The Destashification Project

SLS Summer Top Series 3

Posted on March 16, 2014 by destashification

Floral Linen Tunic

Different Fabric and Different Pattern.

Vogue 8810

This top began as Vogue 8810. The V-neck front bands were what I was looking for. Unfortunately, that pattern was a bodice and had gathered shoulders. So, the length and shoulders were gleaned from Vogue 8854.

During the process of sewing, shaping and embellishment morphed it even further.

New Look 6082

If I had found New Look 6082 prior to cutting this top out, there would have been fewer modifications. The Jacket in New Look 6082 has V-neck front bands and princess seaming for shaping – and comes in a longer length!

Embellished Front Bands

Next top, maybe!

The body is another lightweight linen. This one has a black background and many greens and blues in a large floral print – almost a Magnum PI Hawaii Print!

The black bands are dupioni and the embellishments are quilting cotton scraps.

For those of you that think people who sew know exactly how garments will be made BEFORE we sew, allow me to recount the journey that was this top:

1. The tunic was originally sewn with front bands of the same linen print – too busy.

2. Then the bands were sewn of black dupioni (the only sizeable piece of black fabric in The Stash) – too dark.

3. Neither were “just right” so the stitching was removed (twice, yes twice). During that process, a “clip” in the back neckline extended itself into a “rip”.

Back Neck “Clip to Rip” embellishment

4. The rip was sewn closed and a fabric triangle sewn over it as another embellishment!

5. The new embellished bands were sewn, interfaced and then attached to the body.

Side View

6. The resulting large print rectangular bag, was very shapeless and …well, not attractive – although it might have worked on Thomas Magnum! I had to walk away.

7. To resolve the shapeless bag look, a waist was added to the vertical back and side seams. Front darts were also added. In all, the waist was reduced by over 4″.

Embellished Front Band Detail

8. The side view shows the openings left at the lower side seams – the longer length fits better with the slits. The back was made just slightly longer than the fronts for no special reason.

In the end, the top had been revised numerous times. Each revision I liked better than the previous.

More Band Detail

The revisions require a bit of ripping out (and this time apparently, a bit of just plain ripping!), but it is enjoyable to see the garment evolve.

As with the other SLS Summer Tops, the buttons for this top are double-layered Stash Finds. Plain black buttons layered under a smaller plain blue button.

Total Cost: Less than $4 (I had to purchase the blue and one green quilting cotton)

Comfortable, lightweight and Stash Couture!

Posted in Clothing, Embellishment, Scrap Couture, Sewing, Stash Couture | Tagged embelished clothing, embellished summer top, New Look 6082, sewing linen top, Vogue 8810 | 2 Comments

SLS Summer Top Series 2

Posted on March 16, 2014 by destashification

Linen Top 2 – Butterick 5891 in a print!

Different Linen, Same Pattern.

This one is definitely summer.

The print is larger than I am typically comfortable with, but it was too pretty to linger in The Stash any longer.

Butterick 5891 by Katherine Tilton with the same modifications.

White Voile Inner Collar

The large print did not need any coordinating fabrics, so the bias binding for the outer collar was cut from the same fabric as the body. The inner collar and front facings are a plain white voile from The Stash.

The entire top must weight only a few ounces – the linen is very lightweight.

Stash Buttons

The buttons were Stash Finds that were double-layered. The ballet pink base buttons are actually upside down! The vintage “lace” buttons are perfect for such a lightweight top.

Linen Top 2 – Back View

The back view shows the angled hem of the top. By adding length to the body, the hem hits at about the hip.

Lightweight and Lovely!

Perfect for Summer!

Posted in Scrap Couture, Sewing, Stash Couture | Tagged Butterick 5891, sewing linen top | 7 Comments

SLS Summer Top Series

Posted on March 14, 2014 by destashification

SLS Summer Top 1

The SLS (Sizeable Linen Stash) was calling to me. It contains beautiful fabrics that would make wonderful summer linen tops.

Butterick 5891

Oddly, my first selection was not one of the beautiful prints – it was a heavy weight natural colored linen.

The true linen color would need some coordinating fabrics. Not an issue though – with Butterick 5891 by Katherine Tilton as the pattern of choice (again), coordinating fabrics and embellishment is almost a requirement for the collars and asymmetry!

Back View

The selected coordinating fabric is actually a home dec remnant. The background matches the linen perfectly and the red and coral colors it contains are currently my colors of choice.

