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!

New Sleeveless Top ...Auvers Top PDF Pattern

 The weather is heating up and Itch to Stitch keeps bringing on those fabulous sleeveless tops.  Here is the line drawing for the Auvers Top:

The Auvers Top PDF pattern is a sleeveless, surplus top.  It is meant to be made from a lightweight, drapey fabric.  It has regular and full-bust options, surplus front crossing a diagonal, the blouson effect is created with elastic, back yoke, and shirt tail hem.  Sizes included from 00 - 40.  The Auvers Top PDF pattern is on sale through June 29th.  Tiered discounts still apply.

Be sure to check out the various testers versions on the blog.

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

Hope you are inspired to make some cool summer tops.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Striped Shirt

Even though there is snow and ice outside, it is time to start considering spring/summer clothing items.  Here is a cute spring top:

 This is the Lafayette 148 New York Striped Dales Shirt.  Price tag: $598.00. Details: approximately 25" long from shoulder to hem, v-neck, spread collar, long sleeves, back yoke, boxy silhouette, pullover style, cotton/linen/polyamide.  Check Neiman Marcus for a closer look at this lovely outfit.  Here is a close up of the neckline and collar area:

My first thought for a pattern was the Lisel & Co Galley Tunic & Dress pattern.  

There is a view with a spread collar.  The neckline is a little different but I think that this would give you a similar feel.  

I looked around the big 4 pattern offering around found either the correct collar silhouette or the correct body but nothing with both.  Check out Simplicity or Butterick.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

(Affiliate links included.  Purchasing through an affiliate link provides with a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!)

Itch to Stitch Sibiu Top Pattern...

 Itch to Stitch has another new top pattern.  Here are the Sibiou Top pattern line drawings:

This is the bat wing top with two collar options, two sleeve length options, and two cuff length options.  This top works for most of the year depending on the fabric chosen.  This top has a 20% discount through February 9, 2022.  Be sure to check out the blog post to see the testers versions. In the addition, the volume discount still applies. So, if you are thinking about other patterns this is good time to invest.

Hope you are inspired by this pattern.

Happy Stitching!

(I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchase via my links, I will get a small commission at no cost to you.)

Project Commitment....

 So, I have realized this year that I do not sew as much as I think I will.  With that in mind, I will be documenting my fabric purchases with planned projects so I that do not forget what the intended fabric and pattern combination is.  Here's the next planned project:

This is one of the new fall Silhouette patterns and the only one I purchased.  Here's the intended fabric:

This is an iridescent velvet knit.  The colors are suppose to be black, pink, and blue.  All the right colors.

Now, I fully realize that when this order arrives there is a possibility that I will decide this is not the correct fabric for the pattern but I am hoping that is not the case.  

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Weeks 42 and 43

Weeks 42 and 43 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 42 here and 43 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom. 

Week 42 is a sleeveless top in an accent color and Week 43 is a sleeveless top in an print or accent color.  Check out the variety of styling in the tops shown in these two posts.  There are many ideas here for different types of tops.

If you go back to Week 40,  I have listed several sleeveless top patterns.  The Phoebe Tank pattern is one that I have previously fitted - here and here.  I added a dart, rotated it out to the hem, and then restored the silhouette.  However, I could have just as easily transferred the dart to the neckline and converted it to gathers.  That would be a different look but with the same fitting.  I wish I had traced the pattern now instead of doing all the work on the same pattern.  I would use a drapier fabric for that style of tank.

How many sleeveless tops do you need in a wardrobe?  I have two that I have made and a few that I purchased.  However, the purchased can not be worn alone as the armholes are too big and show more of me than I am comfortable with.  Isn't that the reason we sew?  

How is your spring/summer wardrobe coming along?  Mine is slowly shaping up with a mix of purchased and me-made items.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Basic Layering Tee

Do you sew basics that you will wear day in and day out?  I'm wanting to stitch more of this type of item.  Here's a basic tee:

This is the Nic+Zoe Countryside Top.  Price tag: $118.00.  This is their take on the classic layering tee.  Details:  v-neck with facing, long-tail with curved hem, loose-fitting, v-neck back with yoke shaping.

You need to look at this top to appreciate, I think.  You need to see the back.  Just head over to the Nic+Zoe website.  Now let's think about patterns:

This is M6964.  This pattern offers a variety of necklines and sleeves which makes it versatile.  It doesn't have the faced v-neck but the v-neck is good.  The hemline would need to be dropped a little and curved.  Make use of your french curve.

If you have a t-shirt pattern already fitted, use it.  Just remember that a v-neck is not really a straight line.  Use the french curve.  Have fun!

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 15

Week 15 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 15 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.

