The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ April 24, 2026

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

Be sure to read all the way to the end for the details of yesterday’s NYC fabric shopping trip!

Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~ Chorus Top & Dress

The $6 Feature Friday pattern from Love Notions today, 4/24/2026 is the Chorus top and dress.  Need a nice dress in a jiffy? THIS is your pattern!! I was amazed at how quickly I was able to sew my maxi dress version! If you plan on purchasing the Chorus pattern, please consider clicking on my link to do so. This is an affiliate link and it will give me credit for your purchase. (Read more about this at the end of my post)

The Chorus Top and Dress is a unique dress that has many options to choose from. Depending on options selected and fabric used, this dress/top can be casual or dressy. It’s comfortable to wear, flattering and fairly simple to sew!

Both of my versions are sewn up in ITY knit. Personally I love sewing with ITY (even though some are a bit slippery to sew) because they are cool to wear, don’t wrinkle and you can roll them up into your carry on bag!! They go on every vacation with me!

For all the details on my sizing and the alterations I made for my Chorus maxi dresses , visit this blog post.

Pattern Emporium New Release

Pattern Emporium has released a new pattern this week. The All Good Asymmetric Tee is 15% off right now. Visit their website HERE, for all the details. There are also 3 other patterns 15% off right now as well. Be sure to click on the Pattern Mashing “+” to see all the ways you can get creative with this pattern.

What I’m Sewing This Week~

This week, I sewed up my first Pattern Emporium pattern. I’ve bought 3 so far, although this is the first one I have sewn up mainly because they are in Australia and their seasons are opposite of mine. The About Town Popover pattern released in the Fall, so I purchased it on sale during it’s release. PE also has weekly sales of one chosen pattern at 50% off. I now own 3 patterns and I look forward to sewing up the other 2 as well.

First up was the “About Town Popover” top and dress! This pattern is AMAZING and I look forward to making several more versions for spring and summer! I’ve popped in my wearable muslin of Front Style 1( front seam) that I sewed up to evaluate the sizing for me. FBA adjustments are already done for you, with 2 different FBA front pattern pieces to choose from. I chose the size 16 with the FBA2 graded out for my hips. This is the “tall” cropped length. For my next version, I will not grade out for my hips and I will shorten it 1″ at the shorten/lengthen line. I also plan to raise the neckline slit by one inch.

The pattern directions are amazing~ especially for newer sewists! The instructions are very detailed with so many photos to help you see exactly what your garment should look like at each step. However, if you’re a more experienced sewer, there is also a “basic” sewing order list as well. I loved how the tutorial even encouraged “block fusing” for the front facing pattern piece~ I’m am always “team block fuse”! In addition, at the end of the tutorial ideas are given for pattern mashing, such as what pattern sleeves can be swapped from other PE patterns.

The pattern drafting is excellent as well! I am a BIG fan of having the upper and under collar two different pattern pieces. When the under collar is drafted to be slightly smaller than the upper collar it helps the seam roll to the underside, which keeps the under collar from showing. I went fabric shopping in the NYC Garment District yesterday and got some beautiful white washed linen for another version! Read to the end of this blog for the details on my shopping trip!

You can find this pattern HERE.I

What else am I sewing? Raspberry Creek Fabrics has released their Summer 2026 Cotton Jersey, French Terry, Rib knit and Double Brushed Poly prints so I am working on sewing up my strikes for them. I’ve got a Cotton Jersey nightgown, a Constellation Pullover(of course!) and a dress for my great niece. Newly added this time~ these prints will be available on the Verona Stretch Poly as well. To read more about Verona~ just this Weekly Stitch post.

Below are the Spring 2026 collections. These are $1 off per yard through next Tuesday, 4/28/2026. You can find these prints HERE.

I also spent some time working on my shopping list for my jaunt up to the NYC Garment District. I went through my fabrics to see what zippers I would be needing (for Constellations mostly) so I could grab them at SIL. I made a list of what linen I needed from Gray Lines Linen~ a solid white for another PE Popover, various colors for my new color blocked Aria Button Down and of course anything else that I “need”.

Want to know more about shopping for fabrics and notions in NYC? Check out this blog post I wrote by request of many of my readers. Read it all HERE.

Do you have anything you’d like to learn more about specifically? Let me know in the comments!

What I Wore This Week~

Our weather has been all over the place this week! I actually had to turn the heat back on in the house at the beginning of the week, then we had 60*-70* weather towards the end! You can probably tell by the clothes I wore!

  • LN Constellation Pullover in French Terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics
  • LN Constellation Pullover in a heavy Sweatshirt Fleece (Style Maker Fabrics 2025)
  • LN Oakley Vest in a Blizzard fleece from JoAnn Fabrics 😦
  • LN Compose Robe~ sewn as a Cardigan
    • Italian Boucle from Chic Fabrics in the NYC Garment District

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.

Love Notions Patterns

To receive an additional 10% off LN pattern prices, use my code 10MARYMAC. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. (This means that you can no longer get my 10% off one $6 Feature Friday pattern by itself.)  Since this change has been made I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate links above to purchase the Feature Friday patterns so that I will get “credit” for the sale. (I do receive a small commission). I highly suggest adding on a kid’s pattern to your Feature Friday pattern order so you can get that discount!

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

Bonus Photos~ This Week’s Shopping Trip in the NYC Garment District

I went up to NYC yesterday for a bit of fabric shopping (ok, I bought way too much fabric!). I hadn’t been up for awhile and the weather was perfect!

To read full detail about shopping in the NYC Garment District visit this blog post. (This includes exact addresses too)

I went up in the morning and got to my first shop just as they were all opening. What I like to do is to start on 39th Street (between 8th and 7th Aves)and stop in to AK Textiles and It’s A Material Work(H & M Fabrics). I look around~ these are both shops that you need to spend some time and look through what they have. It’s totally worth it since you can get great bargains here. I took photos of what I liked and got prices~ but I wasn’t going to buy anything just yet. (Less to carry around this way).

I continued heading east on 39th up to 7th Ave then over to 38th Street.(Across 7th Ave you can see the “Big Yellow Button” although right now it is covered by scaffolding). On 38th St. My first stop was one of my favorites, Chic Fabrics to look around, get prices and take photos. Moving down 38th St. I went to my zipper supplier~ SIL. I had brought a half dozen fabric swatches to get zippers for. I continued down 38th St. to 8th Ave and then over to 37th St.

