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!

Inspiration...Bib-Detail Dress

 This dress is a very casual every day sort of dress.  I fell in love with it:

This is the Bib-Detailed Dress from Poetry.  Price tag: $278.00.  Details:  100% linen, machine wash, long-line relaxed silhouette, collar and stand, bib-detail with placket and pleat, full length sleeves with gathers into cuffs, cuffs with single-button fastening, pockets at the side seams, back yoke with gathering.   

I really want this dress.  However, I am a little leary of what I might have to pay in tariffs.  This makes duplication my best bet.  I looked high and low for a pattern and finally found this one:

This is The Niven dress/shirt pattern from Merchant & Mills.  Folks it is almost identical to the inspiration photo.  I will need to figure out the collar and straighten the hem.  That is pretty good for locating a similar pattern.  I do not have linen hanging around in the stash but I do have some light weight denim.  I purchased it with the intentions of making a shirt dress.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pleat Waist Dress

 Here is another dress from Poetry:

This is the Pleat-Waist Dress. Price tag: $375.00. Details:  silk velvet, relaxed slightly waisted silhouette, nehur collar, mother of pearl buttons, waist seam with pleats above and below front and back, button and cuff fastening, pleated cuffs, jetted side pockets.

This dress would look wonderful in a crushed stretch velvet which is much easier to care for than the silk velvet is.  

For the pattern, I was unable to locate a pattern that was really close to this.  It looks familar but nothing.  So, here are some thoughts - 

Take a favorite shirt pattern, remove the collar but leave the collar stand.

At the waistband, end here and add a tier that is the length you want. Giving enough room to create the pleats.  I think that is doable.

Hope you are inspirec to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Another Pattern...

 Yes, I have added another new pattern to the pattern collection.  Here is the line drawings:

This is the Merchant & Mills The Niven.  It is a classic shirt dress or  shirt featuring a bib, granddad collar, cuffed sleeves, and side pockets. It has a very generous amount of ease.  It will take a bit to figure out a size that I am willing to use.  

Honestly, I am going to need a lot of luck to get this one accomplished this year.  I think I have the perfect hiding in the stash. Using a stash fabric would definitely be a win-win.

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...Sleeveless Shift Dress

 There is nothing like a shift dress for those hot summer days.  This dress is perfect:

This is the Sleeveless Cotton-Blend Shift Dress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  bust darts, pick stitching, back gore darts, approximately 37-inches from the shoulder to the hem, round neckline, sleeveless, shift silhouette, knee length, back zip, machine wash.

Here is a great pattern -

This is the June Sheath Dress pattern by Style Arc.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Dress

 This is a perfect hot weather dress.  It hangs from the shoulder and has some cute details.

This is the Ruched Pintuck Linen Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag:  $998.00.  Details:  textured pintuck bib and front ruching, approximately 37-inches from shoulder to hem, band collar, concealed button front, short dolman sleeves, back yoke, on-seam pockets, hits around the knee, a-line silhouette, linen, unlined, machine washable.

I seriously doubt that we would be able to find an exact pattern for this dress.  I did think of this pattern:

This is the Itch to Stitch Nosara Shirt pdf pattern.  It is not the perfect pattern but if you own it, it is a very good start.  Here are the changes that I would make - eliminate the collar, length the pattern and straighten the hem, make the concealed button placket, add the pintucks.

Easy Peasy, right?  It might take a little bit longer to make the dress because of all the changes.  As for the pintucks, remember to stitch them and then baste to the hem.  That way the pintucks do not interfer with anything.  Hope you are inspired.

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

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pullover Dress

 This inspiration dress is very casual and lots of fun:

This is the Lily Pullilzer  UPF 50+ ChillyLilly Mandi Dress.  Price tag:  $198.00.  Details:  straight fit, shorter sleeves, 37-inches from shoulder to hem (based on size 4), fits chest and hips with more room at waist.  

If I lived near a beach, this print would be perfect.  I do not but I love the silloutte.  The first pattern that I thought of was Love Notions Frankie Polo:

In the Lily Pulitzer way, I found this fabric:

This is the Cheerful Summer Floral jersey knit* from knitfabric*. This is such a fun knit.  I would be tempted to use a sold fabric for the collar.

This is the Sunshine Floral jersey knit* from knitfabric*. This is such a fun knit.  

This is the Cobalt Heavyweight Cotton Lycra knit* from knitfabric*.  This is a more practical everyday type of knit. 

There are tons of knits fabrics at knitfabric*.  You should check them out.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.  Also the inspiration is a nylon/lycra knit, so consider that type of fabric as well.

