The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac ~ September 25, 2006

…………Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)

Sewing World News~

The Fall Collection has been released at Style Maker Fabrics! This is one of my favorite online fabric shops to purchase quality fabrics from. Two times a year they release a curated collection.

Style Maker Fabrics is one of my go-to fabric shops. I’ve been a loyal customer since 2018. If I had to pick ONE reason I love Style Maker Fabrics it would be the quality! This small family owned business goes above and beyond to make sure ALL the fabrics they sell are top quality.

To me, buying fabric and sewing are two completely separate hobbies. I LOVE fabric, always have always will. I often buy fabric just because it’s pretty and I like it~ with no intended purpose. It often winds up in my stash and eventually will get used. BUT~ my purchases from Style Maker are very different. This is the shop I go to when I’m looking for something for a specific project. Whether it’s a new Oakley Vest and Aria Shirt combination, or a “Faux Dress” and vest, I can always find exactly what I want at Style Maker. You can purchase samples for a small fee, or even ask them for actual photos of two fabrics together if you’re unsure.

The best part is that through Oct. 5 shipping is just $5 no matter how much your purchase!! International fabric orders will receive a special discounted rate.

My personal favorites

  • Rayon Challis, Poplin, Twill and Crepe. SM Fabrics carries a great selection of high quality rayons. Perfect for a new Rhapsody, Harmony or Caprice Skirt. Very few shops carry a true Rayon Crepe fabric. What a lot of other shops call Rayon Crepe is really a Rayon Crinkle. A true crepe has a pebble like texture in the weave. Rayon tail and poplin have a bit more body to them than challis, I love this fabric for blouses.
  • I love working with Rayon fabrics. The saying “you get what you pay for” really matters when shopping for it. Poor quality rayons don’t hold up very well, don’t wash very well and often just becomes a waste of your money. Every piece of rayon I have purchased from Style Maker Fabrics was been a pleasure to work with and wear. I always prewash my rayons and tumble dry low. After they are sewn, I machine wash them on cold and hang to dry. I do this because I love these garments and what them to last!!!
  • Cotton Modal Jersey Knit. THIS is my go-to for basics. Whether a Classic Tee or a La Bella Donna. It feels so dreamy. It may be a tad more expensive than other fabrics, but it is worth the price. You can find that fabric here.

Visit this blog post to see/read all about the collaboration I did with Style Maker Fabrics back in 2024.

Visit this blog post to see some of the Style Maker fabrics I used for my Spring 2024 wardrobe.

Below are a few of the fabrics that I have ordered for my stash! Hopefully they won’t live in the stash for long~ but past experience has shown me that I tend to take time deciding what to make with my Style Maker fabrics!

Wool Blend Sweater Knit~ available in several colors
Rayon Challis
Cozy Flannel

Love Notions’ Denim Collection Sale ~ 6 Patterns Just $5 each

The “Denim Collection” is still on sale through Thursday, October 1. If you are planning on grabbing one or more of the patterns or the Legato Sewing Course, please remember to do so before it’s over! These patterns are perfect for sewing up denim~ but are also perfect in so many other fabrics too!!

Here is a link to the whole Denim Collection. Remember to use my code MARYMAC10 to get an additional 10% off if you spend more than $8! The 10% off Ambassador code program will be ending sadly on September 30, so grab any of these than you are thinking about since you won’t ever be able to get them at a lower price.

In the future, please try to support my Sew Mary Mac blog by always using my affiliate links. Simply click on any Love Notions link in any of my blog posts and shop. Doing this can help me to keep my blog ad free!

Presto Tunic
Pianoforte Jumper
Arlington Sweater

The Patterns Are~

Love Notions sewing courses are like having your own personal sewing teacher holding your hand every step of the way and there is a Legato Sewing Course available for just $15 during this sale. (that’s $10 off!)

You can purchase the Legato Sewing Course HERE.

Note: The printed Coda Quilted Jacket pattern will be on sale for just $18.

If you don’t own the Presto Tunic yet~ grab this one NOW!! I think this is one LN pattern that doesn’t get enough love!! I often forget about it myself ~ then when I wear it I remember how much I like wearing it! I am definitely going to be making another one this Fall. I must say that my favorite version of all time is my blue check flannel version ( a lightweight flannel works best and RCF will be releasing some next month that would be perfect!)

For more details on each of these patterns, visit last week’s Weekly Stitch HERE.

