me and over the last couple of years I have really turned to sleeveless items.  Here is a great sleeveless shirt with matching pants:

This is the Akris Punto Lightweight Techno Crepe Blouse.  Price tag: $440.00.  Details:  button front, sleeveless, side slit details, hip length, relaxed fit.   The model is 5'10" for reference.

They do not say anything about the collar but when you look up close at it, the collar seems to be a little longer similar to 70s styling but not quite as pointy.  What do you think of the matchy matchy with the pants?  This type of look tends to make you look leaner and taller.  Check Neiman Marcus website if you are interested in a closer look.

For the pattern, I am going to stick with tried and true:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  For me, this is a classic shirt and I have it already fitted which is important.  Obviously, this is not sleeveless.  Here are instructions from another company showing how to make a button down sleeveless.  Do doubt there are other instructions available.  The only other changes that I see would be to straighten the hem and make side slits.

If you do not want to go to all the trouble of making pattern changes, the Seamwork (affiliate link) Willis shirt will work:

Version 2 of this pattern is very similar to the inspiration pattern.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Colorblock Tunic

 Springtime inspiration is continuing.  This is an interesting tunic:

This is the Cotton Popeline Colorblock Kodak-Stripe Tunic by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $695.00.  Details:  Kent collar, button front closure, 3/4 sleeves, dropped shoulders, front patch pocket, rounded hem, relaxed fit.  Here is a look at the back: 

The back has an interesting pleat.  It looks like it comes down from the collar seam and opens just below the shoulder blades.  In looking at the front, I can also see a hidden button placket.  Be sure to zoom in the left side where the pocket is.  It is an interesting shape and perfectly matched the pattern.

As far as patterns, I think I would be tempted to try the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt but I am not sure how to get the "oversized" look correct.  I am sure it is more than making the next size larger.  The Seamwork Rachel (affililate) has a back that is drafted with the pleat.  Here is the line drawing:

For those wondering what a Kent collar is, it is a standard business collar.  Yes, I had to look it up to make sure there was not something special about it.  

Do you know of a better pattern for this?  Let me know if you do.

Happy Stitching!
  

Seamwork Sale...

 I am a Seamwork affiliate.  By using my Seamwork link, you get 50% off the annual subscription during the sale.  This would make a great gift for others or yourself.  Here are some of the benefits:

• 2 new monthly patterns plus all the other patterns in the library, pattern bonuses 
• discussion forum where you can talk all things sewing, share your sewing, ask questions, answer questions
• bi-annual Design Your Wardrobe - this really makes you think about what you have, what you need, what you just want to make
• sewalongs, tutorials, and techniques
• articles and past magazine issues
• helpful downloads - guides, worksheets, and planners
• fabric discounts
• a big bonus is when you sign up during a sale, that is your subscription rate as long as you are a member

I have had an annual membership since May 2019.  I was a monthly member for about 1 1/2 years before that.  Here are the reasons I became a member:

• I was losing interest in the print magazines that I was getting or they had gotten really expensive at 4 issues for over $100 per year.
• The annual membership was less expensive than purchasing monthly membership.
• The Seamwork magazine was a good alternative to one of the print magazines that I had been getting.
• I enjoy sharing on the forums.

A little bit about the fabric discounts, there are many shops in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, one in Europe, and one in New Zealand.  This discounts range from 5% to 15% with the majority being 10% to 15%.  If you are a big purchaser of fabric, patterns, and notions, it is a real possibility that you could pay the Seamwork subscription price with those discounts.

As an affiliate of Seamwork, I do receive a small commission if you use one of my links to make a purchase.

Happy Sewing!

Fall/Winter 2023 Sewing Plans...

 I really tried to get my sewing plans started early this year along with starting the sewing early but here it is mid-September and sewing has not started.  I kept my sewing plans small so that I could accomplish them.  I am a Seamwork member so I set my project goals as follows with the date ending 11/30/23:

1. The Octave Coat pdf pattern by Love Notions.  This one was planned way back in early July.  I need to get going on it.  Pattern needs fitting.

2.  The Liesl & Co Classic Shirt in a black/blue check.  This one has already changed from a shirt to a dress as I had a lot of fabric and I wanted to use it.  You can read my thoughts here.  I will need to add another shirt.  This fabric is stash.

3.  The Liesl & Co Classic Shirt in red/black/gray plaid.  It is already fitted.  I might as well use it. This fabric is stash.

4.  The Liesl & Co Classic Shirt in periwinkle/gray plaid shirting.  Gotta love a fitted classic shirt pattern.

5.  The Seamwork Piedra knit dress pattern in a gray jersey. This is a simple t-shirt type dress perfect for every day.  Pattern needs fitting.  This fabric is stash.

