This n' That...

 I just realized that it had been a while since I posted anything.  So, thought I would give you a bit of an update.  

What have I been doing?  Not a lot.  A little bit of pattern play.  Nothing made yet but the patterns have to be printed and checked.   

Now, for the biggy.   My sewing room has gotten completely out of control.  We did a house renovation late last year and lots of stuff ended up in that room.  It just kept compounding and I finally said enough is enough.  However, it is so bad that I can not bring myself to spend more than 30 min or an hour everyday.  So, that is what I have been doing.  Rearranging, folding fabric, purchasing more containers so that I have something to put excess fabric into.  The fabric will be headed toward the storage unit with all my other excess.  

With luck, that fabric will not become out of sight out of mind.  It had done that in my sewing room because I could not see it.  I found some really great fabric.  Some of it, I know what it was destined to become and some it who knows.  I will say that I have far too much fabric.  I need to sew it because it is really hard for me to get rid of it.

I can honestly say that you really should not purchase fabric just for the sake of purchasing fabric.  A small stash maybe but I am talking maybe 4 or 5 pieces at most.  There is always more fabric.  Yeah, I know sometimes you see something that you just have to have.  I get it but I also have a 10x10 storage unit for my excess.  Will I use all of it?  Probably not.  Someday, my son will say "What was she thinking?".   I have been better about not purchasing and hopefully this clean out will not have me purchasing more.  

I will get my inspiration posts started again soon.  Probably in July.  Hopefully, I will get some sewing done before then because I need to clothes and I do not want to go shopping.

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!

Bread Bags....

 Do you make bread bags for your homemade bread? 

I made a bread bag about eight years ago and it is still going strong.  However, I saw a discussion about bread bags made with beeswax fabric.  Now, I am wondering if I should have one of those.  The real question I guess is do I really need it.  

I found article regarding linen bread bags verse beeswax bread bags but this person is selling the bags.  Then, I found this article regarding using linen bags pros, cons, and best practices.  This article was good.  I do use my bread bag inside a bread box as that keeps the bread away from my cats.    This is just a few articles regarding bread bags.  There are many available with just a simple search.

I also noticed that most articles did not really mention beeswax bags.  There is a lot of effort needed for making your beeswax fabric bags.  I am thinking it is more than I want to do. The linen bags seem to do what I want them to do and well enough. I think I will continue to make linen bread bags.  I did find a couple of tutorials that might be of interest:

How to make a Simple Bread Bag

How to make beeswax wraps and no sew bread bag

Do you make your own bread bags?  Do you have an opinion on the type of bag?

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!

Another Pattern Added...

 I decided to add the latest Itch to Stitch pattern to my collection. Here is the line drawings:

This is the  Elmstead Pinafore pdf pattern from Itch to Stitch.  I am thinking I will make this in denim.  I have plenty of denim hanging out in the fabric stash.  I might has well use some of it, right?

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!

Temptation In The Form Of A Pattern...

Sometimes you find a pattern that is so perfect that you are completely tempted to add it your collection of patterns.  However, I have been working very hard not to purchase so many patterns.  Here is the pattern:

This is the Belmone Knit Tunic pdf pattern from Style Arc.  I suppose you could get this in paper form as well.

I have it recorded now for the future.  I will not purchase it before I have fabric available but this is a great looking pattern.  It will be in my future but I have so many purchased patterns that have not been used.  I really would love to see this made up by various people.

Happy Stitching!

Scissors & Rambling...

 Today, I purchased craft scissors or at least scissors that are intended to be craft scissors.  Here is a picture:

This is a Westcott set of scissors.  I did pick them up in the sewing area of the local Walmart so they are probably not intended to be craft scissors but the price is right.  What I found interesting is the handles.  The package states that the handles are made from recycled materials including rice husk fiber.  Have you ever seen scissors made with the type of material before?  It has a 10 year warranty.  Shocking, right?

Honestly, I have not looked at scissors since before my little quilting shop closed.  I did request a pair of 5-inch Ginghers for a gift.  I tend to look toward Gingher when I want a pair of scissors.  I did do a little research before requesting them and found that the Ginghers need to forged in Italy.  It is sad that they are no longer made in the US.

Do you have a brand of scissors that you like?  My Ginghers that I have used for 25 or 30 years are in need of sharpening and I do not really want to try to mail them for sharpening.  Actually, I have never taken a pair of scissors to be sharpened.  I suppose I could try that locally before investing in another pair.  I would still like to hear about other brands and how you like them.