Here are a few blog posts I’ve written specifically about some of these patterns that I’ve sewn up.

Pattern Emporium Friday 50% Off Pattern Is~ Like A Boss Tapered Dolman Top

The Like A Boss Batwing sewing pattern could easily win the award for the fastest t-shirt you’ll ever sew. 

It’s the perfect combination of draped body, dolman sleeve and hip hugging hemline that will have you looking put together, even when you are not trying.

Featuring multiple necklines, short & long sleeves, its soft silhouette lends itself to your favourite drapey fabrics.

You can grab the pattern HERE. The Like A Boss is on sale for $5.50 USD

Remember PE in an Australian company so this sale will end Friday night at 10 PM EST.

New Retail Denim Releasing Next Week at Raspberry Creek Fabrics *For Real This Time*

I know I posted this last week~ but sadly the new denims didn’t make it into the RCF shop this week. We’ve been promised that next week, the whole new line of retail Denim WILL be releasing at Raspberry Creek Fabric. They are available in a variety of weights, some with stretch, some without. There is even 2 different Railroad stripes to choose from! Perfect timing with the Love Notions Denim Collection Sale!!!!

Visit last week’s Weekly Stitch to see more details on these awesome denims!

You can find the new Retail Denims HERE. (I’ll update this with the actual link on 9/29!)

  • Upcoming RCF Retail Releases
  • New Retail Ribbing in October (I’ve used it already and it’s wonderful)
  • New Flannel Retail ~ Oct
  • New Cargo Canvas in Oct.
  • New Plaid Shirting in Oct.
  • New Chino Twill
  • New Twill Shirting
  • New Bull Denim
  • And More!!

What I Wore Last Week~

I spent all of last week on Block Island, an island off the coast of Rhode Island. I wore me mades every single day including my nightgown and robe( sorry no pics!). I also wore a few items more than once! I always travel with several LN Aria button downs because they are just so versatile! While it is much cooler in the mornings, I throw a vest or sweatshirt over them and then as the day warms up I can roll up the sleeves. I always take the Arias that I have sewn up in seersucker and linen and this year I added the Oxford shirting version I made. I saved that for the coolest day~ but even though it was heavier it was still cool enough to wear in the afternoon. This is why I love 100% cotton shirting! Be sure to scroll down to my Bonus Photos!!

  • LN Willow Wrap Dress~ in Jude Connally designer deadstock knit from Surge Fabrics(2024)
    • A Jude Connally dress typically costs over $200. If you ever see their fabric being sold~ grab some! When I purchased this from Surge, JC still had dresses made from this fabric on their website!
    • Surge still has some of these, called the JC Collection available. This exact fabric isn’t available , but there are 2 other color ways and many other prints! Find them HERE.
  • LN Aria Button Down~ color blocked in seersucker from Mood Fabrics
  • M4M Jordan Dress~ modified into a kayak dress in Raspberry Creek Fabrics swim knit (the very 1st one I made)
  • LN Oakley Vest~ in Blizzard fleece from Joann Fabrics (the one fabric I really liked from there)
  • LN Constellation Pullover~ in French Terry from RCF (customer printed with a Cheryl Graham design)
  • LN Aria Button Down~in an embroidered seersucker from Joann Fabrics
  • LN Timbre Top ~ in an eyelet (with border) from Its’s A Material World, NYC Garment District (next to AK Textiles)
  • LN Clef Coat~ in patchwork Madras plaid from Cali Fabrics, lined with loop French Terry
  • LN Aria Button Down ~ in 100% Cotton Oxford Cloth shirting from RCF
    • available in lots of solids, stripes and custom printing on white
  • LN Chorus Dress ~ in an ITY knit from Mood Fabrics, NYC Garment District
  • LN Aria Button Down ~ in a linen stripe from Metro Textiles, NYC Garment District
  • LN Clef Coat ~ Just another pic taken after getting off the ferry on mainland Rhode Island
Great Salt Pond
Mohegan Bluffs
North Light, Block Island
1661 Inn
Why yes, I did walk down the bluffs 140 steps and then back up!!
Port Judith, RI

What I’m Sewing This Week~

To be totally honest, as of Wednesday I hadn’t sewn anything!! When I got home from vacation, my Christmas promo fabrics from Raspberry Creek arrived so I did get them rewashed. But, that is as far as I got. I’ve been busy doing lots of laundry, cleaning all of our kayaking gear to be stored away until next Spring and resting up! Yup~ that’s how my husband and I do vacations~ we need to come home to rest from them!!

