Inspiration...Corduroy Dress

 Today's inspiration is a simple pullover type dress and completely for those who love the general style but find it a bit short:

This is the Sleeveless Pinafore Mini Dress from Old Navy.  Price tag: $44.99.  Details:  v-neck, wide straps, center back seam, patch pockets, relaxed fit, 100% cotton.  Model is 5'9". 

I really love the idea of this little dress but it is shorter than I would be comfortable wearing.  I also like that it comes in corduroy or denim.  Since I already have a corduroy dress, think that a denim one would be good.  Here is the pattern with very similar design lines:

This is the Seamwork Dani Pinafore pdf pattern.  This pattern has a waistline seam and inseam pockets. It would be very easy to substitute the patch pockets for the inseam pockets.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Top/Dress PDF Pattern...

 Itch to Stitch has a new top/dress pattern and it is perfect for hot summer days. Here is the line drawings:

This is the Aiken Polo Shirt/Dress pdf pattern.  It is a classic polo style.  

Here are the features:

• Regular and full bust options
• Bust dart on full bust option
• Sleeveless, short-sleeved, and long-sleeved options
• High-hip-length shirt or knee-length dress
• Side slits for comfort and ease of movement
• Optional ruffles along the front placket
• Classic polo collar and front placket
• Designed for light- to medium-weight knit fabrics

Skill Level:  Intermediate

Sizes:  00 - 40

Be sure to check out all the testers' versions for inspiration.

The Aiken Polo Shirt/Dress pdf pattern will be 20% off through 11:59 Mountain Time on July 21, 2026.  Remember discounts will stack.   Have fun shopping!

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through the links on this page will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Midi Sleeveless Dress

 The hot days of summer of coming.  My favorite clothing for hot summer days is a dress.  Here is a perfect one:

This is the Delphine Midi Sleeveless Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $99.00.  Details:  100% cotton, machine washable, fit & flare styling, side pockets, designed to fall to mid-calf, sleeveless, notched neckline, drawstring waist. 

There are options with this dress  - three prints and three solids.  The sapphire blue is perfect.  

Here is a pattern line drawing that I think will work well:

 This is the Bobby Dress pdf pattern from Seamwork. The neckline is a little bit different and the waistline but I think it gives the same feel.  If you are a Seamwork member, there is a bonus available as well that adds a flutter sleeve.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Vikos Dress...

 It time to get the Itch to Stitch Vikos Dress going for summer.  I purchased the denim fabric last fall.  I finished a muslin toward then end of March.  I suppose technically this version will be a muslin too but I plan on wearing it unless it turns out terrible.  According to my notes, the sizing will be from a 12 to 16 to 18 with a slight shoulder angle change.

The photographer is away.  So, for now, there will just be a hanger picture.  I am pleased with the fit.  Changing the shoulder angle did fit some of the back wrinkles.  Hopefully, this dress will be in regular rotation this summer.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Some links in the post are affiliate links.  Should you click the link and make a purchase I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!  Remember with Itch to Stitch, there is a volume discount.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Gingham Dress

 This is a lovely, linen dress.  Perfect for the warm days.

This is a the Arabella Linen Blend Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $260.00.  Details:  55% linen & 45% cotton blend, machine washable, side pockets, fit & flare, detachable belt, falls to the ankle.

This dress makes me want to purchase some nice navy/white gingham.  Here is the pattern that I think will work;

This is McCall's 6696.  The pattern has lots of options.  The changes I would make is shorten the sleeves, remove the collar, put the neckband on the bias, and lengthen the skirt.  You need to make a belt.  Obviously, if you have a shirt dress pattern already fitted, use it.  Some the money for the fabric and notions.

The fabric makes this version of the inspiration photo  However, you should really head over to Boden and look at all the variations of this dress.  I also like the embroidered one.

As far as actual fabric goes, both Mood and Yardblox has some nice ginghams.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Square Neck Dress

 This is a pretty little dress:

This is the Square Neck Occassion Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $270.00.  Details:  fit & flare skirt, falls to low calf, machine washable.

This is a great use for the border prints.  Here is a pattern:

This is Hazel Dress pdf pattern from Seamwork.  It might need to be lengthened to match the inspiration photo.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...T-Shirt Dress

 This inspiration is an every day item.  A basic.

This is the Scuba Mini T-Shirt Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details: Approximately 36 1/2 inches from shoulder to hem, crewneck, elbow sleeves, on-seam pockets, hem falls above the knee, shift silhouette, invisible back zipper, nylon/polyamide/elastane, hand wash. Model is 5'10".