Modifications to the pattern:

Lengthen body by 3″.
Eliminate peplum.
Eliminate all facings – hem is 3/4″.
Inner collar is faced and finished on all edges.
Outer collar is finished with bias binding.
Angle of “wedge shape” was narrowed.

Collar(s) and neckline detail

Using the modern look coordinating fabric for the larger back piece and the collar provided the opportunity to use two other coordinating fabrics for the front facings and the collar binding.

The fabric used for the outer collar binding contains both the red and the coral colors! Love it!

Double-Layered Button

The buttons are from The Button Stash. Red larger buttons with vintage caramel colored smaller buttons sewn together.

Side View

The heavier weight linen of this top makes it perfect for the cooler spring evenings – and the colors will work through the fall!

Only problem – I don’t really have any coordinating shorts to wear with it!

Ummm. Wonder if the SLS has any caramel colored linen?

Posted in Clothing, Scrap Couture, Sewing, Stash Couture | Tagged Butterick 5891, Butterick 5891 by Katherine Tilton, easier way to make Butterick 5891, sewing a summer top, sewing Butterick 5891, sewing with linen | 7 Comments

Alabama Chanin Inspired Stash Couture Skirt

Posted on March 7, 2014 by destashification

Alabama Chanin – Stash Couture Style Skirt

Handstitching, stenciling, reverse applique – all fun embellishment techniques currently being showcased on organic cotton knits by Alabama Chanin.

Had to try it!

With some Stash Couture modifications, of course!

The Stash contained a short piece of stretch linen in a summer green and several small pieces of blue/green/purple hand-marbled cotton.

Not exactly (or even close to) the dark knits of Alabama Chanin – But perfect for the heat of Arizona!

Simplicity 7229

Skirt Front Reverse Applique

The Pattern Stash included Simplicity 7229 (unfortunately discontinued.) This is the most comfortable skirt pattern! The only modification made was to change the drawstring to an elastic back waist.

The methods for true Alabama Chanin garments are detailed in her books. One of the Alabama Chanin stencils was modified slightly for use on this skirt.

After being drawn onto paper-backed fusible web and fused to the linen, the leave shapes were cut out. The linen was then fused to the marbled fabric.

Stitching Detail

In keeping with the Alabama Chanin methods, embroidery floss was used to hand sew short running stitches to reinforce the raw edges of the reverse applique.

Narrow vertical pleats were added to the other side of the skirt front.

The beautiful colors of the hand marbled fabric are visible through the cut-away leaves.

Alabama Chanin - Destashification Version

Alabama Chanin Inspired Stash Couture Skirt

The skirt is very comfortable (did I mention it is S-T-R-E-T-C-H linen?). It will get plenty of use when the temperatures soar.

Total Cost = $0.

I may attempt another Alabama Chanin inspired project – possibly even a knit!

I wonder what knits might be hiding in The Stash!

Posted in Clothing, Embellishment, Scrap Couture, Sewing, Stash Couture | Tagged Alabama Chanin, Alabama Chanin Inspired, reverse applique | 1 Comment

Spring Door Wreath

Posted on March 2, 2014 by destashification

Christmas Wreath

March was a week a way – and the front door was still adorned with the Christmas Wreath!

It’s not that I don’t love the Christmas Wreath! I do!

Baubles (and golf balls) have been added and removed over the past 8 years.

The bow this year was reused from the Halloween Witch in a Cauldron.

Spring arrives here in March, so this year, I was determined to hang a more seasonally correct wreath by March!

I was thinking simple and understated.

Underwhelming Attempt #1

Many coupons and 50% off sales later, wire wreath form and garlands of greenery were on the work counter. The Dollar Store provided moss.

Glue gun at the ready….

……The result was truly underwhelming.

It was simple – and understated. Too simple. Too understated. And too undersized.

So, more coupons, more 50% off sales….

Greenery and desert blooms detail.

Back to the work surface with wire cutters and glue gun at the ready.

Two greenery bushes (one light, one dark) were cut apart and added to create a larger wreath base.

Colorful Blooms

Local desert blooms (artificial) were selected to add color.

The orange and pink blooms reflect plants that are currently in bloom in our yard.

These are blooming in the yard right now!

Coordinating rose colored stems were added rather than a bow.

Store creates a structure for the blooms and stems.

Moss from The Dollar Store wrapped with wire and a greenery garland creates the structure for anchoring blooms and stems.

A large lemon yellow flower anchors the other blooms.

The variations in the greenery really work well together.

Spring Wreath

Although no longer simple – the Spring Wreath is correctly sized, still somewhat understated and seasonally correct!

Wonder what goodies I might find to add next year?

