The coat is finished. Like, all the way done. Can you even believe that? Mr. S has been at death’s door with the flu so we haven’t yet been able to take photos. Nor has he had the haircut he promised me to get because I finished the coat – do you make deals with your significant other like this? I’ll make you a coat if you’ll please just get a haircut. Somehow, I’m pretty sure one is not on the same level as the other, but the things we do for love, am I right? Anyways, photos will happen this weekend or my name is mud. Promise.

Lauren’s totally rad, stylin, fabulous dress flipped through my reader just yesterday and I had to give it the spotlighted creation badge this week. Isn’t it awesome? It’s knit, its amazingly comfortable and its that pattern. What pattern you say? It’s that Tiramisu pattern put out by Cake. Hop on over for totally awesome pattern hook-up. Lauren, you are the bomb and so is that dress.

This is one of the best tutorials for cutting silk I have ever seen. Really amazing results, I’m so excited to try. In fact, I’m very excited to try it on any slippery fabric really, I mean think of all that rayon bemberg lining. The precision is what really freaks me out. I LOVE this! Jen, seriously, you’re a genius!

I haven’t really gotten into the holiday spirit much around here. Things just seem so scattered this year. But, I am enjoying seeing the inspiring little tutorials for holiday decorating. Isn’t this a cute idea? Wouldn’t take too long either.

More inspired goodness from this week:
● Peter makes another fabulous shirt, for himself. Two more actually, here & here.
● Loving this rub-off that Karen did. She looks pretty killer in a short skirt, wouldn’t you say?
● I love this dress from Tasia, but she points out why it was a flop. What was your last sewing flop?
● The cutest little knits in the whole world. I can’t wait to see the mini Casey all dolled up in them!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Sunni

Hi friends! How’s your December shaping up? Mine is going pretty well. The coat is almost finished. Almost. I promised the mister he would have it by Monday and by George! it will be done! Things have been kind of quiet around here and its been really nice! Gosh – that’s a little weird to say when it’s verging on Christmas. Wait! Did I just say the “C” word? My mister and I don’t get too crazy (meaning presents) about this time of year as we just look forward to being together and enjoy one another’s company. What about you? Whatever you are doing, I do hope you all are doing well and your holidays become what you want them to be.

This week’s spotlighted creation goes out to Peter! He’s got some gift giving spirit already making this shirt for Michael. So fabulous! I do love a great men’s shirt and this one is in flannel to boot – I’ll bet its amazingly comfy! I’ve been wanting a flannel shirtdress actually and this was totally inspiring for that! Lovely shirt Peter!

Please tell me you didn’t miss the new Cordova jacket! I hurried up and purchased my copy right when I saw the photos hit my reader. Hip Hip Hooray! Jackets can be one of the hardest things to construct and lookey here, Tasia – clever minx – has created a jacket pattern that doesn’t look daunting in the least. Sheesh! A great pattern and I’m sure it will become another standby for me. I’m in love with all things Sewaholic! Go get your copy today!

I loved this post from Megan about the Everyday Wear-ability Test. You guys, this is serious Everyday Wardrobe talk right here! I love the idea of testing out a garment as everyday friendly though when your time is limited it can be impossible, so its really nice when a designer does it for you. I love that! Hop on over and have a gander!

More fanciness to catch my eye this week:
● This post by Already Pretty was amazing! Truer words were never spoken.
● I love this post from The Perfect Nose.
● An awesome idea for getting that UFO pile going.
● Aren’t these darling?
● Speaking of Christmas Ornaments, this ornament exchange was brilliant! Loved. It.
● A gorgeous jacket! So jealous!

Have a happy weekend readers!
Sunni

The return of Stitching Spotlights! I love putting these posts together and its been sooooo long since I did one. It’s a wonderful round up to a great sewing/inspiration week in action. I hope you have missed them as much as I have! In other news, it snowed here yesterday and Mr. S remarked on the cold temp outside – a little nudge to get my fanny in gear on his coat I think. I’m looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend with some tea, movies/music and my sewing machine. That’s something I haven’t had a quite some time. How’s your weekend shaping up to be?

