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!

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!

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!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt + Button Front Shirt

 Today's post is all about the casual outfit. Here it is:

This is the Everyday Linen Button Front Shirt from JJill.  Price tag: $99.00.  Details:  linen/cotton fabric, button front, low hip length, side slits, long sleeve.  Expedition Denim Skirt by JJill. Price tag: $79.00.  Details: cotton/spandex blend; close fitting through waist, hip, and thigh; contrast top stitching; belt loops; 5-pocket styling; fly front with tack button; sits below waist; back slit.

I really like the simplicity of this outfit.  The floral blouse is a great way to get floral into the wardrobe without it being too much.  Here are the pattern selections:

For the button front shirt:

This is the Liesl + Co Classic Shirt pattern.  View B is a button front shirt option.  This pattern is well worth getting fitting and making over and over.

For the skirt:

This is the Style Arc Tommie Jeans Skirt pattern.  I would move the front slit to the back.  I looked everywhere I could think of to find a pattern with the pockets from the inspiration photo.  I was unable to locate it.  However if you have a pattern that has those pockets, just it to add the pockets.

As always, you what you have.  Save those dollars for fabulous fabrics and accessories.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

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!

2nd Classic Shirt...

This is the third item from my September plan.  I decided to go for it even if I was not super happy about the fabric.  Here is the fabric:

If I decide that it is too light weight for cooler weather, I will make it short sleeved.  Of course, it could be a great layering garment.  Back to the fabric, I ironed the fabric to check for flaws or just weirdness.  I did find one spot that looked funny.  With luck, I will cut around it or maybe put it into a seam or hem.  I still have kittens to deal with as well.  For whatever reason, some of the pins are super interesting.  No and redirecting just is not helping the situation.  Any additional ideas would be great.  I really do not want them to get hurt.

Here is the final shirt:

I am fairly happy with the way the shirt turned out.  There are not too many mistakes.  I can say that I am very happy for having Fray Block and Collins Wash Away Wonder Tape.  

If you have not tried this pattern, you really should.  It is a great basic shirt.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Floral Shirt

 This shirt feels like spring to me but I do love the colors.

This is Floral-Print Button-Down Blouse by Carolina Herrera.  Price tag: $890.00.  Details:  point collar, button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, relaxed fit, shirttail hem, cotton/elastine, dry clean, made in Italy.  

This shirt is a little different than most of the shirts that I show.  This one has princess seams.  You can see them if you zoom in.  The blouse also has a back yoke.  Here is my solution:

This is the Recital Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.  It has the back yoke and the princess seams.  It does not have the gather cuff or the collar.   I would take the collar from the Classic Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.

In looking around a little more, I found this Vogue shirt pattern:

This is Vogue 9029 and View A is a fair fit to the inspiration photo.  It has the princess seam, and the collar.  It does not have a back yoke but has princess seams in the back as well.  I would not use the rufffle on the cuff.  This pattern has a bit of bang with it.  Once fitted, there are six options which could give you a whole wardrobe of tops. 

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cap Sleeve Top

 Sometimes you find things that make you say "Wow".  That is how I feel about this top.

This is the Striped Cap-Sleeve Top by Carolina Herrera. Price tag: $1590.00.  Details:  round neckline, button front, cap sleeves, relaxed fit, viscose/elastine, dry clean.

I love, love, love the look of this top and sincerely hope I can locate a pattern that I can duplicate it.  This is such a beautiful play with stripes.  You really need to check the Neiman Marcus site so you can see the whole outfit because it is matchy, matchy.

I started looking for a kinda similar pattern because perfect matches are hard to find. I did find a pattern that might work.  Here is the line drawing:

This is the bonus view of the Sage Top from Seamwork.  Yes, that means you have to be a member at Seamwork to have access to this view.  What the pattern has - shoulder princess seam, button front.  What the pattern doesn't have - cap sleeves, higher neckline, center back seam.

I will continue to look around for other alteratives.  As much as I like the Seamwork community, the top patterns are a real struggle for me to fit as I am much shorter in the upper chest.  Sometimes, the struggle of fitting is not worth the amount of time that it takes to accomplish for one garment.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Button Down Shirt

 I have found an interesting button down shirt.  It is just a little bit different.  Here is a glimpse:

This is the Button-Down Striped Cotton Shirt by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $598.00.  Details: Approximately 28-inches long, spread collar, button front, long sleeves, button cuff, chest pocket, back yoke with stitched box pleat, shirt tail hem, relaxed fit, cotton, unlined.

Here is a glimpse at the back:

The back pleat would be so easy to duplicate.  Just add the needed amount at the fold and mark it.  Note that this is stitched all the way to the hem and then pressed flat.  It is a small detail but so easy to change the look of the shirt.

The other detail that is a bit different on the shirt is the collar stand.  If you look closely, you can see that there are two buttons instead of the normal one button.  I am not sure about how to duplicate that.  I am fairly certain that there is more to it than just sewing an extra buttonhole/button. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.  I have been known to sit and play with this type of item.

