Inspiration...Denim Shirt

 This inspiration is a casual denim shirt.  

This is the Perezzi Denim Wrap Shirt by Veronica Beard.  Price tag:  $348.00.  Details:  washed denim, surplice neckline, long sleeves, button cuffs, side tie closure, 60% cotton 40% tencel, machine wash, 26-inches from shoulder to hem.

Here is the pattern that I chose:

This is Silhouette Patterns 4019 - Diane's Wrap Dress.  The pattern is almost exactly like the inspiration pattern.  It just needs to be cut shirt length.  It has princess seam which is different.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Layered Skirt

 I found this skirt and was very intriqued.  Here is this simple little skirt:

This is the Layered Button-Front Wool-Blend Knee-Length Skirt by Prada.  Price tag: $3,150.00.  Details:  bandless waist, button-front closure, side slip pockets, chambray underskirt, wool blend outer skirt.

The price for the simple little skirt is astonishing.  Granted there are two layers.  Which comes to another intriqueing point - Why to two layers or skirts?   It caught my attention.  Now, for a pattern:

I 

This is the Silhouettes Patterns  Vera's Skirt pattern.  It is a waistless button front straight skirt.  I do not know if there are pockets included with the pattern but it is easy enough to add.  

To get the look -

• decide on length
• pick the outside fabric and the inside fabric
• the inside skirt will be a little taller and a little longer
• make your skirts

I made that sound simple.  It might not be that simple.   The skirt pattern itself is fairly straight forward.  There is a sew along for this pattern here.

So, pick out a nice wool blend fabric and find a chambray in a color that suits you.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

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...Plaid Jacket

 How about a plaid jacket for fall/winter?  This is more like a suit jacket.  Here it is:

This is the Button-Down Woven Plaid Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $1498.00.  Details: plaid woven jacket with woven buttons, crew neck, button front, long sleeves, buttoned chest patch pockets, relaxed fit, wool/cotton/nylon/polyamide, fill - thermal pad.  Model is 5'10".

I am really drawn to this type of jacket.  I love the fabric type.  I am not crazy for this particular colorway but that is why I sew.  I get to pick my own fabric.

If you are looking for a pattern, they are hard to find.  Vogue has a basic pattern of this type but it does not have button up the front.  My suggestion is look for a Claire Shaeffer jacket pattern, if you can find one that is affordable. There is a Freddie Jacket pdf pattern by Bella Loves Patterns on Etsy that looks reasonably close.  I do know know anything about that pattern company but the patterns are more reasonable than the prices I was seeing for the Claire Shaeffer patterns.  Silhouette Patterns has the Janie Jacket which is similar but you might need to add the button area.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...3/4 Sleeved Tunic

 I really like the styling of the this top:

This is the Hibiscus Palms Tunic from Talbots.  Price tag: $99.50.  Details:  3/4 sleeve, hits below hip, split neck, pullover, straight hem, 100% cotton.

I am always drawn to clothing that is blue but what really pulled me on this top is the use of pattern - the stripes and floral.  I can see this done in a lot of different patterns.  Want additional inspiration? Just check the Talbots website. There are multiple variations.

I can only think of one pattern similar to this.  It is this one:

This is the Silhouette Patterns Nancy's Blouse pattern.  It is similar to the inspiration piece but not exact.  Other patterns that might be worth checking:

• Liesl & Co Gallery Tunic
• Simplicity  1461

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.  Try to use up some of those stash fabrics.

Happy Stitching!

Inspirtion...Knit Skirt

 Summer is coming.  I tend to live in skirts and/or dresses when the weather is hot.  This skirt is perfect for a hot summer day:

This is the Polka Dot Ajoure Knit Cashmere Pull-on Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $595.00. Details:  high-waisted, a-line silhouette, knee length, pull-on style.

This skirt would coordinate well with the Frankie Polo Shirt from a couple of weeks ago.  Here is a good skirt pattern to duplicate:

This is the Three-Piece Yoga Skirt pattern by Silhouette Patterns.  Do not let the line drawings scare you on this one.  There are at least 6 reviews of this skirt at Pattern Review and not one of them looks like the line drawing.  It is an a-line skirt.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Ponte Pants

 Everyone needs a good pair of pants to wear for daily wear and I think this pair hits the spot:

This is Eileen Fisher Cropped Tapered Flex Ponte Pants. Price tag: $198.00.  Details: Approximately 26 1/2" inseam, flat front, mid-rise sits on high hip, cropped at ankle, tapered legs, pull-on style, tencel lyocell/nylon/polyamide/elastane, machine wash cold.  For reference, model is 5'10".

I found a couple of patterns that may work to duplicate this pant:

This is a Silhouette Pants Slim 4-Piece Yoga Pant.  

