Inspiration...Linen Shirtdress

The hot days of summer are fast approaching.  This dress would be perfect:

This is the Eileen Fisher Side Slit Organic Linen Midi Shirtdress.  Price tag: $278.00.  Details:  approximately 45" long from shoulder to hem, point collar, button front, short sleeves, chest patch pocket, box pleat back yoke, side-slit hem, hem falls below knee, shirt silhouette, organic linen, machine washable.

I love this style of dress.  I made this dress last fall and decided then that I wanted a dress for summer as well.  The changes are mostly already made.  I would need to add additional length and decide about whether or not I wanted the side slits.  Of course, the sleeve would be short.  Here is the pattern that I used:  

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern,  It is very well drafted.  Instructions for making a dress is on the blog.

Honestly if you have a shirt pattern that you have already fitted, use it. It saves time and money.  A quality linen can be found at fabrics-store.com.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration....Linen Jacket

 The following jacket is pretty much straight from the 90s.  It is casual but could be worn to work depending on the atmosphere at your work place.  

This is the Eileen Fisher Open-Front Organic Linen Jacket. Price tag: $248.00.  Details:  approximately 31-inches from shoulder to hem, notched lapel, open front, long sleeves, front patch pockets, relaxed fit, organic linen, machine wash cold.  (not mentioned but it is also unlined)

I have found the perfect pattern for this look.  I know, I know.  That is very unusually but it happens once in a while:

This is McCall's 8433.  It is vintage reproduction and pretty much perfect.  Just leave off the button or not.  That is why we see right?  Because it is a 90s reproduction pattern, it will require shoulder pads to support the width of the shoulder.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Pants

 How about spring/summer pants?  I have shown many tops but here is a cute little pant:

This is the Eileen Fisher Pleated Cropped Organic Linen Lantern Pants.  Price tag: $188.00.  Details: approximately 28-inch inseam, mid-rise sits high on hips,  elasticized waist, front pleats, on-seam pockets, cropped at ankles, tapered straight legs, pull-on style, organic linen, machine wash.

I really think it is the color that I am drawn to on this pants.  I had a similar pair last year and loved them.  I used the Love Notions Allegro Pant pattern.  Love everything about them.  The silhouette is a little bit different.

Here is a similar silhouette:

This Simplicity pattern seems to look a lot like the inspiration photo.  Maybe it does not have the same amount of ease.  You could increase the ease if you chose to.

Inspiration...Linen Shirt

 I am still thinking about spring/summer tops.  Here is a basic, linen shirt:

This is the Eileen Fisher Side-Slit Organic Linen Shirt.  Price tag: $148. Details: approximately 29-inches from shoulder to hem, point collar, button front, short sleeves, inverted back pleat, hem sides slits, relaxed fit.

I love the idea of a linen shirt.  My first inclination for a pattern is one that is already fitted:

 This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  This pattern would need changes: shorten the sleeve, straighten the hem, move the back pleat.  This pattern does have a yoke and the inspiration does not.  

Here is a freebie from fabrics-store.com.  It is definitely worth checking out.  It is a shirt that is similar to the the classic shirt.  The patterns from this company are well drafted.  The pattern would require the same pattern changes as the Classic Shirt.

Hope you are inspired.  Hot weather is just around the corner.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Silk Blouse

 Still hanging on to the thought of summer tops.  Here is a style that is good one for day-to-day wear:

This is the Printed Crew Neck Stretch Silk Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  approximately 24 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem, crew neckline, keyhole button back, short cuffed dolman sleeves, hem side slits, relaxed fit, pullover style.

Here is a pattern that ticks most of items from the inspiration photo:

This is Hansie woven tee from Seamwork Patterns.  You get the general shape of the inspiration photo with simpler sewing.  You could add cuffs to this if desired.

Other patterns to consider Indygo Junction Easy Top & Tunic pattern,  This one might be had to find but it would be good and you could add cuffs to it as well.  The neckline is wider so you can get the top on/off with ease.

Happy Stitching!