Fall Pants...

 Even through the temps are still in the high 90s and feels like the mid-100s, it is time to think about things for fall.  If we can accomplish a few things before the weather starts changing, we will be a bit ahead.  Here is some pants that I have shown in past seasons but it seems to still be going strong:

This is the Lafayette 148 Acclaimed Stretch Gramercy Pant.  Price tag: $498.00.  Details: Slim fit, side zip, pintuck seams, sits at waist, ankle length.  I choose a color so that you could see the details on the pant.  Here is a link to other posts regarding this pant.  You will see that I have considered many patterns to recreate this pant.  Here is another consideration:

This is the Love Notions Sabrina Slim Pants pdf pattern.  Once fitted it would make a nice pant or two or three.  

Hope you are inspired to start working on your fall wardrobe.

Happy Stitching!

Itch To Stitch Celeste Dress...

 The days are getting extra hot.  I thought last summer with the high 90 temps was bad but this just seems to be giving that to us and more.  Dresses have become far more comfortable with the heat.  I am using this fabric that I purchased in June:

You can read more about the fabric at the link above.  I am really happy with this fabric and think it will be perfect for the Celeste.  Here is a front view of the muslin:

I decided that the muslin would be fine.  I could see that I needed just a wee bit of a bust dart adjustment but decided not to attempt it.  Here is the dress:

I can see that I will need to live with wrinkles with this fabric.  It is truly a fabulous fabric but I did not realize how easily it wrinkled until I sat down to slip my shoes on.  I guess a little starch or similar product maybe required.

Here is the size information along with changes:

1. Overall, a size 16 DD with a size 20 armscye and sleeve.

2. Added 2-inches to the length.

Overall, I am very happy with this dress.  There will definitely be another in my future especially since dresses are so much cooler to wear when the temperature is in the high 90s or low 100s F. 

Next version:

1.  I will add about a 1/2 to the bust dart.  Since this is a prince seam, I need to figure out how to do it correctly.  

I do have an issue that shows up on the back and on the back of the sleeve.  I have never been able to figure out the issue.  I think so of it is the shape of the armscye but I also think it is the shape of the sleeve.  Here is a picture of the back:

Here is a close up of the left sleeve:

Here is a close up of the left back:

In looking at the closeup, it is possible that I need to narrow the back.  I just do not know.  I can say that the sleeve does not bind in any way and feels comfortable.  I can also say that I see this issue in a lot of pictures that other people post in various forums.  

If you have any ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear them.  I think that I just need to play.  I still have my muslin and I can certainly play with it a little bit more.  I usually do all kinds of snipping and adjusting when I am working on a muslin and I did not do it with this one.

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Happy Stitching!

Itching to Stitch...

 I have been slowing working on my various projects with one of them being the Itch To Stitch Celeste Dress.  I could not resist the lastest Itch to Stitch pattern - the Soller Top & Dress pattern.  It has been printed and waiting to be put together.  I think that is some stash fabric that will work with this pattern.  Of course, I still have a vest that needs to be completed.  I finally got the zipper stops in so I fix the zipper to the correct length.  The knitting bug has hit and I purchased yarn from Knit Picks with the projects being freebies.  Here is the first project:

This is a knit cafe curtain that I intend to make twice as long.

This is Froggy.  No idea what I am going to do with this but I sure thought it was cute and I am going to knit it.  

I have not been sewing much while I spend my days with my parents so why not knit.  It will keep my fingers busy and hopefully I will not snack as much while I am there. I am definitely a stress eater and it is not helping at all that my parents keep every type of snack you can imagine available.

Do you knit as well?

Happy Stitching!

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New Itch To Stitch Top & Dress Pattern...

 The temperatures are scorching hot here and Itch to Stith has come out with the perfect hot weather pattern.  It's the new Sollers Top & Dress pattern line drawings:

The Sollers Top/Dress PDF pattern is designed for medium weight knits with 4-way 50% stretch.  Best part is the top can be made with 1 yard or less of fabric depending on your size.  Hop over and check out the blog post to see all the wonderful versions created by the testers.  This pattern will be on sale through July 27, 2022.  All tiered discounts still apply.  

If you're looking for a quick easy top or dress, this pattern certainly fits the bill.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful. 

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!

Another Itch To Stitch Foz Top...

 The Itch To Stitch Foz pdf pattern has been one of my favorite patterns since it came out.  You can see my favorite late fall/winter/early spring version here.  This version is going to short sleeved.  Here is the fabric that I chose:

You can read more about this fabric here. It says that I purchased 1 1/2 yards but it sure seems like there is more fabric than that.  I used approximately 1 1/4 yards.  Drum roll...here is my lovely new Foz Top with the Love Notions Allegro Pants that I made in May here:

Here is the same Foz Top with black pants and sandles:

My sewing machine just did not produce a stitch I was happy with so I did pull out the coverstitch machine to finish the hems.  It was challenge because I have not even looked at the coverstitch machine in a couple of years.  I know shame on me.  However with the help of youtube, I was able to get it threaded first try.  Then it was off to play with the tensions and differential on scrap fabric.  You know both of these were a challenge as well.  First try on the actual garment ended up wavy, so I changed the differential.  Any one else find the coverstitch machine a challenge?

Overall, I am happy with the results.  The fit of the top in the the ITY knit feels closer than the fit of the top in the ribbed knit.  I know it is the difference in the fabrics.  Next time, I will give myself a little additional room at the sides.  I also see that I really need to increase the bust dart and do a small sway back adjustment.  It definitely makes me want to get rid of the belly as it is a bit clingy. I do tend to avoid the ITY knits for that reason.  I will wear my top as the weather permits.  Maybe I can figure out how to slim the belly so the top does not have as much to cling to.

Happy Stitching!

(I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchase through my link, I would get a small commission. Thanks you!)