Posted in Seasonal Home Decor | Tagged Desert FLowers in a wreath, Desert Wreath, Door Wreath for Spring, Spring Wreath | Leave a comment

Angora Linen Stitch Scarf

Posted on March 1, 2014 by destashification

Angora Linen Stitch Scarf – image color is too blue.

The Stash contained some vintage black angora. It had been given to my when the original owner passed away. She had started to knit the angora into mittens.

The angora inspired me to try some of the Patons angora blends. With coupons in hand, a black and a silver skein were purchased.

With some Stash purple, the angoras were destined for another Scrap Couture Linen Stitch Scarf.

However, after a few rows, it was obvious a black and purple variegated was required.

Lorna’s Laces Black Purl

A rare splurge on Lorna’s Laces Angel (angora and wool) in Black Purl provided the perfect yarn.

Linen Stitch Color Blending – correct colors

A few more greys from the Stash and the colors blended perfectly!

The angoras make this scarf lightweight, very soft and somewhat furry – further blending the colors.

The cast on for this scarf was 325 stitches. It is 70″ long (not including fringe) and 7″ long.

Angora Linen Stitch Scarf

While on the needles the scarf was 8″ wide. The length grew and the width shrank after it came off the needles.

Linen Stitch Detail

Love this color combination. It was selected to wear with a black coat.

The variety of yarns used ranged from Worsted to Sport weight and from wool to cotton to angora.

Some of the yarns used.

Thankfully, gauge is not all that important when knitting Linen Stitch.

Posted in Accessories, Beginner Knitting Project, Free Knitting Pattern, Knitting, Scarf, Stash Couture | Tagged Free Linen Stitch Scarf Pattern, knitting with different yarns, Linen Stitch Scarf, scarf made with scrap yarn, Scrap Yarn Scarf | 2 Comments

Stash Couture Tunic

Posted on February 27, 2014 by destashification

Basketweave Silk Detail

The Stash contained a beautiful basketweave textured natural colored silk. Perfect for a long tunic to wear over capri-leggings as the weather warms up.

The tunic envisioned had a curved hem, a placket, a back yoke, and a not-overly-oversized width. Sleeves or sleeveless had not yet been determined.

So off to shop for a pattern as the Pattern Stash could not help.

Vogue 8951

Purchased Vogue 8951, as it was not overly-oversized, but missed that all important term “Moderate Stretch Knits.”

Simplicity 1694

So Simplicity 1694 with its curved hem and back yoke was the next choice.

Cut the body narrower and added a dart for shaping. Did not incorporate the button band or collar.

The result was far from the intention – it fit like a basketball player’s jersey! A humongous basketball player’s jersey. The armholes went to my waist!

Much re-cutting and fitting was required.

Stash Couture Tunic

The final decision was sleeveless and no placket. The tunic was sewn with French Seams. A simple bias binding edged the armholes and neckline.

The fabric was a dream to work with – although cutting the pieces so that the basketweave was straight was a bit of a challenge.

The wire figure I used to model the tunic creates a less than flattering image – especially the side photo.

But the side view does show the longer length in back and the shaping dart. The width is quite narrow compared to the original pattern.

Stash Couture Tunic in an unflattering side view photo

I wish I had kept better record of the re-cutting and fitting. I would wear more of these.

Posted in Clothing, Scrap Couture, Sewing, Stash Couture | Tagged Sewing a silk tunic, sewing a tunic, Simplicity 1694 | 2 Comments

A Tale of Two Vests

Posted on February 20, 2014 by destashification

Linen Vest and Scarf

Herringbone Vest and Scrap Couture Scarf

Herringbone Vest and Scarf

A vest was needed to wear with the Scrap Couture Linen Stitch Scarf – but in the end two vests were sewn!

Burda #131 Vest Pattern

The first vest was sewn with a stretch herringbone suit weight of unknown fiber content.

The pattern selected was Burda 01/2013 #131 – with modifications.

Resized (pattern only available in EU Plus Size)
Unlined
Back length revised to mirror front length and curve

Completed Herringbone Vest

The dual-princess seamed design (eventually) allowed for a perfect fit.

Love the modified back!

The herringbone pattern in the fabric is ecru and tan – with just a hint of pinkish – so the vest and scarf complimented each other perfectly.

Pants/leggings were needed to complete the ensemble. Unfortunately, my closet is not a robust as my Fabric Stash.

Beige Pants. That is all I had that coordinated with the outfit.

Beige Pants. Beige Vest. So much biege. From a distance the outfit was just biege.