I chose two amazing garments this week for the spotlighted creations. It’s been so long that I think two is quite apropos. On the left is Karen’s Teases in Teal. Is it natural that I ran right out and purchased the pattern she used immediately afterward. I’m pretty sure its not, but that’s exactly what happened. Unfortunately, I have the PERFECT wool crepe for this make. Isn’t Karen’s just delightful? She has such an eye for sweet little details. On the right you see Carolyn of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic. I love Carolyn’s makes and this dress is no different! I adore the trim around the neckline and armholes and I love it paired with those fantastic gloves. Gorgeous fabric too – Carolyn has a fabric addiction just like me! So glad I’m not the only one! Fantastic and inspiring work ladies!

Do you ever wonder if fabric hoarders of years back actually collected good fabric? I know this might be a fairly weird question, but whenever I go thrifting or to estate sales and such, I rarely, if ever find fabric that is worth having. Lots of polyester but nothing of really good quality. Well, much to my amazement and delight, Andrea posted about her recent fabric and pattern acquisition. And there’s actually liberty of london in the mix. I nearly fell off my chair. I’m sooooo jealous, but have to admit it could not have happened to a funnier cuter gal! Lucky you Andrea – can’t wait to see what you make with it all!

Mim over at MadMim has been hosting a very sweet tiny art week! Its so adorable! I love little things – I really really do! I especially loved this little matchbox idea. I envision a wall full of these with little buttons in them – now how cute would that be in a sewing room?

More inspiring goodness from my reader this week:
♥ Tilly shows us how to pleat a sleeve cap.
♥ I’m a sucker for animal prints and am dying over this fabulous animal print dress from Erika B.
♥ Megan reiterates why its so important to press and iron your handmade creations. So important!
♥ This guest post on chic embellishments is sooooo inspiring!
♥ Did you see this Thread’s article on Firming Up Fabrics w/Gelatine? Amazing!

Here’s to an amazing fall week! Happy October everyone!
xoxo,
Sunni

I’m so glad its Friday loves! I’ve been making serious progress on my jacket and I’m still soaking up the satisfaction and I’ve added another jacket to the list of makes. Its a way down the line, but I’ll get to it before the summer is out. Gosh, tailoring is just so much fun and its opened up a whole new world of options to me. I hadn’t really factored in jackets into my wardrobe – seems I never really wore them much, but that’s more due to fit, which I can cure, than anything else. So let’s hear it for tailored jackets, eh?

On the Stitching Spotlights front, Karen’s fabuloso St. Clements Cambie made my list. So cute right? I’m big fan of citrusy colors mostly because I wear them very well, so I can’t help loving this dress. Plus I’ve got the Cambie on my list to make this summer – what great inspiration! Lovely make Karen!

Karen also posted a marvelous tutorial for how to knot your thread. This is actually how I knot my thread, a trick I picked up some years ago from a sewing class I took. It was a revelation at the time, so if you too ever have difficulty knotting a thread, have a gander at Karen’s clever tutorial.

For you southern hemisphere folks it’s probably getting a little chilly right? Well Sew Tessuti made their stellar New York Cape Pattern now available by PDF. I’m seriously crushing on this cute little cape and it looks so easy to make too. I’ve got it tagged for a possible make come the fall. I think I might even have the perfect wool for it too.

More inspiration from around the interwebs:
♥ A very cute and clever pocket tutorial. I think it would sweet on a denim skirt myself.
♥ This girl’s got jackets on the brain too – I do so love a great jacket from Amanda. Don’t miss.
♥ Some great tips on when to change sewing needles and maybe try out a new brand.
♥ Tasia gives an in depth look at how to line the Cambie Dress. BTW, this works for a number of other dresses too.
♥ Some rather GORGEOUS corded detail inspiration.
♥ I love these wonderful tips for how to get over a crafting slump.

Friends, have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo,
Sunni

Well. I am now typing this post from my mister’s computer. My computer is on the fritz. When you are a blogger and you have a certain reputation, online shop and life presence on the internet this sort of thing can make you feel extremely out of sorts. I’ll be calling my local Mac store and hoping to get an appointment to get my baby fixed. Sigh…..Deeper, Longer Sigh….I’m feeling a cold creeping up too. Not to worry! There’s quite a few things in the cache. I’ve just received fabric for re-slipping my sofa. I’ll be talking more about it next week. I’m working on welting today. It’s to be my summer project. I’m a little excited to say the least. Anyway, let’s get to some fabulous creations and tutorials I stumbled upon this week!

