Inspiration...Layering Tunic or Not

Here's a lovely little tunic to think about:

This is the Don't Think Twice by Nic & Zoe.  Price Tag: $168.00.  This tunic sweater comes with a dickey.  For a closer look check the Nic & Zoe website.

Here's a pattern that would work well to duplicate the look:

This is the V-Neck Tunic pattern by Loes Hinse Designs.  It can be found on the Casual Elegance Website.  This is a nice pattern.  You could use a ribbed knit to make your own version.  Changes would be lengthen and add pockets, if you choose.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 17

Week 17 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 17 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.

This week's item is a cotton turtleneck in a print or pattern.  Obviously, it should be in the colors choosen for your wardrobe.  This week I looked to the closet for inspiration and I found it:

I believe I found this at Kohl's last year.  It's still in very good condition.  The colors of blue and white are perfect for my wardrobe.  Other items that could be considered are blouses and buttondowns.  

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

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...V-Neck Tee

Do you have a favorite tee pattern?  What is the neck shaping?  Here's a tee to consider:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York V-Neck Short-Sleeve Modern Cotton Jersey Tee. Price tag: $148.00.  Details: v-neck, short sleeved, relaxed silhouette, straight hem, pull-over.  For a closer look check out the Neiman Marcus website.

Sounds like a typical tee, right?  What's with the price tag?  How many tees can you create with your favorite pattern for that price?  Four, five, six. 

Do you know how to change a pattern neckline?  The easiest way to do this without purchasing a new pattern is to use a french curve and copy the desired curve from an existing tee.  Here's a tutorial how to change an existing pattern here.  Use those purchased patterns over and over again.  Make your dollars work for you.  Once the pattern is fitted, you are the designer.

Happy Stitching!

Pant Muslin #2 - Sally's Pants

I was hoping that muslin #2 would be a wearable muslin.  You can check out muslin #1 here.  I think that muslin #1 had more stretch than I was realized.  Muslin #2 is a bit tighter than I expected:

There are still funky wrinkles.  The pants are a little tight on the upper hip/waist in the front.  The back isn't bad but there are still wrinkles on the legs.  Here's a small change:

Here I have pinned an inseam dart front and back, and let the hip/waist area out totaling an inch.  I see improvement in the back.  So I am stitching the darts front and back.  Here's the result:

The pinned dart looks better than the stitched dart. 

Maybe I'm in the wrong size.  I definitely need more room in the front hip/waist area.  In looking at this I'm seeing more distinct wrinkles on the front.  I'm not sure how to handle them.  There are other darting options that remove length from the outseam.  I just don't know if that is needed or not. 

I think I'm going to re-evaluate the size I was using.  Maybe I need to try a different size or just start over using a more stable fabric. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspirtation...Button-Down Shirt

It is really nice to see the blouse returning.  I do not have anything against t-shirts but blouses are more forgiving generally.  Here is today's version:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Brody Long-Sleeve Button-Down Italian Stretch Cotton Blouse.  Price:  $378.00.   Details:  Concealed button front, spread collar, long sleeves with cuffs, back yoke, relaxed silhoutte, shirt tail hem.  It is pretty much a classic shirt.  Check Neiman Marcus for a closer view and don't forget to look at the "How to Wear" for additional ideas.

This is the Grainline Studio Archer pattern.  This is a classic button-down shirt.  I know I pull this one out for every shirt in this style but it is in my collection.  Use whatever pattern you own or have fitted.  As far as the concealed button front instructions, there are links to a couple of tutorials here.  Here's another option for the shirt:

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.



What are your thoughts on the concealed button front blouses/shirts?  Do you like them?

Happy Stitching!