Inspiration...Oversized Coat

I found this lovely coat and just had to share.  It is just about perfect in my eyes:

This is Lafayette 148 New York Lebell One-Button Luxe Cashmere Coat.  Price tag: $1998.00.  Details:  Notch Collar, single button front, oversized silhouette, knee length. 

The price on this coat is way outside my comfort zone.  As much as I love the collar, I could only see myself wearing it with black or gray.  However that is the reason we sew, so we can create things we love in the color we want.  Here's some pattern thoughts:

This is Vogue 9289.  It has the oversized collar but it would need to altered to have a single button front and remove the excess fullness.

This is Simplicity 8798.  This silhouette does a much better job matching the inspiration photo.  Unfortunately, the collar isn't a good match.  Maybe the collar isn't that big of a deal. 

If you know of a better pattern for this silhouette, please let me know.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Layering Tunic or Not

Here's a lovely little tunic to think about:

This is the Don't Think Twice by Nic & Zoe.  Price Tag: $168.00.  This tunic sweater comes with a dickey.  For a closer look check the Nic & Zoe website.

Here's a pattern that would work well to duplicate the look:

This is the V-Neck Tunic pattern by Loes Hinse Designs.  It can be found on the Casual Elegance Website.  This is a nice pattern.  You could use a ribbed knit to make your own version.  Changes would be lengthen and add pockets, if you choose.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 17

Week 17 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 17 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom.

This week's item is a cotton turtleneck in a print or pattern.  Obviously, it should be in the colors choosen for your wardrobe.  This week I looked to the closet for inspiration and I found it:

I believe I found this at Kohl's last year.  It's still in very good condition.  The colors of blue and white are perfect for my wardrobe.  Other items that could be considered are blouses and buttondowns.  

Are you following along with this series?  How are you using this to help with your wardrobe?  Any additional helpful information?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...V-Neck Tee

Do you have a favorite tee pattern?  What is the neck shaping?  Here's a tee to consider:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York V-Neck Short-Sleeve Modern Cotton Jersey Tee. Price tag: $148.00.  Details: v-neck, short sleeved, relaxed silhouette, straight hem, pull-over.  For a closer look check out the Neiman Marcus website.

Sounds like a typical tee, right?  What's with the price tag?  How many tees can you create with your favorite pattern for that price?  Four, five, six. 

Do you know how to change a pattern neckline?  The easiest way to do this without purchasing a new pattern is to use a french curve and copy the desired curve from an existing tee.  Here's a tutorial how to change an existing pattern here.  Use those purchased patterns over and over again.  Make your dollars work for you.  Once the pattern is fitted, you are the designer.

Happy Stitching!

Pant Muslin #2 - Sally's Pants

I was hoping that muslin #2 would be a wearable muslin.  You can check out muslin #1 here.  I think that muslin #1 had more stretch than I was realized.  Muslin #2 is a bit tighter than I expected:

There are still funky wrinkles.  The pants are a little tight on the upper hip/waist in the front.  The back isn't bad but there are still wrinkles on the legs.  Here's a small change:

Here I have pinned an inseam dart front and back, and let the hip/waist area out totaling an inch.  I see improvement in the back.  So I am stitching the darts front and back.  Here's the result:

The pinned dart looks better than the stitched dart. 

Maybe I'm in the wrong size.  I definitely need more room in the front hip/waist area.  In looking at this I'm seeing more distinct wrinkles on the front.  I'm not sure how to handle them.  There are other darting options that remove length from the outseam.  I just don't know if that is needed or not. 

I think I'm going to re-evaluate the size I was using.  Maybe I need to try a different size or just start over using a more stable fabric. 

Happy Stitching!