This week’s spotlighted creation goes to Liz from zilredloh.com. I’m such a sucker for hand embroidery. Please notice I typed hand embroidery because I don’t quite feel the same about machine embroidered effects. I love this dress for its embroidery! Oh my goodness! I think that Liz is such a perfectionist (in a very good way) and it totally shines through in her amazing creations, don’t you think? Oh Liz, its beautiful! Who knew you could add a little pizazz to a black dress in such a great way?

Sherry gave us her insider secrets for sewing with plaids. I’ve sewn with plaids and really, its no easy feat. Even getting one little plaid (or a few) out of line can really make or break a creation. So don’t miss part i, part ii, sewing checks and Sherry’s final creation. It’s gorgeous! I seriously love it when people pull off interesting combinations like checks and animal print! It’s rockin! I so wish it was mine.

Remember how Jen at Grainline was my partner for the refashion swap? She’s sporting her refashion from me today, but last week her new collection at Hound (her clothing line) popped into my reader. Readers this is such a drool worthy collection and I love how fresh and modern it looks. I’ve kind of been trying to go for a more modern look lately and I’m seriously crushing these colors, lines and styles. What do you think?

More web-o-sphere inspired creme de la creme for you:
♥ Suzannah gives us a little leather trimmed tee inspiration with a short tutorial to boot.
♥ Another beautiful garment from Sallieoh. PS, have I ever told you how much I love ikat? Well I do.
♥ How to rescue some wrinkled interfacing from Pam. Don’t miss.
♥ A sweet little party frock that has blue roses and seriously, who doesn’t need a party frock with blue roses? Who?
♥ Happiness really really is a delightful safari jacket! I LOVE the contrasting undercollar!

Have a very wonderful weekend and for those here in the US a great Memorial Day!

xoxo,
Sunni

Goodness Gracious, its been a week! It’s been a few weeks really. My mister and I are in the middle of making some serious life decisions and well, it’s been taxing on both of us. Even worse, the decisions still haven’t been settled. Aiy, yai yai. Anyway, forget that! I’m tired of agonizing about life and its many challenges and unexpected forks in the road. It’s Stitchin Spolights, sister so let’s be inspired eh?

This week’s AMAZING creation goes to Kristin of K-line. Speaking of agony, that jacket was her’s, I do believe. But oh what ecstasy for the finished result! Isn’t her suit positively delightful. What a dish! That gorgeous fabric (don’t miss out on her unbelievable lining!), the fit, the workmanship. Truly a suit she’ll wear forever and ever! You are positively delicious in this get up Kristin!

I was unusually inspired and grateful for this absolutely beautiful post on health and happiness from Lauren. Gosh, when you get back to basics there’s so much that we do that doesn’t matter and not enough of what we don’t do that does. Well, at least that’s sometimes how I feel. It was wonderful to read this lovely post and I hope you agree!

Wanna make your own sew in labels? Do. Not. Miss. this fabulous tutorial from Victory Patterns! I was so thrilled I nearly fell off my chair with delight from reading about how to do this. I must find one of those markers! Yay!

More beauty this week:
♥ This post was another inspiring one for me. I think I had the exact same resolutions too! I’m totally feelin I need a little kick in the pants these days.
♥ In my heart of hearts (and soul of souls) I am a jeans and tee kind of gal too! A totally inspired me-made ensemble.
♥ Don’t miss Lauren’s knock-out bombshell dress!
♥ Are we all feeling the need for love this week – another “I needed to read that” post. Don’t miss.
♥ An AWESOME post on styling. Rather than just style.
♥ DIY Ombre Tights. So cool. Need I say anything else?
♥ Do you ever wonder how those that went before us dealt with Body Odor? I do. Have peak at this fun post on just that.

Have a great weekend! No agony. Please!

