Just One More Dress Pattern...

 I have been thinking about getting this pattern for months.  Honestly, for now the summer dresses are covered pretty good but this little dress is just a little bit different with the little twist. 

This is the Style Arc Corina Knit Dress. Basic details: pull-on fitted dress, round neck with neck band, extended shoulders, and twisted front. Style Arc was having a sale and I decided to take advantage of it.  I did not realize that the Amazon Style Arc patterns were printed.  It was a pleasant surprise.

Now, I just need to figure out the sizing as I have not used a Style Arc pattern before.  I know I have fabric that will work to make the dress.  I just need to get the pattern fitted over winter.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Side Twist Dress

 The hot weather is coming and this dress is perfect.

This is the Nic + Zoe Water Drops Dress.  Price tag: $188.00.  Details: knit fabric, fitted, side twist, rayon spandex, pullover, round neck, sleeveless, falls slightly above the knee, Missy sizes length is 37-inches from shoulder.

The silhouette on this dress is great. The print is even better.  Let's see what kind of patterns can be found:

This is the So-Sew-Easy In A Twist Dress.  This dress is very close to the inspiration dress.  The neckline is different especially in the back.  The price on this little dress pattern is really good.  Be sure to check the size range on this one. 

 

This is the Style Arc Corina Knit Dress.  This link goes to the Style Arc website.  If you are interested in multi-pattern try Etsy or Amazon.  Again, this one has a slightly different neckline but does have that fabulous side twist.

Hope you are inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Dress and Jacket

 I really love the look of this outfit.  

This is the Leather Trimmed Cotton Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $1298.00.  Details: approximately 20-inches from shoulder to hem, spread collar, 2-way zip front, long sleeves, tailored fit, cotton/leather, professional dry cleaning recommended.

Dress is the Leather Trimmed Cotton Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details: approximately 37-inches from shoulder to hem, crew neck, short sleeves, hem hits around the knee, a-line silhouette, back zip (leather trimmed), cotton/leather, professional dry cleaning recommended. 

Here is a pattern that would work well for the jacket:

This is the Style Arc Delphine Woven Jacket pdf pattern.  I would use the jacket on the left, add the collar, remove the cuff, and lengthen the sleeve.

Here is a pattern that would work well for the dress:

 This is the Style Arc June Sheath Dress pdf pattern.  It has a center back seam so that you could add trim in all the right places.

Here is a selection of fabrics from Mood that might be suitable for the dress/jacket - fabric.

For the trim, you might be able to locate an actual leather trim. However, there are lots of vegan leather that work work or a suede knit.  

Hope you are inspired to make something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Dress

 The hot days of summer are approaching.  Are you ready?  This dress is perfect for those hot days of summer:

This is the Sleeveless Organic Linen Midi Dress by Eileen Fisher.  Price tag: $288.00.  Details:  sleeveless, scoped neckline, 48-inches from shoulder to hem, elastized hem, a-line silhouette, slipover style, organic linen.

Yes, this is a fairly shapeless dress but when it hot you do not want anything touching you and this dress fits the bill.  I can see this in a light weight denim or maybe a heavier chambray.  Your dress, you get to pick fabric and color.  Now, for the pattern:

My first thought is the Phoebe Tank from fabrics-store dot com.  Yes, it would need to be lengthened but if it is already fitted, the majority of the battle is done.  This is a freebie pattern and must create a login to get.

For those who do not really want to go to the trouble of fitting and lenghtening a pattern, here is another option:

This is the Style Arc June Sheath Dress pattern.  Depending on your height, this might need to be lengthened to the your desired location.  

As for adding the elastic at the hem, that is entirely up to you.  It looks to me like the elastic is only slightly smaller than the circumference of the hem.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Project Waffling and Rambling...