On 37th St. my first stop was Metro Textiles to see my friend Kashi. Here I began making some purchases, three pieces here. Next stop was my favorite shop to buy linen, Gray Line Linens, where I bought a white linen for another PE Popover top and 3 pastel linen for a colorblocked LN Aria button-down. Last stop before lunch was Mood where I bought a striped blue linen and a floral rayon crepe. I walked up to 7th Ave and then down to 30th St. for lunch.

There are many many options for lunch, but when I want a quick inexpensive lunch where I can sit and relax I always go to Bravo Pizza. Two slices of “Grandma Pizza” and a Diet Coke is perfect. There is plenty of seating and a clean bathroom(you just need to ask for the key). While eating lunch I went over my photos and decided what I was going to stop back in to make purchases. At this point I then headed back to the fabric shops on 39th. But if you wanted to visit the Museum at FIT, this is just a few blocks down 7th Ave.

I stopped in AK Textiles to pick up three pieces I decided I “needed” and another one at It’s A Material World, both on 39th. I had some time before I needed to catch the 3:00 bus, so I popped into Fabric House on the same street. I’ve never purchased fabric here before, and I found 2 awesome pieces that called to me! I also loved the workers here as well! There is a whole basement full of fabric neatly arranged. I actually found a plaid madras patchwork that is typically hard to find unless you want to pay $30 and up a yard. I got this for $15 per yard!

AK TEXTILES

I bought the 2 with the white check marks, both cottons
I may need to go back for this red plaid linen!
I grabbed the navy and tan linen plaid for a skirt

IT’S A MATERIAL WOLRD

This shop always has closing signs!
And a few different names!
A huge selection of coating fabrics!
I stopped back in after lunch for this patchwork printed challis.
Lots of seersuckers here.
Rows are tight, but no worries everyone knocks fabric over!

CHIC FABRICS

Always a big stack of remnants!
Lots of linen prints
Lots of linen solids too!
More linen prints and stripes
Linen plaids too

SIL

I love these Everbright metal zippers!

METRO TEXTILES

The entrance to Metro~ take elevator to the 9th floor.
So much fabric it’s out the door!
Kashi cutting my linen stripe
Beautiful eyelets~ I need to figure what I can make with that blue!
So much fabric in this small shop!
Kashi and I~ he is always up for a selfie!

GRAY LINES LINEN

I love the quality and price of their linen!
My light purple linen!

MOOD

Sign for Mood~ pass this sign and go through the revolving door
Go in this door and take elevator to the 3rd floor.
A full wall of Boucle!!!
I grabbed this blue stripe linen!
So much floral rayons at good prices!

LUNCH BREAK~ BRAVO PIZZA

Corner of 30th and 7th Avenue, right past Madison Square Garden

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS FOR LUNCH

This new place took over the Houndstooth Pub and I am looking forward to going here. On the corner of 37th and 8th
Just want to grab a slice? Great place to stand at a table on the sidewalk and people watch!

FABRIC HOUSE

Wall in the basement

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ April 17, 2026

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

Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~ The Metra Blazer

UPDATED SALE INFO~ 4/17/2026~10:00 AM EST

Exciting news today! The $6 Feature Friday pattern today, 4/17/26 is the Metra Blazer. Even better news, is if you think you may need a little help with the tricky parts of this pattern~ the Metra Sewing Course is just $15 today. So you can get both the Course and the Pattern for just $21! You MUST use the code STITCH-9K4XQ2. Simply add the course and the pattern to your cart along with the code!

Already own the Metra Blazer pattern? If you already own the pattern but now would love the course, today is your lucky day! You too can purchase just the Metra Blazer Sewing Course for just $15! That’s a great deal. In order to get this fabulous deal you must enter the code STITCH-9K4XQ2

Note~ you can’t use my personal code for an additional percentage off, so please use my affiliate link for the pattern and/or course so I get credit for your purchase.

The Metra Blazer is such a versatile pattern. Depending on your fabric choice it can be dressier or more casual. It is much more comfortable to wear than a traditional blazer but looks more polished than a cardigan. I always wear one of my Metras when I go into the city for the day. I’m comfortable for the commute in, yet I still feel like I’m dressed nicely for the theater.

I just sewed up a new Metra Blazer in a Ponte Twill fabric and I just LOVE it. It has a bit more drape than a traditional ponte and just a bit lighter weight~ making it perfect for Spring and Summer!

Do you want more info on the Metra Blazer? Visit my previous blog post HERE. Here, I share my very first 2 Metra Blazers, fabric recommendations, sewing tips for the Metra and how I altered the Metra for my petite pear shape.

Above is one of the first Metra Blazers I every made! I love wearing them into the city for shows! This was a Funny Girl back in 2022!

What I Wore This Week~

Again, this week I’m trying to pull things from my closet that are a tad too large, wearing for the day, and then deciding if I will donate of alter them. I really really hate altering clothes! I simply would rather just make something new! However, some of the fabrics these are sewn up in are ones that I really love.

The first three I have decided to make alterations to them. The plaid Aria can simply be taken in on the side seam from the underarm to the hem and I will be happy with it. The hot pink double gauze is actually quite large. Before I take it in, I’m going to wash it in warm water and tumble it dry to see if I can shrink it just a tad. This swim knit Constellation looks pretty decent in this photo, when without my hand on my hip it kind of hangs like a sack. I also think it looks way too long now. I plan on cutting off the hem, taking it in through the sleeve and side seams, and then rehemming it.

The Colorblocked Seersucker Aria can be taken in just a bit on the side seams as well. My Caprice Skirt just needs to have the elastic in the waist tightened! The La Bella Donna still works so I’m happy about that since this Cotton Modal knit is my most favorite fabric to sew up basic tees in! (It comes in over 20 colors~ but the white is the best because it doesn’t show allow anything to show through!). You can find that fabric here. PS~ don’t worry if it is sold out, they always restock it!

  • LN Aria Button Down~ plaid cotton shirting from Style Maker Fabrics (2024)
  • LN Band Camp Shirt ~ in Double Gauze from stash
  • Ln Constellation Pullover ~ in Swim Knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics (custom printed)
  • LN Aria Button Down~ Colorblocked in Seersucker from Mood MYC
  • LN Caprice Skirt ~ in a vintage embellished cotton gingham
    • LN La Bella Donna ~ in Cotton Modal from Style Maker Fabrics
  • Love Notions Aria Button Down~ Linen stripe from Gray Lines Linen, NYC Garment District
    • This is my favorite source for linen. I buy it in person, but they do have some linens online as well. You can find them HERE.

