Monday, July 11, 2022

Inspiration...Fall Shirtdress

 Shirtdresses always seem to be in style.  I know I was wearing them in the 90s.  Here is this fall version:


This is the Lafayette 148 Organic Silk Georgette A-Line Belted Shirtdress.  Price tag: $1,198.00.  Details:  Organic Silk Georgette, a-line, calf length, tailored shirt collar, above elbow sleeve, button front, inseam pockets, metal slider belt, dry clean.  

I was unable to locate a pattern that was similar but I this one:


This is Simplicity 9260.  It starts at a size 10 and goes up to a 28w.  This pattern does not have a waist seam like the inspiration photo but I think the short sleeve version would certainly work. Once it is fitted, you can create the long sleeve version and a sleeveless version.  That is bang for your buck and time spent fitting.

Now, I am all for using patterns that you already own.  If you have a fitted shirt pattern, think about adding a skirt.  Just decide how much circumference you want at the skirt bottom and draw a pattern or use a a-line skirt pattern from a different pattern.  You got this. 

I was a little surprised at how few shirtdress patterns were being shown in the big 4 pattern companies.  There was a Butterick that might work.  The size range was smaller but the collar was different.  Remember, it is your dress you can make whatever way you want.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Inspiration...Wrap Skirt

 Looking at wardrobe inspiration can be a lot of fun.  Even though it is hot outside, it is time to start thinking about the fall/winter wardrobe. This next skirt is something that I keep returning to and thinking about.  So, I thought I would share it:


This is Lafayette 148 Wool Silk Crepe Mini Wrap Skirt.  Price tag: $698.00. Details:  a-line silhouette, wrap front design with interior and exterior buttons, above the knee length (model is wearing a size 2 with 18-inch length), darted for a close fit, sits at natural waist.

Here is a close up of the great button/buttonhole hole detail:


The skirt has a beautiful bound buttonhole with a large covered button.  These are the type of details that bring you sewing up to the next level.  Here is a pattern that gives a similar feel:


This is Simplicity 9375.  The pattern shows 2 versions of the skirt in 2 lengths.  This is a faux wrap skirt but I think it gives a similar feeling as the inspiration picture except I get to enjoy a longer length.  Crepe is one of the fabrics mentioned as a good match for the pattern.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

New Camber Dress...

 Since I started documenting fabric purchases I have been able to see how long it takes me to use the fabric.  You know fabric buying is a hobby all to itself and it just happens to be associated with sewing.  The fabric for this dress was purchased in November 2020.  Just a year and a half ago.  I guess that is not to bad.  The Camber Set pattern was fitted in the early days of covid and kept me busy during the long days that I stayed with my parents.  I still enjoy the dress that I made in 2020 but decided it was time to make another one because the summers are hot and the dress is cool on those hot days.  Here is the fabric:


This is a 5 ounce cotton sateen.  Here is the finished dress - 3 ways:


Here it is the dress with the Rothy's loafers.  I love these shoes and wear them all the time.  The link to the Rothy's website will give you a $20 discount if you are a new purchasing customer and I will get a $20 credit.  That a win-win for both of us.


Dress with different shoes - Okabashi Breeze Flip Flops.  These shoes are really comfortable.  I do recommend this brand.  Link is for Target.


This time I added skinny belt and keep the Okabashi flip flops.  I think I like the idea of the belt.  Not so sure that that particular belt is the right one.  I have a bit of extra fabric so I will make a tie belt and see how it does.  

Most likely I will wear the dress most of the time without the belt but I do like the look of the belt a lot.  Maybe add a long necklace.  What do you think? 

The only change that I made with the version is that I added 2-inches to the length.  I will adjust the shoulder with the next version.  I was just a bit lazy this go round and wanted something new to wear.

On to my next project, if I can find the pattern.

Happy Stitching!

Thursday, June 23, 2022

New Sleeveless Top ...Auvers Top PDF Pattern

 The weather is heating up and Itch to Stitch keeps bringing on those fabulous sleeveless tops.  Here is the line drawing for the Auvers Top:


The Auvers Top PDF pattern is a sleeveless, surplus top.  It is meant to be made from a lightweight, drapey fabric.  It has regular and full-bust options, surplus front crossing a diagonal, the blouson effect is created with elastic, back yoke, and shirt tail hem.  Sizes included from 00 - 40.  The Auvers Top PDF pattern is on sale through June 29th.  Tiered discounts still apply.

Be sure to check out the various testers versions on the blog.

I am an affiliate of Itch to Stitch.  Any purchases via the links on this post will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Hope you are inspired to make some cool summer tops.

Happy Stitching!

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

More Fabric Coming....

 I know I really do not need more fabric but sewing is so much more interesting when ordering new fabric.  Here is the latest acquisitions:


This is a 6 oz yard dyed stretch slub denim.  Depending on the stretch when it arrives it is destined to be a Love Notions Sabrina pant.  I hope it has enough stretch.  Care:  Machine wash/tumble dry low.


This is a Fabric Merchants Rayon Spandex Jersey Medium Stripe Navy/Ivory.  I purchased enough to make a t-shirt.  I kinda missed that this almost all rayon.  Hopefully, I will still wear it.  It is a 2-way (4-way) stretch.  Care: Machine Wash Gentle/Dry Flat.


This is a Telio Mia Slub Stretch Jersey Knit Print Floral Navy.  I purchased enough to make a t-shirt.  It is a 2-way (4-way) stretch and a polyester/lycra blend.  Care:  machine wash/tumble dry.


This is a Yarn Dyed Washed Denim Pique Indigo.  I purchased enough yardage to make the Itch to Stitch Celeste Dress (affiliate link).   Care:  Machine Wash/Tumble Dry Low.

With these purchases, I will need to get make a muslin of the Sabrina Pant pattern as well as the Celeste Dress.  The dress will definitely be first as hot weather has arrived and I need more clothes that will help me stay cool.   I am off to see if the patterns have already been printed and look for a muslin fabric for both patterns.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

(I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through my links will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  Thank you!)