Agonized,
Sunni

The week just kind of ran away from me here! Gah! I’m officially taking part in the Pyjama Party hosted by Did You Make That? and I’m almost finished sewing up my pj pants. There has been absolutely no work on my wrap dress and of course, instead I’ve started dreaming up new projects. Sigh. I had some crazy femme stuff happen this week and it’s kind of got me feeling blah. And something must seriously be in the air here in Utah because the kids at the middle school have been unnatural and particularly bad and I’ve been feeling extremely….fed up! Is it normal to not want children after working with such hellions? Grrrhhhh! On a high note, one of Mr. S’s coworkers – Denise! – allowed me to borrow her Downton Abbey Season 2! So you know where I’ll be this weekend. And I was able to change my Facebook page name. It had been under my old alias and I was debating whether or not to just start a new page with my Fashionable Stitch name, but low and behold I was able to change it! Yay! That made my whole week! I’ve been playing around over there, so you should come and join if you are indeed a facebooker.

Isn’t this a most delightful induction to summer dress? I could steal this creation right off of Stephanie’s body. And I just might because she lives here in Utah. I would die for some of that fabric. Sigh! A great rendition of the Darling Ranges dress. Fabulous job Stephanie! Let’s meet for a latte, just be sure to bring a change of clothes….

I adored this interview that Madalynne did with Liz from A Good Wardrobe about clothing you’ll actually wear. I’m sure you’ve experienced putting alot of time and effort into making something that just ends up at the back of the closet. I know I have. Hop on over and read Liz’s tips for sewing garments you’ll reach for all the time.

This completely stunning collection of garments popped through my reader this week. Hop on over to be equally inspired!

More sweet inspiration and goings on:
♥ A very sweet blouse. I adore those buttons!
♥ Another sneak peek at Suzy’s soon to be released sewing pattern!
♥ A step by step waist alteration of some men’s trousers.
♥ A gorgeously tailored jacket, with alot of a great info on how she acheived her look!
♥ A fantastic Mad Men inspired dress! I die over that color!

Have a glorious weekend friends!

xoxo,
Sunni

You’re going to flip out when I tell you that I watched the first season of Downton Abbey in two evenings. I was riveted. Loved it. Favorite characters? I would marry Carsen. Yes. Marry! I ADORE Lady Violet. She is so witty and positively awful – I WILL be her when I grow up! The love story between Mr. Bates and Anna is so wonderful. Tonight, I think I might sit down and watch a few episodes all over again. I’m going to have to purchase season two as it doesn’t seem to be on the interwebs anywhere. But what do I care? I have to see season two now. This is life and death, you know. Have you seen Downton Abbey? What are your favorite characters? Any plans this weekend?

Speaking of Downton, I truly hope you didn’t miss Lauren’s gorgeous titanic ensemble. Oh my goodness, I die! Alack! Beautiful. I do think Lauren would be right at home in this era, don’t you? It’s stunning Lauren!

I had a very hard time picking between the above creation and Karen’s chic blouse, so why not spotlight them both huh? After seeing this beauty, I instantly downloaded the pattern, put it all together (something I LOATHE) and even added the seam allowances like a good girl (something I HATE even more). Then I managed to cut out a blouse in a similar-ish elephant print rayon challis that I’ve had stashed for sometime. I can’t say that I’m done, because I’m not, but the pattern is only 4 pieces! Yay! And isn’t Karen’s creation just fabulous. Oh Karen – this is simply impeccable! A grand sewing project so well done!

Anytime Pam posts a tutorial they are fabulous! So don’t miss this one, especially if you have a thing for getting your garment to look just as pretty inside as out! Awesome tip!

More wonderful things from this week!
♥ Did you see this girl’s darling skirt? Oh you simply have to! It’s so fab!
♥ I’ve been daydreaming about shirtmaking lately. This placket tutorial, pattern included, is not to be missed.
♥ I wish I had a sis-in-law like Casey! This dress would have been fabulous at my prom.
♥ If you’re a belt-ey person like me, you’ll want to make this one from Lauren.
♥ Ever thrift items that are just too short? Here’s a tutorial for how to lengthen a hem.
♥ I hope you didn’t miss Peter’s maternity ensemble for Cathy. What do you think she’s having, boy or girl?
♥ Here’s a fabulous Princess Seam FBA tutorial for you well endowed ladies. Don’t miss Katie’s amazing dress either! Perfect for summer.
♥ A great tutorial on spiral steel boning and how to cut and cap it.

