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!

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!

Inspiration..

Fall is almost upon us.  Is your wardrobe really?  I wish I could say that mine was but it's not. 

Here's today's inspiration.  It's an outfit from Magaschoni:

This is the Draped Cardigan and Flannel Pants.  The colors are perfect for fall and really it is the color combination that drew me to this outfit.  The colors are port (maroon) and dark charcoal gray.  The Draped Cardigan is wonderful and is made from rayon/wool knit.  Perfect for jeans/pants to skirts.  Price tag: $236.00.  The Flannel Pants are made from a wool blend and features a wide straight that falls from the hip.  Price tag:  $292.00.

You can get a similar look by using the Cool Cardigans Draped Front pattern by Pamela's Patterns with a matching matching tank or tee (also available from Pamela's Patterns) and the Oxford Pant pattern by Loes Hinse Design.

Inspiration…

How about more Eileen Fisher inspiration?

This is a lovely outfit. The top is a long v-neck made from a cotton and cashmere knit. Check out the embellishment. Price tag: $218.00. The pant is a light-weight wide legged jean. Price tag: $118.00.

Interested in creating a similar look? How about V Neck Tunic pattern by Loes Hinse Design for the top? Add your own embellishments. This is where you make it your own. How about the Oxford pant pattern by Loes Hinse to create a straight leg pant?



Happy Sewing!

Fall Jackets.....

Everyone needs a great jacket. Check out the Double-Knit Jacket by 7 For All Mankind. This is a great casual jacket. It's made from a rayon/nylon/spandex knit with a shawl collar. Price tag: $245.00.

You could create a similar look using the Milano Jacket pattern by Loes Hinse Design and a really nice knit. The Milano Jacket doesn't have the welt pockets but they are fairly easy to add.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration

More summer inspiration:

Here's the Jill Carnation Dress. This is a very simple silhouette with embroidery around the "V" neckline, down the front, and on the upper back. Don't forget the shirring under the bust. Only $175.00.

The New York Dress pattern by Loes Hinse Design would be a good jumping off point for making a similar dress to the Jill Carnation Dress.




Sequined Linen Jersey Shell by Eileen Fisher. Another very simple silhouette. It is all in the details - sequins. Really zoom in and check it out. This detail could be added to any simple top or dress. Price: $138.00.

The Tank Dress Group pattern by Loes Hinse Design would make a great jumping off point to recreate the look of this shell.



Hope your inspired to try something new.

Happy Sewing!

Casual Inspiration

This 3 piece casual outfit is by Joan Vass.

The knit top is cotton with ¾ length sleeves and a caftan neckline. Price Tag: $135.00

The skirt is cotton with ruched detailing (I would call this gathering as I do not see an applied gathering or pleated trim) and an embroidered hem. This is dry-clean only. Price Tag: $160.00

The scarf has embroidering detailing and is made from a cotton/linen blend. Price Tag: $118.00

Oh, what a great inspiration set and I think that it would be very easy to make a similar look. Not sure about an exact duplicate on the top but you could try either The Perfect Tee pattern by Loes Hinse Design or The Perfect T-Shirt pattern by Pamela’s Patterns in a white cotton knit. The skirt could easily be duplicated using Skirt Trio pattern by Loes Hinse Design View A and gathering instead of pleating and some embroidery or lace. As for the scarf, you decide! Make it the length and width that you want and add the lace. Even adding the cost of the patterns in, you should be able to make the complete outfit for less than $100.00 or $150.00.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration - The Gored Skirt

Here's a lovely A-line gored skirt. This is the Catherine Malandrino Chevron Skirt. Very cute! The price tag is $395.00. It is made from a silk chiffon and has a narrow black belt at the waist. It appears to be piped along the seam lines. You could get a similar look with the Tango Skirt pattern by Loes Hinse Design.

The top is also by Catherine Malandrino. It is made with a viscose/nylon blend and the details are the ruffle at the neckline and the two flowers attached to the collar. The price tag is $265.00. You could get a similar look with the Tank Dress Group pattern View E tank by Loes Hinse Design. You would need to calculate the ruffle and flowers.

Happy Sewing!

Shop Talk - Free shipping!

Now through the end of March, Loes Hinse Designs and Portabellopixie patterns will have free 1st class shipping and discounted Priority Mail. I will add other items to this list but I'm only allowed to offer this on about 150 items in the store. Remember to use the advertising link on the right to ebay.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration - More Casual

Here's a lovely outfit by Eileen Fisher.

The pants are a straight legged, pull-on pant made of viscose/rayon/spandex. Price tag: $168.00. This pant could easily be duplicated using Oxford Pant by Loes Hinse Design.

The Long Tunic is a sleeveless with a scoop neckline made in silk. Price tag: $138.00. This could easily be duplicated using the Tank Dress Group pattern by Loes Hinse Design.

The Long Jacket has a round neckline, button front, and three quarter length sleeves. This also could be duplicated using the CasaBlanca blouse pattern and change the neckline. If interested, I can order this pattern.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration - Casual Elegance

How's this for an elegant casual outfit? The skirt retails for about $100.00. It's made from a crinkle cotton. This looks would be very easy to duplicate using full version of Pamela's Favorite Bias Skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns or perhaps a slightly difference look with the Gore Skirt pattern by Loes Hinse Design.