I love the idea of this dress. A t-shirt dress is perfect for every day. However, the description of this dress seems confusing to me.  It does not seem mini to me and I am okay with that because I do prefer knee length.  The fabric is described as super stretchy with great recovery but it has a back zipper. Personally, I would not go to the trouble of putting a zipper in a t-shirt dress.

As for the pattern, I would say that any loose fitting t-shirt pattern would work. If I make time to re-create this dress using a t-shirt pattern it would probably be this one:

This is the Barrington Boxy Tee by Love Notions.  You get a lot of options with it.  Once it is fitted, all you need to do is add length.  Of course, any pattern that you already own and is fitted is perfect. 

As for the fabric, I am not familar with this particular fabric type.  I do not know if it would actually be cool enough in hot weather.  Do you know?  I would probably use a nice cotton knit but I am certain that I do not have that in the stash. 

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Starting Spring/Summer Sewing...

 I feel like I am starting spring/summer sewing late but hopefully, I can get enough items made that I will feel good about my wardrobe this summer.  Here are the intended projects:

1.  Itch to Stitch Vikos Dress - I purchased a 4.4 oz denim thinking it would work for this dress.  However, first wash it looks like a rag.  I am rewashing the yardage with hope that it will look better with the second wash as the iron would not remove the wrinkles.  Ironing did make the wrinkles less obvious but honestly I do not want a dress that needs to be ironed.  Here is the fabric:

2.  Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt - I purchased a khaki stretch twill with 30% stretch.  I do need to make a top or two to go with the skirt.  Here is the fabric:

3.  Liesl & Co Amera Dress - I purchased a indygo slub stretch denim with 10% stretch.  This pattern will need a muslin before I cut into the fabric.  Here is the fabric:

That seems like a good start with the exception of needing a top to go with the Quebec Skirt. I am sure that there is fabric in the stash that will work.

How is your spring sewing plans going?

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Some links in the post are affiliate links.  Should you click the link and make a purchase I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!  Remember with Itch to Stitch, there is a volume discount.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Shirtdress

This is a really pretty dress and I have never seen a pattern exactly like it.

This is the Polka-Dot Cotton Poplin Sleeveless Midi Shirtdress by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $1570.00.  Details:  polka-dot printed cotton poplin, draped wrap waist detail, pointed collar, concealed button placket, sleeveless, self-tie waist, side seam pockets, a-line silhouette, hem falls below knee, invisible side zip closure, cotton, dry clean. 

I love the idea of this dress. I am not sure that I would want a dress with so many closure.  I can only assume that the side zip is necessary because the waist does not open with the concealed placket.  To me, the fabric and a sleeveless shirt pattern would be enough for the duplication simply because the ties would be too much to figure out.

Here is a pretty close to my description pattern:

This is Kwik Sew 4155.  Of course it is out of print and would need to be located on the second hand market.

This is the Salome Sleeveless Shirtdress pattern from fabrics-store.com.  

Fabric:

Califabrics has a mini polka-dot in rayon.  This would be nice and drapey.Yardblox has a variety of polka-dot fabrics.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Dress PDF Pattern....

 Itch to Stitch has a new pdf pattern and it is fabulous.  Here is a look at the line drawing:

This is the Itch to Stitch Markina Dress pdf pattern.  This pattern is designed for medium weight knits with 50% stretch.  It has a slightly flared skirt, tailored details.  It makes a wonderful work dress or everyday type of dress.    

Features are:

• Designed with cup sizes for a great fit
• Fitted silhouette for a sleek, flattering shape
• Button placket at the center front bodice
• Waistband for definition and shaping
• Gentle A-line skirt for graceful movement
• Optional decorative pocket flaps below the front waistband
• Short and long sleeve options
• Designed for medium-weight stable knit fabrics

Check out the testers' versions to see the different interpreations.  All are beautiful.

The pattern is 20% off through March 24, 2026.  Remember that the volume discount still applies.  So, it's a good time to add other patterns that you have been looking at.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through the links on this page will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Hope you are inspired.  This is really a nice looking dress pattern.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...V-Neck Dress

 I think summer is going to be a hot one this year and I need to be prepared.  This dress is perfect for hot weather.  Add little jacket and even the air conditioning can be conquered.

This is the V-Neck Linen Dress from Poetry.  Price tag: $258.00.  Details:  100% linen, machine wash, slightly fitted and a-line skirt silhouette, deep v-neckline, princess seams front and back, long godets in the skirt, pockets in the side seams, metal zip fastening at center back with long cotton tape pull.

I love the idea of this dress but was unable to locate an exact match on pattern.  So, I chose the sleeveless and the v-neck to match.  Here is the pattern that I chose:

This is the Sorata Dress pdf pattern from Itch to Stitch.  This dress has a V-neck and sleeveless is one of the options.  It is also a slip on style.  No zip.

