Inspiration...Scrappy Skirt

 I really like the idea of this skirt.  It is patchwork of various fabrics making it a good scrap busting project.

This is the Mae Multi Patchwork Striped Pencil Skirt by Ralph Lauren Collection. Price tag: $3490.00.  Details:  high waist, knee length, pencil silhouette, back walking vent.

This is an almost classic pencil skirt.  It does not have a waistband but a facing which is why I say almost.  Here is a pattern that is fairly close:

This is Vogue Patterns 2017.  There are a lot of options in the pattern but the skirt is fairly spot  on for the inspiration skirt.

This is Simplicity 9553.   This is another pattern with several options but that View B skirt is spot on to the inspiration. 

Hope you are inspirated to make something interesting.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Blazer and Wide Leg Pants

 This week's inspiration is a blazer and wide leg pants. 

This is the Tailored Seaming Linen Blazer - Cross Dyed from Talbots.  Price tag: $189.00. Details: long sleeve, hits at hip, button front closure, patch pockets, lined.

This is the Greenwich Wide Legged Linen Pants - Cross Dyed from Talbots. Price tag: $139.00. Details: flat front trouser, wide leg, fits high waist, full length, fly front with button closure, front on seam pockets, back welt pocks.

This is such a wonderful outfit.  If I was working in an office, I would have already purchased this outfit.  I will admit that the color of the cross-dyed linen is probably responsible.  How about patterns:

Jacket/Blazer:

This is the Jasika Blazer pdf pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  The only thing missing here is the patch pockets.  The collar shape is a little bit different as well.

This is Simplicity 8433.  This is a vintage design from the 90s. A fairly good match to the inspiration photo.  The collar is a little bit different.

Now for the pants:

This is Vogue 2037.  The pants appear to be very similar to the inspiration photo with the exception that they do not look high waisted.  That is easy to fix by added the appropriate length all the way around.  If you like the other two pieces in the pattern, then you have a bonus.

This is Simplicity 3073.  The pattern includes a jacket and pants.  With the exception of back welt pockets, the pants are fairly spot on for the inspiraton photo. 

Hope you are inspired to create something really nice.

Happy Stitching!

New Vogues...

 Even though I feel like Vogue has lost it's way with designs, I saw a few that I found interesting.  Here they are:

This is Vogue 2093.  This is a loose fitting jacket with two versions.  It would be great for an everyday type jacket.

This is Vogue 2102.  It is a vintage remake from the 80s.  I love the design lines on this one.  View C is just right for me.

This is Vogue 2069.  It is another skirt pattern.  It has two skirt lengths.  The short version looks like it might be okay with the slit but I bet the long version will need some work to keep the slit from being anything but pick-a-boo.  I am thinking that the short version might be a good warm weather skirt.

This is Vogue 2094.  It is pants with two variations.  This feels like it is trending right now.  I prefer the short version.  

Too bad there was not any interesting top patterns this round.  It would be nice to have something to go with the bottoms.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Flannel Pants and Houndstooth Jacket

 In the winter, I tend to wear a lot pants.  This outfit caught my eye.  It is a perfect outfit for going to work.

This is The Sophia Straight Pant in Flannel by Anne Taylor.  Price tag: $109.00.  Details: straight leg with slim fit, front zip with hook & eye bar closure, front off-seam pockets, back besom pockets, lined, 17" leg opening, mid-rise sitting about 2-1/4" below waist, polyester-viscose-spandex fabric, machine washable.

This is Houndstooth Tweed Jacket by Anne Taylor.  Price tag: $189.00.  Details: split-hem, crew neck, long functional button sleeves, button front, button welt pockets at chest and waist, back vent, lined, 27-inches long, hips at hip.

Now, for patterns.  I found this pattern for pants:

This is the Butterick B6526.  I think the pant is very close to the look but not perfect.  

This is Vogue V1992.  The jacket is similar without the split hem.  You might even use the pant pattern. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

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!

Inspiration...Floral Shirt

 This shirt feels like spring to me but I do love the colors.

This is Floral-Print Button-Down Blouse by Carolina Herrera.  Price tag: $890.00.  Details:  point collar, button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, relaxed fit, shirttail hem, cotton/elastine, dry clean, made in Italy.  

This shirt is a little different than most of the shirts that I show.  This one has princess seams.  You can see them if you zoom in.  The blouse also has a back yoke.  Here is my solution:

This is the Recital Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.  It has the back yoke and the princess seams.  It does not have the gather cuff or the collar.   I would take the collar from the Classic Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.

In looking around a little more, I found this Vogue shirt pattern:

This is Vogue 9029 and View A is a fair fit to the inspiration photo.  It has the princess seam, and the collar.  It does not have a back yoke but has princess seams in the back as well.  I would not use the rufffle on the cuff.  This pattern has a bit of bang with it.  Once fitted, there are six options which could give you a whole wardrobe of tops. 

