New Patterns...

 I got intot the last Simplicity sale and purchased a few patterns.  Here they are:

This is Simplicity 3065.  I specifically purchased this pattern for the neckline.  I'm hoping that I can transfer the neckline to my favorite button down shirt pattern - Liesl & Co Classic Shirt Pattern.  

This is Simplicity 3111.  I purchased it specifically for the zip-front jacket.  The pants and shorts are just bonuses.

This is Simplicity 3136.  You get two views of a classic button down shirt.  I purchased this pattern specifically for view B.  Again, I'm hoping to be able to transfer the pleated to my existed Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.

This particular sale is no longer running but there is a pdf sale going which if you're looking for a particular pattern might be a good time to purchase it.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Scrappy Skirt

 I really like the idea of this skirt.  It is patchwork of various fabrics making it a good scrap busting project.

This is the Mae Multi Patchwork Striped Pencil Skirt by Ralph Lauren Collection. Price tag: $3490.00.  Details:  high waist, knee length, pencil silhouette, back walking vent.

This is an almost classic pencil skirt.  It does not have a waistband but a facing which is why I say almost.  Here is a pattern that is fairly close:

This is Vogue Patterns 2017.  There are a lot of options in the pattern but the skirt is fairly spot  on for the inspiration skirt.

This is Simplicity 9553.   This is another pattern with several options but that View B skirt is spot on to the inspiration. 

Hope you are inspirated to make something interesting.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Blazer and Wide Leg Pants

 This week's inspiration is a blazer and wide leg pants. 

This is the Tailored Seaming Linen Blazer - Cross Dyed from Talbots.  Price tag: $189.00. Details: long sleeve, hits at hip, button front closure, patch pockets, lined.

This is the Greenwich Wide Legged Linen Pants - Cross Dyed from Talbots. Price tag: $139.00. Details: flat front trouser, wide leg, fits high waist, full length, fly front with button closure, front on seam pockets, back welt pocks.

This is such a wonderful outfit.  If I was working in an office, I would have already purchased this outfit.  I will admit that the color of the cross-dyed linen is probably responsible.  How about patterns:

Jacket/Blazer:

This is the Jasika Blazer pdf pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  The only thing missing here is the patch pockets.  The collar shape is a little bit different as well.

This is Simplicity 8433.  This is a vintage design from the 90s. A fairly good match to the inspiration photo.  The collar is a little bit different.

Now for the pants:

This is Vogue 2037.  The pants appear to be very similar to the inspiration photo with the exception that they do not look high waisted.  That is easy to fix by added the appropriate length all the way around.  If you like the other two pieces in the pattern, then you have a bonus.

This is Simplicity 3073.  The pattern includes a jacket and pants.  With the exception of back welt pockets, the pants are fairly spot on for the inspiraton photo. 

Hope you are inspired to create something really nice.

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!

Inspiration...Vest

 I have been hearing a lot about a vest being the thing for fall.  For inspiration photos, go to neiman marcus website and search for vest.  There are just too many variations.  Here are a few patterns to consider:

1.  Butterick - 6901 and 6902 - These are Lisette patterns and also include shorts/pants.  

2.  Merchant & Mills  - The Billy - This is a unisex pattern.  

3.  Venturing to the Simplicity website and searching for vests will result in a large variety of vest styles for the entire family.

4. Style Arc has a variety of vest patterns.

I think that might be a nice start to look for a vest of some sort.  I am going to go through my 100s of patterns and see what may or may not be stashed in there.  Maybe I will find a vest and some fabric.  A vest should be a quick and easy item to stitch up for an up to date look.

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!

Inspiration...Striped Cardigan

 This cardigan caught my eye:

This is the Patch Pocket Knit Cardigan from Talbots.  Price tag: $89.50.  Details:  long sleeved, hits at hip, crew neck, coin pocket, straight hem.  

The version that I really liked is no longer available but that is why we sew, right?  The first pattern that came to mind is this one:

This is the Itch To Stitch Lisbon Cardigan pdf patternItch To Stitch Lisbon Cardigan pdf pattern.  The basic shape is right but it has differences as the neckband, front bands, and waist band are all sewn on.  The inspiration photo is definitely faced.  

Then, I found this pattern:

This is Simplicity 9272.  The cardigan is very close to the inspiration photo.  You would need to add a pocket.  Bonus is that there is pants and a sleeveless top.

Knitfabric.com has a fair about of stripe knit in various colors.  Cali Fabrics also has a nice selection of stripe knits.