This is Silhouette Patterns Modern Align Yoga Pant.

Both of these patterns are a slim pull-on type pant that have a similar look to the inspiration pattern.  I think that the first one has a slimmer leg than the second one.  I think finding a similar fabric to the Eileen Fisher pant will be key in this recreation.  

I looked around at fabric a bit. Here is what I found:

1. Blue Moon Fabrics - Indulgent Tencel Spandex Fabric.  This fabric is heavier.  I would order a swatch before ordering fabric because there are no returns.

2, Blue Moon Fabrics - Embody Tencil Locell Spandex Rib Jersey Fabric.  This fabric is lighter weight than item 1 but it still might be heavy enough for pants.  Order a swatch and see what you think.

3.  Nature's Fabrics - Tencel/Spandex Jersey fabric.  This is the lightest weight of the three fabrics. Order a swatch.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Jacket

 Continuing with the spring theme...If you start by January, you should have the spring/summer wardrobe done by the time the warm weather starts.  Here is a nice looking linen jacket:

This is the Check-Print Single Breasted Blazer by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag:  $998.00.  Details:  Approximately 28-inches from shoulder to hem, notched lapel, single-breasted front, long sleeves, chest patch pocket, front slip pockets, rounded front hem, center back vent, relaxed fit, cotton/linen, unlined.  For reference, model is 5'10".

This is a great linen jacket.  The fabric might be difficult to locate but you can not go wrong with a navy and white print for summer.  Here is the pattern that came to mind when I saw the jacket:

This is Silhouette Patterns #1900 jacket pattern.  The only obvious changes that I see with the pattern is adjusting the buttons to 3, maybe shorten the length, remove the shoulder pads, and making patch pockets instead of welt pockets.  This pattern is a princess seam to the shoulder so you would have to play a little bit to see how everything matched up.  The inspiration photo appeared to have a dart.

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Heather Blazer

Fashion seems to be trending to matching jackets/pants again.  Here is a wonderful jacket:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Heathered Single Breasted Blazer.  Price tag: $1498.00.  Details:   24 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem,  notched lapel, single-breasted front, long sleeves, vertical waist darts, front flap pockets, rounded front hem, relaxed fit, unlined, wool/polyester/acrylic blend.  

That price seems kinda high for an unlined jacket.  You could probably get away with it being unlined as long as you had long sleeves under it.  Otherwise, I would be afraid that it might be itchy.  There really is not any way to know unless you can actually see it.  

Here is my first thought of a jacket pattern:

This is Silhouette Patterns #1900 4 Button Jacket.  I would respace the button to three and adjust the pockets.  

The following pattern is the one I would really be tempted to do:

This is McCall's 7818.  

Noticed that the jacket has matching trousers.  If this is the look that you want, be sure to purchase enough fabric to make them.  Hope you are inspired to sew something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Embroidered Jacket

 Fall is around the corner.  Here is more thoughts on fall style:

This is the Boden Embroidered Crop Jacket.  Price: $220.00.  Details:  fully lined, falls to high hip, sleeve gathered into cuff, semi-fitted, no center front closure, 100% cotton inside/outside with polyester filling.  Here is a close up of the embroidery:

This is highly embellished embroidery.  If you zoom in, you can see all the embroidery and beads.  You could use a bit of applique for the flowers if you chose to and then added the additional embellishments.

This is a super simple jacket shape with the exception of the sleeve.  Here are some pattern ideas:

This is the Silhouette Patterns Janie's Jacket pattern.  This is a very simple jacket.  Once you have it fitted, you could make several different jackets changing the look with the type of fabric, and notions.

This is Vogue 7975.  It is a very basic jacket with various closures. This is not the only Vogue pattern in this style.  You would just need to check them out and see which one is best for you.

As always, check your pattern stash.  There might just be the correct pattern hidden inside.  Hope you are inspired to sew something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Leopard Print Shirtdress

It is starting to heat up here and dresses are always a cool alternative.  This is dress is a classic with a modern twist:

This is the Akris Punto Leopard-print Belted Cotton Twill Midi Dress. Price tag: $1190.00.  Details: polo collar, short kimono sleeves, back box pleat, d-ring belted waist, a-line silhouette, hem falls below the knee, side slit hem, pull-over style.

That seems like a mighty big price tag for this wee little dress.  I think finding a similar fabric is the key here.  I found this print at Mood that might work well.  Now for a pattern.  My first thought for a pattern was this:

 This is Silhouette Patterns 4019 Diane's Wrap Dress.  Yep, not a shirt dress but you can get the look  with this dress - a belted waist, the higher collar.  Easy to lengthen if you choose.  