This week item is another turtleneck in a dark neutral.  As stated last week, the weather doesn't generally get cool enough to warrant a bunch of turtlenecks.  I do own a black turtleneck and a couple of dark turtlenecks.  I'm sure that they are from Lands' End.  However after watching the Silhouette Patterns - Silhouettes for Fall 2019 video on youtube, I may add a sleeveless shell.  It will serve the same purpose as the turtleneck as it is a base level.  Peggy Sagers used the Eileen Fisher's Basic 8 as a starting point for talking about the basics. 

So, I'm going to follow Peggy's suggestion and make a sleeveless shell to wear under sweaters, shirts, etc.  The color that I'm going to choose is dark gray.  I will be using this pattern:

Maybe, if I have time and energy, I'll make the cardigan also.  This would be a versatile set to have in the wardrobe.  For now, I don't believe that I have this fabric in the stash.  I will check the stash for anything appropriate before adding any additional fabric.  The stash really doesn't need to grow anymore even if it is just 3 yards of fabric.

Are you following along with this series?  How are you using this to help with your wardrobe?  Any additional helpful information?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sweater, Shirt, and Pants

Inspiration for a whole outfit can't get much better than this.

This is from Lafayette 148 New York.  Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater - price $448.00.  Brody Uptown Tattersall Long-Sleeve Blouse - price $378.00.  Clinton Heritage Plaid Cuffed Pants - price $598.00.  For a closer look, check the Neiman Marcus website.

Here's my pattern choices to recreate a similar look:

This is #195 Sweater Set by Silhouettes. I would make a long sleeved tee with a little more ease and add the turtle neck or whatever neckline I wanted.  Do it in a sweatery rib knit.

This is the Archer Button Up pattern by Grainline Studio.  To achieve a similar top, don't add the pocket.  This pattern would also work:

This is the Classic Shirt by Liesl & Co.  Although this pattern gives you the same basic silhouette as the Archer, this one has a darts which will give it a better fit.

This is the Clover pant pattern by Colette.  View A is a classic cigarette style pant.

This feels like a lot of ideas but we really should think outfits when we are sewing so we do not end up with a lot of orphan projects.   Who needs a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear?  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

(Some links are affliliate links.  I will get a small commission from the link at no additional cost to you.)

Inspiration...Tie-Neck Silk Blouse

Here's a lovely long-sleeved blouse to consider:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Diana Mini Modernist Tie-Neck Silk Blouse. Price tag: $548.00.  Features:  Pointed collar, self-tie neckline, long sleeves, button cuff, back yoke, center box pleat, semi-fitted, and shirt-tail hem.   For a closer look, head over to Neiman Marcus.  Check out the "How to Wear It" section for additional ideas.

I've used the following pattern many times in inspiration posts but I think it's a good match for this type of blouse:

This is the Grainline Studio Archer pattern.   This is very close to the inspiration picture.  Add a self-fabric tie, leave off the pockets, and possible make the cuffs wider.   

Remember if you already have a shirt pattern fitted.  Use it.  Save those dollars for some fabulous fabric.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspirtion...Long Sleeve Floral Shirt

Who can resist a floral shirt?  Especially when the colors fit right into the color theme of your wardrobe.  Check out this shirt:

This is the Eileen Floral Long Sleeve Shirt by Frank and Eileen.  Price tag: $228.00.  Details: spread collar, button front, chest patch pockets, long sleeves, button cuffs, oversized silhouette, shirt-tail hem, cotton.  Be sure to head over to Neiman Marcus to check out the details and "how to wear it".

There are lots of shirt patterns out there.  This one is in my stash:

This is the Grainline Studio Archer Button Up pattern.  You can find it here.  Another option might be this pattern:

This is the Classic Shirt pattrn by Liesel & Co.  You can find it here.

Both of these patterns get good reviews at Pattern Review.  If you a shirt pattern that works for you, use it.  Save the pattern dollars and apply to the fabric.

Hope you're inspired to sew something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Geometric Silk Blouse

Fall will be here before we know it.  Here's a beautiful long-sleeve blouse to consider:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Scottie Printed Silk Long-Sleeved Silk Blouse.  Price tag: $498.00.  It has a spread collar, concealed placket, yoke seamed back with box pleat, and a relaxed fit.  For a closer look go to the Neiman Marcus website.

For a similar look, try this pattern:

This is the Grainline Studio Archer pattern.  It is a little different than the inspiration photo but I already have this is my stash.  You will need a concealed placket instructions.  Here are some from Threads.  Obviously if you have a shirt pattern already fitted,  use it!  Use those dollars on fabric.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Zip Front Blouse

The Pre-fall fashions are showing up.  So, here's a cute top that could be a basic:

The is the Lafayette 148 New York Durham Finesse Crepe Zip-Front Short-Sleeve Blouse.  Price Tag: $398.00.  Details:  Crew neckline, partial front zipper, short sleeves, back yoke, box pleat, side slits, and relaxed silhouette.  The blouse also has a darted front. Check out the details on the Neiman Marcus website.  This blouse is dry-clean only.  I think we can do better than that.