To rectify the problem it was either buy pants or make darker colored vest. Rust or Copper seemed to be the best color for either option.

I went to the Stash first – and while the Stash contains much fabric in Rusts and Coppers – none were “Just Right.”

Just prior to heading out to shop for pants, I remembered that I had sewn a long linen skirt a while back with a copper colored linen. After completing the skirt, I discovered long skirts are just not for me. Too confining and too hot – even when made of linen.

Linen Vest Completed

So, using Vogue 7124 and the miles of fabric in the skirt, another vest was cut out.

Vogue 7124

Modifications to the pattern included:

Used View A, but cut fronts from lining pattern.
Lengthened zipper flap.
No lining or hood.
Back made 2″ longer than front.
Curved side edges of front and back.
Extended and curved collar.
Created pockets that seemed more appropriately sized.
Added grommets, casing and ties at waist.

Topstitching Detail

Both vests were heavily topstitched – although I must admit, the process was much more enjoyable with the linen than with the stretch fabric.

Scarf and Linen Vest

The darker vest works well with the lighter colored pants – which enables me to wear that vest now – while shopping for a darker pair of pants/leggings to wear with the herringbone vest!

Costs for the two vests totaled about $5 as I had to purchase zippers. Now if I can just find pants for the same amount…

Posted in Accessories, Clothing, Embellishment, Sewing, Stash Couture | Tagged Burda 131, sewing military vests, sewing pattern modifications, sewing vests, Vogue 7124 | 1 Comment

Knitting Pattern for Scrap Couture Linen Stitch Scarf

Posted on February 9, 2014 by destashification

Scrap Couture Linen Stitch Scarf

This post is the pattern for the Scrap Couture Linen Stitch Scarf.

Finished size: 7 ” wide by 6 feet long (does not include fringe)

Gauge: 20 sts * 40 rows = 4 inches (not all that important)

Note: All rows are worked on the right side of scarf. This is accomplished because of the use of the circular needle. Finish a row, cut a secure a 10″ yarn tail. Return to start and knit next row.

Materials:

Oddments of Yarn in the neighborhood of Worsted Weight.
Size 10.5 circular Knitting Needles (long)

Linen Stitch Chart

Linen Stitch (in knitting lingo):

Row 1: *K1, yf, Sl1, yb *; repeat between *’s to end.
Row 2: *yf, Sl1, yb, K1*, repeat between *’s to end
- yf = yarn forward
- yb = yarn back
- sl1 = slip one stitch

So the translated version is:

Row 1: *Knit 1 stitch, bring yarn forward between needle points, slip the next stitch (without knitting it), move yarn to the back of work through needle points*. Repeat the instructions between the *’s to the end of the row.

Row 2: *Bring yarn forward between needle points, slip the next stitch (without knitting it), move yarn to the back of work through needle points, Knit 1 stitch*. Repeat the instructions between the *’s to the end of the row.

Linen Stitch with Scrap Yarn

As seen in the graph, Row 1 and Row 2 are the same 2-stitch pattern. Row 2 just slides over 1 stitch to alternate horizontal “Yarn Bar” location.

Instructions

Cast on 310 stitches (for a 6 foot scarf) with selected yarn.
Return to start and with a second yarn leave a 10″ tail and knit Row 1 of Linen Stitch. Leave 10″ tail at end of row.
Return to start and with a third yarn leave 10 ” tail and knit Row 2 of Linen Stitch. Leave 10″ tail at end of row. Tie tails of these two rows together close to scarf.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until 66 rows have been knit (or until scarf is desired width)
Knit final Row of Linen Stitch with yarn used for Cast on.
Bind off using same yarn.

Fringe: (Apologies for photos, I forgot to take any photos when making the fringe, so had to improvise)

Pretend the clip is the scarf end. Separate first 4 strands.

Lay scarf so that fringe is on thigh.
Select first 4 strands of fringe, pushing other to side.
Select first 2 strands of fringe and roll on thigh until tightly twisted.
Hold twisted strands in other hand and roll the second 2 strands on thigh until tightly twisted (in the same direction as the first two)
Separate 4 strands into 2 and 2. Twist two together by by rolling on thigh.

Place twisted strands close together and stretch slightly.
Tie an overhand knot 4″ or so from scarf edge and release. Fringe should be “double-twisted”.
Repeat process for all fringe strands.
Trim ends 1″ – 2″ from knot.

Two strands twisted together.

Hold twisted two out of the way and twist other two strands by rolling on thigh.

Place two twisted cords together and stretch slightly.

