Inspiration...Linen Jacket

 Continuing with the spring theme...If you start by January, you should have the spring/summer wardrobe done by the time the warm weather starts.  Here is a nice looking linen jacket:

This is the Check-Print Single Breasted Blazer by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag:  $998.00.  Details:  Approximately 28-inches from shoulder to hem, notched lapel, single-breasted front, long sleeves, chest patch pocket, front slip pockets, rounded front hem, center back vent, relaxed fit, cotton/linen, unlined.  For reference, model is 5'10".

This is a great linen jacket.  The fabric might be difficult to locate but you can not go wrong with a navy and white print for summer.  Here is the pattern that came to mind when I saw the jacket:

This is Silhouette Patterns #1900 jacket pattern.  The only obvious changes that I see with the pattern is adjusting the buttons to 3, maybe shorten the length, remove the shoulder pads, and making patch pockets instead of welt pockets.  This pattern is a princess seam to the shoulder so you would have to play a little bit to see how everything matched up.  The inspiration photo appeared to have a dart.

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Shirtdress

 It looks to me like spring items are starting to showing up.  This dress is a pre-order.  

This is the Floral-Embroidery Cotton Midi Shirtdress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1298.00.  Details:  Approximately 45 1/2-inches from shoulder to hem, spread collar, hidden button placket, short sleeves with rolled cuffs, belted waist, on-seam pockets, hem falls below the knee, a-line silhouette, unlined.  For reference, model is 5'10".  

I just love everything about this dress except the price.  I am pretty sure this dress has a dolman sleeve on it.  I looked around a little bit for a dolman sleeve shirt dress but did not find anything of interest.  I did find instruction for how to create a dolman sleeve - Tutorial.  There are many links on the blog for creating a hidden button placket.  Just do a search.  As for the pattern, this one might work:

The pattern has the button front and the full skirt.  You would still need to make the dolman sleeve, lengthen the skirt, and the hidden button placket.  Of course, it would need to be fitted.  I think a vintage pattern from the 80s or 90s would probably work better.  It would require work to locate one though.  

Remember it is always best to use something you have already fitted.  That way you have more money to spend on fabric and notions.  I thinking about the Classic Shirt pattern and wondering what it would take to change it.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pleated Skirt

 I have a love for a long pleated skirt.  This skirt is not as long as I would like but I that is why I sew:

This is the Rag & Bone Garnet Pleated Italian Wool Midi Skirt. Price tag: $425.00.  Details: High rise, a-line silhouette, hem falls below the knee, back zip closure.  Here is a picture of just the skirt so you can see some of front details:

This is such a classic skirt style.  For a pattern, I think you will need to look vintage.  I have not see any pleated skirt patterns of this style recently.  I looked.  I remember making this style in the 70s and 80s.  You could probably find this style in earlier decades as well.

It seems that it is probably easier to locate fabric for a skirt than it is for a pattern.  Anyone up for drafting a pattern?    There is some Rag & Bone wool fabric at Mood here.

Happy Stitching!

Plaid Classic Shirt...

 It feels good to have another item made for fall/winter.  I have gotten really slow with my sewing.  Here is my latest classic shirt:

The pattern used is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.  Once you have it fitted, you can make many shirts.  The pattern is the same basic pattern that is used for a button down shirt.  It is very well drafted and has good instructions.  If you head over to the Olive & S website, you will also find a ton of information regarding this pattern.

I cut this version of the classic shirt in a single layer in an attempt to get the horizon stripes to match.  The body of the shirt is great.  I missed by a hair on the sleeves.  The yoke, button placket, cuff, and sleeve placket are all cut on the bias.  

Overall, I am very happy with this shirt and hope it gets a lot of wear.  The weather has been calling for a bit warmer clothing.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wide Legged Pants

 I am so happy that wide legged pants are making an appearance.  Here is a great plaid pair:

This is the Westbourne Wide-Legged Pants from Boden.  Price tag: $140.00.  Details:  fit through waist and hip with wide leg, full length, side pockets, back jetted pockets, button fastening at center front with zip fly.    (Jetted pockets appear to welted pockets.)

This is a great overall outfit.  My first thought of a pant pattern is:

This is the Liesl & Co Peckham Women's Trousers pdf or pattern pattern.  These pants have just a little bit of elastic at the sides which is different than the inspiration photo.  Here is another option:

This is the Liesl & Co Hollywood Trousers pdf pattern. This is a classic trouser pattern.  This pattern does not have the welt pocket and you would need to add it. 

While we are at it, we might as well make a complete outfit.  Here is the top pattern:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pdf or paper pattern.  This is my favorite shirt pattern.

If you want to take it a step further, you might add a jacket for a suit like effect:

This is the Closet Core Jasika Jacket pattern.  It is a classic blazer pattern that would look good with anything you want to pair with it - jeans, trousers, skirts.

If you go to the Boden website, you will find lots of inspiration for either the pants or shirt.  Did you know Boden states on their website "Buy better, buy less, wear more." .  That is a good idea for those buying or sewing.  Just something to consider.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!