 I have not be able to stay on one project.  I have a project that I started using this fabric - waffle linen/cotton blend.  The fabric is washed (three times) and the pattern has been enlarged.  Now, it is sitting.   I have temporarily moved on to this pattern:

This is the Style Arc Besharl Knit Tee pattern.  I think I purchased from their Etsy store.  I really like the style lines on this tee and it is just a little bit different than the most t-shirt patterns.

I am currently taping the pattern together.  Then, I will start measuring and see which size is my closest match.  I hoping to move back to the house coat after playing with this pattern a little bit.  I am hoping that I can get one or two t-shirts made and that they will replace some sad little t-shirts in the wardrobe.

I know I am getting a late start on spring/summer sewing but I have had a lot going on for the last couple of months.  I may not do a lot of spring/summer sewing and just move on toward maybe getting some fall/winter items going early.  Early means they have a chance at getting finished.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Midi Skirt

 This is a basic skirt.  I can not decide whether it is actually the fabric that I love about this (probably) or the actual skirt style.

This is Akri Punto Fringed Check Denim Midi Skirt.  Price tag: $695.00.  Details:  fringed check detail, raw hem, high waist, side slip pockets, hem falls below the knee, skirt falls straight from hip to hem, center front vented hem, hook/zip fly, belt loops, cotton/polyester, dry clean.

I looked around a little bit for this type of fabric and I found it.  It is not inexpensive.  I found varies fringed fabric from $19 per yard to $50 per yard.  Yet, you could make several skirts for the price of this one skirt. By the way, did you notice the plaid matching perfection. Now for a pattern:

This is the Style Arc Tommie Jean Skirt pdf pattern.  It is a pretty good version of the inspiration photo with the exception of the slit.  This is a little more casual.

Make sure to deep dive your pattern stash.  There might already be a pattern that can be used there.  If not, here is a tutorial on drafting your own pattern.  Here is a tutorial on added a kick pleat vent to any skirt.

Hope you are inspired to add a nice skirt to your wardrobe.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Wrap Dress

I'm still remembering how hot it felt last summer.  I do want to be ready with lots of comfy clothes.  Here's the lastest dress:

Doesn't this look like it would be perfect for the hot days of summer?  This is the Pammie Sleeveless Finesse Crepe Wrap Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag:  $548.00.   Get a close look at the Neiman Marcus website.  

I think I like everything about this except the fiber content.  It doesn't state that it's dry clean only but I suspect that it is.  We can do better than this, can't we?  What do you think about these options:

This is Diane's Wrap Dress pattern by Silhouette Patterns.  This pattern will give you the wrap, the tie, and the length. However, it does have a collar and lapel.  This one is in my pattern collection so that is where I would start.  Most likely, you could remove the portions of the pattern you don't want to use.  

Here's a version that is almost identical to the inspiration dress:

This is the Annabelle Woven Dress pattern from Style Arc.    It is certainly worth considering this pattern.  Note that the "V" is much deeper on this pattern.

I'm sure there are more options than this but this is what I found.  Wouldn't a linen blend be perfect for this?

Hope you are inspired to sew something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration....Top & Pants....

While perusing the Layfayette 148 webite, I found the following outfit:

Doesn't this look like a comfy, wearable outfit?  What do you think of the dropped sleeves?  Let's break it down:

This is the Matte Crepe Striped V-neck Sweater.  I really like look of this but the v is a little deep.  I actually have a white w/navy strip knit hanging out in the stash.  I'm just a little unsure of the stretch.  This little number is $398.00.  Maybe if I dig around a bit I can come up with something for this.  I know I just recently found a top pattern that had a different neck line but had the dropped shoulders.  Here it is:

The Uvita Top pattern from Itch to Stitch.  Maybe I'll check to see how this pattern fits.  I know I have extra knit fabric that is just for muslins.

This is the Acclaim Stretch Gramercy Pant.  It reminds me a little bit of the Barb pant.  I'm not so sure about the pintucks on the front and back.  I do really like the slim silhouette.  Definitely need the longer top for these  Here's the Barb pant:

The Barb Pant pattern by Style Arc would definitely give you a similar look.