As for the pattern, my standard go to button down shirt:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  I have sewn this shirt many times and it is a great pattern.  Things to change would be not to add the button/buttonhole to sleeve placket and add the pleat down the back of the shirt.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Striped Shirt

 I really like the idea of this shirt.  It is a little more fitting than previous inspiration shirts:

This is the Kennedy Striped Cotton Shirt by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $598.00.  Details: approximately 25-inches from shoulder to hem, long sleeves, button cuffs, back yoke, shirttail hem, relaxed fit, cotton, unlined, handwash.  Details not mentioned:  bust darts and back vertical darts. 

I really like the idea of this shirt but I do not really like the green/beige stripes.  I think a blue/gray stripe would be much better.  Do you think I could find a fabric like that?  This shirt is the Classic Shirt by Liesl & Co.   The back darts would be just a fitting detail or they could just look like a fitting detail.  That type of dart does not need to be very wide/deep.  The front dart could/should be draped should you need it.  Here is the Classic Shirt:

I will be watching a fabric that is a two-toned stripe that will work in my wardrobe colors.  Can you have too many shirts?  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Silk Blouse

 Well we have seen jackets and skirts for fall, here is a blouse:

This is the Scottie Graphic-Print Silk Twill Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details:  this features a hand painted silk, approximately 27" from shoulder to hem, spread collar, concealed button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, box pleat back yoke, relaxed fit, silk, dry clean.  Model is approximately 5'10".

I am going to recommend my favorite shirt pattern as I have it already fitted:

This is the Liesl & Co Class Shirt pattern.  I have found it to be a well drafted pattern.  Changes would be to add the hidden shirt placket.  I think that is it.

If you really want the silk twill, it can be had on many websites starting around $30 per yard.  Personally, I would go for a easier care version in a polyester blend of some sort.  Although silk care be washed safely at home if you are careful.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Striped Shirt

 This inspiration is all about a classic shirt:

This is the Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Long-Sleeve Cotton Blouse.  Price tag: $148.00. Details:  striped shirt with signature pony, spread collar, button front, long sleeves, button front, box-pleated back yoke, shirttail hem, relaxed fit, cotton, machine washable.  

This is such a classic shirt.  Here is the perfect pattern:

This is the Liesel & Company Classic Shirt pattern.  It has the benefit of having cup sizes which helps with fitting.  As always, use what you have.  If you have a different shirt pattern fitted, use it.  Make those spent dollars work for you. Leaves you more for fabric and notions.  

Fabrics:

1.  Cali Fabrics has a nice selection of striped and other shirtings.  A very good price point.  

2.  Mood Fabrics has a nice selection of striped and other shirtings. A different price point than Cali Fabrics.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful for your everyday wear.   

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Shirt

 I am still thinking about spring/summer tops.  Here is a basic, linen shirt:

This is the Eileen Fisher Side-Slit Organic Linen Shirt.  Price tag: $148. Details: approximately 29-inches from shoulder to hem, point collar, button front, short sleeves, inverted back pleat, hem sides slits, relaxed fit.

I love the idea of a linen shirt.  My first inclination for a pattern is one that is already fitted:

 This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  This pattern would need changes: shorten the sleeve, straighten the hem, move the back pleat.  This pattern does have a yoke and the inspiration does not.  

Here is a freebie from fabrics-store.com.  It is definitely worth checking out.  It is a shirt that is similar to the the classic shirt.  The patterns from this company are well drafted.  The pattern would require the same pattern changes as the Classic Shirt.

Hope you are inspired.  Hot weather is just around the corner.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Button-down Button Shirt

 Here is a basic shirt that can be worn on a daily basis:

This is the Button-Down Stretch Cotton Shirt by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $498.00.  Details:  notched lapel, button front, short sleeves, button cuffs, shirttail hem, relaxed fit, cotton/nylon/polyamide/elastane blend. 

See what I mean about this being a classic, every day type of shirt.  I do like the combination of white shirt with khaki pants.  Here is my pattern suggestion:

This is the Liesl & Co Camp Shirt + Dress pattern.  It is available either pattern or pdf.  The only change I can see is that the short sleeves of the pattern have a rolled cuff instead of a button cuff.  Only you can decide if the button cuff on the short sleeve is something that you want.   Of course, with the pattern you get the bonus of having the dress as well.  It is definitely a fit once make many times sort of pattern.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

First Shirt Muslin...

 I decided to take a short break from making the slipcovers.  Covering the pillows is fairly easy work.  The chair might be a different story.  So, quick break to muslin a shirt pattern.  Which shirt pattern?  The Nosara Shirt pdf pattern by Itch to Stitch.  Here is the line drawing:

This should be a fairly straight forward little top.  I will use a left over piece of linen fabric that I have to make the test of this pattern.  I carefully measured myself and decided to go up a size.  Why?  Well, I do not think that a size 10 will fit.  I think it will feel too tight across the back.  If it turns out that the 12 is too big, it is easy enough to reprint the pattern and cut again.  I am blending from a 12 to a 16.   I missed the instructions on which pages to print and ended up printing the whole thing.  The extra paper can always be used in another way but I sure wish I had noticed before printing.  I will use a pivot and slide technique for blending the pattern.

