Inspiration....

It's time to look forward to fall fashions and I found this lovely coat:

This is the Gucci Leather Single-breasted Coat.  I just love it!  However, I don't love the price which is $5,600.00.  I wonder how many skins it would take to recreate this lovely coat.  I suppose you don't really need to use skins a faux leather of some type would probably be just fine.  Here's a pattern that would give a similar look:

This is the Dakota Duster by Serendipity Studio.  It would give a similar look to the inspiration coat and faux suede is listed as one of the fabrics.

Let's move on the jacket under the coat:

 

 

 

Doesn't this look like a classic blazer pattern?  I don't think that it is really a classic jacket but it certainly looks nice.  This is the Gucci Kaleidoscope Light Wool Single-Breasted Blazer.  Price tag:  $1750.00.  Here's a similar jacket:

This is Kwik Sew 3715.  This is a classic lined blazer pattern.  The difference I see between the inspiration photo and the Kwik Sew pattern is the lapel is slightly different and the pockets are lower.  Let's move to the pants: 

This is the Gucci Kaleidoscope Wool 1960s skinny pant.  These pants have a 7" leg opening.  Price tag:  $795.00.   Here's a pattern that would give you a similar look:

This is the Clover slim pant pattern by Colette.

Hope you're inspired to make something wonderful for fall.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...

This week's inspiration is another skirt. 

Isn't this lovely skirt?  Light and airy.  This is the Nutmeg Latte Skirt from ModCloth.  Only $49.99.  Go check it out.  It is available in three colors.  Don't like the colors?  Make your own using this pattern:

Looks a lot like the inspiration photo, doesn't it?  Remember gathers can be pleated instead or remain gathers.  This is the Zinnia Skirt pattern by Colette Patterns.  So, go get a some wonderful lightweight fabric and have some fun.  Don't forget the lining fabric.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration....

All shades of white are on-trend for spring.  Here's a skirt to think about:

This cute little skirt is by Adam Lippes.  This is a A-Line skirt with snaps.  This skirt has a high-waisted, welt pockets, and snap closure.  It is made from a wool/acetate/viscose material with a cotton lining.  Price tag:  $850.00.  To see this skirt, got to neimanmarcus.com and search for "A-line skirt with snaps".  Looks like a very nice wearable skirt.  Wouldn't it look nice in a light weight denim?

Here are a couple of pattern options for the skirt:

The Beignet Skirt pattern has the high waist and the button front.  The shaping is a little bit different than the inspiration skirt but would certainly work.  How about the welt pockets?  Here's an easy tutorial on making welt pockets at Silhouette Patterns.  You'll need to determine placement.

The Ginger Skirt pattern is a high-waisted, A-line skirt.  It has the correct shape for the inspiration but needs the button-front and welt pockets. You can use the same tutorial for the welt pockets that is in the first skirt.  Adding the button front is a fairly easy.  Here's a tutorial on moving the zipper opening in the back of a dress to a button opening in the front - Button Front.

So as you can see, with a little work, you can make a fantastic skirt for far less than the designer version.

Happy Stitching!

Summer to Fall Wardrobes....

Are you looking toward fall and thinking about what clothes you may need?  This is what I have been doing.  Here's a few ideas for you:

Jacket:

This is the Jordan Jacket pattern by Serendipity Studio.  Make it causal from denim or choose a different fabric for a couture vibe.  Sizes:  XXS to XXL

Dress:

This is the Kiss Dress pattern.  It has two options with two lengths.  Make the purple version for a great summer to fall pull-over casual dress or make the floral version with darts and a zipper for a great work dress or little black dress version.

Pants:

This is the Juniper Pant pant pattern by Colette Patterns.  This is a classic wide-leg trouser.  Make it causal or work worthy depending on your fabric choice.

Tops:

This is the Versatile Twin Set pattern by Pamela's patterns.  This pattern offers a variety of cardigans with a sleeveless top.  Perfect for the summer to fall wardrobe or air conditioning. 

Hope I've sparked some ideas.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Summer Dress

I found this lovely little Eileen ensemble:

Although the slip dress is sold out, the original price was $238.00 and the lace cardigan price was $228.00.  The slip dress is a linen blend.

Here's a couple of slip dress patterns that would give you a similar look/feel:

This is the Colette Cinnamon dress pattern.  This is an OOP pattern from Colette.

Next is this pattern:

This is the Roundabout Dress & Slip pattern by Anna Maria Horner.  You get 3 other bonus patterns with this one.

Are you wondering about the cardigan?  It is fairly easy to create this type of a pattern using a t-shirt pattern.  You would need to lengthen the pattern to the desired length, maybe widen it to allow for seating room in the hip, use a French curve to correct the front, and do not cut the front on the fold.  There are also many patterns available for this type of top.

