It's time to sew Itch to Stitch
Welcome to my stop on the ITS Time to Sew blog tour. I've finally taken the time to sew up some of the Itch to Stitch* patterns that I've acquired over the years.
There are lots of bonuses with this tour. Keep reading to find out the perks on offer. And don't forget to check out the amazing tour sponsors.
And now for the sewing!
My aim for the tour was to sew up some Itch to Stitch (ITS) patterns that have been lurking in my pattern stash for a while now. I'm a fan of ITS patterns because of the comprehensive instructions, well drafted patterns and comfortable, yet stylish designs. And so, over the last few years, I've accumulated a few patterns that I was still to sew up.
I managed to make 3 pieces - the Lindy Petal Skirt, Idyllwild Tee and the Hvar Jacket.
And I've added 3 very useful pieces to my wardrobe. I'm happy that they work well together, but will also combined with other pieces. A flexible garment is always great to have.
The pattern I've had the longest, and the one that was quickest to sew was the Idyllwild Tee. I think I spent longer figuring out which version to make than I did sewing it up. The pattern has multiple options for sleeves, length (standard tee, ruched tee or dress), and neckline. I ended up with the low neckline, standard tee length and 3/4 sleeves. With the 3/4 sleeve length, I was able to make a small-medium with a 1m cut of fabric.
Next up is the Lindy Petal Skirt. Another quick sew. This was made in a tan Ottoman Jersey. This pattern needs a fabric with good stretch and recovery. Normally I size out to my hips, but for a figure hugging fit, I stuck with the smaller size.
The petal overlap is a lovely feature, and makes the skirt more interesting than a standard pencil skirt. The waistband is sewn with a fun technique that is quick to finish, and sits nicely.
The Hvar jacket finishes off the outfit nicely. I used some wool suiting I found at an op shop to make mine. It had this cool print on the corner of it. If I'd thought some more, I might have found a way to incorporate it in the design.
But, I had used the fabric to make a pair of 'Pirate Pants' for my son, and I thought I had enough left over to make myself the jacket. It turned out I was wrong. I didn't have enough fabric for a second front piece. Thankfully my son admitted that the pants were uncomfortably itchy, and he didn't really enjoy wearing them, so he was willing to give them up, so I could finish cutting out my jacket.
I learnt some lovely techniques sewing up the jacket. It has fish eye darts in the back, and I used this technique to sew them up neatly. It felt like magic, pulling the thread, and having the fabric form beautiful darts. It could probably do with a sway back adjustment at the back. But I'm still not 100% confident with one when the back is cut on the fold, and I the jacket isn't too fitted, so I'm trying to get away without one.
Please excuse the late night phone photo above. I took the time to do Hong Kong Seams where the collar attaches to the rest of the jacket. It took a little extra time, but was worth it for a lovely finish (even if I did have to do it twice cause I misread the instructions).
I'm still playing around with how to wear the collar. Sometimes I can manage to get it to drape into nice cascades, but often I end up just going with the extra wide lapel option.
All up, I'm so happy with my new outfit. I ended up wearing it to church after taking these photos, and had heaps of comments, and some questions about where I'd been or was going - guess I looked a little more put together than normal.
As part of the tour bonus, if you head over to the Itch to Stitch Pattern Store, just for today, the Idyllwild pattern is on sale for $7, and the Hvar for $9. The Lindy Petal skirt is (as always) free!
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour. The patterns used on those days will also be onsale in the store!
As well as Itch to Stitch's discount pricing for the patterns featured on each blog post, fabric sponsor Mabel Madison is offering $10 off a $50 order with the code "ITSTOUR".
And for some prizes ....
Visit our sponsors and enter our Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win this unbelievable prize package:
Mabel Madison Modern Makers: Prize of 3 yard coordinated bundle
Sly Fox Fabrics: $25GC
Raspberry Creek Fabrics: $50 GC
Surge Fabric Shop: $20 GC
Organic Cotton Plus: $25 GC
WarmCrochet: Pair of scissors
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*This pattern contain affiliate links. If you click through a link, and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The opinions, sewing, and awkward selfies on this post are all my own.
There are lots of bonuses with this tour. Keep reading to find out the perks on offer. And don't forget to check out the amazing tour sponsors.
And now for the sewing!
My aim for the tour was to sew up some Itch to Stitch (ITS) patterns that have been lurking in my pattern stash for a while now. I'm a fan of ITS patterns because of the comprehensive instructions, well drafted patterns and comfortable, yet stylish designs. And so, over the last few years, I've accumulated a few patterns that I was still to sew up.
