Inspiration...Plaid Jacket with Pleated Pants

 Fall is coming.  I can see that the trees that survived the hot, hot summer are starting to change a little bit.  It seems a bit early.  I am working on the last two summerish garments and then I am moving to fall.  So I am out looking for inspiration.  This outfit would be really nice for working in an office environment although I am not sure how many of those outfits are needed these.  Most of the people I know that work in office environments are doing most of the work from home these days.  On the outfit:

I wanted a picture of the entire outfit.  If I were still working, this is exactly what I would be happy wearing.  Here is a close-up of the jacket:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Highlands Plaid Open-Front Reversible Jacket. Price tag: $1698.00.  Details: reversible jacket with leather piping, 22 1/2" long from shoulder to hem, crew neckline with open front, long sleeves, patch chest pockets, relaxed fit, wool.

Pants - Lafayette 148 New York Waverly Tapered Pants. Price tag: $898.00. Details:  approximately 28" (model is 5'10"), mid-rise sits high on hip, side seam pockets, cuffed hems, cropped at ankle, full through thigh, tapered leg.

Turtleneck -Lafayette 148 New York Knit Raglan Sleeved Turtleneck Sweater.  Price tag: $598.00. Details: Approximately 24" long from shoulder to hem (size small), turtleneck, long raglan sleeves, relaxed fit, pullover style.

As far as patterns go, I would use the same patterns as mentioned in this post.  For the pants, I would try this pattern:

This is Simplicity 9376.  There are a couple options in this pattern.  The pant might not be as full as the inspiration photo but you decide how much ease you want.  Other options might be looking for a vintage pattern from the 80s or 90s.  As far as the top, just use an already fitted t-shirt pattern and add a collar the length you want.

Something I want to mention about the jacket, if you are wanting a reversible jacket make sure to muslin it first with similar weight fabrics.  It is surprising how much an added layer of fabric will change the fit.  Also instead of leather, look into the leather look knit.  It will be much easier to work with unless of course you just love leather.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Embroidered Jacket

 Fall is around the corner.  Here is more thoughts on fall style:

This is the Boden Embroidered Crop Jacket.  Price: $220.00.  Details:  fully lined, falls to high hip, sleeve gathered into cuff, semi-fitted, no center front closure, 100% cotton inside/outside with polyester filling.  Here is a close up of the embroidery:

This is highly embellished embroidery.  If you zoom in, you can see all the embroidery and beads.  You could use a bit of applique for the flowers if you chose to and then added the additional embellishments.

This is a super simple jacket shape with the exception of the sleeve.  Here are some pattern ideas:

This is the Silhouette Patterns Janie's Jacket pattern.  This is a very simple jacket.  Once you have it fitted, you could make several different jackets changing the look with the type of fabric, and notions.

This is Vogue 7975.  It is a very basic jacket with various closures. This is not the only Vogue pattern in this style.  You would just need to check them out and see which one is best for you.

As always, check your pattern stash.  There might just be the correct pattern hidden inside.  Hope you are inspired to sew something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Soller Top Muslin...

When the Soller Top/Dress pattern came out, I knew it would be the perfect summer top.  Not much different than a tank or t-shirt but even to be a little different.  For the muslin, I found this fabric in the stash:

Content unknown but it is most likely a rayon blend.  Love the colors.  Here are the results:

I made a straight size 20 and it took about 1 yard of fabric.  I was certain that I would need to play with bust darts and removing them but the top seems to hang straight which is very surprising.   For me at 5'5", the top feels a little short (as shown, it is just covering the waistband).  This could just be an age group issue as I also made a larger size so that it would not be tight.  The top will definitely work with high-waisted pants as is.  

Conclusion:

1.  The Soller Top/Dress pattern is a winner.  I want both a top and a dress to finish the heat of summer and fall.  Most people could probably finish this in an hour or two.  I am slow so it took a couple of days.

2.  Changes:  add 1-2 inches to the length.  I will making the assumption that the dress will be shorter than the "old lady" in me can handle as well.  

I am off to check the stash for small pieces of knit fabric to make a top or two using this pattern.  I already have the fabric selected to the dress. 

Happy Stitching!

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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!