Then there is the weather~ a Nor’Easter is on its way for this weekend (actually here already)~ which meant getting everything outside either put away or secured. So there really hasn’t been much time to think about sewing!

This weekend (hoping I have power) I will try to get to some of my sewing, but it doesn’t look promising! My birthday is Monday, which means I have one daughter coming down on Sunday. We started a tradition a few years ago of going to the annual Greek Festival for to get out fill of awesome Greek food. I hope the weather will allow us to still go. The outdoor tents may not be set up~ but the indoor “restaurant” will still open!!

Sewing Plans~

So~ I just cut and pasted my sewing plans from last week’s Weekly Stitch. Let’s hope I get this accomplished!

The first thing I need to sew will be the Christmas Club Strike offs. I’ll batch sew the 2 Sweatshirt fleece pieces~ either into 2 LN Aria Button downs or one Aria and 1 Constellation. The French Terry will be quick to sew up as a LN Sloane.

Next I plan on working on a RCF promo with some navy “Cargo Canvas”to sew up a jacket. I’ve been going back and forth on which pattern to use. Over vacation I looked at some other options, so this weekend I’ll make my final choice and get started. Contenders are: Grainline Thayer Jacket, Chalk & Notch Den Jacket and the Friday Pattern Company Ilford Jacket.

I’m also hoping to sew up one or two new LN Aria Button downs in Fall plaids! I’m sure you noticed by now that I LOVE wearing button downs and I actually “need” a few new ones for Fall.

Thanks for reading “The Weekly Stitch”! I’m so happy you took the time to “visit” my sewing room!

Mary Anne🙂

Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes!  @sewmarymac
You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account.

Pattern Links~

NOTE: These are affiliate links. It costs you nothing to purchase from these links but they do give me credit for your purchase and provide me with a small commission. This helps fund my fabric stash which allows me to continue to test and review more patterns. Using the affiliate link also helps me cover the costs of maintaining my website. I have tried to avoid placing ads on my website so using my link helps me to continue to do that.

Love Notions Patterns

Sadly after 9/30 there will no longer be any ambassador coupon codes for Love Notions. Up until that date you may use my code MARYMAC10 for an additional 10% off. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. I highly recommend grabbing any of the denim collection patterns what you’re thinking about, because this will be the last time you can get an additional 10% off the sale price.

 As this change is happening, going forward I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate links above to purchase any patterns so that I will get “credit” for the sale. (I do receive a small commission)

Again, in the future, please try to support my Sew Mary Mac blog by always using my affiliate links. Simply click on any Love Notions link in any of my blog posts and shop. Doing this can help me to keep my blog ad free! You can even save this link in your bookmarks which will always be my affiliate link ~ Love Notions Patterns.

Blog Posts~ These will give you more details on each pattern, my sizing and alterations along with sewing tips for each specific pattern.

Need a resource for your zippers for the Oakley Vest or Clef Coat? Visit this Weekly Stitch Blog for all the details on which zippers I use and where I purchase all my zippers from. 

Bonus Photos~ Block Island, Rhode Island

Last week we went on our annual September trip to Block Island. The weather was perfect (just a horrible drive to the ferry in torrential rain) for our entire stay on the island. It’s always the perfect way to end the summer! Block Island~ or “The Block” is truly my happy place and the one getaway I tell my husband is “non-negotiable”. We always stay at the 1661 Inn and Resort.

If you love crisp ocean breezes, peaceful landscapes, and time spent in nature, Block Island is the perfect fall escape. This New England gem is just far enough off the beaten path to feel like a true escape, yet still convenient to reach (Only way to get there is by Ferry, plane or helicopter). The quieter months of Fall is the best time to enjoy the island’s charm at a relaxed pace. (Yes, it’s pretty crazy in the summer!),

If you want more information about Block Island, visit this website. Want to see exactly where it is? Scroll to the end of the photos!

