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!

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...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!

Inspiration...Bateau Neck Midi Dress

 Sometimes, it is all about the fabric.  This dress is one of times:

This is the Bateau-neck Camel Hair Midi Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1798.00. Details:  Felted camel hair, pick stitch detailing, approximately 41-inches long from shoulder to hem, bateaux neckline with pick stitch detailing, long sleeves, on seam pockets, hem falls below knee, shift silhouette, invisible zipper, animal hair/polyester/spandex, lining is spandex/polyester, dry clean.

This dress is a wonderfully simple silhouette which really showcases the fabric.  I did find some camel hair by the yard at B Black & Sons.  Although the fabric is expensive, it is a small percentage of the cost of the dress.  The lining fabric needs to be considered as well.   Is a pattern available for the particular silhouette?

I do not find a pattern similar to this silhouette with the exception of patterns from the 50s and 60s.  So, my suggestion is to take an existing shift dress pattern with a similar silhouette and use this tutorial to change the neckline to a bateau neckline.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Ribbed Dress

 This dress feels more like fall but if it is warmer where you are, it could maybe work into winter with a jacket.

This is the Ribbed Mock-Neck Sweater Dress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price: $798.00.  Details:  ribbed knit, mock neckline, elbow length, hem hits around the knee (43-inches from shoulder to hem), shift silhouette, pull over style, cashmere/wool.  Model is 5'10".

This is a simple silhouette and the color is fairly basic which could easily make it a go-to dress.  If grey is not your color, you get pick.  I have a couple of thoughts on patterns:

The is the Seamwork Edie Top pdf pattern.  I think the neckline on this is perfect.  As for the remainder of the dress, this one would probably work:

This is the Seamwork Lito T-shirt Dress pdf pattern.  This would give you the looser fit through the body.  The pattern would most likely need to be lengthened depending on you height.  The sleeves would need to be lengthened as well.  

If you do not mind french darts, this pattern lengthened would work:

This is the Silhouette Patterns Fisher's Mock Tee Top.  The pattern would need to be lengthened into a dress.  

Hope you are inspired to make a great, everyday type of dress.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Dress

 I do love a good dress and wear them almost exclusively when it is hot.  This is dress is pretty good for the spring and fall.

This is the Heathered Elbow-Sleeve Midi Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $898.00.  Details:  length approximately 49-inches from shoulder to hem, v neck with spread collar, elbow length sleeves, hem falls below the knee, shift silhouette, pullover style, linen, unlined.  For refer, the model is 5'10". 

Even though I stated spring and fall above, this might be a good hot weather dress as well because of the fit.  My first thought for a pattern was this one:

This is the just released Amarena Dress pattern by Liesl & Co.  It is not exactly the same but it has the same feel.  You can also make a top with this pattern.

To get a little closer to the inspiration photo, you might consider this pattern:

This is the Merchant & Mills Factory Dress pdf pattern.  This pattern has the collar of the inspiration.  I would think that removing the skirt portion and lengthening the bodice would be a pretty good likeness to the inspiration photo.  

It all depends on how you interpret the inspiration photo.  Sometimes small changes to a pattern can make it seem completely different.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Cord Shift Dress

 The weather is cooling.  It is time to think about warmish clothes.  Here is a cute little dress:

This is the Evie Cord Shift Dress from Boden.  Price tag: $110.00.  Details: corduroy, lined bodice, sleeveless, semi-fitted, side seam pockets, back zip.

This is not a very expensive dress.  It made me think of this dress by Seamwork:

This is the Knox pdf pattern.  No, it is not exactly like the inspiration photo but this was the first pattern that I thought of.  

This is the Bryn pdf pattern.  This pattern is a little closer to the inspiration pattern.  The neckline might be lower.  

Either of these patterns can be found on Seamwork by clicking the affiliate link, click on patterns, sort by dresses or search by name. 

I am an affiliate of Seamwork.  By clicking on a link and purchasing, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Thank you!