Other alternative would be to use an existing shirt/dress pattern that is already fitted.  Really why go down the road of having to fit another pattern if you do not need to.  How you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...T-shirt

 This week's inspiration is a wardrobe staple - the T-shirt.

This is the Lafayette 148 New York The Modern Long-Sleeve Tee. Price tag: $248.00. Details:  Approximately 23 1/2" from shoulder to hem, crew neckline, relaxed fit, pullover style, cotton.

That is a lot for a cotton t-shirt.  There are some details that you can not see in the picture above and really should head over to Neiman Marcus to check it out.  The detail that I am talking about is the hems.  Both the sleeve hem and bottom hem are deep with cover stitched or double-needle stitch.  This creates a little more weight on the hem.  

As for patterns, most any loose t-shirt pattern will work.  If you already have a pattern fitted, by all means use it instead of purchasing another one.  Here is some ideas:

This is the Silhoutte Patterns Sweater Set pattern.  This pattern has darts which is helpful with fitting.  Once it is fitted, you can have a long-sleeve t-shirt, a cardigan, and a sleeveless top.  The cardigan would not be the same size as the other two tops.  Hems would need to be deepened to match the inspiration photo.

This is the Women's Metro T-Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.  This is a basic t-shirt with long and short sleeve versions.  There are versions for men and children as well.  You would definitely need to deepen the hem to match the inspiration photo.

I have no doubt that there are a multitude of similar patterns available.  Use what you already have or purchase one of these patterns.  We could make a whole wardrobe of t-shirts for the price of the inspiration piece.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Casual for Fall/Winter

 This week's look is to me a very wearable look:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Speckled Donegal V-Neck Sweater.  Price tag: $898.00.  Details:  V neckline, long sleeves, drop shoulders, relaxed silhouette, pullover style, cashmere/wool/nylon. Sorry, I was unable to locate information on the jeans or boots.

This is a great everyday look.  Unless you are a knitter you will need to get creative with this.  Here is a sweater pattern that might pull off the look:

This is Silhouette Patterns #924 Polo's Best.  This isn't quite as oversized as the inspiration picture but kinda has the same feel.  

This is Kwik Sew 3045. This pattern has the oversized look of the inspiration pattern.  You could "V" the neckline, add a little bit of length, and hem.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

New Jacket Finished...

 This year I decided I wanted a pink jacket.  I really wanted the pink jacket for spring but I missed.  The pattern that I used was the Silhouette Patterns Valentino's Unlined Jacket.   I immediately fell in love with the style lines of this jacket:

I measured an existing jacket and surprisingly, it matched the size 4 on the pattern.  I was skeptical that I could even get into the jacket but I plowed a head.  Here are the results:

As you can see, I got into the jacket.  It has plenty of issues.  Here are the other views:

Lots of issues.  I played around with letting the seams out, pinned in additional darting, sway back, rounded back, etc.  Then I decided to just give myself more space.  To do this, I had to draft a larger size.  How to do this is provided somewhere in the videos that Silhouettes has on you-tube. Here are the results:

This is the equivalent to a size 5 if it existed.  Much better, than the first muslin.  There are still a few issues that need to be addressed.  Here what I did:

Here is what I did - larger bust dart on the front (this went from front prince seam all the way around), dart on sleeve to remove length, rounded back adjustments. 

I have not made the either sleeve adjustment before or the dart going around my back before.  I almost always need a larger dart and high rounded back adjustment.  I decided that I had made enough changes and took them back to the pattern.  Here are the results:

I really like my new jacket.  I just wish it had actually gotten finished in the spring so I could have worn it a bit more.  I can still wear it to church and perhaps to an occasionally restaurant.  Although the restaurant does not seem like a real possibility in the current covid situation in our state.

I am enjoying my new machine.  The buttonholes have worked perfectly every time I have used my machine.  I will do a little review of the machine once I get a little more sewing done it.  It has really taken a bit of getting use to.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration... Cardigan

 Fall looks are showing up now.  This next one is a nice every day type of look.

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Button-Front Donegal Cardigan.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details: approximately 32" from shoulder to hem, v neckline, button front, long raglan sleeves, patch pockets, relaxed silhouette, ribbed cuff and hem, cashmere/wool/nylon.

I love the color of this cardigan.  Neiman Marcus website called it Tile Blue multi.  I think overall I like the outfit.  It is very wearable like a day-to-day type outfit.  I probably would not be happy with the turtleneck but I would happily wear the jeans and boots.  I was not able to locate a cardigan pattern with the exact same shape but I did find this one:

This is Silhouette Pattersn #915 Hugo's Favorite Cardigan.  It could be a starting point.  It would definitely need pockets added.

Do you know of a cardigan pattern that has more of a boyfriend cardigan look?   Please let me know.

Happy Stitching!