I am an of affiliate of both Itch to StitchItch to Stitch and Knitfabric.com.  If you purchase anything using the links above, I may receive a small commission.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Pants

 How about spring/summer pants?  I have shown many tops but here is a cute little pant:

This is the Eileen Fisher Pleated Cropped Organic Linen Lantern Pants.  Price tag: $188.00.  Details: approximately 28-inch inseam, mid-rise sits high on hips,  elasticized waist, front pleats, on-seam pockets, cropped at ankles, tapered straight legs, pull-on style, organic linen, machine wash.

I really think it is the color that I am drawn to on this pants.  I had a similar pair last year and loved them.  I used the Love Notions Allegro Pant pattern.  Love everything about them.  The silhouette is a little bit different.

Here is a similar silhouette:

This Simplicity pattern seems to look a lot like the inspiration photo.  Maybe it does not have the same amount of ease.  You could increase the ease if you chose to.

Inspiration... Flared Ankle Pants

 As the cooler weather approaches, I know that I won't be wearing as many dresses.  I need to start looking toward either long skirts/dresses or pants.  Today, it is pants:

This is The Flared Ankle Pant by Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $98.00.  Details:  High-waisted (1/2 to 1-inch below waist), tailored and fitted, hits at ankle with 27-inch inseam and 17 3/4-inch leg opening, polyester/viscose/elastane, machine washable.

When I saw these pants, my first thought was this pattern:

 

This is Simplicity 9376.  I thought of this pattern really because of the front pintuck.  I have this pattern and think it would work well.  It is a pull on pant as well.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Jacket and Pants

 Matching jacket and pants seem to be trending.  For those who work, this is a great look:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Single Breasted Boyfriend Blazer and Sullivan Wide-Leg Wool Pants.  Price tag:  Blazer - $1598.00, Pants - $998.00.  Details:  Jacket - topstitching detail, notched collar, single breasted front, long sleeves, front welt pockets, relaxed fit, wool/viscose fabric; Pants - wool. 33" inseam, 43 1/2" outseam, mid-rise sits high on hip, flat front side seam pockets, welt back pockets, full length, zip fly, belt loops, wide legs.   Model is 5'10".

I found a couple of patterns that would be suitable for the jacket:

This is McCall's 7818.  It is a unisex jacket that would fit the boyfriend look.  

This is Simplicity 8697.  It is an unlined boyfriend jacket.

This is the Protea Pants by Paradis Patterns.  This is kinda a two for one pattern. There is a flat front pant and a pleated pant.  

Claire Shaeffer had a pattern for Vogue that would work but it looks like it has been discontinued.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Plaid Jacket with Pleated Pants

 Fall is coming.  I can see that the trees that survived the hot, hot summer are starting to change a little bit.  It seems a bit early.  I am working on the last two summerish garments and then I am moving to fall.  So I am out looking for inspiration.  This outfit would be really nice for working in an office environment although I am not sure how many of those outfits are needed these.  Most of the people I know that work in office environments are doing most of the work from home these days.  On the outfit:

I wanted a picture of the entire outfit.  If I were still working, this is exactly what I would be happy wearing.  Here is a close-up of the jacket:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Highlands Plaid Open-Front Reversible Jacket. Price tag: $1698.00.  Details: reversible jacket with leather piping, 22 1/2" long from shoulder to hem, crew neckline with open front, long sleeves, patch chest pockets, relaxed fit, wool.

Pants - Lafayette 148 New York Waverly Tapered Pants. Price tag: $898.00. Details:  approximately 28" (model is 5'10"), mid-rise sits high on hip, side seam pockets, cuffed hems, cropped at ankle, full through thigh, tapered leg.

Turtleneck -Lafayette 148 New York Knit Raglan Sleeved Turtleneck Sweater.  Price tag: $598.00. Details: Approximately 24" long from shoulder to hem (size small), turtleneck, long raglan sleeves, relaxed fit, pullover style.

As far as patterns go, I would use the same patterns as mentioned in this post.  For the pants, I would try this pattern:

This is Simplicity 9376.  There are a couple options in this pattern.  The pant might not be as full as the inspiration photo but you decide how much ease you want.  Other options might be looking for a vintage pattern from the 80s or 90s.  As far as the top, just use an already fitted t-shirt pattern and add a collar the length you want.

Something I want to mention about the jacket, if you are wanting a reversible jacket make sure to muslin it first with similar weight fabrics.  It is surprising how much an added layer of fabric will change the fit.  Also instead of leather, look into the leather look knit.  It will be much easier to work with unless of course you just love leather.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Fall Shirtdress

 Shirtdresses always seem to be in style.  I know I was wearing them in the 90s.  Here is this fall version:

This is the Lafayette 148 Organic Silk Georgette A-Line Belted Shirtdress.  Price tag: $1,198.00.  Details:  Organic Silk Georgette, a-line, calf length, tailored shirt collar, above elbow sleeve, button front, inseam pockets, metal slider belt, dry clean.  