What do you think about this outfit?  I really do think it is a nice wearable outfit for early spring.  My sewing list is getting very long but I do have a lot of fabric to play with.

Inspiration...Pre-Fall Suit?

 I have been looking at the Lafayette 148 New York Pre-fall Collection and thought I would share a little bit.  Here is a casual suit:

This is the Denim A-Line Chore Jacket and Crosby Boyfriend Jean.  Price tag: jacket - $898.00, jean - $598.00.  

This caught my eye because I think it is very wearable.  There are lots of chore jacket pattern around but the Fabrics-store.com Paola Workwear Jacket would translate well to denim.  The Style Arc Carlisle Jean pattern would most like translate well for the jeans.  Even purchasing a pattern or two along with denim would save a chunk of change to make/buy other needed things.

Other styles that are being shown for fall - Long slim skirts which appear to be woven and most likely has a deep kick pleat at the back with matching sweater, chucky shoes, and chunky jewelry.  Shirtdresses worn as jackets. Suede Shirt Jacket and matching suede wide-legged pants with chunky jewelry.  This is pricey like in the $4,000.00 range.  Long flowy skirts with matching tops/sweaters.  These remind me very much of the mid-90s.

Are you ready to start planning fall/winter outfits?

Happy Stitching!

Time To Start Considering Next Projects....

 I posted a very genetic project list on January 1 this year.  Now, I am starting to really think about what I want to do.  Here are a few thoughts:

1.  I purchased linen for slipcovers about three years ago.  This is the year that they are going to be started/done.  Since I am not fast at sewing any more, this will probably take most of the year and I will most likely need to purchase additional fabric because I want to do a chair and a love seat.  Slip covers require a lot of piping which I intend to use scraps to make as much as possible.

2.  I purchased the Style Arc Corina Knit dress pattern last fall during a sell.  I wear dresses/skirts on a daily basis once the weather warms up.  I do not really need to add to my current collection of dresses but I will for this pattern.  This will probably wait till April to start.  As I would be very disappointed, if I gained/lost weight after making a muslin of the dress.  Fabric is already stashed.

3.  Another Itch to Stitch Taroko Skirt (affiliate links).  I love this skirt.  The skirt I made late last summer is a little big in the waist and slips down to my hips.  I love the khaki twill that I used.  With luck, the stash will yield something appropriate.  Again, this will probably be late March or early April project.

I think that is enough for now. I am off to locate the patterns that I made for the first slipcover.  Really, I had started this project a little over a year ago.  Then, fell and fractured my kneecap.  It was months before I could get behind a sewing machine again.

What is your method of planning projects?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tweed Dress

 This week's Inspiration is a little dressier than what I normally pick but I love it.  Here it is:

This is the Akris Punto Paneled Fringe-Seam Tweed Dress.  Price tag: $1298.00.  Details: dress featuring paneling and eyelash fringed edges, round neckline, sleeveless, side split pockets, sheath silhouette, knee length, and invisible back zipper.  For a closer look, check the Neiman Marcus website.

Here is a pattern that I think would work well:

This is the Style Arc June Sheath Dress.  You would need to create the yokes and split the front but I think this pattern would work nicely.  The pocket work has already been done.

Here is another pattern that would work well:

This is New Look 6500.  This is my go to pattern for sleeveless sheath styling.  I am pretty much use it if you have it especially if it has already been fitted.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Jacket

 Here is a nice every day sort of jacket:

This is the Zip Front Tailored Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $798.00.  Details: approximately 21-inches from shoulder to hem, spread collar, zip front, long sleeves, stitched vertical darts, front welt pockets, tailored fit, cotton/nylon/polyamide/elastane, unlined, machine wash cold.

I would use a navy twill for this jacket.  It is fairly easy to locate.  Here is the pattern that I think would work:

This is the Style Arc Delphine Woven Jacket pdf pattern.  You could get a similar look with the left side pattern, add a zipper, add the collar, add welt pockets, and skip the lining.