I recently fitted this blouse:

The silhouette of View B is very close to the inspiration.  To do the zipper, I'm sure that I would need to draft a facing but that is pretty easy to do.  As far as other patterns, I haven't noticed anyone doing the 1/2 zip on the front of the blouses.  Let me know if I've missed a pattern and I will reference it.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Tee Dress

I'm still looking for cool things to wear in the hot weather.  This dress seems to fit that description:

This is the Structured Linen Tee Dress by Theory.  Price tag: $395.00. 

Details:  Linen/Viscose blend fabric, scoop neck, pull-over style shift, short sleeves. 

Let's check patterns:

This is the Scout Tee by Grainline Studio.  It is a pretty good match at the neckline and sleeve to the inspiration photo.  You would need to add length and width for the hip.  This is a fairly popular pattern.

This is the Sorbetto by Colette.  This is also a pretty good match for the inspiration photo.  Put the fold of the fabric on the stitching line for the pleat, lengthen version two, and use version 3 sleeves. 

I think either one of these options would create a nice option.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Velvet Top and Skinny Jeans

Here's another everyday run around look:

This is the Eileen Fisher Long Washable Tunic Top and Organic Stretch Skinny Jeans. Top price tag: $278.00 and Jeans price tag: $178.00.  It is made from a rayon/silk blend velvet and is machine washable.  I don't really have access to this type of fabric.  I think a velour might work.  For the pattern, you can check the Boyfriend Shirt inspiration post as it looks to be a longer version of that top.

For the jeans portion, this pattern may work well:

This is a new Silhouette pattern Camtuo's Stretch-woven Pant #3218.  This pattern line has several skinny jean type patterns.

Hope you're inspired to sew!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Something Casual

Today's inspiration is all about everyday casual. Here it is:

Doesn't this look comfy?  This is the Eileen Fisher Organic Interlock Funnel-Neck Tunic and Heathered Organic Cotton Jersey Leggings.  Price tag:  Top - $168.00, Leggings - $128.00.  Check Neiman Marcus website for a closer look.

For the top, I think this pattern works would well:

 This is Silhouette Patterns Swing Dress #4000.  I think the base is there but the neck line needed to thought about.  I looked for information on re-creating the neckline and haven't found it yet.  It looks like it could be as simple as a rectangle.

For the leggings, this pattern work definitely work:

This is Silhouette Patterns Angel's Handbag & Leggings #5019.  I think the leggings are pretty straight forward.

Inspiration...Silky Tee

I know the drawing point on this top was the color but look at the simplicity of it:

This is the Silky Sea Silk Blend Tee by Nic + Zoe.  Price tag: $118.00.  Want a closer look?  Head over to the Nordstrom website.

Really in sewing terms you can get easier than 2 pattern pieces.  This top also has a binding at the neckline which could add a little bit to the complexity.  Note that when you zoom in that this isn't a true "V" neck.  The binding is sewn in the round and the typical "v" stitch isn't there.

I did a look around for fabric of this type - silk and viscose blend.  I found a little bit but nothing patterned like this. Most likely you could find a poly blend or a rayon blend with this sort of pattern on it.

As for the pattern, I found this one:

This is Butterick 6221.  It is a lifestyle pattern and gives you lots of options.  Even the largest size takes less than 2 yards to make this little top.

Hope your inspired to sew!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cool Summer Top

I'm always on the lookout for ideas for cool summer tops.  This will be my first summer at this location in 30+ years and I remember it getting very hot by August.  Here's the latest find:

It has a tank top vibe with a little asymmetry going on.  The asymmetry is what drew me to it.  This is the Nic & Zoe Promenade Top and it can be found on their website.  The price is $118.00.   The fabric is satin.

This would be fairly easy to reproduce using an already fitted tank top.  First you would need to decide on the length and then draw the pattern.You will need two separate fronts and two separate backs.  Most likely, make the side seam of the outer front and outer back 1/3 shorter.  Clear as mud?  You could also use this pattern:

This pattern gives you the asymmetry on the front but the neckline is different.  Actually, I prefer a v-neck.  This pattern is also in my pattern stash.  You can find the Indgyo Junction under Asymmetrical Top & Tunic pattern (affiliate link).  As far as fabric, I don't think I would use a satin but I would definitely use a cotton or a blend of some sort.  I just need to dig through my stash and see what's available.

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful!

Happy Stitching!