sewing

Oia Dress


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Itch to Stitch has just released the new Oia Dress. This is a more advanced pattern that has features like a full lining, princess seams, and an invisible zipper. It’s on sale for launch week!

I sewed my Oia dress using a cotton double cloth shirting that I bought from the Pendleton Mill outlet years ago! I used the reverse side for the straps and waistband. I’m not in love with the muted colors of this fabric, which is why it’s sat in my stash for so long. I’m think of over-dyeing it with blue or navy. What do you think?

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Samara Pants


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Itch to Stitch has released the Samara Pants. This are a quick sew with no pockets and an invisible zipper. I took 6 inches off the length of mine to make them more cropped. In a linen blend they are super cool and comfy for the hot weather we’ve been getting. The pattern is on sale for $8 for launch week!

I used a linen rayon blend fabric from Joann. For the first time I tried the method of prewashing on hot and drying on hot to help minimize sharp wrinkles. However, I forgot the step of pressing with a hot iron to lock in the sizing. I think it still worked pretty well. The do wrinkle but the wrinkles are pretty soft!

The pattern has back darts for a little booty shaping. In a future version I plan to omit the darts and do elastic in the back waistband so I can eliminate the darts. I also want to add some pockets! I will probably put a back patch pocket on these pants, but I plan to add some slash pockets in my next version.

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Melrose Dress


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Itch to Stitch released their latest pattern the Melrose Dress.  It’s on sale this week for the launch!  This is a versatile spring/summer pattern that includes the dress that I made plus a tunic and cropped top. 

My dress is sewn in a viscose poplin that I picked up from Blackbird Fabrics last year.  This was very nice to work with and will feel great as a summer dress.

The trickiest part of this dress is probably the neckline binding but I got mine to lay perfectly flat in one go!  I highly recommend getting  some Washaway Wonder tape for making this pattern. It will come in super hand for the neckband, cuffs, and waistband casing.

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Updated Fringe Blouse


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Chalk and Notch released an updated version of their popular Fringe Dress & Blouse and I was excited to pattern test it! This new version extends the size range to 24 and add A/B and C/D cup options! The pattern is on sale for $11.50 for the relaunch.

Since it’s a loose fitting design it’s also pretty forgiving for even larger busted ladies. I make a G/H in Cashmerette but the C/D worked fine for me.

My blouse was sewn using a rayon crepe fabric I bought at Joann. This is definitely a fiddly fabric to cut, but the crepe texture is also very forgiving.

I did not include the belt ties and only made a half hearted effort at pattern matching but I’m loving this a spring blouse. One thing to note is that despite staystitching, my neckline did stretch out, which resulted in a low v-neck. To make this top work appropriate I have to wear a cami under it.

It’s very nice to see Chalk & Notch extending their sizes. I hope they do the Joy Jacket next as I already own it and I don’t want to have to do an FBA. 🙂

Orono Top


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Itch to Stitch has released the new Orono Top and suprise! I was pattern tester. 🙂 This pattern is 20% off for the launch week.

Orono is a raglan sleeved top with a cross over front and a high pocket. There are cleverly crafted pockets included, although I don’t find myself using mine much.

The Orono pattern is drafted for knits with 30% stretch. That means you can make it with cozy fabrics like interlock, sweatshirt or terry. Mine is made from a flecked rayon ponte I found at Joann.

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