*I am an affililiate of knitfabric.  If you purchase something through one of my links, I will get a small commission at no cost to you.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Simien Top & Dress PDF Pattern

 Here is the line drawing for Itch to Stitch's newest top/dress pattern:

This is the Simein Top & Dress pdf pattern.  The pattern has the following features:

• Options for cup sizes
• Options for a hip-length top or a knee-length dress
• Options for a cowl neck or a round neck
• Options for short sleeves or 3/4-length sleeves
• Set-in sleeves for a classic look
• Flattering front princess seams originating from the neckline
• Optional in-seam pockets integrated into the front princess seams (dress version only)
• Simple pull-over style with no zipper or buttons
• Designed for fluid, medium-weight woven fabrics

This pattern will be on sale with a 20% discount through May 19, 2025 11:59 pm mountain time.  All volume discounts still apply so it is a good time to look at other patterns as well. 

Remember to check out the testers' version on the blog of the top/dress as well.  There are some really beautiful garments there.  Lots of inspiration.

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

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Dress

 The hot days of summer are approaching.  Are you ready?  This dress is perfect for those hot days of summer:

This is the Sleeveless Organic Linen Midi Dress by Eileen Fisher.  Price tag: $288.00.  Details:  sleeveless, scoped neckline, 48-inches from shoulder to hem, elastized hem, a-line silhouette, slipover style, organic linen.

Yes, this is a fairly shapeless dress but when it hot you do not want anything touching you and this dress fits the bill.  I can see this in a light weight denim or maybe a heavier chambray.  Your dress, you get to pick fabric and color.  Now, for the pattern:

My first thought is the Phoebe Tank from fabrics-store dot com.  Yes, it would need to be lengthened but if it is already fitted, the majority of the battle is done.  This is a freebie pattern and must create a login to get.

For those who do not really want to go to the trouble of fitting and lenghtening a pattern, here is another option:

This is the Style Arc June Sheath Dress pattern.  Depending on your height, this might need to be lengthened to the your desired location.  

As for adding the elastic at the hem, that is entirely up to you.  It looks to me like the elastic is only slightly smaller than the circumference of the hem.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch Kashi Top & Dress PDF Pattern...

 Itch to Stitch has another new knit pattern for a t-shirt and dress.  Here is the line drawings:

The Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee & Dress PDF pattern has the following options:

• Regular and full bust options, with bust darts on the full bust option
• Three neckline options: crew, scoop, and V-neck
• Three length options: short, hip, and dress
• Three sleeve options: short, 3/4, and long
• Designed for light to medium-weight knit fabrics

The Skill Level is marked beginner + with the sizes from 00 to 40.  

The Kashi Tee & Dress PDF pattern is 20% off through April 1, 2025.  All remaining discounts still apply.  The more you spend, the more you save.   All discounts are automatic. 

For additional inspiration, check out the testers' versions of the Kashi Tee & Dress pdf pattern  - here.  All versions of the pattern are represented.  

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

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shirtdress

This is one piece dressing at it's best:

This is the Claudine Drawstring-Waist Linen Maxi Shirtdress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details:  peter pan collar, half button front, short sleeves, rolled cuffs, drawstring cinched waist, side slip pockets, a-line silhouette, side slit about 15 3/4-inches, linen, dry-clean, approximately 52 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem.  

My first thought for a pattern was this:

This is the Love Notions Melody Dolman pdf pattern.  The collar is different which I think I would prefer, the pattern would need to be lengthened, and converted to a pull over. All are doable.  If you already have this pattern,  all you need to do is locate some linen or a linen blend. 

Obviously if you already have a similar pattern, use it.  Save those dollars for fabric or notions.

Happy Stitching!

A Little Indulgence....

 I have been working hard at not purchasing so much fabric and so many patterns.  However, I did indulge in the the latest Itch to Stitch pattern - the Vikos Top and Dress pdf pattern.  Here is the line drawings:

Right now, I am really interested in the short sleeved top.  Hot weather is coming and I must be ready.  Who knows, a sleeveless version could happen as well.  If I have time, I might make the short sleeved dress.  I have lots of dresses in my hot weather wardrobe.  Can you have too many dresses?

I will check the stash before considering purchasing anything.  Hopefully, I can locate a stash fabric for the muslin as well.  I have at least two projects in front of these.  I hope the other projects are finished quickly.

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

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch - Vikos Top & Dress PDF Pattern

 Itch to Stitch has a new dress and top pattern available.  Here are the line drawings:

This is the Vikos Top & Dress pdf pattern.  The pattern has a split neck neckline with two length options and three sleeve options.  Here is the feature list:

• Cup sizes for a tailored fit
• Two length options: top or knee-length dress
• Three sleeve variations: short, 3/4 length with a split cuff, and 3/4 length with a buttoned tab
• Graceful split neckline finished with a facing
• Optional in-seam pockets for the dress
• Pull-on design—no zippers or buttons required
• Relaxed fit for effortless comfort
• Designed for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics

The  Vikos Top & Dress pdf pattern is 20% off until March 17, 2025.  All remaining discounts are still available.  The more you spend the more you save.  All discounts are automatic.