I do not currently own this pattern but I think I may soon.  I am wanting to revamp my summer wardrobe this year as I did not have time to do much sewing last year.  Just realized this is a very similar dress to another inspiration post but I chose a different pattern.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  It you use a link on this page, I will receive a small commisson if you purchase through one of these links.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching

Inspiration...Linen Dress

 In hot weather, dresses rule.  Here is a great example:

This is the Irene Linen Midi Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $260.00.  Details:  100% linen with 100% cotton lining, machine wash, fit & flare, side seam pockets, fully lined, ankle length.

Sometimes, it is very hard to find patterns that are very close to the inspiration photos but I think this Itch to Stitch dress pattern does a fair job:

This is the Comillas Dress pdf pattern.  This dress is designed for light weight wovens.  You get a couple of versions with this pattern.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through the links on this page will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Gathered Waist Dress

 This dress is a perfect summer dress:

This is the Gathered Waist Dress from Poetry. Price tag: $268.00.  Details:  yarn dyed & laundered 100% linen, machine washable, long slightly long-waisted silhouette, neat collar and stand, button through, mother-of-pearl buttons, waist-seam with gathering front & back, patch-pockets on bodice, side seam pockets, short cap sleeves, shoulder princess seams on bodice, twin needle seam details.

I really love this dress.  It is so wearable.  For me, this would be a wear-everyday type of dress. Unfortunately, I could not find a pattern with the collar the same as the inspiration photo.  However, if you have a collared blouse pattern that is already fitted, you are mostly there.  Just determine where you want your waist and how long you want the dress to be. The skirt part would just need to be about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 times the waist area.  It does not need to be a perfect measurement because this dress is not tightly gathered.

If creating your own pattern is not you, then Sew Liberated has a couple dresses with roughly similar silhouettes except for that collar.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...V-Neck Dress

 Spring is in the air.  I have been looking at my summer wardrobe and realized it is time to make a few new pieces.  Hopefully, that will occur.  Here is a dress that is perfect for our hot weather:

This is the V Necked Linen Dress from Poetry.  Price tag: $258.00.  Details: 100% linen, yarn dyed and laundered. slightly fitted and a line skirt, deep v neckline, princess seams front and back, long godets in skirt to create fullness, pockets in side seams, metal zip fastening with long cotton tape pull, center back seam.

I could not find an exact match to the princess seam type but here are a couple:

This is Butterick 6850 (also McCall's 7352). This is a princess shoulder dress.  View C is sleeveless with View B neckline.

This is Burda 6894.  It is a princess seam going into the armscye.  The flare is different in this pattern than the inspiration.

If you find a better pattern, please let me know. Hope you are inspired to create a something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Knee Length Dress

 I am really starting to look toward spring/summer fashions.  The dress catch my eye because of the big floral design plus it is a causal everyday type of dress:

This is the Floral Cotton Knee Length Dress by Akris punto.  Price tag: $1,360.00.  Details:  crafted from cotton, shirt collar, partial button front, elbow-length sleeves, side seam pockets, hits aaround knee, shift silhouette, slipover style.

It is an easy going dress.  I do not know about fabric.  You might be able to get the effect with applique.  I do have a couple of ideas:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  I made a popover dress using this pattern and instruction from the Oliver & S website.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Pattern...

 Well, I fell for another pattern.  I have been working really hard to not purchase patterns because I have so many I have not even used yet.  Here is the pattern:

This is Amarena Dress by Liesl & Co. This is a perfect hot weather dress for me and a little different styling than I have worn the last two or three years.  This pattern has a bonus and it is a cut line for a top.  For me, this could be a fit once and have four dresses and tops.

We will see how it works out.  Next year has the potential to be another lemony sort of year but I am still going to plan to sew.  It helps keep my sanity.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Dress

 I love looking for inspiration pieces.  I do try to put pieces out there that are more consistent with my current lifestyle - retired, casual.  However, sometimes I find things that just speak to me.  This dress is one of those -

This is the Harpson Short Sleeveless Darted Wool-Blend Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details:  tailored dress with darts front, back, and waist; pickstitching around neckline and armholes; round neckline; sleeveless; hem hits around the knee; sheath silhouette; concealed back zipper closure; poly/wool.

This is such a timeless silhouette.  To me is says "Do not mess with me.".  Working ladies put a matching jacket/blazer with this and you have a power suit.  Add a pair of matching pants and you have a second power suit.  It does not matter than all three are the same fabric.  Mood Fabrics has some wool crepe for about $25 per yard.  That's a bargain considering that you might be able to get all three pieces from about 6 yards of fabric. Do not forget the lining, the zippers, the buttons, the thread for pickstitching (it might as well be added to all pieces for a high end look).

