Inspirtion...Sleeveless Top

I almost exclusively wear sleeveless items in the summer.  Otherwise, I feel like I am melting.  Here is a great sleeveless option:

This is the Pleated Cotton Popeline Blouse by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $595.00.  Details:  kent collar, concealed button front, sleeveless, elongated back, side slits, hip length, features pleating.  Here is a gander at the back:

This is a great little top.  I can see that being worn a lot.  How to make?  I would start with this pattern:

This is the Classic Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.  Changes would need to be made but that is a good thing when you have a basic shirt pattern.  You can fit one and make it many times.  Things I could change:

1.  Make it sleeveless.  This would entail raising the armscyce and probably narrowing the sleeve. 

2.  Concealed placket. Tutorial here.

3. Add tucks/pleats to front and back.  Tutorial here.  Note that the tucks/pleats are released around the waist.

4.  Straighten hem and perhaps lengthen.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch To Stitch Shirt/Dress PDF Pattern...

 It is the first Itch To Stitch pattern release of 2024.  It is a lovely shirt/dress pattern.  Here is the line drawings:

The Majorelle Shirt/Dress pdf pattern would be great casual or off to the office.  Here are the features:

• A choice between regular bust and full bust options
• Versatile option for either a shirt or dress
• Optional ruffled collar
• Stylish center-front buttoned closure
• Long raglan sleeves for a contemporary look
• Elastic sleeve hem for added comfort
• Delicate gathered neckline for a feminine touch
• Specifically designed for use with lightweight woven fabrics

Be sure to check out the blog post so that you can see all the wonderful versions created by testers.

The Majorelle Shirt/Dress pdf pattern will be discounted (20% off) through January 28, 2024 and all volume discounts still apply.  It is a good time to pick other patterns.   

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

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Polo Top

 I am always looking for interesting tops.  This one is very interesting especially if you are a knit sewer with lots of extra small pieces:

This is the Ribbed Knit Wool Polo Top with Color Block Color by Akris Punto. Price tag: $495.00.  Details:  spread collar, v-neckline, short sleeves, hip length, fitted, pullover style.  Here's a view of just the top:

What you can not see unless you zoom in is that the body of top is done is a ribbed knit.  I do not live in climate where I would wear a short-sleeved wool knit.  However, I can see this done is a cotton knit or cotton blend or a good activewear.   I know the almost perfect pattern:

This is the Love Notions Frankie Polo pdf pattern.  You would only need to modify the sleeves a little bit, if you chose.  

Hope you are inspired to pull out that box/bag of knit pieces and get creative.

Happy Stitching!

Seam Rippers...

 The seam ripper is a simple tool and probably one you do not think about except when you need it.  Right?  Do you have expectations that the seam ripper will always be nice and sharp?  I did.  I had never given it much thought that it would dull.  I do not use an expensive seam ripper.  The one I uquse the most is like this one.  Just a simple Dritz seam ripper.  I own several of the Dritz seam ripper.  I also own a seam ripper like this one. My brother made this for me.  I love it and it works well when my hands are hurting or any time really.  Unfortunately at any given time, I can only find one even through I own 4 or 5.  I have not idea why they disappear so easily.

Now if you purchase a new seam ripper, it will be noticeable immediately that the old seam ripper is dull.  So, how do you sharpen a seam ripper?  I found this question/answer along with a video on usage here.  Do you follow best practices with your seam ripper?  I have to admit to only sometimes. We all have a favorite ways to do things and using the seam ripper is no exception.

For the actual sharpener, you can use steel wool.  If I looked around in husband's garage items, I am positive that I would find steel wool.  The bead reamer has my interest.  A simple google search resulted in many different versions at many different prices. I suspect, as with many tools, the price point will determine quality.  This could easily be something that can be found in the hardware section at stores.  In fact, I think I have seen similar tools while digging around in my husband's tools.

Thoughts?  Would you rather purchase a new seam ripper or sharpen an existing seam ripper?

Happy Stitching!

Time To Start Considering Next Projects....

 I posted a very genetic project list on January 1 this year.  Now, I am starting to really think about what I want to do.  Here are a few thoughts:

1.  I purchased linen for slipcovers about three years ago.  This is the year that they are going to be started/done.  Since I am not fast at sewing any more, this will probably take most of the year and I will most likely need to purchase additional fabric because I want to do a chair and a love seat.  Slip covers require a lot of piping which I intend to use scraps to make as much as possible.

2.  I purchased the Style Arc Corina Knit dress pattern last fall during a sell.  I wear dresses/skirts on a daily basis once the weather warms up.  I do not really need to add to my current collection of dresses but I will for this pattern.  This will probably wait till April to start.  As I would be very disappointed, if I gained/lost weight after making a muslin of the dress.  Fabric is already stashed.

3.  Another Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt (affiliate links).  I love this skirt.  The skirt I made late last summer is a little big in the waist and slips down to my hips.  I love the khaki twill that I used.  With luck, the stash will yield something appropriate.  Again, this will probably be late March or early April project.

I think that is enough for now. I am off to locate the patterns that I made for the first slipcover.  Really, I had started this project a little over a year ago.  Then, fell and fractured my kneecap.  It was months before I could get behind a sewing machine again.

What is your method of planning projects?

Happy Stitching!