Here is my partially completed test garment:

I obviously picked the wrong size for this.  I used the size 12 for the shoulders and neck.  Both are tighter than I would want to wear.  The sleeves are too tight as well and they were blended to a size 16.  There is a issue with dart placement on one side.  One positive is that I put in the best looking darts that I have done in a very long time.  It looks very much like I need a FBA and it is already the largest size.  Maybe the 14/20 will fit differently.

As for this top, I might finish it and donate it.  It is a nice linen fabric. It might just fit someone else better than me.

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  Any purchases made through the links on this page will result in a small commission for me.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch Shirt/Dress PDF Pattern...

 It is the first Itch To Stitch pattern release of 2024.  It is a lovely shirt/dress pattern.  Here is the line drawings:

The Majorelle Shirt/Dress pdf pattern would be great casual or off to the office.  Here are the features:

• A choice between regular bust and full bust options
• Versatile option for either a shirt or dress
• Optional ruffled collar
• Stylish center-front buttoned closure
• Long raglan sleeves for a contemporary look
• Elastic sleeve hem for added comfort
• Delicate gathered neckline for a feminine touch
• Specifically designed for use with lightweight woven fabrics

Be sure to check out the blog post so that you can see all the wonderful versions created by testers.

The Majorelle Shirt/Dress pdf pattern will be discounted (20% off) through January 28, 2024 and all volume discounts still apply.  It is a good time to pick other patterns.   

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!

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!
  

Inspiration...Wide Legged Pants

 I am so happy that wide legged pants are making an appearance.  Here is a great plaid pair:

This is the Westbourne Wide-Legged Pants from Boden.  Price tag: $140.00.  Details:  fit through waist and hip with wide leg, full length, side pockets, back jetted pockets, button fastening at center front with zip fly.    (Jetted pockets appear to welted pockets.)

This is a great overall outfit.  My first thought of a pant pattern is:

This is the Liesl & Co Peckham Women's Trousers pdf or pattern pattern.  These pants have just a little bit of elastic at the sides which is different than the inspiration photo.  Here is another option:

This is the Liesl & Co Hollywood Trousers pdf pattern. This is a classic trouser pattern.  This pattern does not have the welt pocket and you would need to add it. 

While we are at it, we might as well make a complete outfit.  Here is the top pattern:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pdf or paper pattern.  This is my favorite shirt pattern.

If you want to take it a step further, you might add a jacket for a suit like effect:

This is the Closet Core Jasika Jacket pattern.  It is a classic blazer pattern that would look good with anything you want to pair with it - jeans, trousers, skirts.

If you go to the Boden website, you will find lots of inspiration for either the pants or shirt.  Did you know Boden states on their website "Buy better, buy less, wear more." .  That is a good idea for those buying or sewing.  Just something to consider.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Button Down Blouse

 Button down blouses/shirts are such a wardrobe staple.  We should have many for every season.  This next blouse I have posted many iterations of it.  This is where having a fitted pattern can result in a great wardrobe.  Here is the top: 

This is the Scottie Printed Silk Button Down Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00. Details:  spread collar, concealed button placket, long sleeves, wide button cuffs, back yoke, box pleat, relaxed fit, shirttail hem.

I know it is the color that drew me in.  I checked at Cali Fabrics to see what type of prints that might have and there are tons here.  I have not found the exact print or even one similar.   What pattern?  Well, I am going to go to the one I always suggest as it is one that I have fitted.

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  This is a link to the designer site and there is a ton of information for this pattern.  I have found it to be very well drafted.    Here is my preferred method of making a hidden placket at Threads - How to Make a Hidden Button Placket.  As for making changes to the cuff, when you widen the cuff remember to shorten the sleeve.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Next Project...Classic Shirt in Black/Red/Gray Plaid

 Even though the sewjo has been missing or barely there, I am going to continue attempting to work on my fall plans.  My next project will be using the following items:

The is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  I made a dress with the last version I made with this pattern.  This is the fabric:

This feels like it is 100% cotton flannel.  I am sure that I purchased it to make the Classic Shirt above.  Given my luck with cutting out plaids doubled, I will be cutting this out in a single layer so that I have some hope of matching the plaids.  At the very least, I want the plaid to match at the center front.  I am not that good of a cutter to get a pattern to match at all points - front/back, shoulders, sleeves.  I suspect some of it has to do with the pattern.  I have just a little over 2 1/2 yards of this fabric.  

My goal is to finish the planned items that already have a fitted pattern first.  These all should have been finished in August and no later than the end of September but as stated early the sewjo have been severely lagging.

Happy Stitching!