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Jacket

 This denim jacket is a step above.  Mix classic French jacket with a bit of trim and denim and you got this:

This is the Dreamflex Denim Braid Trim jacket from Appleseeds.  Price tag: $89.00.  Details: stretch denim, braid trim and fringe, front hook & eye closure, patch pockets, sits high on hip, machine washable.

Here is the perfect pattern for this look:

This is Vogue basic design 7075.  View A is a perfect match to the inspiration photo.  You might have to figure out how to do the hook and eye but I think you can purchase it as a tape.  I have no idea what type of colors are available in this type of tape.

Personally, the trim on this jacket is absolutely what makes it.  The trim would be easy to duplicate.  It might take a little bit of experimentation but I think it would be worth it in the end.

Inspiration...Plaid Jacket

 How about a plaid jacket for fall/winter?  This is more like a suit jacket.  Here it is:

This is the Button-Down Woven Plaid Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $1498.00.  Details: plaid woven jacket with woven buttons, crew neck, button front, long sleeves, buttoned chest patch pockets, relaxed fit, wool/cotton/nylon/polyamide, fill - thermal pad.  Model is 5'10".

I am really drawn to this type of jacket.  I love the fabric type.  I am not crazy for this particular colorway but that is why I sew.  I get to pick my own fabric.

If you are looking for a pattern, they are hard to find.  Vogue has a basic pattern of this type but it does not have button up the front.  My suggestion is look for a Claire Shaeffer jacket pattern, if you can find one that is affordable. There is a Freddie Jacket pdf pattern by Bella Loves Patterns on Etsy that looks reasonably close.  I do know know anything about that pattern company but the patterns are more reasonable than the prices I was seeing for the Claire Shaeffer patterns.  Silhouette Patterns has the Janie Jacket which is similar but you might need to add the button area.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Blazer

 Fall is just around the corner and it is time to start planning the fall/winter wardrobe.  A good addition would be a jacket.  This one is perfect:

This is the Single Button Pick Stitch Blazer by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $1,498.00. Details: Approximately 25-inches from shoulder to hem, notched lapel, single button front, long sleeves, vertical waist darts, front welt pockets, relaxed fit, wool/elastane, dry clean. Model is 5' 10".

As you can tell by the price tag, jackets are a great item to make and save a little or a lot.  Peggy Sagers at Silhouette Patterns has a lot of jacket patterns but amazingly not of them are exactly right for duplicate this pattern.  However, this pattern from Vogue does do a good job:

This is Vogue 1870. You get the jacket and the pants.  The pants are flared which are very different the Lafayette 148 New York version but that flare can always be removed.  This is a style choice for you to make.  The lapel is a little bit different as well.

Here is another jacket pattern that might be a little closer to the inspiration:

This is the Jasika Blazer pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  It is a classic pattern and the exception of the lower edge of the front jacket matches very well to the inspiration.  That area of the jacket could easily be modified.

As always if you have a jacket/blazer pattern already fitted, use that and save the money for fabulous fabric.  Make some matching pants.  The Lafayette 148 New York pair are $898.00.  We can make and fit pants that cost way less than that even if purchased very expensive fabric.  Right?  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt

 I found another denim skirt with different style lines than the last one:

The is the Washed Denim A-Line Midi Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $560.00.  Details:  high waist, angled side slip pockets, hem falls below the knee, a-line silhouette, center front vented hem, invisible side zipper, cotton/wool/nylon/polyamide, dry-clean.

This is a nice simple silhouette and we can do better than a dry clean skirt.  Here are a couple of options for patterns:

This is New Look 6767.  To me this skirt is spot on for the inspiration skirt plus you get a top pattern.  The only issue that I see is that it is designed for lighter weight fabric.  I would try it any way.

This is Vogue 2032.  This pattrn has slightly different style lines than the inspiration photo but still pulls the general look.  I think the slit maybe a bit deeper on this one.  

Are you ready to pull out those boots?  I think this skirt and the last denim skirt are just perfect for cooler weather and boots.  Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Fringed Jacket & Skirt

 I am still finding things that are full of inspiration:

This is the Lafayette 148 Fringed Trimmed Linen Jacket and Fringed Trimmed Pencil skirt.  Price tags: jacket - $998.00, skirt - $498.00.  Details:  jacket - approximately 22-inches from shoulder to hem, crew neckline, button front, long sleeves, slim fit; skirt - sits high on the hip, back slit is approximately 13-long, pencil silhouette, invisible back zipper.

Here are a couple of patterns that I think will duplicate the look:

This is Vogue 1992.  The pattern includes 2 jackets version, a skirt, and pants.  View B is the jacket that I think will work.  You might need to shorten it a little bit.  

The is Burda Styla 8155.  The pattern has 2 skirt versions.  View B will work well for the inspiration skirt.  I would change the waistband to be similar to this tutorial.  It will make the skirt closer to the inspiration photo.

