Sleeveless Top Pattern....

 In the summer Itch to Stitch has weekly pattern specials.  This week it was the Dana Point Top pdf.  Here is the line drawing:

I have tried hard not to purchase a lot of patterns this year as I am trying to use the ones that I have.  However, this pattern clicked a couple of boxes that I have wanted this year - not my standard tank top but sleeveless, not a t-shirt.  For some reason, I have been more interested in blouses.  

I think this top if made quickly can be worn for at least a couple of months and maybe longer with the addition of a cardigan or jacket.  I can also see this worn to the office with a jacket.  Well, at least I would have if I was still working an office job.  I do miss getting dressed up every day.

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I am off to see what kind of fabric that I have in the stash that might work for this fabulous pattern.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Got Scraps?

 Are you a person who can not throw away little pieces of fabric?  What defines little?  Maybe not large enough to cut a garment from.  Well if that is the case, here is a great little scrap buster project - How to make a quilted jacket with scraps.  

The tutorial mentions patterns but I alwasy say pick a pattern that has already been fitted if you can.  Save those dollars for other sewing related items.  This project is considered intermediate and offers a lot of techniques to try or perfect.  Have fun going through your scraps for this project. Be creative!

Happy Stitching!

Sewjo and The Mending Pile...

 In early July, I did a post on kick starting the sewjo by getting the mending done.  The mending pile turned out to be deeper than I remember but it is done and I am ready to sew.  Here is what I did:

1.  Mending a hole in a caftan.  This was just a simple repair with a light weight backing backing and thread.  All done by hand.

2.  Replaced elastic in 2 pair of pjs and 1 knit skirt.  Oh, how I hated removing all the stitches.  Replacing the elastic was very easy.

3.  Replace elastic in 2 slips.  I went the easy route here and just cut the elastic off.  Easy peasy mostly.  I couldn't find my lingerie elastic.  JoAnn Fabrics doesn't seem to carry lingerie elastic that will fit me anymore.  They're carrying a new brand that cuts the elastic to 30-inches instead of 36-inches.  I used a knit elastic to complete the project.

4.  Hemmed pants for my Mom.  This is not an enjoyable task for me.  I have no idea why I dislike this type of alteration but I do.  Love you, Mom.

5.  Mended a pair of jeans.  Did you know that mending a small one hole in a pair jeans can increase the life of the jeans by 6 or 7 years?  Now, I will admit that I do not care much about mending.  However, the quality of jeans just keep decreasing.  Some of the Levi's that I am repairing are 10 years old.  There is huge difference in the fabric from the older jeans to the newer jeans.  My guess is that even older jeans have a nicer quality of fabric.  

So the mending that I did, did do a kick start on the sewing mood.   Now, it is time to sew.  I may make a few items for hot weather but I suspect that I will start some cooler weather so I will have them ready to go. Maybe I will alternate between sewing warm weather clothes, cool weather clothes, and home dec.  That should keep things interesting.

Do you sew a head of the season?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tie Neck Dress

 Here is a dress for now or later:

This is a Polo Ralph Laren Floral Tie-Neck Georgette Midi Dress.  Price tag: $244 ($498).  Details:  midi dress in floral print georgette, v-neck, neck self tie, elbow blouson sleeves, elasticized cuffs, smocked waistband, falls below the knee, a-line silhouette, slipover style, dry-clean.

This is such a pretty dress.  I actually found a pattern for a very similar dress.  What do you think?

This is the Bow Tie Neck Belted Flowy Silk Long Dress pdf pattern by Alvedik Sewing Patterns.  The important parts are covered with this pattern - the v-neckline, tie, and silhouette.  Shortening the sleeve and smocking are up to you.  The pattern sizing is on the small size if you have a bust larger than 39 inches.  This would probably be a good dress to find in the vintage market.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Striped Shirt

 This inspiration is all about a classic shirt:

This is the Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Long-Sleeve Cotton Blouse.  Price tag: $148.00. Details:  striped shirt with signature pony, spread collar, button front, long sleeves, button front, box-pleated back yoke, shirttail hem, relaxed fit, cotton, machine washable.  

This is such a classic shirt.  Here is the perfect pattern:

This is the Liesel & Company Classic Shirt pattern.  It has the benefit of having cup sizes which helps with fitting.  As always, use what you have.  If you have a different shirt pattern fitted, use it.  Make those spent dollars work for you. Leaves you more for fabric and notions.  

Fabrics:

1.  Cali Fabrics has a nice selection of striped and other shirtings.  A very good price point.  

2.  Mood Fabrics has a nice selection of striped and other shirtings. A different price point than Cali Fabrics.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful for your everyday wear.   

Happy Stitching!