Inspiration...Mini Chevron Blouse

 Today's inspiration is all about the fabric.  Otherwise it is just a classic blouse/shirt pattern that you've seen many times.

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Janette Mini Chevron-Print Button-Front Blouse.  Price tag: $598.00.  Details:  Collared neckline, concealed button placket, long sleeves, wide button cuffs, box pleat at back yoke, relaxed silhouette, vented sides, low hip length (approximately 26" from shoulder to hem), and polyester.

The fabric on this shirt looks very much like a border print to me.  Hopefully, it will give you some ideas for border print fabric.  There is not anything special about this pattern for this top.  Here's a few ideas:

This is the Grainline Studio Archer pattern.  This is a classic button-down shirt.  I know I pull this one out for every shirt in this style but it is in my collection.  Use whatever pattern you own or have fitted.  As far as the concealed button front instructions, there are links to a couple of tutorials here.  Here's another option for the shirt:

This is the Classic Shirt by Liesl & Co.  Although this pattern gives you the same basic silhouette as the Archer, this one has a darts which will give it a better fit.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

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Why Is Fabric So Enticing?

 I have tried so hard not to purchase fabric this year but it really has not worked out well for me.  I have purchased a fair amount of fabric this year.  The truth is that I purchase and plan far more than I am able to produce.  Here are the most recent acquisitions:

This is a 100% cotton and destined to become a shirt for my husband.  It will most likely be similar to the shirts I made last summer.  It is machine wash and dry.  Total yardage - 3 yards.

This is an abstract sateen fabric.  It is destined to become a summer dress.  I think it will be one of the Merchant and Mills patterns.  It is machine wash and dry.  Total yardage - 3 yards.

This is a black/grey/white abstract printed sateen.  It is destined to be a top.  Most likely one of the Merchant and Mills patterns.  The fabric is machine wash and dry.  Total yardage - 1 1/4 yards.

This is a Antique Rose/White Floral printed challis.  It is destined to be a top.  I purchased the same yardage as the abstract print above.  If I can't find a different pattern that uses the same yardage, then I will use the same Merchant and Mills pattern,. The fabric is machine wash gentle and hang to dry.  Total yardage - 1 1/4 yards.

I do try to use patterns multiple times especially when they are so expensive and I have spent time fitting them.  The Merchant & Mills patterns are well drafted and mostly simple designs which lend themselves to being used many times.

Happy Stitching!

The Re-Organization Continues...

 The re-organization of the sewing room continues slowly but surely.  I have about 1 hour a day to work on all re-organization.  My son is moving home which means that the guest room needs to be cleared out.  So the sewing room has been more or less been put on the back burner.  However with that said, I do have some crafting related items stored in the guest room.  Knowing that more things are going to end up in my sewing room, I decided to see if I could add more shelving to the room.  The only wall space is in the closet.  I found this shelving unit and hope that it works out well.

This small shelving unit is 49" high x 26" wide x 11" deep.  It is just the right height to slide into the closet under the hanging bar.  The only thing I am a little concerned about is the depth but I am determined to make it work.  I can still use the hanging bar above the unit for smallish items and with "S" hooks I can hang things on the side.  I think I will eventually consider some sort of hanging unit for the closet doors.  Every inch needs to be used efficiently.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Colorblock Raglan Sleeved Wool Dress

 If you have a favorite raglan sleeved pattern, now is a good time to use it.  This week's inspiration is a fabulous comfy dress:

This is the Eileen Fisher Colorblock Raglan Sleeved Wool Dress.  Price tag: $348.00.  Details:  wool knit, jewel neckline, raglan sleeves, shift dress, pull over styling, hits about the knee.  

Doesn't this dress look like a hug?  I would style it differently but that could be age related.  Here's a pattern with a similar silhouette:

This is Simplicity 8548.  The dress is pretty much the silhouette of the inspiration photo but it may need to be lengthened.

Wool jersey blends can be found at Mood.  Something to remember with wool is it might need to be lined.  Wools vary in how itchy they can be.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Cooking...Roasted Maple Glazed Acorn Squash With Cinnamon Pecans

 I like to share recipes from time to time that I think result in a really good dinner.  This could be a side dish or main dish depending on the type of eating you do.

This is Roast Maple Glazed Acorn Squash with Cinnamon Pecans.  Even my version was this pretty.  It takes less than an hour to bake and it is really tasty.  It is a very fall appropriate meal.   Consider doubling it so you can get two meals.  Spend the time saved stitching!

Happy Sewing!