What I’m Sewing This Week~

I finally finished my final version of the new Interlude Jacket from Love Notions! If you follow Love Notions on Facebook or Instagram you may have seen a sneak peek of it! It is scheduled to release on April 28th if all goes well with this final stage of testing! I can’t wait to show you my pink version!

My daughters were both down this weekend. My one daughter bought a house out of the city while the other still enjoys city life. So what does that have to do with sewing? My youngest, although she has a machine and can sew brought down with her a few shirts to be shortened for her vacation. She’s just been so busy getting ahead at work so she can be gone for 2 weeks! So of course I altered them for her! (She’s 4’11” so everything is always too long for her.)

I also did a few alterations on a few of my favorite spring/summer Constellations to get them ready for my bike rides.

My Spring Sewing Plans~

I’m slowly working to complete this list, although the new pattern from Love Notions has taken up A LOT of my sewing time. We’ve had a bit of a “fake summer” this past week, so I haven’t had any interest in sewing up other Metra Blazer or Coda Coat. I’m getting ready to cut out one or two of my Aria Button Downs from these plans!

  • LN Compose Robe “Cardigan”
    • Lt. Blue Italian Boucle (Chic Fabrics, NYC Garment District) DONE!
  • LN Metra Blazer
    • Navy Ponte (stash)
    • Bright Pink Linen look ponte (Surge Fabrics 2023?) DONE
    • Gray Sweatshirt fleece to copy the viral “Gray Sweatshirt Blazer” 
  • LN Aria Button down
    • Purple Linen~ long sleeved (Mood Fabrics, linen chambray)
    • Navy Linen hacked “Jacket”  (Mood Fabrics, midweight linen)
    • Another color blocked linen version (will buy at Gray Lines Linen in NYC my next trip in)
    • White Textured Cotton ~long sleeved (Stash
  • LN Coda Coat
    • Draper James bed quilt 
  • LN Caprice Skirt
    • Denim Chambray (stash)
    • Navy Batik print (I’ve had for years from Fabric.com!)
  • LN Constellation
    • New Swim knit from RCF- lipstick pink and green
    • Coral Loop French Terry
    • 2 new French Terry (RCF) prints
      • Cornflower floral DONE
      • Patriotic Block Print Floral
  • LN Clef Coat
    • Gray Sweatshirt Fleece (stash)~ I ordered a pink Vislon separating zipper~DONE
    • Navy Boucle (Style Maker Fabrics 2023?)~ It’s in time out and waiting it’s turn!  This Coat is cut out and I’m setting it aside and will come back to it.

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.

Love Notions Patterns

To receive an additional 10% off LN pattern prices, use my code 10MARYMAC. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more.(But not the Sewing Course deal today) This means that you can no longer get my 10% off one $6 Feature Friday pattern by itself.  Since this change has been made I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate links above to purchase the Feature Friday patterns so that I will get “credit” for the sale. (I do receive a small commission).

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

Bonus Photos~ This Week’s Bike Ride In Cape May (NJ)

Once the weather gets warm, my husband and I try to do a long bike ride (15-30 miles) once a week. It was unusually warm this week, so we headed down the coast to Cape May. We LOVE riding our bikes here, but once the summer season begins the roads are just a tad too busy(and often with tourists who aren’t sure where they are going). We will most likely get one more ride in before the tourist season begins and then we will wait until September!

We biked down to Sunset Point, then to Cape May Point to that beach and the Lighthouse. Cape May is a historic Victorian town, I didn’t get any pics of the homes today.(Just one of a house that had a pretty tree that was blooming!). We rode through some farmland and then the historic village before heading back to Sunset Point for lunch at one of our favorite spots, The Fish House. I forgot to take a pic of my Crab Cake sandwich until I had already eaten half of it~ while my husband had a Little Gem Apple salad with Salmon. No trip to Cape May is complete without a Kohr Bros. custard~ my favorite it the chocolate/peanut butter twist!

(Notice the cute photobomber in the pic of my husband at the table!)

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ April 10, 2026

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

Feature Friday Patterns From Love Notions~ The Game Day Jerseys!

The Feature Friday Pattern today is actually 3 patterns!!

There is a whole family of Game Day Jerseys available: Women’s, Men’s and Kids. Today, Friday April 10m 2026 they are all on sale for $6 each as the Love Notions Feature Friday patterns. To receive an extra 10% off an order totaling $8 or more, use my code 10MARYMAC.

Is a Game Day Jersey not really your thing? Me either~ but I found a way to sew this pattern up to become one of my favorite casual tops! And it doesn’t look anything like a “jersey”. After taking new photos of this “jersey” earlier this week, I realized I need to make more of these!

Why else should you purchase the Game Day Jersey? Do you love V-necks, but struggle sewing them??? Then THIS is the pattern for you! The lapped V-neck is such an easy element to sew- and it looks great! That is my favorite version of the Game Day! Oh yeah and it makes a great nightgown too( pajama top)! Scroll down to see those pics!

Be sure to visit my blog post linked below for some guidance in choosing your size for the Game Day Jersey. It is designed to be over-sized!

In honor of the Game Day Jersey being the Feature Friday pattern this week, I decided to share my little hack! This periwinkle floral rib knit top is a favorite! Having small shoulders and a full bust, I’m not always thrilled with the oversized jersey look on me. This version is a size L (Full bust) graded to an XL at the hip. (A size down according to my measurements.). To add just a touch of fullness to the back, without adding any additional room in the neck and shoulder area, I added a few gathers to the lower back piece. I find when getting things to fit me AND look nice, I need to get a good fit at the shoulders and neck area. By using the smaller size, I achieved that good fit~ and my little hack gave me just enough extra room in the back to make it comfortable.

Adding the back gathers is super simple!

  1. When laying out your back piece, place the pattern piece about 1 1/4″ to 2″ away from the fold rather than on the fold. See photo below.
  2. Stitch a gathering stitch across the top of the back piece, then pin it to the back yoke to fit. I made sure that my gathers were more concentrated towards the center.
  3. Press the seam up towards the yoke and topstitch.

But there’s more! I’ve even used the Game Day Jersey pattern to create one of my favorite nightgowns (along with my Juliet nightgowns)! Visit this blog post for all the details! The sage green nightgown was my first attempt at this hack and I added a bit too much fullness.

