More Fabric Coming....

 There will be another thud on the porch soon.  Fabric purchasing is an addiction.  Hopefully, it will get used quickly.  Here is my latest round of purchases:

This is a marble look cotton/polyester shirting.  Purchased: 2 yards.  Care:  Machine wash gentle cycle.  Plans:  Seamwork Hansie

This is a blue/black/white 100% cotton sateen shirting.  Purchased: 1 3/4 yards. Care: Machine Wash.  Plans:  Itch to Stitch Vikos Top.

This is white/royal blue 100% cotton floral poplin shirting.  Purchased: 3 yards.  Care: machine wash.  Plans:  top with matching skirt no specific pattern.

I really need to quit shopping for fabric and start sewing up all this fabric that I am purchasing.  Wish me luck.

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!

More Fabric...

 Buying fabric is a real addiction.  Here are my latest acquitions:

This is a dark navy blue/gray rayon/nylon/lycra ponte knit.  I purchased 2 yards with the idea of making pants.  Care:  gentle wash cold, dry low.

This is dark cerulean blue/white cotton lawn.  I purchased 3 yards with the idea of making a skirt, maybe.  Care:  gentle wash cold, dry low.

Happy Stitching!

New Fabrics Coming....

 Mood Fabrics was having a sale and I indulged a little bit.  Here is the fabric that I got:

This is a deadstock fabric. It is dark blue, country blue, and white floral print.  I purchased two yards with the thought of making a long sleeved t-shirt like Itch to Stitch Kashi Tee & Dress pdf pattern.  Care: machine wash warm or cold, tumble dry low.

This is a deadstock.  It is a stretch cotton 2x2 rib in country blue.  Care - machine wash warm or cold, tumble dry.  I purchased 2 1/2 yards with the intent of making the Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover pdf pattern and just realized that I did not purchase enough fabric.  I guess I will try to figure out how much additional fabric that I need as this is a heavier fabric and would be nice as a pull over.  The fabric width is much smaller than I thought.  Guess that is what a get for not remembering to look.

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!

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!

Fabric Shopping in Paris...

 Yes, I had the overwhelming experience of fabric shopping in Paris.  It has been a long time since I experienced anything other than JoAnn Fabrics (rip).  Since the demise of JoAnn Fabrics, I live in a fabric desert unless you count Walmart and Hobby Lobby neither of which carry much in the way of thread.  I admit that I have been sewing with the Hobby Lobby brand.  It seems okay. 

Back to the subject at hand, I picked out two fabric stores to visit.  Both stores were a bit overwhelming and I managed to make it to a third one.  The first store, Marche Saint Pierre, had "coupons" (pre-cuts) all around the outside of the building and they were all 50% off.  I did find a beautiful piece of fabric there:

This is a navy & white floral cotton fabric.  I purchased 1 1/2 meters.  I am unsure what I will make from this.  I wanted to look around more but you had to purchase fabric before you could go upstairs.  Waiting to purchase was about 30 minutes.   I found out later that there was 6 more floors.  

The second store that I picked out was Les Coupons de St Pierre.  This store was all "coupons" (pre-cuts).  I looked but did not purchase at this location but here is a shot inside:

This is a small section of the store.  Yes, under the piles are lots of fabric neatly folded.

Then, I went into store called Tissue Reine.  It was beautiful rows of fabric.  One section of the store was just Liberty of London fabrics.  I purchased a second fabric:

 This is a beautiful pink floral.  The picture does not do justice to the fabric.  It is a Liberty of London Tawna Lawn and I purchased 1 1/2 meters.  It was the best price that I have ever seen on this type of fabric.  It is fabulously silky to the touch.  I do not know what I am going to make with it.  Hopefully, it will not just be petted.  

Earlier in March, I had found some sewing related chocolates in Belgium.  Oh, I really wanted to order them but unfortunately no shipping to the US.  Yes you have guessed it, while touring in Brussels, Belguim we found this chocolate shop.  Because we were with a group we could not stop and shop but my husband took me back during free time the next day.  Here is my Easter candy:

The chocolates are praline half eggs, dark chocolate, carmelized white chocolate, and hazelnut praline chocolate.  

Experiencing Easter in another country was interesting.  France and Belgium have a long weekend for Easter.  Unfortunately, that meant that many shops were closed.  

When I returned home, flowers were blooming:

Happy Stitching!