Happy Sewing!

Shirtdresses....

Shirtdresses are a wonderful addition to your wardrobe.  They are quick and easy dressing.  Here's a couple of feminine shirtdresses to consider:

Let's start with The Sally Shirtdress pattern by Serendipity Studio.  This pattern has four variations in three lengths.  It certainly has the classic shirtdress look.  However, look again.  The waistline fitting is accomplished with pleats giving you the perfect fit.  Check it out using the link and you will see other variations.  Sizes are XXS to XXL. 

Here's a sleeveless version of the Hawthorn Dress pattern by Colette Patterns.  This pattern provides a peplum top with short sleeves, sleeveless dress, and a 3/4 length sleeve dress.  This is a very feminine silhouette.

What do you think of shirtdresses? 

Happy Stitching!

More inspiration with the Lauren Dress

Have you looked at the Lauren Dress pattern by Colette patterns?  Here is a visual:

This vintage inspired silhouette seems to be popular for spring.  Here are a few examples from Three Dots Spring 2014 collection:

Isn't this a lovely group of dresses?  From my research, the starting price on these dress is about $120.00 and ends around $280.00.  The high end is the dress on the flounce on the bottom.  The Laurel dress pattern comes with 4 variations in the package with one of variations being the flounce on the sleeve, another with the patch pockets and another without the patch pockets.  Four of the above looks are already provided within the pattern. 

Interested in the flounce on the bottom of the dress in the fourth picture?  Adding a flounce isn't difficult but there are some design decisions that you would have to make.  You will need to decide how deep you want your flounce, how much of a ruffle you want, and whether or not you want the flounce to add length to the dress.  You will need to experiment with your fabric to get the flounce that you want.  Here's a tutorial on a Fast and Easy Flounce.  The tutorial is showing a sleeve but the principle is the same for any edge that has a flounce added. 

If you're interested in duplicating any of these looks, hop on over to the Pattern Loft shop using the first link above.

Happy Stitching!

Hawthorn dress pattern has arrived...

Colette Patterns has another new dress pattern - the Hawthorn dress pattern.  This is a lovely shirt dress with a semi-circle skirt with either sleeveless or 3/4 length sleeves.  There is also a peplum top variation.  This pattern has a little bit of a vintage feel to it.   Here's a few pictures:

 

 

This is definitely a twirly dress.  Looking forward to seeing every one's variations.

Happy Sewing!

Have you been inspired by the new Fall Fashions?

Fall fashions are my favorite of the year. There are so many silhouettes –long, short, skinny, full. The list just goes on and on. There is truly something for everyone here.

I love the idea of the menswear look with the boyfriend jackets and slim pants.

This particular look is from Chloe. The jacket is made from wool/spandex with a rayon lining. Price tag: $2,155.00.  The Pants are made from brown wool crepe with a cotton lining. Price tag: $675.00. If you want to get a closer look at this particular outfit, head on over to Neiman Marcus and do a search for Chloe boyfriend.  You will see that this also has a very nice tie-neck blouse with it.

Here's another example of the slacks:

This look is from Michael Kors.  The pants are made from a wool/spandex.  Price tag:  $795.00.
The Clover pant pattern by Colette patterns would be perfect for duplicating many of the slacks for fall.

I’m also seeing a skirt referred to as the envelope skirt.  It looks very much like the Wrap Skirt pattern by Loes Hinse Designs except shorter. To keep the bottom skirt detail the skirt would need to be adjust just below the hip. To see examples of this skirt, hop over to Neiman Marcus and type in "envelope skirt" in the search field.  Price tags vary from $765 to $895.

Here's the Wrap Skirt with the line drawing:

I’m also seeing pleated skirts.  Some are short , some are just below the knee, and some are maxi.  The Gore Skirt pattern by Loes Hinse Design would make a great maxi skirt.  It might need to be lengthened just a little bit. 

Anna Maria sewing patterns has a couple of great little pleated skirt patterns which could be used for the short or to the knee skirts. This would be the Study Hall Skirt pattern or the Proper Attire Skirt pattern.

 

The tops are varied but there are still lots of cowls and the tie-collared or scarf tops.  The embellished tunics are still hanging in there.  I really like that not everything is made from knits. 

Hope you're inspired to sew!

Happy Sewing!

New Colette Patterns have arrived!

Yes, it's true the new patterns have finally arrived and they are some great spring/summer looks.  Here's a look from the lookbook:

They can be found at the eBay Store and at the Facebook Store.

Happy Stitching!

It feels like Spring has sprung....

We have been having the most wonderful weather with lot of sunshine. A rarity in my corner of the world. The daffodils started blooming yesterday and I saw some tulips but I fairly certain the deer will eat them before they have the opportunity to bloom. I am hopeful that there will not be any more snow this year but March isn't over yet.