Arriving to “the Block”
The National Hotel~ A Historic Inn
View of the Atlantic from our room’s deck
View of the Inn’s lawn from our deck
The Barn~ our favorite place to eat
Every morning we rode our bikes before breakfast to the Bluffs
View of the Atlantic
The Mohegan Bluffs
The Atlantic at the base of the Bluffs
140 Steps down the Bluffs~ and then 140 steps back up!
The South East Lighthouse
At the Southeast Light
The Great Salt Pond that leads to the Atlantic
Kayaking in search of seals
Lobster Mac & Cheese
Best Dessert Ever!
My husband in his LN Tailgate Sweatshirt
The Atlantic
On our way back up the steps! We did these 280 steps every morning!
Our view at breakfast each morning~ the Atlantic
Those are not a pile of rocks~ that is a “pile” of seals! Hiked out to the point from the North Light to see them!
The seals follow you are you walk along the beach
The North Light
1661 Farm
The West side of the island is all hills, goldenrod and stone walls
My goat friends
On our deck~ headed to dinner
After the 280 steps again!
I bought kale at the grocery store~ they love it!
The North Light again
On the ferry leaving for the mainland
Till next year Block Island!
Illustration Block island map in United States

Block Island is part of Rhode Island~ it is the small island, circled in red off the coast of Rhode Island and Long Island, NY

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ September 18, 2026

…………….Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)

Sews World News~

In search of some great online fabric resources? One of my personal favorites is Cali Fabrics! Join the Cali Fabric Insiders Facebook group. Every Friday, Ron posts a video of everything new they have gotten in that week. What I love about his videos is that he shows you the fabric, gives you tons of info on each one AND handles them so you can see how the fabric actually drapes! I know~ we ALL prefer purchasing fabrics in person~ but this is the next best thing!! I have yet to be disappointed with something I have purchased from him!

Love Notions’ Denim Collection Sale ~ 6 Patterns Just $5 each

Continue reading →

Singing Praise For The New Serenade &The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ September 11, 2026

…………..Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links.)

Love Notions Newest Pattern~ The Serenade Top & Dress

The newest pattern from Love Notions released earlier this week. I was able to test this one and let me tell you~ I LOVE IT! I have never really worn wrap tops, mainly because being petite with a fuller bust they don’t generally fit me. This pattern has totally changed how I feel about wrap tops! I love that I can actually wear this AND actually move around and everything stays in place~ no tugging or readjusting! After testing was complete~ I went and sewed up another one before it released. That’s how you know I love this pattern!

In case you missed it, I wrote a blog post all about the Serenade Shirt along with some info on the new Serenade Sew Along You can read that post HERE.

The pattern is still on sale for $9.50 (through 9/14) and you can use my code MARYMAC10 to get an additional 10% off. You can grab the pattern HERE.

The other exciting news from Love Notions is the Serenade Sew Along! This is a 6-week sew along with Tami for just $15 (use my code for 10% off). This is something new for Love Notions and I think you may find it something that might enjoy! Whether it’s help on sewing the “tricky” parts, pattern fitting help or just motivation to get your Serenade sewn up I think it’s a great idea. (I think I may even join in!). You can get more information on the Serenade Sew Along HERE.

You can sign up for the Serenade Sew Along HERE.

Continue reading →

The New Serenade~ A Pattern Worth Singing About!

……………..A New Pattern Release From Love Notions

This is one pattern I am soooo excited to share with you!! Being petite, yet full busted~ I have never been a fan of woven wrap shirts, mainly because they NEVER fit me right! Imagine how surprised and elated I was when I made my Serenade top! I love it so much I’ve made 3!!!! I’ve already got several ideas for ones I want to make next Spring and Summer!! (Be sure to scroll to the end to see the Serenades I’m already planning for Spring/Summer!)

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The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ September 4, 2026

.…………Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links.)

A Tiny Bit of Sewing World News~

The new pattern from Love Notions finished testing today and will be releasing next Tuesday 9/8!! I think it’s amazing! See below for all the details!!

A new pattern from Pattern Emporium released yesterday! See Below.

Surge Fabrics is having an awesome Labor Day Sale~ 20% off a collection of fabrics perfect for Fall sewing. Shop the sale HERE. Sale runs through Monday.

Boho Fabrics is have a 20% Site-Wide Sale now through Wednesday, 9/9.

Head over to Style Maker Fabric’s Instagram where they are hosting a giveaway weekend. You can enter to win a kit to make the new True Bias Merritt Shirt. (It includes the pattern, shirting fabric and buttons!) @StyleMakerFabrics

Nick of Time Textiles is having a sale that runs through Friday night 9/4. If you buy 5+ yards you pay only $5.55 per yard. I have gotten some great twill and other staples here. Definitely worth your time to look over what they have!