Twill Fabric...

 I was looking spring fashion and found a jacket made from technical twill.  I am sure your first thought is the same as mine "What is technical twill".  Looking at the description it is a polyester twill.  In my sesrch for technical twill, I found an interesting article about twill that disgusses the characteristics, properties, and uses of twill.  It is well worth reading to understand twill better.  Yes, it does talk about "technical" twill and it is not a special fabric.  So, the only reason the jacket was $1300 is that it had an interest cut and yeah, no similar patterns.  Oh, to be a pattern designer.  Hope you enjoy the article.  

Happy Stitching!

Stash Increase...

 I found a fabric that was cute but you can not just order one piece.  You have to justify the shipping cost.  Here are the purchases:

This is the one that started it.  This is a coctail print 100% cotton sateen shirting. I purchased 2 yards with the idea of making my husband a shirt.  Care: machine wash.

This is a blue/black plaid brush shirting.  I purchased two yards.  Destined to be a shirt maybe for me.  Care: machine wash.

This is blue/white dobby weave cotton/nylon/lycra mix.  I purchased two yards.  Not sure but if it is heavy enough it would make a nice simple dress.  Machine wash gentle.

This is black/white/gray abstract geometric 100% polyester crepe.  I purchased two yards.  I will either make a shirt for my Mom or me.  Care: Gentle wash.

This is a gray/navy/alabaster cotton floral print.  I purchased two yards.  This in intended for a simple dress.

This is a red/lavender cotton ditsy poplin.  I purchased 1 1/2 yards.  This is destined to be a top.  Care:

machine wash.

This is a black/boyenberry herringbone weave ponte knit.  Not sure how much I purchased of this.  There is a least enough for a skirt.  I am hoping I can get more.  Care: Gentle wash, tumble dry low.

I think this is enough for now.  Hopefully, none of it will hang around for long.

Happy Stitching!

New To Me Sewing Resources...

 I am always looking for new resources for sewing. I just wish some of them were local to me.

I have mentioned this store before - Kiki Textiles (affiliate).  I recently recieved samples and plan ordering some suede, stretch leather, and possibly a knit.  Use discount code DARLAELSKEN and get a 10% discount.

Next resource is another fabric store - https://sewsnip.com/ .  They are a little different in their approach and it looks like they will sell goods for other stores.  Might be a great place to look for older fabric collections.

Happy Stitching!

Kiki Textiles Samples Arrived...

 The samples that I ordered from Kiki Textiles has arrived. The samples are generously sized from 3-inches x 6-inches to 6-inches x 7-inches.   

The red stretch faux leather is a wonderful fabric but I am not sure that I could pull off the bright color anymore.  I am thinking about ordering a darker color because it would make a fabulous skirt or jacket.  The microsuedes are a nice, thick fabric which would be perfect for a jacket, pants, or skirt.  I am thinking that the gray microsuede needs to become a jacket.  The Lulu Yoga Spandex is a little thin for me but I am a little old lady even if I do not like to admit it. The 4-way stretch faux leather (pleather) is a nice stretchy knit based fabric.  It would be wonderful on it's own or as a trim.  The gray twill pattern nylon spandex is interesting.  It is opaque as long as it is not heavily stretched.  It would make a nice skirt or pants maybe a jacket.  The faux cashmere knit is beautiful brushed knit.  The dusty rose color that I ordered is beautiful.  It needs to be a pullover of some sort.  

Here are my thoughts:

1.  The grey microsuede is just asking to be made into a jacket like this inspiration photo.  I would probably use a jean jacket pattern to get the results.

2. The faux cashmere is asking to become a light-weight sweater.  Not sure which pattern I want to use be it is definitely going to be coming to my house,

3.  The 4-way stretch leather (pleather).  I may be get a couple of colors for trims.  I need to wash the sample and see what happens.

4.  The gray twill pattern nylon.  I am considering this fabric.  I have some patterns that would work with it.  Fitting would probably be the issue with this type of fabric and I am not sure that I can find a suitable muslin fabric.

Well, that is it for now.  I am an affiliate of Kiki Textiles.  If you were to purchase from my link above, I would get a small commission.  If you follow my link and decide to purchase, use the DARLAELSKEN and get a 10% discount.

Happy Stitching!

Fabric Samples Coming...