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Fall/Winter 2023 Sewing Plans...

 I really tried to get my sewing plans started early this year along with starting the sewing early but here it is mid-September and sewing has not started.  I kept my sewing plans small so that I could accomplish them.  I am a Seamwork member so I set my project goals as follows with the date ending 11/30/23:

1. The Octave Coat pdf pattern by Love Notions.  This one was planned way back in early July.  I need to get going on it.  Pattern needs fitting.

2.  The Liesl & Co Classic Shirt in a black/blue check.  This one has already changed from a shirt to a dress as I had a lot of fabric and I wanted to use it.  You can read my thoughts here.  I will need to add another shirt.  This fabric is stash.

3.  The Liesl & Co Classic Shirt in red/black/gray plaid.  It is already fitted.  I might as well use it. This fabric is stash.

4.  The Liesl & Co Classic Shirt in periwinkle/gray plaid shirting.  Gotta love a fitted classic shirt pattern.

5.  The Seamwork Piedra knit dress pattern in a gray jersey. This is a simple t-shirt type dress perfect for every day.  Pattern needs fitting.  This fabric is stash.

6.  The Seamwork Tia dress pattern in teal knit.  This is another simple shift type dress that is perfect for every day.  Patterns needs fitting.   This fabric is stash.

I used the bi-annual Design Your Wardrobe to assist with the process.  I no longer follow through all the steps but I follow through enough that I go through my existing fabric stash and pattern stash.  I admit the first couple of times I went through the program it was a little overwhelming.  There is a lot to think about and learn.

So, that is my plan for this season.  I think that I have left myself lots of wildcard stuff so I do not get bored.  After all, I am making three Liesl & Co Class Shirts or a variation of it.  So, half of the plan should be easy to make.  I will definitely sew on other items as well.

I am an affiliate of Seamwork.  Use this link to get 50% off the annual subscription. I do get a small commission at no cost to you.  Fifty percent off is a win-win.  There is more.  Seamwork has various classes.  Some of the classes are free with the membership and some have an additional costs.  The Learn to Sew class has an additional charge.  Click the link for the class and you get $100 off.  That's a pretty good discount.  

Inspiration...Knit Dress

This is a wonderful knit dress:

This is the Ellen Ottoman Dress by Boden.  Price tag: $98.00.  Details:  cotton/polyester/elastane, machine wash, shift with relaxed waist to a fitted hips with a straigtht hem, above knee length, 3/4 length sleeve, mid-weight ottoman jersey.

I love everything about this dress.  Here is a flat picture so you can see the style lines a bit better:

Love the princess seams falling into pockets.  I am unfamiliar with the ottoman knit but it seems to popular in Europe and easily available there.  Finding a pattern with this type of style lines is the issue.  I did think of one OOP pattern that is a bit similar:

This is the Go Anywhere Dress by Sewn Square One For Your Style.  The pockets on this one are patch pockets and I would really rather have the in-seam version.  Not sure what happened to the little company but you can still find the patterns occasionally.

So readers, do you know of a pattern that is similar to the style lines of the dress?

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric...

 I have been trying really hard not to purchase anymore fabric but sometimes I just can not resist.  Here are the latest purchases:

I purchased 2 yards of the denim jacquard.  I just love this type of fabric.  This is enough for a pair of pants or a dress.  It could end up as the Love Notions Duet Trousers or New Look 6500 shift dress.  Only time will tell.  Care: Machine Wash Cold, tumble dry low.

This is a moisture wicking athletic knit in dusty pink.  I purchased one yard and it is an extra wide fabric.  This is enough for a top.  I just could not resist this color.  Care: machine wash cold, tumble dry low.

I guess that is enough of my confessions for now.  All I know is I need to sew sew sew.

Happy Stitching!

Black & White Shift Dress...