For complete details on the Ladies Game Day Jersey, visit this blog post. Here you’ll find other versions of my Game Day Jerseys, my sizing, sizing tips, along with sewing tips for the sleeve stripes.

What I’m Sewing This Week~

Earlier this week, I finished up my pink/coral Metra Blazer! Something else to check off on my Spring Sewing Plans list! (See photo below~ I wore it on Easter Sunday.)

I then spent most of this week working on my final “Interlude” jacket, the new pattern releasing later this month from Love Notions. We did run into an issue with the Full Bust version that needed to be adjusted. So I had to stop working on it for a few days. I think it’s one everyone will love. Lots of topstitching for a really professional look~ and not as hard to sew as you may think. I consider it a “satisfying” sew and I’ve been enjoying taking my time while sewing it up. I can’t wait to show you!! It will release at the end of April hopefully!

Because it’s been a stressful week~ between the holiday, pattern testing issues, interior house painting putting the house in disarray while my husband is doing a laundry room refresh(adding board and batten trim work) I needed a quick an easy satisfying sew. For me that is always the Constellation! So I added 2 to my Spring Sewing plans and got one sewn up in a Cornflower Blue French Terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics!

I also got a sneak peek of the Summer French Terry and Cotton Jersey release from Raspberry Creek. So I selected three designs and planned out what I would sew them up into. They are just cute novelty prints that are perfect for summer. I’ve planned a Constellation and a new nightgown for myself. I’ll be going with the LN Juliet nightgown hack as it works best for cotton jersey. I’ll also be making the LN Everyday Playdress for my four year old niece Vivian. I have made so many of these dresses for her and she wears then for about 2 years! As they get shorter she wears shorts underneath! Here is one of her favorites!

What I Wore This Week~

Our temps cooled down the beginning of the week ~ then warmed up a bit with another 80* day! Discovering each day where the “holes” are in my wardrobe. Do I dare say I need more Constellations? (Yup~ they’ve been added!)

  • LN Terra Tunic with V-neck hood~ in Oatmeal French Terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics
  • LN Constellation ~ in French Terry from RCF (2021?)
  • LN Metra Blazer ~ in a Ponte Twill from Surge Fabrics
  • LN Constellation ~ in French Terry from RCF (available at retail now)
  • LN Aria Button down ~ in fleece sweat shirting from RCF (custom printed)
    • LN La Bella Donna in rib knit
  • LN Harmony Top with a True Bias Marlo Sweater
    • Top in Stretch Crepe from RCF
    • Cardigan in “Urban” Rib from Mily Mae Fabrics~2024?

My Spring Sewing Plans~

I actually got one item crossed off my plans this week (the Pink Ponte Metra Blazer), but I did add 2 Constellations to my list. I love my French Terry (RCF) versions of the Constellation~ and I’ve found that several of my older ones are too large and look sloppy. I’ll keep them to wear for layering in the Fall, but for now I wanted to add a few new ones. This pullover is my favorite thing to wear for bike rides~ the large front pocket holds my phone without ever having to worry about it falling out!

  • LN Compose Robe “Cardigan”
    • Lt. Blue Italian Boucle (Chic Fabrics, NYC Garment District) DONE!
  • LN Metra Blazer
    • Navy Ponte (stash)
    • Bright Pink Linen look ponte (Surge Fabrics 2023?) DONE
    • Gray Sweatshirt fleece to copy the viral “Gray Sweatshirt Blazer” 
  • LN Aria Button down
    • Purple Linen~ long sleeved (Mood Fabrics, linen chambray)
    • Navy Linen hacked “Jacket”  (Mood Fabrics, midweight linen)
    • Another color blocked linen version (will buy at Gray Lines Linen in NYC my next trip in)
    • White Textured Cotton ~long sleeved (Stash
  • LN Coda Coat
    • Draper James bed quilt 
  • LN Caprice Skirt
    • Denim Chambray (stash)
    • Navy Batik print (I’ve had for years from Fabric.com!)
  • LN Constellation
    • New Swim knit from RCF- lipstick pink and green
    • Coral Loop French Terry
    • 2 new French Terry (RCF) prints
      • Cornflower floral DONE
      • Patriotic Block Print Floral
  • LN Clef Coat
    • Gray Sweatshirt Fleece (stash)~ I ordered a pink Vislon separating zipper~DONE
    • Navy Boucle (Style Maker Fabrics 2023?)~ It’s in time out and waiting it’s turn!  This Coat is cut out and I’m setting it aside and will come back to it.

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.

Love Notions Patterns

To receive an additional 10% off LN pattern prices, use my code 10MARYMAC. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. This means that you can no longer get my 10% off one $6 Feature Friday pattern by itself.  Since this change has been made I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate links above to purchase the Feature Friday patterns so that I will get “credit” for the sale. (I do receive a small commission). To take more advantage of the $6 FF sale, I suggest adding the Kid’s or Men’s Game Day Jersey to your pattern order so you may use the 10% off code.

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

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac ~ April 3, 2026

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

My Ruffle Sleeve Hack

Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~ The Ballad Blouse

The $6 Feature Friday pattern from Love Notions today, 4/3/26, is the Ballad Blouse. This is such a perfect blouse for spring and summer. Sewn in the right fabric it will keep you looking cool and comfortable right through the summer no matter how hot it gets where you live! Please consider using my affiliate link to purchase your pattern. You can read more about that below in the “Pattern Links” section.

For details on my “Puff and Ruffle” sleeve hack for the Ballad Blouse, visit this blog post.

For complete pattern details, my sizing and alteration info and how to “Block Fuse” your interfacing, visit this blog post.

The Ballad Blouse is THE perfect blouse for spring and summer! It’s loaded with options that can easily help you fill your closet full of beautiful yet comfortable blouses. The relaxed fit will help you stay cool, yet look cute! The real star of this pattern is the shoulder detail! You can choose between shirring or gathers. I’ve only made the gathered version at this time. Consider trying the shirred version as well~ I did shirring for the first time in a LONG time for my Tempo sundress. It’s a lot easier than you might think! Plus there is a wonderful video to help you along the way! I can’t wait to make a few sleeveless versions for summer!