Tie a knot. Strands will wrap around each other when you let go.

Repeat for other strands until fringe is complete.

Posted in Accessories, Beginner Knitting Project, Free Knitting Pattern, Knitting, Scarf, Stash Couture, Tutorial | Tagged Free Lilnen Stitch Scarf Pattern, Free Scarf Pattern, Knitting Linen Stitch | 7 Comments

Scrap Couture Linen Stitch Scarf

Posted on February 8, 2014 by destashification

Scrap Couture Scarf

A 100% Destashification Project.

Complete Knitting Instructions (including fringe) here.

The Yarn Stash contains a bin of “loved and left” – over yarn.

Every knitter has some – might be left over from a sweater or maybe it was a single skein (on clearance) that was just too beautiful to pass up – but there every knitter has “oddments.”

Their fiber content and weight may vary. And while they are usually small on yardage, oddments are typically beautiful, soft and very patient – as they wait to be used!

Scrap Couture Linen Stitch

While ~~sorting~~ drooling over my Yarn Stash, I noticed a preponderance of pinks and browns – colors I have been drawn to for a few years. Two of the yarns were gorgeous handpainted – combining pinks and a caramel brown!

With one exception, the yarns were in the vicinity of worsted weight. The fiber content varied from acrylic to cashmere – and everything in between.

The Pinks: Lace weight (used double) dusty rose cashmere/wool and a coral cotton/microfiber

Linen Stitch is very forgiving – a slight change in the gauge will not be visible, so all of these varied yarns could be used.

Using the longest Size 10.5 circulars in the Knitting Needle Stash, I cast on 310 stitches using the Caramel acrylic.

Acrylic, Cascade 200 Superwash, Dark Brown Acrylic with Gold Thread, Gold Cabled Cotton and Medium Brown Cotton/Microfiber

The Browns: (Upper Left) Caramel Acrylic, Cascade 200 Superwash, Dark Brown Acrylic with Gold Thread, Gold Cabled Cotton and Medium Brown Cotton/Microfiber (center)

Returning to the start of the cast-on, I started the Linen Stitch with a mystery dark brown acrylic highlighted with a gold metallic thread (absolutely no idea why I have this yarn).

Caramel/Dusty Rose/Pale Pink. Dusty Lavender and CaramelBright Pinks and Oranges.

Caramel/Dusty Rose/Pale Pink. Dusty Lavender and Caramel/Bright Pinks/Orange.

Returning again to the start end, the next row of Linen Stitch used one of the handpainted…

….and I was hooked!

The Linen Stitch worked to bring the colors together! Each row was as intriguing as the one before!

Scrap Couture Scarf in progress

After a few ~~mistakes~~ explorations, I discovered that each row required 6 yards of yarn. A quick check of The Stash found one very small oddment that was added to the available yarns. Six yards is not very much.

The Linen Stitch is the same every row – and since work is always done from the right side – it is just knitting – no purling involved.

After a while, the K1, yf, S1, yb, repeat, repeat, repeat, developed a rhythm and the scarf flew off the needles.

After 66 rows, the Caramel Acrylic was used for the final Linen Stitch row and then again to bind off.

Scrap Couture Scarf

Because I am drawn to pinks and browns, the scarf will coordinate with many of my garments – but I am already planning a visit to the Fabric Stash to find coordinating colors.

The mixture of fibers makes the scarf so comfortable to wear – not a single itch! As the majority of the yarns were cotton or cotton/microfiber the scarf hangs with a nice drape.

The 310 stitches * 68 rows created a scarf that is 6 feet long and 7″ wide.

The 60+ yarns hanging off both ends were double twisted, knotted and trimmed to create a controlled fringe.

Scrap Couture Linen Stitch Scarf

Obviously, this is not the first pattern for a linen stitch scarf – all homage to those who created them before – it was those that inspired me to try this Scrap Couture Project!

Love it!

Posted in Accessories, Beginner Knitting Project, Free Knitting Pattern, Knitting, Scarf, Stash Couture, Tutorial | Tagged Leftover yarn scarf, Linen Stitch Scarf, Scarf knit with scrap yarn | 12 Comments

The Destashification Project

SLS Summer Top Series 3

SLS Summer Top Series 2

SLS Summer Top Series

Alabama Chanin Inspired Stash Couture Skirt

Spring Door Wreath

Angora Linen Stitch Scarf

Stash Couture Tunic

A Tale of Two Vests

Knitting Pattern for Scrap Couture Linen Stitch Scarf

Scrap Couture Linen Stitch Scarf

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