 When back in March, I had an inspiration dress that I really loved.  Here is the dress:

The link above is for the post which gives the details on the dress.  Here is the fabric that I found:

Not an exact match but close enough to get the idea.  Yes, I am going to use the Butterick 6500 pattern.  It is already fitted, well mostly. I made changes to the armscye opening returning it closer to the original drafting of the pattern.  Here is a glance at the pattern cover:

I will not be lining the dress this time but I will be using a one-piece facing which gives a very clean look to the dress.  Since the facing is already drafted, I used this video to assist with the attaching and turning of the garment.  This video will work as well.  Two methods that both work well.  Here is a couple of places to find information on installing an invisible zipper - method 1 and method 2,  Invisible zipper is not needed for the dress but I like the invisible zippers.

Here is the finished dress:

Now, I just need some new accessories like a long necklace or a different pair of shoes.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sheath Dress

 I am all for a good dress in the heat of summer.  

This is the Postcards-Print Vintage Cotton Canvas Sheath Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $898.00.  Details:  Jewel neckline, sleeveless, vertical waist darts, hem around knee, a-line silhouette, invisible back zipper, unlined, length approximately 35 1/2-inches, dry-clean only.  Model is 5'10".  

This dress is all about the fabric.  I do not know that I have ever seen fabric exactly like this.  If you have, please send me a link.  As far as a pattern goes, I am going with my fall back shift dress pattern:

Yep, New Look 6500.  This is a classic shift dress pattern.  All you need to do is add some waist darts front and back to snug it up (or not).  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Patchwork Dress

 Patchwork seems to be everywhere this season but it sure is a great way to use up those bits and pieces that you can not bring yourself to get rid of.  Here is a great little dress:

This is the Akris punto Washed Denim Patchwork Short Dress With Belt. Price tag: $1298.00.  Details: patchwork styling, round neckline, sleeveless, back zip closure, belted waist, a-line silhouette, lined.

This is such a great way to use up leftover fabric.  I would try to match the types of fabric - linen, linen/cotton, cotton.  Who has not had to purchase more fabric than they needed?  Many times you have to purchase in whole yards.  Here a pattern suggestion:

This is a classic shift dress pattern - New Look 6500.  The last I checked it is still available.  Any shift dress pattern that you have available and fitted works for this.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Dress

 Summer is coming.  Have you started adding to your summer wardrobe yet?  I have been fitting muslins so that when warmer weather hits I can move quickly.

Here is a fabulous spring/summer dress:

This is Talbots Metallic Butterfly Jacquard Dress.  Price tag: $149.00.  Details:  Shift dress, jewel neck, sleeveless, hidden back zipper, hits at knee, lined.

This is not a terribly expensive dress.  I know from experience that this type of dress would never fit me.  The fabric is really key here and probably the hardest part to locate.  If you find a nice jacquard with an all over print.  Let me know.  Now, for the pattern:

Yes, this is my typical pattern for this type of dress - New Look 6500.  View D looks like it is spot on for the styling.  You might want to double-check the length.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Patchwork Dress

This week's inspiration is rather interesting and lends itself toward using large leftovers pieces of fabric or not.  It would definitely take some planning but is certainly doable.

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Patchwork Print Twist Front  Maxi Dress.  Price tag: $1698.00.  Details: Jeweled neckline, sleeveless, ruched back, ankle length, a-line silhouette, invisible zipper, polyester, fully lined, 51-inches long.  For reference, the model is 5'10".  It can be found on Neiman Marcus website.

This is such a simple dress.  If you have a fitted shift dress meant for wovens, you are almost there.  I would be very tempted to make the "twist" into a belt.  In the past when I had this type of a twist, it closed with velcro. As for the skirt of the dress, I would decide on the length and decide how wide to make the skirt.  Then, I would change the skirt portion of the shift dress by cutting the pattern at regulra intervals and spread until I have the wide that I wanted.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...A-line Dress

 An a-line dress will look good on most people. Here is a nice example:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Jewel A-Line Dress. Price tag: $798.00.  Details: Crew neck, long sleeves, back zip closure, knee length, unlined, viscose/polyester/elastane.