What I’m Sewing This Week~

I’m working on my final of the new Love Notions jacket pattern~ be on the lookout for sneak peeks from Tami on the Love Notions Facebook Group and Instagram! I’m working with a beautiful piece of stretch denim like twill from KiKi Textiles. This pattern doesn’t require stretch denim, but this was the exact color I was looking for. It’s available in several colors too! I’ll share that information when the pattern releases.

The Patriotic line from Raspberry Creek Fabrics released earlier this week, and I have been busy sewing up 2 designs! I choose 2 prints that are available on Double Brushed Poly or Rib Knit. I LOVE the rib knit from RCF for making basic tees, the Vivace dolman, nightgowns and the LN LDT dress. I love that so many of the designs in this release are just subtle red, white and blue prints~ they don’t all scream Happy 4th of July! However, if that’s what you love~ they have designs for you too! While my exact prints are only available on DBP and Rib Knit (due to the saturated and darker colors), there are also many prints available on Cotton Jersey and French Terry.

  • LN Classic Tee/La Bella Donna mashup. (my most sewn and worn tee)
    • Mini Patriotic Stripe rib knit
  • LN Vivace Dolman
    • Dusty Blue Block Print Floral rib knit
    • I’ll have better photos of this over the weekend! (it was 40* and raining all day yesterday)

You can find the entire RCF Patriotic line HERE. These fabrics will be $1 off per yard through Monday 4/6.

To read all about my Classic Tee/La Bella Donna mashup tees, visit this blog post.

To read all about the Vivace Dolman, visit this blog post.

And lastly I began to work on a Metra Blazer that I have planned for at least 2 years! I think I put it off for so long because I was going to have to trace a new size(because of weight gain 😦 . But now I’ve lost that weight and can go ahead and sew the size that I already have traced! YAY!

I purchased this “Fruit Dove” Ponte Twill from Surge Fabrics a few years ago specifically for a Metra Blazer. I’m so happy to be finally working on it! This exact color is no longer available but there are several other colors still in stock. I find it has a tad more drape than most Ponte knits making it perfect for a casual Metra! You can find the Ponte Twill fabric HERE.

For more details about the Metra Blazer, visit this blog post.

Visit this blog post to see additional Metra Blazers that I’ve sewn up.

Ponte Twill from Surge Fabrics
This was my most worn Metra~ but I don’t care for the color of this on me anymore.

What I Wore This Week~

As you can see, I’ve worn some springy makes this week along with some warmer makes. We had temps this week in the 80’s and today it was 40*!

  • LN Aria Button Down ~ color blocked in cotton seersucker. (one of the very first Arias I made!)
  • LN Vivace Dolman ~ in a rib knit from RCF (2023?)
  • LN Constellation Pullover for a bike ride along the coast (swim knit from RCF-2022?)
  • LN Ballad Blouse~ with a hacked Puff and Ruffle sleeve, in linen/rayon
  • LN Melody Dolman~ hacked to a popover top with peplum skirt, in a rayon(found at an estate sale)
  • LN Constellation~in a soft sweatshirt fleece(that actually has some stretch to it!) from Style Maker Fabrics (2024)

For details on my Melody Dolman Peplum hack, visit this blog post.

My Spring Sewing Plans~

I’m slowly working on my list and trying really hard not to add anything new to the list! I did add the Gray Sweatshirt fleece Metra Blazer because I’ve been seeing the “Gray Sweatshirt Blazer” all over for over $100!

  • LN Compose Robe “Cardigan”
    • Lt. Blue Italian Boucle (Chic Fabrics, NYC Garment District) DONE!
  • LN Metra Blazer
    • Navy Ponte (stash)
    • Bright Pink Linen look ponte (Surge Fabrics 2023?)~ Sewing right now!
    • Gray Sweatshirt fleece to copy the “Gray Sweatshirt Blazer”
  • LN Aria Button down
    • Purple Linen~ long sleeved (Mood Fabrics, linen chambray)
    • Navy Linen hacked “Jacket”  (Mood Fabrics, midweight linen)
    • Another color blocked linen version (will buy at Gray Lines Linen in NYC my next trip in)
    • White Textured Cotton ~long sleeved (Stash
  • LN Coda Coat
    • Draper James bed quilt 
  • LN Caprice Skirt
    • Denim Chambray (stash)
    • Navy Batik print (I’ve had for years from Fabric.com!)
  • LN Constellation
    • New Swim knit from RCF- lipstick pink and green
    • Coral Loop French Terry
  • LN Clef Coat
    • Gray Sweatshirt Fleece (stash)~ I ordered a pink Vislon separating zipper~DONE
    • Navy Boucle (Style Maker Fabrics 2023?)~ It’s in time out and waiting it’s turn!  This Coat is cut out and I’m setting it aside and will come back to it.

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.

Love Notions Patterns

To receive an additional 10% off LN pattern prices, use my code 10MARYMAC. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. This means that you can no longer get my 10% off one $6 Feature Friday pattern by itself.  Since this change has been made I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate links above to purchase the Feature Friday patterns so that I will get “credit” for the sale. (I do receive a small commission). To take more advantage of the $6 FF sale, I suggest adding another pattern or a children’s pattern to your order so you may use the 10% off code.

*******If this code is not working today, please use my old code~ 10MACSEWS********

Fabric Resources~

REMINDER~ Monday April 6, 2026 is the last day to order the new Spring fabrics at Style Maker Fabrics with the $5 shopping fee! Believe me, this is a great bargain!

Below you can see all the fabrics that I bought for this Spring and Summer from Style Maker. I can’t wait to get these prewashed and to begin planning what to make with them. I have some ideas for a a few of them already!

Shirred Cotton Shirting~Blouse/Top
Seersucker~Blouse/Top
Rayon with Textured Stripe~
Melody Peplum Hack?
Rayon Poplin~Caprice Skirt
Rayon Challis~Rhapsody Blouse?
Rayon Twill~Caprice Skirt
Rayon Twill~Caprice Skirt
Pucker Rib Knit~ No Clue Yet!
Organic Cotton Interlock Knit~
Perhaps a Cardigan?

Bonus Photos~ Sandy Hook National Seashore

We had an 80* day on Wednesday (not normal for us at this time of year!), so we headed over to one of our favorite trails at Sandy Hook to check on the seals before they headed north. It is truly one of my favorite places to ride, although it does get too hot on this trail in the summer since there isn’t a ton of shade. Sandy Hook has a little bit of everything~ the ocean, views of NYC, a historic lighthouse (250 years old), an amazing paved bike trail that winds through Fort Hancock (a historic army fort built in 1857). And within the old Fort grounds is an amazing tavern that was once the barn for the mules~ hence the name The Mule Barn Tavern.