Recreating the tank top would be easy using the View E top in the Tank Dress Group pattern by Loes Hinse Design. A little less fitted look could be accomplished by using either View C or View D from the same pattern. This is a very versatile pattern.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration - Long Cardigan

Look at this wonderful cashmere cardigan by Diane von Furstenburg. Details: V-neck, button-front, patch pockets, and matching tie belt. Price tag: $385.00

Interested in duplicating the look? Try the Loes Hinse Design
Sweater Coat pattern. Adjust the length and use the v-neck version. Pretty close.

For those, who may be interested in the dress. It is silk, shirt dress style with ruffles down the front. It is also by Diane von Furstenburg. Price tag: $365.00

Enjoy! Happy Sewing!

Inspiration - St. John's Whipped Stitch top

Today, I found this whipped stitched top at Neiman Marcus. What a simple idea for changing the look of a top / outfit. There are grommets attached around the neckline with a scarf threaded through then tied in a bow. How easy is that? You could also create this look for much less than the asking price? Here's a link to the top so you can zoom in and check out the details - St John's Whipped Stitch top. With all the money that you're saving by making a similar top, why not make a pair of Loes Hinse's Oxford pants. to complete the outfit.

Happy Sewing!

Shop Talk - Cardigans and Twin Sets

I'm seeing lots of cardigans and twin sets showing up in the stores for fall. Some of the twin sets are a little different than they have been in the past. There are a couple of twin set patterns at the store. The first one is Loes Hinse's Sweater Set. This pattern has been reviewed many times at Pattern Review. It has a nice v-neck shaped neckline. The second one is the The Versatile Twin Set by Pamela's Patterns. This pattern offers a v-neck cardigan, a bolero, and a scooped-neck tank.

How about this great looking cardigan? I think the retail price was $99. This would be easy to duplicate. How about using Loes Hinse's Zipper Jacket to create a similar look? Just size down and add the neckline bow.










Isn't this a cute cardigan? I have no idea where I found it at. I think this would be easy to re-create by using The Versatile Twin Set by Pamela's Patterns. Just lengthen the bolero and add little more around the collar and front for the lovely drape.











Well, there are lots of surprises coming over the next month. Visit often so you know what's coming and when.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration and Shoptalk

Here's some more inspiration with this casual look by Eileen Fisher. This is a crossover tunic made with wool crepe. this top sells for ~$200. You could get a similar look with V Neck Tunic pattern by Loes Hinse Design. The picture to the left is shown with narrow legged pants but for fall similar looks are being shown with straight legged pants.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration and Shop Talk

I have found more inspiration on the Neiman Marcus site. The tee to the left is a raglan sleeved tee with a twist. It has a smocked yoke with puffed sleeves. It sells for $55. Really, really cute. It is by XCVI. It would be fairly easy to recreate using Loes Hinse Boatneck Top or Textile Studio Santa Monica top as a starting point. Another idea for all of the ladies (and men) who enjoy smocking. Check out this company's website. There are more ideas for shirring.



Here is a top by St John's Sport. Really simple idea for using ribbon to enhance a very simple top. This top sells for $495. Any basic tee could be used to make a similar look.







Check out this lovely silk skirt by Harari Mitsa. It appears to be a slim gore skirt that starts flaring just above the knees. This skirt sells for $395. You could recreate this look using the View B version or maybe View E of Gore Skirt by Loes Hinse.

Ok, that's it for today.

Happy Sewing!

Shop Talk - Inspiration for the Tank Dress Group

Here's another example of a dress that is similar to the Tank Dress Group by Loes Hinse Design. The dress to the left is from the fall collection of Eskandar, made of linen, and sells for $550. This looks very similar to the top of the View B dress with the bottom from the View A dress. The shawl would be easy to create with a length of fabric and fringing the ends. The dress only takes about 3 yards of fabric to create. Extra fabric would be required to two-toned effect, shawl, and cowl. Have fun!

Shop talk - Recreating the Armanti Collezioni Tee

Isn't the detail on this Armanti Collezioni Cashmere Tee interesting? It is described as as "Black with passementerie detail, a round neck, and short sleeves". It sells for about $1000.00. I'm not sure about finding a cashmere knit but a rayon knit may be able to handle the detail. Wouldn't it be easy to re-create this tee using The Perfect Tee by Loes Hinse Design or The Perfect T-Shirt by Pamela's Patterns. The links will take you to the patterns at The Pattern Loft.

Now for the trim, the dictionary definition of passementerie is the art of making elaborate trimmings or edgings (in French, passements) of applied braid, gold or silver cord, embroidery, colored silk, or beads for clothing or furnishings.

Any ideas on what could be used for the trim that would still be give the bottom edge enough give? Maybe make tiny tubes of rayon/lycra.

Shoptalk - Eileen Fisher tank look alike

While cruising around looking for interesting garment details, I found this very simple Eileen Fisher tank top. It's made from a organic cotton /lycra blend and sells for ~$70.00. It seems like it would be very easy to duplicate this look using Loes Hinse Design - Tank Group Pattern. Here's the line drawing:








Doesn't View D look very similar to the Eileen Fisher tank? This tank only takes between 7/8 - 1 5/8 yards to make the tank top depending on fabric width. If the fabric was $10 per yard, you could easily get 4 - 6 tops for the same cost as Fisher tank. Plus the pattern has other views of tanks and dresses. View B looks a lot like some of the tank dresses by Eileen Fisher that are made out of a rayon/linen blend. Interested? Here's the link to the Tank Dress Group pattern at The Pattern Loft: click here

If the pattern is sold out and your still interested, let me know. I can set-up a pre-order auction and order the pattern for you.