Inspiration...Knit Skirt

 I am still looking toward planning (starting) spring/summer sewing.  This skirt would be very easy to include.  It would be a take along project once the pattern was fitted.  

This is the Helton Skirt by Alabama Chanin.  Price tag: $198.00.  Details:  slim fit, flared at knee, length is 25-inches, 100% cotton jersey, wide elastic waistband.

I did choose a darker color to showcase but there are several colors to choose from for this skirt.  The thing to remember with this type of skirt is that the cotton jersey will grow as it is worn.  So fitting is key.  The perfect pattern is this one:

This is The School of Making Swing Skirt pattern.  This pattern can also be found in the Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns book.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

New Top Pattern - Itch to Stitch Carmo Top

 Itch to Stitch has released a new top pattern.  It is feminine with a diagonal scarf across one shoulder.  Here are the line drawings:

This is the Carmo Top pdf pattern.  It has a wide v-neck front and back with cuffed sleeves and bottom band to finish the bodice.  Be sure to check out all the variations on the blog.  The pattern is 20% off through February 28, 2022. All additional discounts apply making this a good time to check out other patterns.

Hope you are inspired to sew.

Happy Stitching!

(I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchase via my links, I will get a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!)

Inspiration...Flounce Shirtdress

 Warm weather will be here before we know it.  Here is a fun dress:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Troy Flounce Shirtdress.  Price tag: $798.00. Details:  Approximately 40-inches from the shoulder to hem line, spread collar, button placket, elbow sleeves, chest patch pocket, dropped waist, hits around the knee, relaxed silhouette, cotton.  Here is a close up of the pocket and sleeve hem detail:

The decorative stitches can be sewn in using either a spanish hemstitching foot  with a zig zag or a wing needle to create an entredeux stitch.  See this article.

If you have a shirt pattern or a shirt dress pattern with a similar silhouette, use it.  My favorite shirt pattern right now is this one:  

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern.  

To recreate the inspiration photo:

1. shorten sleeves

2. determine where you want the flounce to start, make sure the body pattern pieces are the correct length, and make sure the bottom is straight.

3. make the flounce about 1 1/2 times the measurement of the bottom of the top portion, plus the needed length, plus seam allowance and hems.

That seems pretty easy to do.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

(Affiliate link included.  Should you purchase from the included link, I would get a small commission.  Thank you!)

Basic Sewing Supplies...

 I give up...not sewing but shopping at the local JoAnn Fabrics for basic supplies.  You know the items that you need to sew.  Oh, they have most of the thread colors that you need but buttons, elastic, zippers.  Yeah, not so much.

So, sewing friends, where do you purchase the items of decent quality online?  You know places that carry the basics.  Thanks so much!

Happy Stitching!

McCall's Early Spring Pattern Picks...

 It is that time of year where the new patterns are starting to come out.  The McCall's Early Spring patterns have landed.  Sadly, McCall's does not actually target my age group but this release reminds me of my teenage years.  Here are my picks:

This is McCall's 8256.  This is pull-over tops with gathers and binding.  I am particularly drawn to the View A and View B.  

This is McCall's 8260.  I have a love of loose, flowy skirts and this pattern appears to deliver this with the skirt, shorts, and culottes.

This is McCall's 8263.  This is classic style guayabera shirt.  This style of shirt often has embroidery from the shoulder to the hem and yes, it has the four pockets.  The pockets would also reflect any decoration (i.e., pleats, embroidery, etc).  This pattern may well end up in my stash so I can sew for my guys.

This is McCall's 8265.  This infant pattern has some great little basics in it.  Not sure about the little headband or hats.  That is something I could never keep on my son's head--any type of hat.

Well, that is it for this release.  What did you think was interesting?

Happy Stitching!