Last Day of the Love Notions Sale & The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ March 27, 2026

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

Today is The Last Day of the Love Notions 40% off Sale ~

*Use Code 10MACSEWS for 45% Off

Style Maker Fabrics Spring Launch News!!!!!!

$5 shipping (US) through April 6, 2026 regardless of how big your order may be!!! International fabric orders will receive a special discounted rate.

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.

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.

These are some of the fabrics that I have ordered. A seersucker plaid, rayon twill floral and an organic cotton knit stripe.

What I’m Sewing This Week~

This week I finished up the Fit test for the new Love Notions jacket pattern that will release next month. Some fit and design features are being adjusted now and then next week I will work on my final jacket.

I was also able to get something off my “Spring Sewing Plans” list completed! I made another Compose “Cardigan” from a boucle that I purchased at Chic Fabrics in the NYC Garment District. If you ever get into the city and need a little guidance on where to shop, I’ve got an entire blog post about shopping in the NYC Garment District. You can read that blog post HERE.

You can read more about modifying the Compose Robe pattern into a “Cardigan” HERE.

Returning This Week ~ What I Wore!

With the bitter cold and rainy days behind us (hopefully), I’ve been wearing more of my me-mades. (Instead of warm snuggly sweatshirt!). As I’m doing this I’m also dividing the clothes in my closet into 3 categories: Keep, Donate and Alterations needed. Sometimes wearing an item for a day helps me to decide what direction to move in. All three of the items below will be kept~ but with alterations made. The Band Camp needs to be taken in on the side seams as well as the Timbre Top. Neither of these can really be worn without a cardigan anymore. My Compose Cardigan needs to be shortened. This particular Boucle has some vertical stretch and I think it will look much better a tad shorter. It won’t be a quick project since removing topstitching out of boucle won’t be easy! However this fabric is special to me so it will be worth it in the long run. The Kelly green linen Aria will also need some work~ I’ll start with taking in the side seams a tad, then will unpick the back yoke and take out some fullness (that I added ) to slim it down.

  • LN Band Camp shirt- long sleeved with RTW cardigan.
    • Floral Stretch Crepe woven from Raspberry Creek Farics
  • LN Timbre Top in a floral Stretch Crepe from RCF with a True Bias Marlo Sweater in Urban Rib knit
  • LN Compose “Cardigan” in an Italian Boucle from Metro Textiles, NYC
  • LN Aria Button down “Jacket” in Italian Linen from Metro Textiles, NYC

Visit this blog post for all the details on how I create my Compose “Cardigan”.

Visit this blog post for details on how I create my Aria “Jacket”.

My Spring Sewing Plans~

I’m moving slowly here. I did get my new Compose “Cardigan” finished this week! Hopefully well we have a few bad weather days~ I find it so hard to sit inside and sew when I could be outside doing other things! Next up I think I’ll work on the Coda Coat!

  • LN Compose Robe “Cardigan”
    • Lt. Blue Italian Boucle (Chic Fabrics, NYC Garment District) DONE!
  • LN Metra Blazer
    • Navy Ponte (stash)
    • Bright Pink Linen look ponte (Surge Fabrics 2023?)
  • LN Aria Button down
    • Purple Linen~ long sleeved (Mood Fabrics, linen chambray)
    • Navy Linen hacked “Jacket”  (Mood Fabrics, midweight linen)
    • Another color blocked linen version (will buy at Gray Lines Linen in NYC my next trip in)
    • White Textured Cotton ~long sleeved (Stash
  • LN Coda Coat
    • Draper James bed quilt
  • LN Caprice Skirt
    • Denim Chambray (stash)
    • Navy Batik print (I’ve had for years from Fabric.com!)
  • LN Constellation
    • New Swim knit from RCF- lipstick pink and green
    • Coral Loop French Terry
  • LN Clef Coat
    • Gray Sweatshirt Fleece (stash)~ I ordered a pink Vislon separating zipper~DONE
    • Navy Boucle (Style Maker Fabrics 2023?)~ I ordered 2 zippers, both a navy Everbright metal zipper, one silver the other gold and will decide when they arrive which one I will use.out and waiting it’s turn!  This Coat is cut out and I’m setting it aside and will come back to it.

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 addiction which allows me to continue to test and review more patterns. Through Friday 3/27, use code 10MACSEWS for 45% off!

Love Notions Patterns

Sewing For Spring & Summer With Love Notions Patterns

………….The Big 40% Off Sale Is Here! (45% off if using my code!)

Today, March 23 through Friday-3/27, 2026, all Love Notions digital patterns and sewing courses will be 40% off! This doesn’t happen very often, so I highly suggest grabbing any patterns(and courses) you really want to sew up soon! The only pattern excluded is the new Muse Blouse. If you use my code 10MACSEWS  you can get an additional 5% off the sale prices for a total of 45% off!!!!

What Patterns Should You Grab?

Need help deciding which patterns to grab during this sale?

First, I recommend buying the recent new releases that you didn’t buy during the release sale. Patterns typically don’t become a $6 pattern until one year after they have released. Patterns such as the Opus Vest, Bridget Trousers and the Palmer Dress are good ones to buy. These patterns may have released during the fall and winter months, however they can work for spring and summer too!

This is also a great time to pick up any of the recent $6 Feature Friday patterns that you may have missed. Patterns are only featured for $6 once a year, so if you missed one~ now is the time to grab it! 

The 5 Patterns I’m Sewing This Spring~

1. Constellation Pullover

Why?

  • Perfect Summer Pullover!!
  • Half-zip front makes it so easy to put on and take off(much easier than a hoodie!)
  • The half-zip makes it breast feeding friendly too!
  • Great alternative to a hoodie
  • Comfy as a hoodie~ but looks so much nicer
  • Can be color blocked
  • Huge front pocket! No worrying about your phone falling out! I ride my bike with my phone in that pocket!!
  • Available as the North Star for men, or the Navigator for kids so you can make them for the whole family!

Many times someone might think of the Constellation as a something you’d sew for Fall or Winter. However, sewn in the “right” fabric, this pullover is PERFECT for cool spring and summer mornings or evenings! . I love the longer zipper, which means you can lower the zipper if you get a tad warm.

