Get Inspired To Sew Something Wonderful....

Spring is in the air even though looking out the window everything is white here.  Mother Nature can be cruel sometimes.  I was just starting to enjoy my flowers.  I suspect everyone is as ready for sometime as I am.  Here's some wonderful patterns to get creative with:

This lovely little wrap dress is Ramona Wrap Dress pattern by Serendipity Studio.  This design has a generous overlap with a tie closure. Great for beginners.  Make it up cottons, heavy silks, rayons, and/or linen.

This is the KISS Dress pattern from Brenson Studios. Great for those hot days!  You can make it loose and casual no zipper version or make it more tailored by adding the darts for a more fitted dress. Either way, you can make some great dresses.  Like the dress and want more variations?  Try this add-on pattern:

This is the Cowl Front Overlay addendum pattern.  This will change to look of the KISS dress by adding a front cowl.

How about some new T-shirts?  The Perfect T-Shirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns has three necklines and four sleeve lengths making it a great pattern to start making t-shirts with.  If you're interested in additional necklines, try this:

The New Necklines & Sleeves for The Perfect T-Shirt pattern adds four necklines and two sleeve styles to The Perfect T-Shirt pattern. It also includes instruction for turning the T-shirt pattern into a  tunic or a dress.

 

If you're interested in a woven tee, try the Simple Elegant Tee pattern by CNT Patterns.  This pattern comes with three sleeve styles, two necklines, and three lengths.

The Zinfandel Skirt pattern is a 6-panel pull-on skirt with a little flare at the hem.  Quick and easy!

Hope you're inspired to make something beautiful!

Happy Stitching!

Unmentionables Worth Mentioning.....

Here is the Unmentionables Worth Mentioning pattern:

Have you looked at this pattern?  It is full of basic items needed for a wardrobe.  There are 3 versions of the VPL Undies.  You can make them out of anything you want maybe even using up those small pieces of leftover knits.  There are 2 versions of slips with this pattern.  One is a straight slip and works well with the Magic Pencil Skirt pattern or any straight skirt.  The other slip is a fuller version in two lengths and works well with Pamela's Favorite Bias Skirt pattern or any fuller skirt pattern.  The final item in the pattern is the Cami Illusion.  What a great little pattern!  Think of the fun you could have with this little pattern.  Aren't there times when you don't want the bulk of a cami under something but want extra coverage?   Oh, I know you can purchase these little jewels in basic colors but now you can use prints, too.  Strap guards are available at the eBay store.

Need a little more inspiration?  Check out the trunk show at youtube for this pattern -  Trunk Show.  Lots of beautiful items shown.  Looking for tips and techniques.  Check out the youtube video - Unmentionables Worth Mentioning Techniques.

Hope your inspired to make a few of these great basic items.

Happy Stitching!

Summer to Fall Wardrobe Continues...

What did you think of the last grouping of patterns?  Did you see anything of interest?  Here's another set of patterns and notions to consider:

This is The Perfect T-Shirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns.  This pattern has 3 necklines and 4 sleeve lengths.  Some very nice variety.  When selecting a size, measure snugly.   If you need more variety, try adding this pattern:

This is an the New Necklines & Sleeves for The Perfect T-Shirt pattern.  This pattern adds 4 necklines and 2 sleeve types.  Also included is directions for creating tunic length shirt and a dress length using the Perfect T-shirt pattern.   In addition to the add-on pattern, there is also a DVD:

The Perfect T-Shirt DVD  information on size selection, fitting, and variations. 

This is The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern by Pamela's Pattern.  This is a great, knit skirt.  It gets some great reviews.  The pattern includes two versions, provides fitting instructions, and can be completed in under an hour.  Don't forget the following notion:

This is Fantastic Elastic.  It comes in 4 yard lengths in two different colors.  You can cut it to the width that you want without raveling or compromising the stretch.

Hope your inspired.

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!

The Skirts have it....

Of all my sewing, skirts are my favorite thing to sew. For me, fitting isn't much of an issue. It was so much fun to look at all of the skirt silhouettes for fall yesterday. Here's a few skirts to think about:

 

 

 

The first skirt pattern is the Ginger skirt pattern by Colette. This A-line skirt pattern has three variations. Medium weight fabrics will work well with this pattern.

This is the Vera's skirt pattern by Silhouettes This lovely button-front skirt can be made in medium to heavy weight fabrics. 

This is the Proper Attire skirt pattern by Anna Maria Horner. This pattern has two versions.

Here's a knit pattern.  This is the Magic Pencil skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns. The skirt has two variations.

Another knit pattern.  This is the Bordeaux Skirt pattern by Brensan Studios. The skirt has two variations.

Additional skirt patterns can be found at the eBay store.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration, What's New, and "How many days till Christmas?"

One of the big items for fall/winter is a knit pencil skirt. If you like wearing the latest fashions but not always the price tags that go along with ready-to-wear fashions, you should give The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns a try:

This pattern gives you two waistline options - natural and a high waist.  The waistband is elastic so there are no zippers involved.  Instructions are given for selecting the correct size.  I would love to hear about the fabrics that you are using to make this skirt.  I will be trying a double knit.