The fringe...it is the most important part of this inspiration.  I looked for written tutorials and did not really find anything.  Threads might have information.  I found reference to Claire Shaeffer having instructions for fringing.  She did have a jacket pattern that had the information.  Maybe you can find a copy.  

Now I am going to say if you are going to make a suit, you might as well invest in making a matching pant.  This was popular in the 80s/90s.  If you are carefully with the color selection, this can be a big boost to a working wardrobe.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Quilted Jacket

 It is time to start thinking about the spring jackets.  Here is a cute one:

This is the Quilted Lady Jacket from Talbots.  Price tag: $209.00.  Details: long sleeved, snap closure, above hip length, patch pockets, lined, 100% polyester.

Here is a couple of patterns to consider:

The is Vogue 1830.  The pattern has the jacket with two sleeve lengths and pants with two lengths.  It is also lined and has patch pockets.  A little more curvy than the inspiration photo.

This is the Seamwork Lilliana pdf pattern.  This is boxy like the inspiration photo. You will need to play to recreate the pockets.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

I am a Seamwork affiliate. Purchasing via the Seamwork link will result in small commission.  The Seamwork link above is a 50% membership link.

Happy Stitching!

New Patterns...

 I rarely notice the new pattern release from the big four but noticed a few interesting patterns this fall:

This is Simplicity 9855.  The top pattern does not interest me at all but the pant pattern does.  Here is the line drawing:

The pattern descriptions is "Slim fit ankle length pants with hook and bar closure have belt loops, darted back waist, front pockets and single back welt pocket.".  The pattern sizing starts at a 10 and goes through a 38W.  There is no additional information on the site regarding the pattern at this time.  I would love to see what type of fabric the pattern is designed for.

This is Simplicity 9854.  Here is the line drawing:

This appears to be a good basic coat.  One that you can actually wear in cold weather with clothing underneath.  Yes, that is kinda a diss of the coat styles of the last few years.  The sleeves always seem to be ridiculously narrow.  Here is the description from the website: "Relaxed fit coat features notched lapels, inverted pleat at the center back, button closure and patch pockets with flap."

McCall's 8432.  Ah, I remember wearing this type of pant in the 90s.  Stirrup pants were so nice.  I do not necessarily remember them being pleated but memory is not necessarily accurate.  If I were making this these view A would be without the stirrup and view B would be with the stirrup.  Here you go for those pleated pants.

Butterick 6933.  The jacket and the pants are spot on for what I have been seeing online.  Not so sure about the skirt but if you are looking for jacket and pant pattern this on looks like it would be good. Here is the website descriptions: "Semi-fitted, partially lined jacket has notch collar, shoulder pads, princess seams, welt pockets, and long two-piece sleeves with button trim. Bias, A-line skirt has elastic waist and narrow hem. Full length pants have side front pockets and side seam zipper." 

Vogue 1996.  You like sewing for the men in your life.  This pattern has pants covered.  There is pleated pants, flat front pants, and pockets to make cargo pants.

Vogue 1973.  Finally, a blouse pattern with a bow and two sleeve styles.  I know that a this type of shirt is kinda limiting but you can fit once and make twice.  This was another style that I saw a lot for fall.  Wish the patterns came out sooner.

I guess that is all that caught my attention.  I will say that if you like vintage patterns there are a lot of reproduction in the fall offerings.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Suit

 If I was still employed in an office, I would be all of this type of outfit.  I love the look of a pant suit.

This is Lafayette 148 Linen Canvas Collarless Jacket and Pant.  Price tag - Jacket: $1398.00, Pant: $798.00.  Details - Jacket: Slim fit, Jewel neckline, long sleeve, button closure, chest button patch pockets, bust darts, french piping, quilted cotton interior with thermore filling, high hip length, dry clean only, 100% linen;  Pant: full through hip and leg, zip closure, back waist darts, front slant and back welt pockets, mid-rise, full length, 100% linen, dray clean only.

This outfit is also shown with the following top (might as well make an outfit):

This is the Lafayette 148 Silk Charmeuse Bias Tank.  Price tag: $498.00. Details: a-line silhouette, v-neck, ultra thin straps, low hip length, lined, 100% silk, dry clean only.

Here is the pattern selections:

This is the True Bias Ogden PDF pattern.  I think this is a fairly good match.  The straps may be wider than the inspiration photo.  That is a design element that you are allowed to change.

This is the Liesel & Co Hollywood Trousers pattern.  You can get it either paper or pdf version.  This is a classic trouser pattern and well worth fitting and making over and over.  The waist may be higher than the inspiration photo.

This is Vogue 7975.  It is not an exact match to the inspiration pattern.  I do not think it is as boxy but it is the only current pattern I could find. It might be worth searching out Claire Shaeffer's patterns for this one.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!