I know you are saying but a good pattern is hard to find.  Well, I think this pattern will work:

This is Butterick B6849.  Lovely little dress pattern.  It covers all seasons.  I would pick View C which is not shown but it is sleeveless.   The main difference from what I can see if the pattern has a waist seam and a back slit.  I am okay with the waist seam but I think that back kick pleat would be a much nicer look.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful for yourself.

Happy Stitching!

Seamwork Bryn Dress...

 On a whim,  I decided that I needed another dress that was somewhat loose.  Just so I will have something to wear after my surgery.  So, I picked the Seamwork Bryn Dress.  Here is the line drawing:

I did pick it because of the loose silhouette.  I really wanted to use just stash items for this dress which was a challenge all by itself.  I finally found a remnant of royal blue fine wale corduroy which was pretty much perfect.  There was just enough for the outside of the dress.  I picked a plain black cotton for the facings, and a wild leopard print for the lining.  For the pattern, I cut it out and followed the advice of Katrina at Lifting Pins & Needles and checked all the lengths of the pattern.  Made all my crazy adjustments.  When I was finished with all the lengths adjustment through the body, I made sure that the actual length of the dress was going to be good.  I do not really need to be wearing dressing at mid-thigh.  Down to the knee is fine with me most of the time.  Then, I realized that the bust point on the pattern was no where near where my bust point was.  The level was correct but not location.  It was 3 inches off.  Folks, that is a lot.  The pattern apex to apex was 14 1/2 inches.  My apex to apex is 8 1/2".  Then, I had to figure out how to move a curved dart horizontally.  Not a fun experience but I think I did it.  Here is the resulting pattern:

You can see the dart movement along with where there was shortening and lengthening of the pattern.  I did not make a muslin of the changes.  I am cut out and see what I end up with.  If it does not work, it will be just a bit of wasted time and fabric.  Here is the finished dress:

The darts did turn out to be a challenge not just because they had to be moved at the pattern stage but when I made the dress the dart was just too long.  I had to alter the dart twice.  It is not perfect but wearable.

The changes that I made to the pattern are minor.  It was mostly length changes to match my measurements.  I did move the bust dart horizontally.  I also added a bit of length to the dress to make it long enough for me to be comfortable.

I think overall this is a fairly good dress. However, the balance seems off. I am wearing legging under neath which could be causing a little bit of issue but not sure.   If I had made a muslin, it probably could have been addressed but it is what it is.  Wearable.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sheath Dress

 Just a little more tweed because you can not have too much.

This is the Donegal Tweed Sleeveless Sheath Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1198.00.  Details: vented back, fitted, sleeveless, lined, zip back, waist darts, dry clean only.

I think we can do better with price and cleaning ability.  Now even though this is a super simple sheath dress, I had a hard time finding a simple dress like this.  The neckline is where the issue is at.  I suppose if you owned somethiing with this neckline you could tranfer it to your pattern.  I was able to locate two sheath dress patterns.

This is Butterick 6849.  A simple sheath dress with a waist line.  This would be a very versatile pattern to own.

This is McCall's 7533.  This sheath dress pattern gives you four sleeve variations and two hem variations.  It is not as fitted as the Butterick pattern but adding front and back darts will take care of that.  Remember to follow the rules of dart placement.

So, do you know the difference in a shift dress and a sheath dress?  The shift dress falls from the shoulder and typically is looser and straighter silhouette.  The sheath dress is fitted to the body curves.  I think the Butterick pattern is more of a sheath dress and the McCall's pattern is more of a shift dress.

Hope you are inspired to make something beautiful. 

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch Sorata Dress PDF Pattern...

 Itch to Stitch's newest dress pattern is perfect for the hot days at the end of summer.  Here are the line drawings of the Sorata Dress:

The Sorata Dress has the following features:

• Cup sizes for a personalized fit
• 4 armhole/sleeve options & 3 skirt lengths
• Slip-on style—no closures needed
• Softly gathered waist with 3 rows of elastic
• Optional in-seam pockets
• Designed for lightweight woven fabric

The sewing skill level is intermediate.  Size range is 00-40.

The Itch to Stitch Sorata Dress is at a 20% discount through August 14, 2025 at 11:59 US Mountain Time.  No code necessary.  Volume discounts still apply so it is a good time to look around.

Be sure to look around at the testers' version of the Sorata Dress on the blog post for the pattern release.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!