 After looking at fabrics at the KIKI Textiles yesterday, I ordered several fabric samples.  The samples are $1.00 each.  Here are the samples that I ordered:

  

This is the Red Microsuede.  The thought on this is a jacket maybe even the inspiration jacket from yesterday but it really depends on the shade of red.  Everyone needs a need item in their wardrobe.

This is the Gray Microsuede.  It would be perfect for the inspiration jacket from yesterday and go with anything I wanted to wear it with in my current wardrobe.

This is the Red Stretch Faux Leather.  It is another fabric I just wanted to see the shade of red but it would make a nice jacket as well.

This is the Burgundy 4-way Stretch Leather.  Again, I wanted to see the actual color.  Burgundy is a wonderful color just like the red.  If this is a good shade, I am thinking skirt or pants.

This is the Black Lulu Yoga Nylon Spandex.  I really wanted to touch and feel this fabric.  Is it only for fitted garments or will it work for a slim pant?  It is a moisture wicking fabric which makes it interesting to me as well.

This is a Dusty Rose Buttery Spandex Faux Cashmere.  This fabric intrigues me along with the fact that I love the pink items.  I am thinking this will make a great layering piece.

This is the Gray Twill Pattern Nylon Spandex.  Again, this fabric intrigued me.  Will it make a nice pair of pant or a skirt.

I think that I have enough samples to get me thinking what kind of projects I would like to create.  I seem to do much better with planning than executing but I am trying to get better.

I am an affiliate of Kiki Textiles.  I will get a small commission if you purchase through my links.  I do have a discount for you - DARLAELSKEN . Using this code will give you 10% off.

Happy Stitching!

Purchases, Yes More Fabric

Folks, I have more fabric than what I know what to do with but yet I purchase more.  Here is my latest purchases:

This is an Indigo Slub Stretch Denim.  It is a cotton/spandex blend with 10% stretch and 60-inches wide.  It is machine wash cold, tumble dry low.  I purchased 3 yards with the intent of making a Liesl & Co Amera Dress.  I also purchased matching thread. 

This is a Khaki 4-way stretch cotton twill.  It is a cotton/spandex blend with 30% stretch and 52-inches wide.  It is machine wash cold, and tumble dry low.  I purchased 2 yards with the intent of making the Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt.  Hopefully, I purchased enough yardage.  I also purchased matching thread.

This is Indigo Lightweight Denim (4.4oz).  It is 100% cotton and 60-inches wide.  It is machine wash cold and tumble dry low.  I purchased 3 yards with the intent to make the Itch to Stitch Vikros Dress.  I also purchased matching thread.

I am very happy that online stores have stepped up and started offering matching thread services.  To my knowledge, there are not any local businesses carrying good thread.  Walmart has their own brand and Hobby Lobby has their own brand.  The Walmart thread I will not purchase.  I have been experimenting with the Hobby Lobby thread.  So far, it has not caused any issues with the sewing machine.

This is my first fabric purchase since July.  So, I suppose I have not done too bad this year with purchases but I have purchased more than I have sewn.

More Fabric Disappoint...

 Well, the last batch of fabric has arrived.  The navy appears to be perfect but the teal, it is very much lacking.  Here is are all  of the teals that I have recently purchased plus the navy:

From top to bottom, top left is the first teal twill that I purchased.  It is a nice fabric but to light for fall and winter.  The top right is a teal challis and it is absolutely the perfect blue/green shade of teal.  The middle fabric is more of a royal blue than teal.  I am very much disappointed in it.  Sigh! I may give up looking for teal fabric for a skirt/bottom item.  The bottom fabric is the navy and it is perfect.

Do you ever get disappointments when ordering on-line?

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric Coming...

 I know I do not really need to purchase more fabric but I did not have either of these two items in the stash:

This is a navy twill.  It is a polyester/cotton/spandex blend.  The fabric is machine wash and dry.  My intent is to make a Liesl & Co Beckham Trouser and a McCalls jacket.  Both patterns need to be fitted.

This is a teal cotton blend twill.  I purchased two yards.  My intent is to make the Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt pattern.  This skirt has been fitted and should be a quick to make item.  Well, reasonably quick.  

There is only one more fabric that I am looking for.  It is for a shirt dress and the planned color is pink.  I have not found anything yet.

Happy Stitching!

Fabric Arrived!...