For additional inspiration, check out the testers' versions on the Vikos Top & Dress pdf pattern announcement page - here.  

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

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Dress and Jacket

 I really love the look of this outfit.  

This is the Leather Trimmed Cotton Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1298.00.  Details: approximately 20-inches from shoulder to hem, spread collar, 2-way zip front, long sleeves, tailored fit, cotton/leather, professional dry cleaning recommended.

Dress is the Leather Trimmed Cotton Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details: approximately 37-inches from shoulder to hem, crew neck, short sleeves, hem hits around the knee, a-line silhouette, back zip (leather trimmed), cotton/leather, professional dry cleaning recommended. 

Here is a pattern that would work well for the jacket:

This is the Style Arc Delphine Woven Jacket pdf pattern.  I would use the jacket on the left, add the collar, remove the cuff, and lengthen the sleeve.

Here is a pattern that would work well for the dress:

 This is the Style Arc June Sheath Dress pdf pattern.  It has a center back seam so that you could add trim in all the right places.

Here is a selection of fabrics from Mood that might be suitable for the dress/jacket - fabric.

For the trim, you might be able to locate an actual leather trim. However, there are lots of vegan leather that work work or a suede knit.  

Hope you are inspired to make something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Popover Dress

 If you are looking for a quick and easy dress, this one is it:

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This is the Cuffed Short-Sleeved Silk Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details: abstract print, cuffed sleeves, approximately 42-inches from shoulder to hem, jewel neckline, button/keyhole front neckline, short dolman sleeve, knee length, silk, dry clean.

This is a very simple shape. Fabric will be the key to how dressy or how causal this looks.  Here is the a pattern suggestion:

This is the Ellie & Mac Adult Essential Dolman Dress pdf pattern.  The look of the pattern is very similar to the inspiration photo.  I suspect that the neckline is lower/wider because it is the only opening for the head.  It is a cute pattern with lots of options.

If you have a top pattern that has already been altered to fit you, use it and add length.  Just remember to add circumference at the hip line.

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!

Itch to Stitch Birthday Sale...

 Itch to Stitch is having a Birthday Sale through 11:59 PM US February 1, 2025 with 20% off all patterns.  I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through product links will result in small commission at no cost to you.  

Here are some of my favorites right now:

This is the Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt pdf pattern.   I have made this skirt a couple of times - one in khaki and one in corduory.

This is the Itch to Stitch Soller Top & Dress pdf pattern.   I have made this a few times - muslin, top and dress.  I love this pattern.  It is super quick to make.

This is the Foz Top pdf pattern.  I have made this a couple of times.  It is a great little top - long sleeved muslin top and short sleeved top.

This is the Celeste Dress pdf pattern.  I have made this dress once and it is in constant rotation during warm weather.

This is the Lamma Hoodie & Sweatershirt pdf pattern.  I have made this pattern once and it is a favorite during cooler weather.

Following are patterns in my collection that I have not gotten to yet:

This is the Nittany Top pdf pattern.  The interesting neckline is the draw for me with this.  This blouse pattern is meant for light, drapey fabric.  

This is the Seychelles Top pdf pattern.  This top is meant for light to medium fabric.  

This is the Quebec Skirt pdf pattern.  This is an interesting pull-on denim skirt pattern. This is meant to be used with a 20 to 30% stretch fabric.  It would be great for all seasons.

This is just a few of my favorite collected Itch to Stitch patterns.  Hope you find something that inspires you.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration..Collared Dress

 This collared dress has vintage feel because of the sleeves.  I have not seen a dress pattern with this feature in a long time.  Here is the dress:

This is the Collared Silk-Linen Midi Dress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $998.00. Details:  Pick-stitch detailing, center front seam, approximately 48 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem, stand collar, short sleeves, hem fails below knee, a-line silhouette, slip over style, silk/linen, unlined, dry clean.

Folks, I love this dress style.  It is the perfect dress for a long, hot summer day.  Unfortunately, I can not find a perfect pattern match.  Here is a couple of dresses that I thought might give you the general feel of this dress:

This is Vogue 1777.  This is a loose-fitting, partially lined dress with dropped shoulders, short sleeves with turn back cuffs, bust darts, waist pleats, welt pockets.  This dress pattern gives you the collar and the loose feel of the inspiration dress.

This is the Merchant and Mills Factory Dress.  This is a slip over dress with cuffed shorts sleeves, and pockets.  With this pattern, I think you could length the top pattern into dress.  This would give you the center front seam, the collar, and the fullness of the inspiration photo.

I think this would be wonderful in a blue gray linen/cotton blend.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!