I managed to make 3 pieces - the Lindy Petal Skirt, Idyllwild Tee and the Hvar Jacket.
And I've added 3 very useful pieces to my wardrobe. I'm happy that they work well together, but will also combined with other pieces. A flexible garment is always great to have.
The pattern I've had the longest, and the one that was quickest to sew was the Idyllwild Tee. I think I spent longer figuring out which version to make than I did sewing it up. The pattern has multiple options for sleeves, length (standard tee, ruched tee or dress), and neckline. I ended up with the low neckline, standard tee length and 3/4 sleeves. With the 3/4 sleeve length, I was able to make a small-medium with a 1m cut of fabric.
Next up is the Lindy Petal Skirt. Another quick sew. This was made in a tan Ottoman Jersey. This pattern needs a fabric with good stretch and recovery. Normally I size out to my hips, but for a figure hugging fit, I stuck with the smaller size.
The petal overlap is a lovely feature, and makes the skirt more interesting than a standard pencil skirt. The waistband is sewn with a fun technique that is quick to finish, and sits nicely.
The Hvar jacket finishes off the outfit nicely. I used some wool suiting I found at an op shop to make mine. It had this cool print on the corner of it. If I'd thought some more, I might have found a way to incorporate it in the design.
But, I had used the fabric to make a pair of 'Pirate Pants' for my son, and I thought I had enough left over to make myself the jacket. It turned out I was wrong. I didn't have enough fabric for a second front piece. Thankfully my son admitted that the pants were uncomfortably itchy, and he didn't really enjoy wearing them, so he was willing to give them up, so I could finish cutting out my jacket.
I learnt some lovely techniques sewing up the jacket. It has fish eye darts in the back, and I used this technique to sew them up neatly. It felt like magic, pulling the thread, and having the fabric form beautiful darts. It could probably do with a sway back adjustment at the back. But I'm still not 100% confident with one when the back is cut on the fold, and I the jacket isn't too fitted, so I'm trying to get away without one.
I'm still playing around with how to wear the collar. Sometimes I can manage to get it to drape into nice cascades, but often I end up just going with the extra wide lapel option.
All up, I'm so happy with my new outfit. I ended up wearing it to church after taking these photos, and had heaps of comments, and some questions about where I'd been or was going - guess I looked a little more put together than normal.
As part of the tour bonus, if you head over to the Itch to Stitch Pattern Store, just for today, the Idyllwild pattern is on sale for $7, and the Hvar for $9. The Lindy Petal skirt is (as always) free!
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour. The patterns used on those days will also be onsale in the store!
As well as Itch to Stitch's discount pricing for the patterns featured on each blog post, fabric sponsor Mabel Madison is offering $10 off a $50 order with the code "ITSTOUR".
And for some prizes ....
Visit our sponsors and enter our Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win this unbelievable prize package:
Itch to Stitch: 2 PDF patterns of choice
Simply By Ti: Prize of $20 GC
So Sew English Fabrics: Prize of $30 GCMabel Madison Modern Makers: Prize of 3 yard coordinated bundle
Sly Fox Fabrics: $25GC
Raspberry Creek Fabrics: $50 GC
Surge Fabric Shop: $20 GC
Organic Cotton Plus: $25 GC
WarmCrochet: Pair of scissors
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Here is the line up of Bloggers for the ITS Time to Sew Itch to Stitch Blog
September 17th
September 18th
September 19th
September 20th
September 21st
*This pattern contain affiliate links. If you click through a link, and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The opinions, sewing, and awkward selfies on this post are all my own.
Absolutely gorgeous outfit! The print on the wool is chalk and will wash away in first wash :) Wool suitings that we get in India also have that mark and it's temporary.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shalini. That's really interesting to know. I'll have to keep an eye on that section of the jacket before and after washing.
DeleteGreat outfit!! The Hvar finishes it off perfectly!
ReplyDeleteThanks! The Hvar was my starting point, and the rest flowed from there - so that makes sense.
DeletePerfect outfit! Every piece complements each other nicely and they can also work as single piece. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's one of my aims to have 'multifunctional' garments. And always exciting when I pull it off.
DeleteI love your Hvar in suiting! You will get so much wear from it.. with jeans on the weekends and with your skirts at the office.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love the story of your Hvar jacket fabric, great save! What a fabulous ensemble you have put together, I haven't made an Idyllwild top yet, and you've motivated me to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and elegant look! Great fit!
ReplyDelete