My newest Constellation is one I just sewed up in a brand new fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabrics called Verona Active Stretch Poly. For all the details on that fabric, visit this “Weekly Stitch” blog post. Although the Constellation is designed for knit fabrics, I have made it from Sweatshirt fleece that has very little stretch, so I decided to modify it to work for this woven stretch fabric and it worked out beautifully!

I absolutely LOVE this pullover and I can’t wait to wear it! This fabric is simply amazing to sew with! It’s fast drying, lightweight and has 2 way mechanical stretch! It is available in various solid dyed colors, all the prints in the RCF current Swim Collection and even is available for custom printing. My husband actually said this was one of my favorite makes! (Check out last week’s “Weekly Stitch” to see his Band Camp shirt in the solid French Blue Verona Active Stretch.)

Changes to made for a Verona Active Stretch Woven Constellation~

  • Added 1/2″ to all side seams (upper and lower bodices, pocket)
  • Added 1/2″ to the sleeve seam at the underarm while grading it out 2″ at the wrist (on both sides). This was for fit and comfort while wearing.
  • Used cotton/lycra knit for the cuffs and pocket bands.
  • Used tricot knit interfacing along the center front edge for more stability when attaching the zipper.
  • Finished the center front edges of the upper bodice after applying the interfacing. (Since this fabric is woven & will fray unlike a knit)
Loop French Terry

This time of year, I LOVE sewing up the Constellation in Swim Fabric. Above you’ll see my newest Swim Constellation. The Navy Lobster is part of the 2026 Swim Collection. I just had to throw in a picture of the Swim Constellation that started it all many many years ago!! Other fabrics that work great for the Constellation this time of year are French Terry and Loop French Terry.

My Constellation plans for this spring/summer are another Loop French Terry in coral and one more swim knit. I’m also going to be working on altering a couple of my favorites from the past year or so to fit me better.

If you’ve been reading my blog you know how much I love sewing every day clothes in swim fabrics.  You can read more over on this blog post. There you might find some helpful tips for sewing with swim.

You can read all about my Constellation collection HERE.

Purchase the Constellation Pullover HERE.

2. Aria Button down

Why?

  • Great layering piece
  • Long Sleeve version is perfect for cool evenings or chilly air-conditioned stores
  • Perfect when worn open over the LBD or a Summer Basics Tank
  • Short sleeve version is great for hot and humid days(when sewn up in a linen or cotton voile)
  • Sleeveless dress version is a great summer staple!

If you can only pick one pattern, then it has to be the Aria button down. A classic button down is always a staple in any classic wardrobe. I also love to use the Aria pattern as a vest or “jacket”.

Nervous about sewing a button down shirt? No need to be! There is an awesome sewing course you can purchase that holds your hand every step of the way. The 40% sale include all the sewing courses too!!  You can find the Aria Course HERE.

One of my favorite things to do is to modify the Aria into a “jacket” or vest. For the “jacket” basically I’m tweaking the cuff and the hemline. The Kelly green linen Aria “jacket” I made last spring is one of my all time favorite makes. I wore is so often that I knew I needed to make another version this spring. I’m planning a Navy Blue linen version for this year.  Visit this blog post for all the details.

A few years ago I purchased the light blue floral linen online. When it arrived, I loved it but it was a tad too heavy for a shirt~ so I recreated the wool vest I had made a year earlier. You can get all the details for the vest on this blog post.

I LOVE sewing and wearing the Aria in linen! It may wrinkle, but the coolness of it totally makes up for the wrinkles. My FAVORITE Aria is still my color blocked linen version that I made over 2 years ago. On my to-sew list this spring is an another color blocked linen version and a lt. purple linen version. My favorite place to buy linen is GrayLines Linen in the NYC Garment District. If you don’t love the wrinkles of linen, seersucker is also a great option for the Aria in spring and summer time!

You can read more about my Aria Button downs at the links below:

You can grab the Aria HERE.

3. Compose “Cardigan”

Why?

  • Makes THE perfect gift! (as a robe or cardigan)
  • Easy to fit (another reason it makes a great gift)
  • Quick and easy sew.
  • Beginner Friendly
  • Can be made in knit or woven fabrics.
  • Banded or hooded options
  • 2 different lengths available: Knee and Calf
  • Hanging loop included in pattern.
  • Can easily be made into a cardigan!

This is the most worn cardigan in my closet. It goes on every vacation with me! And yes, I made it from the Compose Robe pattern. This pattern is a great option to use when you have a knit that may not have enough stretch to it for a traditional cardigan pattern.

My first Italian Boucle Cardigan fabric is one that I purchased from Kashi at Metro Textiles in the NYC garment district. I already know this will be getting packed for my Italy trip next year! I also have a second boucle Compose “Cardigan” planned for this blue boucle that I purchased at Chic Fabrics in the NYC garment district as well. I’m hoping that perhaps this week before the sale is over I will get it done!

Visit this blog post for all the modifications I made to the Compose Robe pattern to create my cardigan.

Yes, I have actually made several Compose Robes! To learn more about the Compose Robe pattern~ read this blog post.

You can grab the Compose Robe pattern HERE.

4. Caprice Skirt

Why?

  • Five skirt styles to choose from
  • Easy to sew and comfortable elastic waist
  • Beginner Friendly~ especially View C
  • Quick Sew
  • Optional Pockets!

The Caprice skirt pattern includes so many options! Made with different fabrics it can bring you through the spring and summer and then right on to fall and winter. It is all about fabric choice.

Two times I have chosen to use the Caprice to make a “Faux Dress”! I love dresses, but as a retired teacher I just don’t need that many in my wardrobe. This is the perfect option for me!! I made one version for fall and another last summer. I have worn all of these pieces together and separately.

For the Navy Double Gauze version I paired the 3 tiered Caprice Skirt with the Timbre Top. I added a touch of white rick rack for fun. Because, who doesn’t love rick rack? Want some tips on sewing with Double Gauze? Visit this blog post.

This Floral Caprice Skirt is made from the View A/B back pattern piece. I used that piece as both the front and the back so it has just a single bottom ruffle. It is paired here with a Long Sleeved Band Camp Shirt and a Boyfriend Cardigan “Vest”. You can read more about this outfit here.

My Caprice plans for this spring and summer include a denim chambray version to start with. I also would like to find a nice linen plaid or check and perhaps another double gauze version. I do have a piece of batik lawn that I ordered from Fabric.com years ago~ that I think I might sew up into a Caprice as well!