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!

New Mystery Quilt Series at NZP...

 I just saw the NZP was starting a new block of the month mystery quilt series for 2026.  All the quilters might interested in participating.    Here is the kickoff post.  There is a featured collection but there is not reason that you could not dive into the stash and use it.  Check the recommended tools as I am sure that they will make the quilt blocks a little easier to make.  Hopefully, the tools are already in your basket of tools.

I have already joined one monthly sewing group for the year.  I may decide to do this one as well if I have patriotic fabrics in my stash.  I really do not need to add many additional fabrics as I am busting at the seams with my current stash.  I have been trying not to add fabric to my stash but it still happens.  It is an addiction.

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!

Projects 2025 Results...

 Last year, I tried to project plan for the year.  It was a great list but only a little was actually done.  It was a "lemony" year.  As I look at the list, the only thing I really accomplished was clothing items.  I did make a gift or two but not the ones on the list.  Maybe actually planning is not what I need to do.  If I decide to try again, the list probably will not look much different.

As far as goals, I think I was fairly successful.  I purchased 45 1/2 yards of fabric for the which is about 15 yards less than the year before.  As far as patterns, I purchased more than I needed to because I have not made one of them yet.  I purchased a total of nine patterns.  At least, that is what I admitted to throughout the year.  

Do you make a list of projects?  How about a list of goals?  How did you do with either list?

I hope that 2026 is a better sewing year than 2025.  I will admit 2026 has the same "lemony" feel but for slightly different reasons than 2025.

Happy Stitching!

A Look Back on 2025 Sewing...

 Well, I thought my 2024 sewing was not much but I think 2025 was even less.  I guess that is what happens when you have a "lemony" kind of year.  I had fun times traveling.  I had sad times losing several family members.  I had big decisions to make regarding my health which I am still working on.  

Most sewn pattern:

Believe it or not there was not a most sewn but there were four ties.

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  You can not go wrong with the pattern, if you are looking for a classic button down shirt.

2.  Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt.  This is another great basic.  

3.  Sew Over It Pussy Bow Blouse.  This is a nice little blouse.

4. Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse.  This is a cute blouse with lots of options.

Most loved patterns:

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.   It is just a classic that you can make over and over.

2.  Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt pattern.  This one is a repeat from last year.  It is such a nice little skirt pattern.

Most dislike project:

I am happy to report that there were not any dislike project.  Well, maybe one.  It was a quilt top that I had been given.  I ended up spending about $40 on the project only to throw it out.  It was a nasty stretchy mess and I gave up on it.

Most used project: 

This definitely has to be the surgery pillow that I made.  It has been in constant use since the day of my surgery.  It really did save me as far as my cats went.  It kept them away from the area. It was used many times when I went out in the car.  

2025 Sewing Reflection:

My sewing time was very limited in 2025.  Betweens traveling, deaths, and health decisions sewing time just did not happen much.  Sewing did save me in the month before my surgery as it keep my mind and hands busy.  The month after my surgery did not have much sewing in it but I did put together patterns and made one muslin.  We have to happy for what we can do, right?  I am trying to just go with the flow.  

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchased through one of my links, I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

One More Pattern...

 I do not really need any more patterns.  I have tons of patterns that I have not tried yet.  However, I love to sew for the guys in my life so I added one more pattern.  Here it is:

This is the Love Notions Dockside Henley and Polo.  You get a crew neck t-shirt, a henley t-shirt, and a polo.  All with short or long sleeves and with a pocket or without a pocket.  It seems like a pretty basic pattern that could have a lot of mileage.

Now, I am on the look out of interesting activewear fabric that is manly.  Yes, I know that many solids will work but the golf lover in my life rarely wears solids.  If you know of good sources, let me know.

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!

New To Me Pattern Company...

 Today, I found a new to me pattern company - Daughter Judy Patterns.  This site has both sewing patterns and knitting patterns.  There are not a lot of patterns yet but the ones that are there are interesting.  My favorite one is this skirt:

This is the Henry Skirt.  It is almost a classic wrap.  It wraps but I think there is more coverage than a classic wrap skirt as in no accidental flashing.

So, check out this designer.  You might find a great pattern.  

Happy Stitching!

Rambling...

 Reflecting on the state of sewing in the US.  How did we get to the place we are in 2025?  

