Itch to Stitch Blog Tour; The Emily Culottes and Lisbon Cardigan

Hi! I am thrilled to join the "IT'S time to stitch Itch to Stitch" blog tour, where the theme is an Itch to Stitch pattern that you've been meaning to sew up but hadn't. A huge thank you to Kennis, the lovely brains and beauty behind Itch to Stitch patterns, and several fabric companies for sponsoring this event. Be sure to enter the giveaway and check out the sales at the bottom of this post and read more about this week's festivities!!!



This was an easy theme for me because not only do I curate a fine fabric collection, lovingly called The Stash, but I also have a LOT of sewing patterns that I obviously wanted but haven't gotten to them. I have a Pinterest board titled "patterns I own" but haven't been diligent in updating it. How do you keep track of your fabric and patterns?

Another reason this theme was easy for me is because I have been wanting to sew the Emily Culottes since their release because they have a beautiful name. ;) I was born in the 80s and am coming around to culottes again, especially since I live in the windiest place I've lived in ever. I also picked the Lisbon Cardigan because my youngest daughter's name is Lisbon and I lived in cardigans when I was in school and working. Ansley, my other daughter/blog photographer extraordinaire, thinks she needs a pattern named after her now!!

Let's talk about the Emily Culottes first. They feature a contoured waistband, side invisible zipper, pleated and flat front options, optional welt or patch pockets, and optional waist tabs or ties. They come in sizes 00-20 and have layers for easy printing. I sewed a straight size 10 based on my measurements and my muslin. My muslin actually fit without any alterations and I'm somewhat regretting that I didn't prewash the fabric for the muslin, since it was just a fit check. Lesson learned.



I used a beautiful chambray from tour sponsor, Sly Fox Fabrics. This was my first time ordering from Sly Fox Fabrics. My fabric came quickly and they even included a color catcher sheet! This chambray washed well and presses well and I really like the color. The fabric told me to make a simple version of the Emily culottes though I did debate about the welt pocket option for a while.

I made a few minor changes to the pattern. I topstitched the waistband facing down by stitching in the ditch on the front of the culottes and I opted to use my blind hem foot instead of hand sewing because the fabric is a little thin and I am extremely slow at hand sewing. I also used elastic instead of twill tape in the waist and sewed it outside of the seam allowance before turning the facings to the correct side. Lastly, I found it easier to serge the raw edges before sewing the fronts and backs together, etc.



The Emily Culottes are fantastic for windy weather and hot summers. I think they could also be styled over tights with a heavier fabric. For my next pair I would like to move the invisible zipper from the side to the back and add inseam pockets. If I go back to work in an eye clinic I can see myself sewing a few pairs in dressier work fabrics.

The Emily Culottes are higher waisted on me than a lot of my wardrobe and told me to make the cropped version of the Lisbon cardigan. I only own one cropped cardigan so I'm still experimenting with the style but I think it definitely works with these culottes and I expect it will pair well with high waisted jeans and pencil skirts and most of my dresses.



I sewed a size 10 in the Lisbon cardigan also, based on my measurements. This is the cropped, 3/4 sleeved version with snaps. I used some french terry I had in The Stash from another tour sponsor, Raspberry Creek Fabrics, leftover from an unblogged Ladies Legends Dress.



The Lisbon Cardigan comes in sizes 00-20 and has the option to print in layers (print only the size(s) you need). The instructions are clear and I liked the section about special finishes that you might choose based on fabric. I also appreciate the directions of which way to press when using a sheer or lace front. The Lisbon Cardigan comes in cropped and full lengths and full or 3/4 sleeves. It was drafted for a height of about 5'6'". I'm 5'4" and a little longer than average through the torso. I did not alter the height of this cropped cardigan.



I like how this cardigan looks both buttoned (or snapped) and open. Thanks to my more stylish sisters for suggesting I finish this outfit with a simple white tee.



A really cool thing about this tour is the patterns featured each day will be on sale! The Lisbon Cardigan is only $8 and the Emily Culottes are only $9 today! Be sure to check out the other posts and enter the giveaway. :)

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 GC

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


Thanks for stopping by!!