6.  The Seamwork Tia dress pattern in teal knit.  This is another simple shift type dress that is perfect for every day.  Patterns needs fitting.   This fabric is stash.

I used the bi-annual Design Your Wardrobe to assist with the process.  I no longer follow through all the steps but I follow through enough that I go through my existing fabric stash and pattern stash.  I admit the first couple of times I went through the program it was a little overwhelming.  There is a lot to think about and learn.

So, that is my plan for this season.  I think that I have left myself lots of wildcard stuff so I do not get bored.  After all, I am making three Liesl & Co Class Shirts or a variation of it.  So, half of the plan should be easy to make.  I will definitely sew on other items as well.

I am an affiliate of Seamwork.  Use this link to get 50% off the annual subscription. I do get a small commission at no cost to you.  Fifty percent off is a win-win.  There is more.  Seamwork has various classes.  Some of the classes are free with the membership and some have an additional costs.  The Learn to Sew class has an additional charge.  Click the link for the class and you get $100 off.  That's a pretty good discount.  

Inspiration...A-Line Skirt

 Have you started working on your spring/summer wardrobe yet?  Here is a workhorse skirt:

This is Talbots Denim A-Line Skirt. Price tag: $99.50.  Details:  a-line, hits above the knee, button front closure, button flap pocket on the front and welt pockets on the back. Mises skirt length is 20 1/2". Fabric is 70% cotton, 29% polyester, and 1% lycra.

See what I mean about this being a workhorse skirt.  If you were inclined, you could happily wear it daily.  Now on to the patterns:

This is the Ellie & Mac Adult Button Front A-Line Skirt pdf pattern.  This skirt hits all the basics of the inspiration skirt except for the pockets. You get three lengths options and 2 hem options with this pattern.

This is the Seamwork Sawyer Skirt pdf pattern.  This is an a-line with 6 panels and the button front.   This one would most likely require shortening if you want an above the knee skirt and the pocket details would need to be added.

Lots to think of with this inspiration skirt but it is a great skirt.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shirt + Pants

 I have been seeing a lot of "suit" like wardrobe items.  Here is one that is a little bit interesting:

This is the Akris Punto Baby Leopard Print Cropped Twill Blouse and Fred Baby Leopard Print Twill Belted Pants.  Price tag:  Blouse - $595.00, Pants - $495.00.  Details:  Blouse - cotton twill in a leopard print, Kent collar, concealed button placket, 3/4 sleeves with dropped shoulders, back pleat, boxy fit, cropped length, round hem.  Pants - high rise, side slip pockets, back button pocket, fabric d-ring belt, tapered legs, ankle length, tab/zipper fly, belt loops.

Here are a couple of  tutorials on how to create the placket - How To Make Hidden Buttonholes and How to Make a Hidden Button Placket.   The second tutorial is my favorite method but I would think that both have advantages. 

As far as patterns go, I think would be tempted to just use the Classic Shirt by Liesl & Co. and just shorten the sleeves and maybe straighten the hem.  As far as the pants go, the Clover pant pattern by Colette using view A is a classic cigarette style pant.  

I might need to give more thought to the patterns but I really haven't seen too many pant patterns with that exact silhouette.  I am open to suggestions.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Jacket

 It seems like summer inspiration just started.  However, fall and winter is showing up in the stores.  We will start with a jacket:

This is the Akris punto Cashmere-Wool Bomber Jacket.  Price tag: $1490.00.  Details:  Stand collar, button front, long sleeves, yoked back, side flap pockets, virgin wool - cashmere, cupro lining.

I love everything about this jacket.  It remembers me of the Seamwork Rhett jacket.  Here is the line drawings:

Pattern changes would be to modify the collar, add a flap, a back yoke, and no back seam.  I have made a variation on the Rhett jacket and you can see my version here.    Here is another pattern that might provide a similar look:

This is the Merchant & Mills Ottoline Jacket pattern.  It has a two piece sleeve that would help with fitting and it has a yoke.  It has a little more details than the Seamwork pattern.  The link provided is for a paper pattern.  If interested in a pdf or larger sizing, go directly to the Merchant & Mills website.

Neither of these patterns include a lining option.  If the jacket is not make from wool, you might not need a lining.  Entirely up to you.

Hope you are inspired to start your jacket/coat sewing early for fall/winter.  It would certainly be nice to have the jacket ready to go when Mother Nature decides to cool it off.

Happy Stitching!