New Fabric...

 The sewjo is slowly coming back and I am starting to prep for winter.  That means I purchasing fabric.  Here is my latest purchases:

This is a stretch suiting in a denim color.  I purchased two yards with the intend of it being a skirt. It is a very nice fabric. Machine wash gentle cycle, low dry temp.

This is a blue/white striped chambray.  I intended to make a button down shirt with it but the fabric is very thin (sheer) and I am not sure that I would wear it.  I purchased three yards.  Other than being fairly sheer, it looks like the picture.

 
This is a checked fabric that I found in the Wal-Mart precuts.  I purchased it thinking it would be nice for a pant muslin but it is much nicer than I thought it was.  I plan on making a long skirt.

This is a striped sweater knit.  It is another Wal-Mart pre-cut and there are two yards.  I plan on my a t-shirt type top or sweater.  I can not tell what type of fabric it is but I will do a burn test to check.

So, I think I have purchased enough fabric for now.  I only piece I am disappointed with is the blue/white chambray.  The website had it listed as heavy enough for shorts.  I think that they missed the boat but maybe I can find an interested blouse pattern that will work but I still want a blue/white striped button down.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Crepe Shirtdress

 This would be a great dress for a professional job:

This is the Belted Crepe Shirtdress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $798.00.  Details:  finesse crepe with a matching belt, approximately 39 1/2" from shoulder to hem, spread collar with concealed button front, long sleeves with button cuffs, approximately 6-inch center back slit, sheath silhouette, hem hits around knees, side zipper, acetate/polyester, dry-clean. Model is 5'10".

This is probably one of my favorite versions of a shirtdress that I have seen in a while.  It is dressy enough for the office and makes an easy office outfit.  Red is a power color and every one should have a dress in that color.  I really wish that I could see this particular dress up close as I have no idea how that concealed placket is finished.  Actually, I have never seen this done before on a dress or shirt without a full placket.  Maybe I need to visit the local mall to see if there is anything with this feature.

As far as the pattern, I have never seen a pattern like this.  EVER.  Does this mean our pattern companies are failing to produce patterns with great deals?  Yes, I think so.  So, here is my suggestion:

Use a shirt or shirtdress pattern that you have already fitted.  I used the Classic Shirt pattern by Liesl & Co in September of 2023 to make a shirtdress of a similar style.   Here are the posts - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.  The instructions that I followed were good.

If you want to figure out the detail of the concealed button front, here is a start.  This is the tutorial that I plan to use to make the Classic Shirt have a concealed button front.

As for the fabric, I do not know what Finesse Crepe is.  So, I would suggest using a crepe that is the highest quality/price that you are comfortable with.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Round Two...Dana Point Top Muslin 2

 After looking over the photos from the first muslin of the Dana Point Top, I decided to try another muslin.  Here are the changes that I made to the pattern:

1.  Return the 3/4-inch to area above the bust both front/back

2.  Removed the 1/4-inch that had been added at the waist front/back.

3.  This is the biggy - added 1 1/2-inches to the length in the front by slicing through the bust point. This makes the dart bigger.

4.  Added 1/2-inch to the side seam below the dart. The alternative could be reducing the size of the pleats on the front.

Next, I checked the stash for a lightweight fabric that would have enough drape and I was willing to use as a muslin.  I have lots of fabric and not all of it is located at my house but I did not find anything  that I was willing to use in such a manner.  Walmart did have a fabric that should work just fine.  

The Walmart fabric was just as icky as the first muslin but it pressed better. Here are the pictures of the second muslin:

Well, this muslin looks a little bit better but I can see that the pulling up in the front and still swinging forward a little bit.  I need more length added to the front.  

This is a really good example of the differences that bras make when taking measurements.  When I have a better fitting bra on, the darts are in the correct spot.  Just saying, wear the same bra for any fittings and wearing. 

I have officially given up on this pattern.  It was a fun experiment to step a little outside my comfort zone with a different sleeveless top pattern than my Phoebe Tank.  

Review of the pattern:

The pattern is well drafted.  The instructions are good.  Since I never made a completed top, it is hard for me to say much about the lining portion of the pattern.  I do think that the lining would not show on this pattern unless you did not follow the instructions.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Ribbed Dress

 This dress feels more like fall but if it is warmer where you are, it could maybe work into winter with a jacket.

This is the Ribbed Mock-Neck Sweater Dress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price: $798.00.  Details:  ribbed knit, mock neckline, elbow length, hem hits around the knee (43-inches from shoulder to hem), shift silhouette, pull over style, cashmere/wool.  Model is 5'10".

This is a simple silhouette and the color is fairly basic which could easily make it a go-to dress.  If grey is not your color, you get pick.  I have a couple of thoughts on patterns:

The is the Seamwork Edie Top pdf pattern.  I think the neckline on this is perfect.  As for the remainder of the dress, this one would probably work:

This is the Seamwork Lito T-shirt Dress pdf pattern.  This would give you the looser fit through the body.  The pattern would most likely need to be lengthened depending on you height.  The sleeves would need to be lengthened as well.  

If you do not mind french darts, this pattern lengthened would work:

This is the Silhouette Patterns Fisher's Mock Tee Top.  The pattern would need to be lengthened into a dress.  

Hope you are inspired to make a great, everyday type of dress.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Plaid Jacket

 How about a plaid jacket for fall/winter?  This is more like a suit jacket.  Here it is:

This is the Button-Down Woven Plaid Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $1498.00.  Details: plaid woven jacket with woven buttons, crew neck, button front, long sleeves, buttoned chest patch pockets, relaxed fit, wool/cotton/nylon/polyamide, fill - thermal pad.  Model is 5'10".

I am really drawn to this type of jacket.  I love the fabric type.  I am not crazy for this particular colorway but that is why I sew.  I get to pick my own fabric.

If you are looking for a pattern, they are hard to find.  Vogue has a basic pattern of this type but it does not have button up the front.  My suggestion is look for a Claire Shaeffer jacket pattern, if you can find one that is affordable. There is a Freddie Jacket pdf pattern by Bella Loves Patterns on Etsy that looks reasonably close.  I do know know anything about that pattern company but the patterns are more reasonable than the prices I was seeing for the Claire Shaeffer patterns.  Silhouette Patterns has the Janie Jacket which is similar but you might need to add the button area.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!