Itch to Stitch Love Blog Tour

Last month we learned that Kennis, the designer at Itch to Stitch*, had her home burgled with thieves taking her uninsured sewing machine, photography equipment, computer, pots and pans, hair dryer, and more! A few of us decided we wanted to do more than just send condolences, so an idea was born and here we are today: the Itch to Stitch Love Blog Tour! We also have an awesome giveaway with some amazing prizes from our generous sponsors  – lots of indy pattern companies and fabric stores who wanted to show their love for ITS too!

The Emily Culottes

I was already part way through making the Emily Culottes* when we conceived the tour, so I figured they would be my contribution. I’d picked up this beautiful green linen from Fabric Mart Fabrics (half price!) in June and had intended to make them for our August beach trip. Naturally, I started making these in early October but only got as far as making a muslin and cutting all the fabric out before having to abandon because I was suddenly slammed with other projects! And then, of course, I didn’t end up finishing the shorts until *yesterday*. Nothing like a deadline, amiright?

I did iron them. I promise. But it’s linen, so there’s grace for that, right?

I decided to size down after making the muslin, since they were a little big and I was between sizes. Also, I knew the linen would stretch a bit, so factored that in too. Cleverly though, the design uses twill tape to stabilize the back waist, so if you are using a fabric with loose weave, then this helps a lot.

This was my first time using linen and there were certainly lessons learned. For one, I felt that welt pockets on linen were not the best – I think the patch pocket option would work better as my welts are sagging open a little. And also, welt pockets require a lot of accuracy and I don’t always have that under pressure! I suggest doing one in your muslin before attempting on your final version.

Oh, and I wore these shoes with my wedding dress, um, 9 years ago 😉

I need to take a photo of the lining I used – I used some voile that I found in my collection – it has green triangles that match the green on these shorts perfectly.

The directions were very good, as usual! I got a bit stuck on attaching the lining to the zipper seam though, and in the end that part looks a little messy. But it’s the lining, so only I will know! I also didn’t attach the ties in quite the right place – they should be right above the lower seam of the waistband. I put them more to the middle, so they do butt into the upper seam a little bit.

The pattern does come with various options, so you’ll need to work out your plan before you start cutting fabric out. You can pick from welt, patch, or no pockets; a tie front, tabs, or nothing; long or standard length culottes; and full lining or unlined.

Kathryn Top/Dress

Of course, no pants are complete without a top, so on Sunday night (after getting back from a weekend in NYC), I traced and cut out all the pieces needed for the Kathryn Top*. I used a size 0 in the bodice and blended the lower portion to a 4 at the hip. I also lengthened the lower portion by 2 1/2 inches (there are lengthening/shortening lines and instructions to make this really easy).

Ugh my hair!

I love love love this top! I was able to sew it up yesterday morning in about 2 hours (between various interruptions from my kiddos). I didn’t make a muslin for this one, but it’s mostly a perfect fit. I might consider bringing the top portion of the bodice in a little bit for my next one though, and also paying more attention to Kennis’ instructions for attaching the facing to the outer bodice (I couldn’t understand why it didn’t line up, so ended up easing the outer fabric to fit the woven facing. And then I fully read the instructions and realized I was supposed to stretch the facing to match the outer – which would have resulted in less gaping at the neckline. Oops.).

The Kathryn Top* can also be made as a dress.

I used Cotton Lycra for my Kathryn (Art Gallery Microburst Tropics), and quilting cotton for the facing and bias binding.

Lago Tank

And finally, I wanted to share my second Lago. I actually made this one *months* ago but didn’t get photos taken until today! The fabric is from Simply By Ti – it’s a poly-rayon lycra. The Lago Tank* is a great layering piece, and best of all, it’s *FREE*!

Oh, and a word about my photography. When you’re under a deadline and your husband won’t be home until after dark, you do the next best thing: ask your 6 year old wanna-be-pro-photographer to do the honors! (She got a stash of lipstick for her birthday the other week, and insists on wearing it everywhere!)

But wait! There’s more!

Yes, I mentioned a giveaway! Our generous sponsors have pooled together some amazing prizes! Be sure to complete the rafflecopter for your chance to win! And until November 20, use the linkup to share what you’ve been making with Itch to Stitch patterns (sewn between October and November). Don’t have an Itch to Stitch pattern yet? Do your part to support Kennis this week by picking one (or more) up (she also has bundle pricing).

Your ITS Love bloggers are:

Monday: Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with D

Tuesday: Shalini’s Blog, Auschick Sews, Rebel and Malice, Sewing Vortex

Wednesday: Replicate Then Deviate, mahlicadesigns, Sewing with D, The Petite Sewist, kreamino

Thursday: Sewing Curves, Creative Counselor, Sew Mariefleur, Fairies, Bubbles & Co, Sewing by Ti

Friday: Harper+Lu, MeMade, On Wednesdays We Sew, Heather Handmade, Bellevi, and visit by mooglii on IG

The ITS Love Tour sponsors have been so generous in support of Kennis of Itch to Stitch that we’ve been able to put together several prize packages to share with you.

First, you may enter our giveaway to win one of three prize packs:

Prize Pack #1 includes:

5 Itch to Stitch patterns

$25GC to Simply By Ti

$50 Raspberry Creek Gift Card

$50 Bella Sunshine gift card

Prize Pack #2 includes:

$50 Knit Pop GC

$25 Designer Stitch GC

$25 Chalk and Notch GC

3 patterns of choice from Coffee And Thread

2 patterns of choice from Hey June Handmade

Prize Pack #3 Includes:

$15 Thread & Grain store credit

$25 Maker Mountain Fabrics GC

$40 So Sew English GC

3 patterns from Halla Patterns

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Your second way to win is to share with us your recent Itch to Stitch creations (made between October and November 2017). Add your creations to our Link Up Party before Nov. 20th for a chance to win one of two prize packs.

LinkUp Prize Pack #1 includes:

5 Itch to Stitch patterns

A $40 value PFRE Sly Fox Fabrics.

$25 Maker Mountain Fabrics GC

$50 Love Notions GC

LinkUp Prize Pack #2 includes:

$25 Stylish Fabric GC & sewing box kit

$25 Chalk and Notch GC

5 patterns from Rad Patterns

Pattern of choice from DG Patterns

 

Giveaway and Linkup prize winners will be announced on or about November 21st.

*affiliate link