I was unable to locate a pattern that was similar but I this one:

This is Simplicity 9260.  It starts at a size 10 and goes up to a 28w.  This pattern does not have a waist seam like the inspiration photo but I think the short sleeve version would certainly work. Once it is fitted, you can create the long sleeve version and a sleeveless version.  That is bang for your buck and time spent fitting.

Now, I am all for using patterns that you already own.  If you have a fitted shirt pattern, think about adding a skirt.  Just decide how much circumference you want at the skirt bottom and draw a pattern or use a a-line skirt pattern from a different pattern.  You got this. 

I was a little surprised at how few shirtdress patterns were being shown in the big 4 pattern companies.  There was a Butterick that might work.  The size range was smaller but the collar was different.  Remember, it is your dress you can make whatever way you want.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wrap Skirt

 Looking at wardrobe inspiration can be a lot of fun.  Even though it is hot outside, it is time to start thinking about the fall/winter wardrobe. This next skirt is something that I keep returning to and thinking about.  So, I thought I would share it:

This is Lafayette 148 Wool Silk Crepe Mini Wrap Skirt.  Price tag: $698.00. Details:  a-line silhouette, wrap front design with interior and exterior buttons, above the knee length (model is wearing a size 2 with 18-inch length), darted for a close fit, sits at natural waist.

Here is a close up of the great button/buttonhole hole detail:

The skirt has a beautiful bound buttonhole with a large covered button.  These are the type of details that bring you sewing up to the next level.  Here is a pattern that gives a similar feel:

This is Simplicity 9375.  The pattern shows 2 versions of the skirt in 2 lengths.  This is a faux wrap skirt but I think it gives a similar feeling as the inspiration picture except I get to enjoy a longer length.  Crepe is one of the fabrics mentioned as a good match for the pattern.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Ankle Pants

 As summer continues to march toward fall, I have started looking for fall/winter items to either purchase or attempt to make.  Here is a great pair of pants that fits the bill:

This is the Lafayette 148 Gramercy Acclaim-Stretch Pants. Price tag: $398.00.  Details: Approximate measurements: 29-inch inseam, 36-in outseam, 13-inch leg opening; sits at mid-rise high on hip, front/back pintuck seams, cropped at ankle, straight legs, cotton/elastin fabric.  

You can see a summer version of these pants with pattern suggestions here. Since that post was written, I have found this pattern:

This is Simplicity 9376.  This pattern comes with two pant variations - one is pleated, the other is pintucked.  Unfortunately, there is not a back pintuck but you could probably add one if you really wanted to add it.  Remember to add a little bit of width for the tuck.

I am planning on using a recently fitted pant to help with the fit on this pattern.  It should save some time.  At least, I hope it does.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

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!

Just Can Not Help Myself...

 I managed not to purchased fabric in February and March.  However, I seem to be making up for it April.  Here is the latest purchases:

This fabric is destined to be a shirt for my husband.  He is the brew master in our household and I think he will appreciate this shirt.  My intent is to use Simplicity 5581 shirt pattern that I have used in the past.  It is already fitted so it should be a quick sewing session.

I had been trying to resist this fabric (and the next one) until I saw the beer print.  So, I purchased 1 1/4 yards.  It is a knit with little stretch. The intent is a sleeveless Rhapsody Blouse.  The pattern is by Love Notions.

This is another knit fabric but this one is stretchy.  It will be a short sleeved top of some kind.  I purchased 1 1/2 yards.

I also purchased the Rhapsody Top and Dress pattern over the last day.  So purchasing hasn't slowed much over the last week.  I guess I should quit looking at fabric.  I say that but I will need to purchase some fabric for muslins.  Very little of my stash is muslin worthy.  There is some though.

How has your sewing been going?  

Happy Stitching!

New Fabric Means New Projects....

 I have not been too bad this year about purchasing fabric but the stash was increased by two separates pieces so far this month.  Here they are:

My intent for this fabric is the Seychelles Top pattern by Itch to Stitch (affiliate link).  I think this will pretty much be the perfect fabric for this top.  A muslin will need to be done before I can make it.

This is destined to be another vest for my husband.  It will be a repeat of Simplicity 9191.  You can see the first version I made here. The pattern is for a knit and I thought this fabric had 10% stretch which should have been okay.  When the fabric arrived it does not have that much stretch.  I am going to try it any way.  I just need to order some zippers.  I am fairly certain that I have enough ripstop to make the pockets and such.  

How is your sewing and planning going so far for 2021?  My sewing has been slow but there will be some new stuff soon.

Happy Stitching!