 All the fabric that I have ordered over the last couple weeks has arrived.  There were two disappointments:

The navy twill.  The color is spot on.  Exactly what I wanted.  However, it is a very thin shirting.  I totally missed the weight of this.  It is a beautiful fabric.  I will use it.  I just need to decide if a lining will be necessary for the skirt.  

The teal sateen.  The fabric is perfect for the intended skirt.  The color is much lighter than I was expecting.  

I need to re-evaluate.  I am not sure that the lighter teal color will work with the whole color scheme and it is suppose to be for fall/winter.  Maybe I will do a post will all of the chosen fabrics together.

How do you find ordering fabrics online?  Do you occasionally find duds?

Happy Stitching!

Oh Yeah, More Fabric...

 I have started working on the wardrobe plan.  Checking the stash has a little bit of interest but you know that new fabric is always better, right?  Here is the lastest fabric:

This is a pink/gray pique cotton shirting.  I purchased 2 yards to make Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  Care:  Machine wash cold and tumble dry.

This is a Teal Rayon Challis.  I purchased 2 yards with thoughts of making a Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  Care:  Machine wash, tumble dry.

This is a teal cotton sateen.  I purchased 2 yards with the idea of making a Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt. Care:  machine wash cold, tumble dry.

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!

That is it for now.  Shipping has gotten really expensive.  I guess I should be looking at the stash more to reduce costs.

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric On The Way...

 I tell myself that I do not need any more fabric but once in a while I see something I must have and it never comes alone.  Here is my latest purchases:

This is Black/White/Powder Blue 100% rayon print crepe.  I purchased two yards.  That is enough for a blouse.  Care:  Machine Wash Gentle Cycle.

 This is a cotton/polyester Dusty Cloud Gray Oxford Cloth.  I purchased two yards and intend to make a button-down with it.  This will make a good basic.  Care:  Machine wash gentle.

This is a Dark Vintage Wash Cotton/Lycra Strertch Denim.  I purchased two yards.  Unknown what I will make with this.  There is enough for a skirt or pants.  Care:  Gentle wash.

Now, I must sew, sew, sew.  I purchased six yards of fabric with no where for it to go storage wise.  I do have projects that will use up that amount of fabric.  So, I will just be replacing old stash with new stash.

Happy Stitching!

A Wee Bit More Fabric...

 The stash shrinks a little bit then it expands a little more.  Yep, I purchased another piece of fabric.  I thought this one would be good for patterns that required a light weight, drapey fabric.  Since it is a Walmart precut, there is not any way to know what the fiber content is.  I am guessing that it is a blend of some sort.  Here is a view:

It is a kinda pretty.  The weight is a little like a lawn.  I purchased a 3-yard piece.  My intent is to use this as muslin for the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  There should be enough yardage here to make two muslins.

Happy Stitching!

Another Box Hit The Porch...

 I have tried very hard to not purchase fabric until the last purchases were completed.  I have done fairly well but I broke down and purchased two fabrics:

This is a cotton/hemp blend chambray, 56-inches wide in indigo.  It is machine wash cold, tumble dry low.  My plans are for a Love Notions Clef jacket.  It will most likely be a version with a zipper.  The pattern needs fitting.

This is a beautiful 100% rayon challis.  It is machine wash cold, tumble dry low.  My plans are a Love Notions Rhapsody.  Version unknown at this point.  This pattern needs fitting as well.

That is my confession of fabric buying for now.  Hopefully there won't be anymore for a while as it would be really nice if I could work down the fabric stash a little bit.

Happy Stitching!

New Fabric Coming...

 It seems the best way to get the sewjo sewing is to purchase new fabric and that is exactly what I did.  Here is the new fabric that will hopefully not become stash:

This is 100% cotton, 56-inches wide.  I plan a Classic Shirt.  I purchased 2 yards.  Care:  machine washable.

This is 100% polyester, 60-inches wide.  I plan a Pussy Bow Blouse by Sew Over It.  I purchased 2 yards.  Care:  Gentle Wash.

This is  100% polyester, 58-inches wide.  I plan a Pussy Bow Blouse by Sew Over It.  I purchased 2 yards.  Care:  Gentle wash.

As large as my stash is, sometimes you can not find the needed item in it.  I am really aiming for more blouses this winter.  Hopefully, these will slide right into the wardrobe without too much effort.

Happy Stitching!