Inspiration...Placemats and Napkins

 I recently became aware of a business selling beautiful textiles.  I am zeroing in on the placemats and napkins.  Here is an example:

This is John Robshaw Vakula Periwinkle Placemat and Napkin. Price tag: placemats $20.00 each, napkins 4 for $60.  Details:  placemat - 14-inches x 19-inches, hand printed, made in India; napkins - 22-inches x 22-inches, hand printed, set of 4, made in India.

This company has a lot of various prints and they are all beautiful. As beautiful as I think this is, I would never pay this amount of money for placemats and napkins.    Even with cotton fabric being $15 or so a yard, you could make them for far less than the $140.00 for 4 placemats and 4 napkins.  

How do you make them you ask?  

Napkins - Decide how many napkins you want to make and what size.  The 22-inch x 22-inch is large and would require one length of fabric for each napkin.  If you were making matching placemats, then the excess could go to one side of the placemat.  Basically, for each napkin it is the size plus 1/2-inch on each side for hems.  Yardage needed will varies by the width of the fabic.

Placemats - Decide how many placemats you want to make and what size. The size given is a good size.  You would cut out two pieces for each placemat.  The size plus 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch seam allowance on each side. You will also want a padding of some sort unless you are using a heavy canvas type fabric.

Happy Stitching!

Resistance Is Futile...

 Sometimes new patterns are hard to resist.  That is how I feel about the Taroko Skirt pattern from yesterday's post.  Oh yes, it is mine now.  Seriously the more I looked at the line drawings and then watched some of the tester videos, the more I realized just how great of an everyday type skirt this is.  Here is the line drawings again: 

Now, I just need to dig around in the fabric stash and see what fabric is available.  I am really hoping that there is a khaki color twill hiding in there.

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  If you purchase from one of my links, I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching! 

New Itch To Stitch Taroko Skirt...

 Summer is near and skirts are fabulous during hot weather.  Here is the Taroko Skirt line drawings:

I think Itch to Stitch has hit another ball out of the ballpark with this one. It is a very good basic skirt pattern.  Here are the details:

• sits at natural waist
• a-line silhouette
• front patch pockets integrated into the princess seams
• back patch pockets
• optional belt loops
• fly front zipper with button closure
• contour waistband
• back darts for fitting
• designed for non-stretch bottom weight fabric

The size range on the pdf pattern is 00-40.  Be sure to check out the blog post to see all the various tester versions of this pattern.

This pattern is on sale through May 10, 2023.  Volume discounts still apply. 

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  Should you decide to purchase, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Happy Stitching!

Easy Sewing...

 Sometimes you just have to make little things because you can not find the item.  I have been trying to control the mess in the kitchen a bit more now that I have a little of free time.  I purchased this item:

This is a little box from Target that I thought would corral the vinegar and oil bottles that tend to sit around my counter.  My idea was that the box would make it a little easy to clean the counter by not having to pick up and move a bunch of bottles.  I think it worked:

I did put a paper towel in the bottom but realized that a better solution would be to make a fabric pad to sit everything on that could be washed from time to time.  I found this little black/white polka dot fabric in the fat quarters at Wal-mart.  This project does not require a quality fabric.  Here is the fabric:

The inside measurements of the box are 13 3/4-inches x 4-inches.  I added 1/2-inch to each measurement for the seam allowance.  Here is the finished product:

Easy peasy.  I wish all sewing was as quick and easy as this.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pre-Fall Suit?

 I have been looking at the Lafayette 148 New York Pre-fall Collection and thought I would share a little bit.  Here is a casual suit:

This is the Denim A-Line Chore Jacket and Crosby Boyfriend Jean.  Price tag: jacket - $898.00, jean - $598.00.  

This caught my eye because I think it is very wearable.  There are lots of chore jacket pattern around but the Fabrics-store.com Paola Workwear Jacket would translate well to denim.  The Style Arc Carlisle Jean pattern would most like translate well for the jeans.  Even purchasing a pattern or two along with denim would save a chunk of change to make/buy other needed things.

Other styles that are being shown for fall - Long slim skirts which appear to be woven and most likely has a deep kick pleat at the back with matching sweater, chucky shoes, and chunky jewelry.  Shirtdresses worn as jackets. Suede Shirt Jacket and matching suede wide-legged pants with chunky jewelry.  This is pricey like in the $4,000.00 range.  Long flowy skirts with matching tops/sweaters.  These remind me very much of the mid-90s.

Are you ready to start planning fall/winter outfits?

Happy Stitching!