There are so many new items in the store.  Patterns, fabric, and notions with more coming in every week.  Here's the link to check out "What's New" at eBay.  There are new items being listed at Etsy and Bonanza, also.  Here's a few of the items:

Here's two fleece prints from Camelot.  They are wonderfully soft.  The fabric remind me more of cudde cloth than fleece.  They are 100% polyester and 58/60" wide. 

There are new kits using the Easy Mitered Placemat instructions, the Caserole Kimono pattern by Legacy, and an Arts and Craft caddy using the Artful Bags pattern by Serendipity Studio. 

Did you know that this 70 days till Christmas?  Are you wanting to sew gifts or give sewing related gifts?  Remember, I can special order items for you.  Just let me know what you are interested in and I will check and see if it's available.

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!

Another Cardigan anyone?

Here's another cardigan to enjoy:

This is pure luxury from White & Warren.  This is a the Cheetah Print Cashmere Cardigan.  It is a neutral that is a little bit on the wild side.  Price tag:  $298.00.

I can not help with finding the cashmere but I think you can get a similar look using:

This is Cool Cardigan - Banded Front pattern by Pamela's Patterns.  You get to choose the sleeve length.  By the fabric.com has some leopard print knits available.

Happy Stitching!

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.

Is it too early too think about jackets?

What do you think?  Too early.  I don't think so.  Fall jackets / vests / cardigans are showing up in the stores.  So, we should be thinking about getting them made.  Check out all the eye candy at Neiman Marcus under jackets.  Prices start at about $300.00. 

Let's start with Upline Jacket pattern by Sewn ...square one for your style.  Isn't this a great looking jacket?  It is in my pattern stash.  Hopefully, it will be used pattern by fall.  I just need to decide if that wool in the fabric stash has aged long enough or it I want something new.  Note that there are three views.  So, get creative and get the sizing right with one and make more than one.  How great is that?  Suggested fabrics are:  medium to heavy weight cottons (maybe the 9-10oz duck/canvas in the eBay store),  medium weight wools, heavy linens, denim, weighty blends.    The short jacket (view 3) requires a 22" reversible separating zipper.  These zippers can be special ordered from me in white, black, and navy with brass teeth.  More colors are available in the a regular 22" separating zipper.

Next, let's look at the Santa Monica jacket pattern by Lila Tueller Designs. This jacket pattern has two versions and a cap.  Fabric recommendations are twill, poplin, corduroy, or home dec weight fabrics.  Quilting weight cottons can be used if they are backed with Pellon Shape-Flex.  I do currently have a twill weight fabric in the eBay store.  It is the 6 oz striped ticking from James Thompson.  I do have some solid colors on order.  Again, I can order the 18" or the 22" sport-weight zipper.  They are available in a variety of colors.

Final item for today is the Cool Cardigan-Draped Front pattern by Pamela's Patterns. This is a knits only pattern.  You can never have too cardigans.  This could be made from a great basic knit to go with everything (this is what I'm doing) or make many.  Let's face it once you get the fit correct, we should make more than one of item.  Change the fabric, add embellishments to make it different.  This pattern has three different sleeve lengths and separate pattern pieces for the A/B cup and C/D cup.  Another suggestion is to make a set using a tank top or sleeveless top (Pamela's got those available too). 

Hope your inspired to make a jacket or several.

Happy Sewing!

Nice Cardigan for Spring..

I was walking through Macy's yesterday and found a Michael Kors Cardigan just like the Draped Front Cool Cardigan by Pamela's Patterns shown below:

It was made in a navy blue knit and cost $110.00. It was styled with a sleeveless v-neck top and dark blue jeans. Nice casual outfit. Here's a picture of a similar cardigan in a lighter color so you can see the details:



Happy Sewing!

Pamela's Patterns DVD have been restocked

All three of Pamela's Patterns DVDs have been re-stocked.

They can be found in "What's New" or under "Books and DVDs" at eBay.

Happy Sewing!

More kitchen patterns and gift ideas...

Here's a couple kitchen items:

Here's the Decorative Oven Mitts pattern by The Apron Lady. This pattern contains an oven mitt, oval pot holder, and trivet. Great as a gift or for all the extra hands at the holidays.


Here's the Four Corners Apron pattern by Vanilla House Designs. This is a quick to make apron. Great as gifts or have several around for the extra holidays hands.

Now for a few gift ideas for the sewing person in your life or suggestions for spouse or children:


Here's The Perfect T-Shirt DVD by Pamela's Patterns. This is a companion to "The Perfect T-Shirt" pattern by Pamela's Patterns. Although written directions are great, the DVD gives you instruction on fitting and sewing techniques.


Here's the new Gingher Retractable Blade Seam Ripper. Add this beautiful implement to your collection. The slightly curved blade helps reduce fabric snaps and accidental cutting of the fabric. Shaped handle is easy to control.

Happy Sewing!

Shop Talk - New DVDs by Pamela's Patterns

Today, Pamela's Patterns were restocked and I received new DVDs on The Perfect T-Shirt, T-Shirt Makeover, and Pamela's Favorite Bias Skirt. Here's a glimpse:

To find more detailed information regarding each video go to the "What's New" section of the store or to the "Pamela's Patterns". Use the store link to the right.

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!