Spring makes me think of skirts and dresses.  Long or short it doesn't matter.  Here's a few patterns to consider:

This lovely little pencil skirt is the Magic Pencil Skirt  pattern by Pamela's Pattern. It has a slight taper from the hip to the hem which gives a slimming appearance.  This skirt doesn't have a waistband or a zipper.  It fits hips sizes 36" to 53".

Here's a skirt with a different silhouette. It's Pamela's Favorite Bias Skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns. This has 2 different lengths - below the knew and just above the ankle, and two different silhouettes - slim and full. This skirt was featured in Threads #157 - The Cover Stitch by Pamela Leggett.  It had raw-edged strips.  Fits hips 36" to 53".

Here's a casual dress - the Diane Kimono Dress pattern by Serendipity Studio.  There are lots of options here: slim or full skirt with or without tiers, 4 different lengths, and bodice variations.  Sizes:  XXS to XXL.

Here's a little bit dressier look, the New York Dress pattern by Loes Hinse Design. Designed for knits, this could be a classic little black dress.  Sizes:  XXS to XXL.

There are still some Colette Sewing Handbook by Sarai Mitnick in stock. This book is a wonderful value including 3 dress patterns, 1 blouse pattern, and 1 skirt pattern.  This book ships free.
Here's a useful little tool:

It's the Bamboo Pointer and Creaser. Both ends of this tool are useful. The pointed end can be used to turn corners and assist with feeding fabric toward the needle. The rounded beveled edge can be used for a temporary press of seams.

Happy Sewing!

Colette patterns has been restocked...

The Colette Patterns have been restocked.  See them in the "What's New" at the store.  Fabulous dresses, cute skirt.

Happy Sewing!

Quick Gift Idea, etc.

How about another quick gift idea?  Here's a quick little set of bags:

This is the Take Along Bags pattern by Lazy Girl Designs.  The pattern includes a drawstring bag and a zippered bag.  The drawstring bag is approximately 4" x 6" and the zippered bag is approximately 14" x 8".   The zippered bag also has inside pockets.  These bags are appropriate for any one just by changing the fabric.

How about a bow tie blouse?  This one is rated as a beginner:

The Jasmine blouse pattern by Colette.  This is a lovely, bias cut blouse.  I think it would be cute in the
Light Pink Texture fabric by RJR.

All you need is 3 yards of fabric.  Feel free to ask about a kit for the yardage you need.

It's almost time for snowmen (well, in my part of the country).  Here's a cute home dec project:

This is the Snowman Placemat & Table runner pattern by Donna Ptak Collection.  This is a fat quarter friendly project.  It includes a placemat (17" x 12"), a table runner (35" x 12"), and napkin (17" x 17")

Happy Stitching!

Quick Gift and Inspiration Galore...

Today's quick gift idea is:

This is the Koozie Kouture pattern by Indygo Junction.  This sewing pattern comes with various koozie patterns - water bottle, glass bottle, soda can, coffee cup, and wine glass.  Lots of opportunity to customize with embroidery, applique, or other decorative elements.

Now for some inspiration:

Isn't this a gorgeous pillow? It's the Poinsettia Decorative Pillow from Pottery Barn.  Unfortunately, this pillow is already sold out but that doesn't mean you couldn't recreate it.  Here are the details:  the pillow cover is 100% linen and 12" square with leaves sewn on to look like a poinsettia.  There is no mention of what the leaves are made from but when you zoom in, it looks like felt. 

This would be fairly easy to reproduce.  Alternatively for the linen could be osnaburg in natural or a homespun in green.  Your choice of felt for the leaves and the bells.  How easy is that?

Let's move on to Spring inspiration.  Does anyone sew a season ahead?

This is from the Resort Collection at Neiman Marcus.  It's the Printed Dress with Solid Sleeves by Jason Wu.  The print on this dress is very vintage.  The description says that it's a 30's print.  This dress is made from silk.  Here's the details - jewel neckline with short raglan sleeves, fitted to the waistline, pleated A-line skirt, side pockets, with back zip closure.  Please note that this dress has a lot of trim.  You really need to visit Neiman Marcus and look at this dress up close.  The neckline, belt, and pockets are all trimmed. Price tag:  $2,300.00.

Here's some suggestions for similar looks:

We'll start with Peony Dress pattern by Colette.  This is a beginner pattern which has the fitted silhouette but is missing the raglan sleeves and a-line skirt (this would be easy to change).

If the raglan sleeves are of particular interest, then try:

The Go Anywhere Dress pattern by Sewn patterns.This is another cute alternative. Slightly different from the inspiration photo but it does have the raglan sleeve with a fitted silhouette.

Happy Sewing!