Inspiration...Silk Blouse

 Have you been thinking about your fall/winter wardrobe?   I have a bit.  It is almost too hot to think much about it but I am trying.  Here is a blouse that I really like the abstract nature of the print:

This is the Scottie Abstract-Print Silk Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details: approximately 27-inches long, spread collar with consealed button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, box pleat back yoke, relaxed fit, silk/elastane, dry clean only.

Looks like a typical button-down shirt with some minor changes.  I have this pattern fitted already:

This is the Classic Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co.   This is a well drafted pattern and I highly recommend it.  Here ise a tutorial for doing the hidden button placket -   How to Make a Hidden Button Placket.

You might want to check out this top on the Neiman Marcus website.  The buttons are a little different near the collar and the cuffs are a little different.  

Hope you are inspired to make something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt

 I found another denim skirt with different style lines than the last one:

The is the Washed Denim A-Line Midi Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $560.00.  Details:  high waist, angled side slip pockets, hem falls below the knee, a-line silhouette, center front vented hem, invisible side zipper, cotton/wool/nylon/polyamide, dry-clean.

This is a nice simple silhouette and we can do better than a dry clean skirt.  Here are a couple of options for patterns:

This is New Look 6767.  To me this skirt is spot on for the inspiration skirt plus you get a top pattern.  The only issue that I see is that it is designed for lighter weight fabric.  I would try it any way.

This is Vogue 2032.  This pattrn has slightly different style lines than the inspiration photo but still pulls the general look.  I think the slit maybe a bit deeper on this one.  

Are you ready to pull out those boots?  I think this skirt and the last denim skirt are just perfect for cooler weather and boots.  Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Cool Summer Sandwich...

 It has been a long time since I have posted a favorite meal.  A lot has changed since then.  I am plant based now but I still fix some of these favorites from time to time espcecially the fish.  

This sandwich/salad whatever you want to call it I found last summer and I have given the website address to a dozens of people.  It is called The Ultimate Chickpea Salad Sandwich.  Here is a picture from the website:

Let me tell you, this salad is like crack as in it is hard to stop eating it once you start.  Here is the link to this fabulous salad. 

I would say get creative this.  I prefer Veganaise when making this salad but my local Walmart has decided not to carry it anymore and I have not made time to check any of the other local stores.  If you are not vegan or plant-based, then use your favorite mayonaise or salad dressing.  Make it your own.

Now that you have made up a big batch of this salad, you have more than for other fun things.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt

 If you like wearing boots or not, this is the perfect skirt for winter:

This is the Winter Denim Flared A-Line Midi Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $695.00. Details: high waisted, hem falls below the knee, a-line silhouette, invisible back zipper, cotton/wool/nylon/polyamide, dry clean.

I think we can beat that price and find a fabric that is washable to work with.  Here is a pattern:

This is McCall's 6993.  The pattern includes two views.  Here is the line drawings:

View B is an almost idenitical version of the inspiration photo.  There are lots of patterns for this type of skirt.  If you look carefully on Google, you can find instructions for drafting this type of skirt.  

What about the fabric?  If I really wanted to duplicate the skirt closely, I would get a dark wash, light weight denim that is maybe 4 to 6 oz.  I think that is light enough to get that drape.  Etsy has a good selection. Cali Fabrics has a denim blue suiting that would be perfect for this type of skirt.  

Have you got those creative thoughts going?  The skirt doesn't have to be denim.  Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Vest

 I have been hearing a lot about a vest being the thing for fall.  For inspiration photos, go to neiman marcus website and search for vest.  There are just too many variations.  Here are a few patterns to consider:

1.  Butterick - 6901 and 6902 - These are Lisette patterns and also include shorts/pants.  

2.  Merchant & Mills  - The Billy - This is a unisex pattern.  

3.  Venturing to the Simplicity website and searching for vests will result in a large variety of vest styles for the entire family.

4. Style Arc has a variety of vest patterns.

I think that might be a nice start to look for a vest of some sort.  I am going to go through my 100s of patterns and see what may or may not be stashed in there.  Maybe I will find a vest and some fabric.  A vest should be a quick and easy item to stitch up for an up to date look.

Happy Stitching!