This is a great dress for work, church, etc.  Really I would wear just day-to-day.  Here are a couple of dress pattern that might work well:

This is the Seamwork Piedra dress pattern.  It is a knit shift dress.  It gives you the high neck line, and the long sleeves.  It is a casual, pull-over dress.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Gauze Dress

Dresses are so nice in the summer.  Yes, I know that not everyone feels that way but on a hot summer day a dress can help you stay cool.  The dress that I found is one of those dresses that does not touch anywhere but the hanger (i.e., shoulders).  This dress reminds me a little of the Mexican weddings dresses that we wore in the mid-to-late 80s.

This is the Johnny Was Annalise Floral-Embroidery Gauze Dress.  Price: $265.00.  Details:  Floral Embroidery, Henley neckline, cap sleeves, yoke back, side seam pockets, hem hits above the knee, side slit hem, shift silhouette, slipover style, cotton, machine wash.  (Model is 5'10".)

Here is a closeup of the embroidery:

The embroidery is really what makes this dress.  Obviously, machine-embroidery would make this a reasonably easy.  However, it is certainly doable by hand.

Honestly, I do not know of a top/dress pattern that is a woven henley.   This pattern might work:

This is the Indygo Junction Easy Top & Tunic pattern (IJ1154E).  I think the silhouette of this pattern would work well for the replicating the dress.  The neckline is a little wider but it would be easy to add the desired length to the tunic.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

 

Inspiration...Sheath Dress

In with the spring/summer theme from last week, we have a sheath dress.  This is a very classic piece to have in your wardrobe.

This is the Lafayette 148 Harpson Sleeveless Dress. Price tag: $898.00. Details: Approximately 40" from shoulder, knee length, sleeveless, front and back waist darts, sheath silhouette, and center back zipper.

This dress is all about the fabric.  Some fabric will produce a more dressy look and other fabric will produce a very casual look.  Maybe this is the year for a denim everyday sheath dress.  Here is a pattern to consider:

This is Butterick 6849.  It is a classic sheath dress. There are three sleeve variations which includes the sleeveless version.  This one does have a waist seam.  It might be possible to eliminate that seam.  

Here is another option:

This is New Look 6667. It is a shift dress styling instead of the sheath dress but I think you could make it work.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...T-Shirt Dress

 Summer is full blast here.  Clothes that help keep you cool is a necessity.  This dress should be quick and simple, if you already have a pattern fitted.

This is the Theory Boat-Neck Midi Dress. Price tag: $375.00.  Details: Solid dress with side slits, short sleeves, boat neck, side seam pockets, midi length, shift silhouette, acetate/viscose, dry clean.

Folks, I think we can do better than that price tag.  A lot better.  Grab your favorite t-shirt pattern and add the additional length needed to make a dress.  Remember to add some width in the hip area so you can sit down.  Add some side seam pockets.  Calculate the fabric needed.  Easy, easy.

How many dresses could you make for that price tag?  Even if you purchase 3 yards at $20/yd, I'm guessing around 7.  I would not want that many dresses in exactly the same style but I could definitely wear a loose fitting dress 7 days a week when the temperature hits 90F.  

As for the styling, it is a bit young for me.  I would probably be wearing sandals or canvas slip ons.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shift Dress

 Spring will be here before we know it.  A little early stitching will get us prepared.  Here is a sweet little dress that with a sweater will be perfect for spring:

This is the Organic Cotton-Linen Ticking Stripe Shift Dress by Eileen Fisher.  Price tag: $218.00.  Details:  round neckline, keyhole back, sleeveless, side pockets, shift silhouette, hits about the knee, machine washable.  

I always like the idea of a shift dress.  Here is my go to for a simple shift dress pattern:

This is New Look 6500.  It is a great little pattern with many variations.  I did make this dress once and you can see it here.  The previous post on the dress provides some additional tutorials.

As always if you have a favorite shift dress pattern already fitted, use it and spend the money on some great fabric.  Hope you are inspired to created something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!