Inspiration...Sleeveless Shirtdress

 A sleeveless shirtdress sounds wonderful on a hot day.  Here is a sleeveless shirtdress that is a little different:

This is Lafayette 148 New York Serena Sleevless Shirtdress.  Price: $598.00.  Details: Approximately 35 1/2" from shoulder to hem, collared neckline,  button placket, sleeveless, shirring (gathering) below waist, a-line silhouette.  Here is another glimpse without a person:

I think this shows the silhouette a little better.  I am not sure how I feel about the gathering right at the hip.  Since we sew, it is easy to decide the ratio that you prefer.  This would very much depend on the fabric.  Now, for my favorite part of this dress:

I love this little bit of hem detail.  The shirtdress from this inspiration post also had this detail around the sleeve.  I love seeing these little heirloom sewing techniques showing up.  I actually have a hemstitcher for my featherweight.  Maybe it is time to bring it out and play.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Buying Spree Continues...

 The buying spree is continuing.  Here are my latest fabric acquisitions:

 

Both of these fabrics are from Fabric Mart.  They are 100% cotton twill.  Easy care with machine wash and dry.  They are destined to be bottoms of some sort.  I purchased 4 yards of each color so there is a possibly that each color will have a muslin and a garment.  

I fell for another Love Notions Featured Friday pattern:

This is the Love Notions Allegro pattern.  It looks to be a fairly versatile pattern.  I had resisted it for a long time but a sewing friend has had very good luck with the pattern so I decided to give it a try.  We'll see how it turns out.

I am still thinking about getting another sewing machine.  I need to figure out what to do with my computerized machines that are no longer in good working condition but the computers are still functioning.  Since parts for these machines are hard to get, I will love to send to a new home that would use them as part machines.  Any ideas?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Tank Dress

 The hot days of summer are coming.  Here is an idea that will help:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Harper Linen Embroidered Midi Dress.  Price tag: $898.00. Details:  Approximately 47" from shoulder to hem, sleeveless, v-neckline, a-line silhouette,  open scalloped hem, slip over style.  

Oh, this is a great time to take that tank you already have fitted and lengthen it to your desired length.  Do not forget to make sure that the circumference is correct.  Here is the hem detail close up:

The detail on the bottom of this dress is beautiful and can be accomplished with any sewing machine that has a zig zag capability or not.  Beautiful embroidery was created on straight stitch machines a hundred years ago.  Here is a blog post that might be of interest - "Can You Embroider With A Regular Sewing Machine".  Here is a one book that might be of interest - Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery and Lace Work by Singer Sewing Machine Company.  There are other books dedicated to free style embroidery that might be of interest.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Another New Pattern...

 I seem to be in the collecting mode right now purchasing both patterns and fabric.  Here's the latest top line drawings:

This is the Nittany Top pattern by Itch To Stitch.  I am really drawn to the neckline on this pattern.  It is all about those pleats.  I would have to see where the keyhole lands on me to determine whether or not it would work for me.  Watch for a future post(s).

Hop over to the blog to see the top on various testers.  The pattern is on sale through June 7, 2020.

Happy Stitching!

(The links contained in this post are affiliate links.  I would get a small commission if you purchased through one of the links at no cost to you.)

Inspirtation...Shirtdress

 The shirtdress is still going strong.  It is a great classic dress. This next dress could easily be a wear every day dress or to work.  It has an interesting sleeve.

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Stella Belted Shirtdress.  Price tag: $548.00.  Details:  Approximately 41" from shoulder to hem, spread collar, concealed button placket, short sleeves, button cuffs, chest patch pocket, inverted back pleat, self-belt with d-ring, side pocket, sheath silhouette, cotton/nylon/spandex blend fabric.  

Here's a close up of the sleeve detail:

In the close-up of the sleeve you can see the pleating and the trim.  This looks a little bit like hemstitching to me.

To recreate this look, you will need to get creative.  Here is a pattern that might work as a base:

This is McCall's 6696.  This shirtdress pattern has the sheath dress silhouette which matches the inspiration photo.  As far as the concealed placket, this post has a link to blog post on the techniques.  As far as the interesting cuff on the sleeve, I have need seen this on a short sleeve pattern so the technique will need to be moved from a long sleeve shirt.  This will most likely need to be an experimented with.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!