(I will update this and add any other sales that I find for the Holiday weekend.)

The Serenade~ New Pattern from Love Notions Releases Tuesday 9/8!

I will have a new blog post all about the Serenade out on Tuesday for all the details, my sizing and modifications, fabric recommendations and sewing tips. I’ve just finished up my third one~ so I have some tips for you! In case you wake up super early and grab the Serenade~ remember you can get 10% off the sale price with the code MARYMAC10.

Even more exciting news!!!! For the first time ever Love Notions will be having a Private Serenade Sew Along that will last for 6+ weeks on a private Facebook group. The Serenade Sew Along is a 6+ week guided sewing experience designed to help you do more than just purchase a new pattern — but to help you sew it successfully! This won’t be free~ but it’s something new and I think it will be a great resource! The cost will be $15.00 and you can use my code MaryMac10 to get 10% off!

See below for some details or visit the Love Notions website for more info~ HERE

  • WHEN: September 14-October 30th
  • WHERE: Private Facebook Group
  • COST: Pattern + SAL = $24.50 Use code MARYMAC10 for 10% off!
  • or
  • SAL only = $15
  • Weekly live videos
  • Targeted sewing and fitting help
  • Weekday check-ins
  • Detailed email digest
  • Private Facebook community
  • Motivation to sew
  • Accountability & “sewjo” boost!
  • Fitting help
  • Fabric help
  • Exclusive discount codes
  • Prizes & giveaways (including a $230 Reliable Steam Iron!). See below for all the Sponsors!
  • Sponsored by:
  • Surge Fabric Shop – $50 giftcard
  • Sincerely Rylee – 8 yard woven bundle prize, 
  • LA Finch Fabrics – $50 giftcard, 25% off
  • TomKat Stitchery – Mastering the Art of Fabric Selection Course, $109 value
  • Minerva
  • Reliable Irons – 2701R Steam Iron, $230 value
  • PDF Plotting – 25% off for Serenade print, good through 9/14
  • Amanda’s Bundles – $25 giftcard
  • Sitka Fabrics – 20% off (no US shipping)

If you are really excited about the new Serenade and want to be ready for Tuesday, I’ve popped the Sizing and Fabric charts below. So if you want to shop or shop your stash you’ll know what you’ll need. (Remember if you’re going to make your own bias tape~ I suggest adding 1/2 yard to your fabric requirements.)

Continue reading →

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ August 28, 2026

…………..Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)

A Tiny Bit of Sewing World News~

Love Notions “Preppy &n Polished” Collection sale is over. The next Collection sale will be in September AFTER the release of their newest pattern. Keep reading to see a sneak peek from Tami (the owner and designer).

Check your emails daily for the next week or so~ I’ve been seeing lots of Labor Day Sales announcements from pattern and fabric companies.

Raspberry Creek Fabrics has released their new Oxford Cloth line(see below) and during the month of September there will be several new retail fabrics released!

Continue reading →

The Preppy & Polished Collection Sale From Love Notions & The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~August 14, 2026

…………..Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)

The Aria Button Down

Sewing World News~

Love Notions Preppy & Polished Collection Sale ~ 5 Patterns Just $5 Each!

The New Sale Collection is here!! Today, through Thursday, August 27 these 5 “Preppy & Polished” patterns will be on sale for just $5 each (Digital)! Buy all 5 or just the ones you’re missing!

This new Collection isn’t just about “Back To School”~ it’s about getting ready for a new season and the changing weather that comes with it. It’s about planning our sewing for these changes. For me “Back To School” was always a time for new clothes (buying and sewing)~ but now as a retired teacher(32 years) and an empty nester ~ I STILL get excited for this change. I love seeing the new Fall fabrics~ flannels and plaids, corduroy and sweater knits! I hope this new Collection will inspire you to whip up something new for yourself for the new season! Why these patterns? Think Classic Styles, Preppy and Polished looks. Plus these tops and bottoms pair so well together for that casual preppy look or for an elevated polished look.

The Patterns Are~

Here is a link to the whole Preppy & Polished Collection. Remember to use my code MARYMAC10 to get an additional 10% off if you spend more than $8!

Love Notions sewing courses are like having your own personal sewing teacher holding your hand every step of the way and there is a Aria Sewing Course available for just $15 during this sale. (that’s $10 off!)

