Inspiration...Jackets

Spring is just around the corner and we'll be shedding the bulky winter coats for light weight jackets. Here's some jacket inspiration:

Isn't this a lovely little jacket? This is the Maila Couture Cloth Topper Jacket by Lafayette 148.  This little jacket has a funnel neckline with a single hook and eye closure, half sleeves, vented center back, an A-line silhouette, and made of polyester.  Price tag:  $568.00.  If you want a closer look, go to neimanmarcus.com and search for the name.

 

The Retro Raglan Jacket pattern by Indygo Junction will give you a similar.  If you remove the button placket and move the edges to the center front along with shortening the sleeves, it will be a very close interpretation. 

This is the Open Front Linen Cocoon Coat by Eskandar  This coat is made from a semi-sheer linen/nylon blend fabric, has a V neckline, open front, and 3/4 length sleeves.  Price tag:  $940.00.   This can be found at neimanmarcus.com. Just search for the name.  I'm not so sure that you need a pattern for making this.  Peggy Sagers did a webcast on creating a cape which isn't too different than this coat. It looks like the difference in her cape and cocoon coat is the side seam.  You can see this information at silhouettepatterns.com, click on past webcasts, and click on Great EZ Fall Accessories. This information can also be found in the Third Season of Fit 2 Stitch.

This is the Fisher Project Terry Half-Sleeve Cape by Eileen Fisher.  This is a raw edge cape made from terry. This little cape looks very much like the one that Peggy Sager's makes in the reference webcast above.  Price tag:  $338.00.  If you want a closer look, head over to neimanmarcus.com and search for the name.

There are many more jacket patterns over at eBay and Etsy.  Go check them out.

Happy Stitching!

Curve Master Presser Foot.....

Do you like sewing curves in your quilts?  I definitely love the look but find curves challenging.  Here is a presser foot that will help with the curves:

This is the 1/4" Curve Master Presser Foot.  It allows sewing a 1/4" seam on a curve without pinning.  How great is that?  It comes with adaptors for most home machines. Bernina machines will require a Bernina shank adaptor.

This is the Extra-Long Bent Tweezers.  This is used with the Curve Master Presser Foot.

The quilter who developed this foot has many videos available to assist with the use:

1.  Curve Master Troubleshooting #1.  This 6-minute video shows 3 common mistakes and then shows how to correct.

2.  Common Cutting and Sewing Errors. This 9-minute video discusses accurate cutting and seaming.

3. Cutting Errors Result in Imperfect Results.  This 3-minute video provides additional information on accurate cutting.

4. Attaching the Curve Master Presser Foot. This 11-minute video provides information on how to attach the Curve Master Presser Foot with the various shanks.

5.  Sewing with the Curve Master.  This approximately 8-minute video provides information on how to use the Curve Master Presser Foot.

Hope you find this helpful!

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!

Folded Stars

Are you ready to make some new folded star hot pads or even a pincushion?  Here are the two hot pads patterns:

 This is the Round Folded Star pattern.  This pattern comes with directions, measurements, and 1 interfacing template.

This is the Square Folded Star pattern.  This pattern comes with directions, measurements, and 1 interfacing template.

This can be very addicting.  It is a satisfying little project and doesn't take a lot of time.  You might even be able to use some of the stash or leftover scraps.  That's a win-win, isn't it?  Since it so addicting, I also have available extra interfacing templates:

This is the 3-pack of Interfacing Templates.  It works with either the round or the square pattern. 

This is the 12-pack of Interfacing Templates.  Some interfacing as the 3-pack, just a larger quantity for the addicted. For those who don't mind drawing there own templates, I have this:

It's the Folded Star Stencil.  This is a clear acrylic stencil which will allow you to create the perfect 8-point stars in five sizes ranging from 3 1/2" to 8".  With the template, you might be interested in the interfacing:

This is the Transparent Foundation Sheets and it contains 25 blank 8 1/2" x 11" sheets.  There is also fabric kits to get you started.  Here are the two versions currently available:

 

The first fabric kit has a summery feel to it.  The cold, winter weather has me looking toward spring.

The second fabric kit has a fun feel to it.  A bold zebra print with red, yellow, and brown.  Of course, if you're interested in a custom kit, just let me know.

Here is the final folded star:

This is the Folded Star Pin Cushion pattern.  I need one of these next to my machines and on my ironing board.  Another great way to use up some stash or scraps.

There are packages of the Pin Cushion Interfacing Templates available. 

Let's not forget about the pincushion kit that is available available.  The kit comes with the fabric shown and one package unscented ground walnut shells.  For an additional cost, lavender scented ground walnut shells can be substituted or purchased in addition.  If you choose to add an additional package of the ground walnut shells, be sure to contact me about adjusting the shipping on the invoice.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...

I found this really cute little top over at Anthropology:

This cute little springy top is very feminine with tucks and cotton lace trim.  Price tag:  $78.00.  It doesn't specifically state that the fabric is a woven and a knit but it sure looks like it to me.  I kinda like the idea of mixing the two fabrics.  To see a close up of the details, go to anthropology.com and search for Rae Pintuck Tunic.

This is the Aida Top pattern by Sew Liberated.  This top would translate very well into the Anthropology top.  You could even mix two fabrics like the inspiration piece. For the tucks, you will want to first decide how many tucks you want on each side of the front.  Cut the fabric into a piece large that you can stitch your tucks and then lay out the pattern piece.  This will be better to cut the two fronts separately.  You can add any additional trims on at this time also.  Stitch up the top following the pattern instructions, then add the final trim pieces to the neckline. 

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Sewing!