With the demise of JoAnn Fabrics, I find myself in a bewildering world.  To my knowledge, there is no good local thread sources.  Walmart and Hobby Lobby carry some commercial patterns (McCall's and maybe Simplicity).  They also carry wee bits of fabric.  Walmart is more of a muslin type fabric although once in while there are great finds.  Hobby Lobby, I have not spent much time looking at their fabrics.  I need to go by and see if what they are carrying - fabric, interfacing, etc.

Even 40 years ago, we still had great local options.  So what happen?  I can only guess that JoAnn Fabrics slowly pushed every one out or purchased them.  With JoAnn Fabric being the only game in town, why did they feel the need to have constant coupons?  Personally, I would rather be offered an honest price than one that have been inflated so the coupons can be offered.  

Pattern companies - 40 years ago, the big commercial pattern companies were doing relatively well. Probably not perfect but I do not remember hearing about issues.  Great designs were still being offered from all of them.  Now, we find that the company that had owned the commercial pattern companies sold them to a liquidator.  This was a result of tariffs and JoAnn Fabric closing.  Where does that leave the commercial pattern companies?  They are currently still operating.  Will there still be great designs created?  To be honest, there have not been a lot of great designs coming of the big commercial design companies and I suspect that is because no one wants to pay for the patterns.  Remember, it costs money to make a design.  There are lots of people involved in the process.  Somewhere along, we stopped paying for those patterns and were only willing to purchase them at JoAnn Fabrics hugely discounted prices. In the last 30 or so years, independent pattern companies have become a big thing.  Why are people willing to purchase independent patterns at $10, $15, $20, or so for each pattern but find it impossible to purchase the big commercial patterns for the same pricing structure?  Honestly, it is not the drafting.  I have found more poorly drafted patterns with independent companies than the big commercial companies.  Folks, I own hundreds of patterns.  Collecting patterns is just another hobby.

I will admit that many of the online fabric stores are stepping up and offering thread matching services.  I think all three of the companies that I generally purchase from are now offering this service.  The thing that I have found with the service is that you might not get enough thread and you end up having to order more and paying shipping.

I did purchase a thread chart from an online notions company.  This has helped except many times when purchasing online the numbers are not listed but a name.  So far, I have been able to locate charts with the commerical, wholesale, and thread names.  This has helped tremendously with locating thread but there is still the issue of paying large shipping costs.  I think in the future there will be less spontaneous purchases of fabric because the project needs to be planned start to finish and products received of them.

So, how is all the weirdness of the US sewing world affecting you?  We have not seen how the tariffs will change things but we can be assured that the prices will rise at least 25% and probably more.  

Happy Stitching!

Working On A Quilt...

 A couple of  years ago, my brother was clearing stuff out and offered me a quilt top that my Mom had given him.  Now I am in need of clearing space myself, I decided to finish it and give it to my son for a picnic blanket.  Everyone needs this kind of quilt, right?

So I am chatting with my Mom about it thinking that she had made this quilt top but it turns out that my Grandmother made this quilt top for a cousin.  My cousin passed away before the quilt was done so it was returned to my Grandmother.  So this is a 50+ year old  quilt top.  It is time to make it a quilt.  Here is a glimpse at the quilt top:

It is done in white or cream with navy and dark green.  Unfortunately, it is all polyester.  I purchased a queen size poly batting, a queen size sheet, and a yard of black cotton for the binding.  It will be tied.

Happy Stitching!

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!

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!

Fabrics For Wardrobe Plan...

 I have spent a couple of weeks going through my most stash looking for appropriate fabrics for the fall/winter sewing plan.  Folks, I have a lot of fabric.  I have looked and looked. Here are the fabrics that have been pulled so far:

From left to right top row - blue knit for t-shirt, pink cotton pique & gray oxford for button down shirt, and teal challis for blouse. From left to right bottom row - navy sateen for skirt, and gray twill for pants.  

As much as I try to use up what is in my stash, only one item in the above is from the stash - the gray twill.  Although you could argue that once fabric comes into the house, it is stash.  I have really dug through my stash and found tons of fabric that I had forgotten but I do not have any navy twill.  Yes, folks, I was very surprised. I have enough to keep me busy while I look for the fabric pieces that are missing.  

The piece that is first up will be the navy sateen for a skirt.  It is a little bit on the light weight side and will definitely work for summer but will need replacing if I want a navy skirt for winter.  Then, I will work on the Love Notions Rhapsody blouse as I have already been working on fitting that blouse. Once it is fitted, I will make a summer blouse and then the teal blouse.  I have really been wanting to new clothes for now.

That is it for now.

Happy Stitching!