You can purchase the Aria Sewing Course HERE.

Note:The printed Largo Cargo pattern will be on sale for just $18

Continue reading →

Sewing With Stretch Crepe & The Pattern Emporium Spill The Tea Top

Raspberry Creek Fabrics just released their new designs on Stretch Crepe, Rayon Challis and Ponte. I have always been a HUGE fan of their rayon challis along with tons of other sewists. But, I have learned that not everyone is familiar with stretch crepe or how to sew it. SEW~ I’ve pulled together some info for my readers and visitors! I hope you find it helpful!

So let’s talk about Stretch Crepe.  To begin, we’ll  go over all the Pros and Con(s) of stretch crepe. 

Pros

There are just soooo many!

  • Doesn’t wrinkle easily, which makes it great for travel.
  • Simply wash and dry!  Hang up after removing from the dryer and no ironing necessary!
  • Soft to touch
  • Amazing drape!
  • Easy to work with, making it great for beginners!
  • No need for lining, even with light background colors
  • Has a touch of stretch, making it comfortable to wear.
  • Can be used for custom designs that are full coverage.  (darker backgrounds especially)

Cons

All great things always have a few, but don’t let it sway you.

  • Polyester fiber content
  • Doesn’t hold a crisp press (but a product like Sally’s Best Press helps a ton!)

That’s the only con I can think of.  I know that many sewists prefer to sew with natural fibers for a variety of reasons.  I’ll be honest, I typically do as well.  I love nothing more than rayon and linen, but this stretch crepe certainly has a place in my wardrobe.

So there you have the Pros and Cons of stretch crepe.  But what is it exactly?

First off, don’t let the name fool you.  It is a woven fabric, not a knit.  RCF stretch crepe is 98% polyester and 2% spandex.  That small amount of spandex content gives the fabric just a touch of stretch.  It makes movement when wearing it  just a tad easier.  This small amount of spandex does NOT mean you can use it for patterns designed for just knits.  FYI:  Not all crepes have spandex in them.Crepe is a woven fabric.  During weaving a yarn is twisted . That twisted yarn gives the fabric surface a slight texture.  This crepe texture adds dimension and interest to the fabric.  Some like to refer to it as “pebbled” or “bubble” crepe.  You can see this texture in the photo below

RCF stretch crepe is great for flowy dresses and pants, skirts, tops and blouses. It is a nice weight and drapes beautifully. It is heavier than RCF rayon challis. It also has more body than a rayon challis, so it creates THE best flutter and bishop sleeves. I absolutely adore a stretch crepe flutter sleeve! Stretch crepe is comfortable to wear, and can easily work for both a casual or work settings.

Tips for Working with Stretch Crepe

  • Because of the polyester fiber content, it is more difficult to press.  Always use a press cloth to avoid melting your fabric.  Because of this, I prefer to use this crepe for flowy and softer silhouettes.  I personally would  avoid more tailored styles that require crisp pressed details.
  • Always use a brand new needle when sewing stretch crepe.  
  • My first choice would be a Sharp(Microtex) needle.  This needle has a very fine point which helps to prevent snags in your fabric.  If you don’t have a Sharp needle,  you can try a Universal needle.  Make sure your needle is either 70/10 or 80/12.  Always test your needle on your fabric first!
  • Do not use a Ballpoint/Stretch needle~ remember this is a woven fabric.  These needles have rounded tips to prevent them from making holes in knit fabrics.  These needles WILL snag and damage stretch crepe.  See an example of this in the photo below.

Raspberry Creek Fabrics has added 4 new designs on Stretch Crepe to the shop. (See above photo) Stretch crepe is also available for custom printing as well. Colors print vibrantly on stretch crepe, making it perfect for bright and dark colors.

You can find all of there retail prints available on Stretch Crepe HERE.

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The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ August 7, 2026

……………Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links.)

Sewing World News~

Love Notions~

The next “Collection” will arrive on Friday, August 14 and run through August 27. Again, it will include a group of patterns based on a theme. All patterns will be just $5 each. I think there are a few you may “need” so be sure to read next Friday’s Weekly Stitch!!

Sale Over~ Pattern Emporium Friday 50% Off Pattern Is~ True Romance Bishop Sleeve Top

The True Romance Top sewing pattern puts the spotlight on the beautiful bishop sleeve. This pattern walks you through, step by step, to create a banded, flared, or semi-fitted tee with a stunning bishop sleeve that you can style your way.