Have a lovely weekend!
Sunni

Friday the 13! he he! In April, no less! It’s that time of the week again friends. Stitching Spotlights to your weekend rescue! Are you doing anything grand this weekend? Mr. S and I had a date planned for the a trip to our local zoo, but as there is a chance of rain and drear I think we might skip it this week. I’m going to be putting the finishing touches on my wrap dress draft and mocking up a muslin. I’m rather excited to cut into some fabric after so much work on inspiration and drafting. I’ll be the first to let you know how it goes.

I simply could not resist adding Casey’s gorgeous period inspired frock to the spotlighted creation this week. Isn’t it just lovely? Casey always creates such drool worthy sewn garments and this is simply no exception. She looks divine in it too! Gorgeous confection Casey!

I found Tasia’s post on frosting vs. cake so intriguing. I feel absolutely the same way about my wardrobe and my own sewn creations. I love frosting and rarely make cake. Judging from the cloth I buy for my stash, I feel this even more so. Yet, when I go to my closet to try to wear something with the creation I just finished, I find I have no “basic”/cake items to go with my frosting. A closet full of frosting and nothing to wear! Definitely jump over to read her thoughts and the thoughts of others in the comments!

Karen from Did You Make That? is hosting her first ever sewalong. She’s chosen to do a pyjama party! I think its a brilliant idea and plan to follow along and make myself a pair or two of lovely pj bottoms – possible even a silk set, what do you say to that? My pyjama/lounge wear is pathetic. Dare I say that even Mr. S turns up his nose quite frequently at the sad state of my wardrobe in this area and yet, what do I continue to make – DRESSES! Thank you Karen! This is just what I needed!

More inspiring goodness from my reader this week:
❤ A great tutorial for a better elastic waistband insertion – don’t miss this one!
❤ Hop on over to Amy’s blog and tell her which you like better – the nude or black colored slip for her stunner of a lace dress!
❤ Another wonderfully inspirational interview from Tilly!
❤ Sherry poses this very intriguing question and one that I consider a lot.
❤ Zoe and Tilly debut their creations for the Simplicity blog hop! Stellar frocks too!
❤ I loved Rachel’s recommendations for dressing guides.
❤ Isn’t Lauren’s fabric choice for this Cynthia Rowley frock delightful?
❤ I do think Debi’s suit is just amazing. Sigh…
❤ Suzannah posted a video on how to measure yourself – now that is very helpful. Dontcha think?
❤ Nan is so inspirational to me! I love her Jackie O suit, what about you?

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

xoxo,
Sunni

Hey guys, it was my birthday this week – Wednesday to be exact. It’s the big 30 this year and I was going to post something about it, but I didn’t. Instead I’ve been sewing and prepping ideas for future stuff and all round, its been one rather nice and easy week. I’m good with that. That’s a good birthday week I think. So Happy Birthday to me, right?

This week’s spotlighted creation goes to Lauriana from Petit Main Sauvage. Lauriana has a keen eye for design and she knocked off this Burberry look with extraordinary finesse. Isn’t it gorgeous. I love the silhouette, fabric color and its just the right length. The waist detail is rather stunning too. Amazing frock Lauriana!

These lace tutorials (here & here) from Lauren about inserting lace by machine is really amazing. Definitely do not miss it! I can see this working beautifully in the bodice of a dress or even just a billowy cotton voile blouse just in time for summer.

A very noteworthy post on matching up stripes! Tasia has the most clever ideas and techniques!

More inspiring musings throughout the interwebs:
Did you catch this article? I found it most interesting. Do you think there is a pretty penalty?
A most favorite outfit to cross my reader – I just love Spring, don’t you?
I adore this dress recently finished by Jessica. Makes me want a pina colada, right. now.
Don’t miss Duane’s undercollar inspiration. I’ve only seen this once before, but I thought it was nothing less than stellar!
I love Lauren’s shirtwaist. She’s a regular belle in it.
I really hope you caught Lavender’s 1913 dress – don’t miss the giveaway either!
Loved this post on tips for sewing with knits!

Happy Easter Weekending!

xoxo,
Sunni