Hope you are inspired to create a jacket for yourself.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Vest

 I have been hearing a lot about a vest being the thing for fall.  For inspiration photos, go to neiman marcus website and search for vest.  There are just too many variations.  Here are a few patterns to consider:

1.  Butterick - 6901 and 6902 - These are Lisette patterns and also include shorts/pants.  

2.  Merchant & Mills  - The Billy - This is a unisex pattern.  

3.  Venturing to the Simplicity website and searching for vests will result in a large variety of vest styles for the entire family.

4. Style Arc has a variety of vest patterns.

I think that might be a nice start to look for a vest of some sort.  I am going to go through my 100s of patterns and see what may or may not be stashed in there.  Maybe I will find a vest and some fabric.  A vest should be a quick and easy item to stitch up for an up to date look.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Shift Dress

 There is nothing like a shift dress for those hot summer days.  This dress is perfect:

This is the Sleeveless Cotton-Blend Shift Dress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  bust darts, pick stitching, back gore darts, approximately 37-inches from the shoulder to the hem, round neckline, sleeveless, shift silhouette, knee length, back zip, machine wash.

Here is a great pattern -

This is the June Sheath Dress pattern by Style Arc.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt + Button Front Shirt

 Today's post is all about the casual outfit. Here it is:

This is the Everyday Linen Button Front Shirt from JJill.  Price tag: $99.00.  Details:  linen/cotton fabric, button front, low hip length, side slits, long sleeve.  Expedition Denim Skirt by JJill. Price tag: $79.00.  Details: cotton/spandex blend; close fitting through waist, hip, and thigh; contrast top stitching; belt loops; 5-pocket styling; fly front with tack button; sits below waist; back slit.

I really like the simplicity of this outfit.  The floral blouse is a great way to get floral into the wardrobe without it being too much.  Here are the pattern selections:

For the button front shirt:

This is the Liesl + Co Classic Shirt pattern.  View B is a button front shirt option.  This pattern is well worth getting fitting and making over and over.

For the skirt:

This is the Style Arc Tommie Jeans Skirt pattern.  I would move the front slit to the back.  I looked everywhere I could think of to find a pattern with the pockets from the inspiration photo.  I was unable to locate it.  However if you have a pattern that has those pockets, just it to add the pockets.

As always, you what you have.  Save those dollars for fabulous fabrics and accessories.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Shift Dress

 This shift dress is perfect for hot weather.  Sew it now and be ready for the season early.  Here is the dress:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Sleeveless Cotton-Blend Shift Dress.  Price tag: $698.00.   Details:  dress featuring bust darts, pick stitching, back gore darts; approximately 37-inches long; round neckline; sleeveless; shift silhouette; knee length; back zip; cotton/nylon/polyamide/elastane blend; unlined; machine wash cold, and line dry.

Here is a tutorial for pick stitching.  As for the back gore darts, I am not familiar with that term and neither is Mr Google.  Maybe they are simply referring to the back darts that simply shape the back of the garment.  If you find some better explanation, please let me know.  

Now, I will admit that I probably would not make a white dress but that is why I sew.  Sewing allows me to pick the color and shape that I want.  Now, how about the pattern.  I generally recommend this dress:

Although New Look 8500 is a great pattern, the shape is a little bit different than the inspiration photo.  I will keep looking.

Simplicity 1609 without the collar might be a good interpretation of the inspiration photo without the collar.  This might be an A-line dress.  It is not part of the description but it could be modified slightly.

McCall's 7533 View B might be a good contender as well.  This pattern gives you a little more bang for the buck with the hem variation and sleeve variations.

This is the Style Arc June dress pattern.  This is pretty close to the inspiration photo.  It does have a slight a-line shape.  

Well, it looks like I have given you lots of pattern options for this one.  This feels like it should be a very basic dress and easy to find but it was not. Hope you are inspired to sew a nice dress.

Happy Stitching!