And the options don’t end there! Whether you prefer a subtle or bold sleeve, you’ll learn how to finish the gathered details with your choice of cuff, extended cuff, shirring, ruffle, or simple elastic for a truly personalized look.

  • 2 Bishop sleeve styles: 
    Subtle – one with a subtle flare, 
    Dramatic – the other very full.
  • Multiple sleeve finishes: 
    Cuff.
    Extended cuff.
    Shirred.
    Shirred with ruffle.
    Elastic.
  • 3 Silhouettes:
    Semi-fitted t-shirt.
    Flared.
    Banded.
  • Boat neckline.
  • Easily mash with the Besties Tee for more necklines.

You can grab the pattern HERE. Pattern is on sale for $5.50 USD

Remember PE in an Australian company so this sale will end Friday night at 10 PM EST.

New Fall Fabric Release From Raspberry Creek Fabrics

Earlier this week the new Fall Collections released. During release week, all new “Club” fabrics are $1 off per yard. Club fabrics are seasonal designs that are printed on 2 different groups of bases. Club Collections are released each new holiday season as well. The two different groups are as follows:

  • Group 1~ The “Natural Bases” French Terry, Cotton Lycra Jersey and the new Supreme Shirting Cotton 50’s
  • Group 2~ Double Brushed Poly, Rib Knit, Sweatshirt Fleece and Ponte Knit

Many of the designs are available in both of the fabric groups~ the difference will be the amount of print coverage. Full coverage designs don’t print well on the “natural fiber” bases. This is why all designs aren’t available on all the club bases. The “natural bases” designs have more white background as opposed to the others. Another thing to note is that anything printed on the Sweatshirt Fleece will have a slight “heathered” look to it.

When looking on the website, if you click on the design you are interested in it will show you the available bases. Be sure to click the one you want when ordering!! All of my promo makes this time around came from the Fall Florals Collection by Brittney Laidlaw. Brittney always does such a beautiful job with her designs! (PS is also coordinates the entire RCF Promo Team!)

Above is the Love Notions Constellation Pullover I made in the Fall Abstract Floral French Terry. (Sneak peek of the ribbing that will be coming to the shop in September!). Every release I “need” to sew up a new Constellation. I wear these year round. For more info on my Constellation collection, visit this blog post. You can find this fabric here.

I also sewed up a Cotton Lycra Jersey Bee and Hive Damask Floral print into my favorite nightgown pattern~ a hacked Love Notions Juliet Top. I always pick my favorite design to sew into a nightgown~ that way I can wear it more often! Note~ this cotton jersey gets softer and softer with every wash! You can find this fabric here.

Each release I also try to sew up something in either the DBP or Rib Knit. I typically choose the rib knit( as I find it cooler to wear), but this time I went for the DBP for the Love Notions Vivace top. I was drawn to this line drawn floral and apparently blue is my new color! I would like to note that the description for this fabric states “Navy”, but I don’t consider it a true navy. This is the “Navy Negative Line Drawn Floral~You can find this fabric here.

Here are a few more samples of the new designs you can find in the new Fall Club Collection! To see all the new Fall Designs visit the RCF HERE.

New Stretch Crepe, Rayon Challis and Ponte Designs Have Released Too!

This was a really big release from RCF this week. It even included new designs on Stretch Crepe, Rayon Challis and Ponte Knit. You may already know that I LOVE RCF Rayon Challis~ so this time around I decided to sew up a blouse in the Stretch Crepe. This isn’t a fabric that I would wear in the summer, but it’s perfect for the rest of the year. Later this week, I plan on sending out another Sew Mary Mac Blog with all the details on Stretch Crepe and tips for sewing it. I’ll also include my review of the Pattern Emporium Spill The Tea Blouse. Look for it at the beginning of next week. as I have a busy weekend. For the time being, here is the Spill The Tea Blouse that I made using one of the newly released stretch crepe designs.

Be on the lookout for these new releases coming soon ~

  • New Oxford Cloth stripes, solids and plaids next week!
  • New Denims at the end of August (various shades and weights, stretch and non-stretch)
  • New Club Halloween Release in French Terry, Cotton Jersey, DPB and Rib (also Supreme 50s Broadcloth, Ponte and Sweatshirt fleece)
  • New Ribbing in September
  • New French Twill in September
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