To read all about my Caprice Skirt Collection, visit this blog post. This blog post also includes directions on how to line the Caprice skirt as well as many sewing tips!

You can get the Caprice Skirt pattern HERE.

5. Tinley Skort and Skirt

Why?

  • Casual and comfortable~ I actually live in mine all spring summer!!!
  • Great alternative to shorts
  • Perfect for bike riding and hiking, when made in swim or athletic fabrics
  • Super quick sew
  • Pattern includes shorts and skirt options
  • Easy to get a custom fit with back elastic

My absolute favorite way to make and wear the Tinley skort is with swim fabrics from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I have been making them for a few years now and I simply still grab for them all the time.

On a typical spring or summer day I may wear one to the grocery store, out to lunch, for a bike ride around the neighborhood, for a walk or just relaxing on the porch with a book.

They have also become my go-to for vacations! Perfect for hiking and more serious bike rides(20-30 miles)! The swim knit is cool to the touch and UPF 50 so it’s perfect for hot sunny days. I use cotton lycra for the shorts underneath. You could also make these in athletic knits. I purchase all my swim knits from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I love having fun “Lilly P” type prints custom printed on swim fabric.

The straight skirt option of the Tinley is my alternative to shorts. I simply don’t wear shorts~ I don’t find them comfortable and I hate how they bunch up on me! To me, the Tinley straight skirt is cooler and more comfortable to wear. I love using midweight to heavier weight cottons for the Tinley skirt.

The floral faux patchwork skirt is a stretch cotton poplin(from the NYC garment district) paired with a La Bella Donna. The Madras Patchwork skirt is also from the NYC garment district and it is paired with a white linen Aria button-down. This was the perfect outfit for a lunch date in Newport (RI) with my husband last summer.

For more detailed information on the Tinley Skirt and Skort visit this blog post.

Visit this blog post for a run down on all the fabric types you can use for the Tinley.

Want to simplify your Tinley with a single piece of wide elastic? Check my hack our here.

You can get the Tinley pattern HERE.

Additional Pattern I’m Planning To Sew

Metra Blazer

I haven’t sewn up a Metra Blazer in a few years. Mainly because the pattern I have traced (yes I am team trace) was a size too small. But, luckily not that pattern will fit me again! I really enjoy how comfortable the Metro is to wear. My plans include a Navy blue Ponte and a Bright Pink Ponte with a linen look. The Metro gives you an elevated with the comfort of a cardigan!

Still need inspiration? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit!  If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts!  On most Fridays I publish my “Weekly Stitch” blog with updates on what I’m sewing, pattern sales, fabric resources and sometimes random parts of my life!

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 addiction which allows me to continue to test and review more patterns

You can purchase any Love Notions pattern HERE. Remember this sale includes the sewing courses as well!

Love Notions Constellation Pullover

Love Notions Aria Button Down

Love Notions Compose Robe (Cardigan)

Love Notions Caprice Skirt

Love Notions Tinley Skirt and Skort

To receive a total of 45% off the pattern and sewing course prices, use the coupon code 10MACSEWS. This coupon code can be used anytime on any pattern. This code will be updating on April 1st. Please visit my newest blog post in April for the new code.

I am currently a Love Notions Ambassador. I am given access to all new patterns for free. I purchased some of the patterns above on my own before becoming an ambassador. As always all opinions are my own.

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac ~ March 20, 2026 PLUS The New Add-On To the Olympia Dress!

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

Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions ~

This week the Feature Friday pattern is the Olympia Dress with an added bonus! A shirt version has been added to the pattern and the dress/shirt pattern is just $6 today(and often through the weekend)! If you’ve made the dress, then you already know that the neckline is really the star of this design~ which is why a shirt hack was needed! *If you already own the Olympia Dress pattern, simply redownload it from the LN website for the update which includes the shirt pattern pieces.

The star of the Olympia is the integrated reverse shawl collar with a V-neck~ it gives this shirt/dress such a timeless classic look. Plus it’s much easier to sew that you may at first think. (Be sure to click on the video link for help if needed.)

I”ll be honest, I have never made an Olympia Dress, however when Tami asked the Ambassadors to test the new shirt addition I figured it was time. You can grab the Olympia Dress & Shirt pattern HERE. Please remember to use my link so I will get “credit” for this sale.

Using just the existing bodice pattern pieces didn’t work for this “hack” as the bodice has negative ease for the dress. Simply adding length to the bodice pattern pieces wouldn’t work due to natural hip curves. So Tami redrafted the bodice pattern from the waist down for the shirt version~ adding the length and additional ease to the hip area. This shirt is designed to be close fitting to be tucked in when worn. To get the best fit for yourself remember to choose your size based on your high bust measurement! You can always grade for the waist and hips!

My Sizing & Modifications

I started with the XL with a DD cup size, since my high bust is 39.5″ and my full bust is 44″. (Note the Olympia is designed with 5 different Cup sizes to get the best fit.). I then graded out for my larger waist and hips. Because I have that extra “fluffiness” around my waist (which is always fluctuating day by day), I did remove some of the shaping at the waist. I also did this because I knew I wouldn’t be wearing this top tucked in. If you are built “fluffy” like me I would suggest doing the same when cutting out your fabric. You can always go back and take it in at the waist after trying on your top.

I am only 5 feet tall (but not short waisted) and I did not remove any length from this top. It is designed to hit at the high hip, which it does. In the future I will probably add an additional inch in length for my personal preference.

I sewed this Olympia Shirt up in an ITY knit from the NYC garment district. It was pouring outside when I tried to get photos and inside photos are just terrible in my house! I do wish you could see that some of the polka dots are actually light blue! (See photo below)

BIG NEWS!!!!!!!

The Love Notions 40% off site wide sale is beginning on Monday 3/23 and ends on Friday 3/27. If you use my code 10MACSEWS you will get 45% off your total purchase. (as long as your order is $8 or more). All digital patterns and courses are included in the sale with the exception of the newly released Muse Blouse.

Getting 45% off the sewing courses is a HUGE bargain!! Be sure to add one or two to your cart! Not sure what patterns you “need”? I’ll have a blog post out early next week to help you decide. You can also check out some of my past Spring Sale sewing blogs below for more ideas.

What I’m Sewing This Week~

This week I finished up the garments I made with the new Verona Active Stretch poly fabric that is available at Raspberry Creek Fabrics. If you want more details on the Verona fabric visit last week’s Weekly Stitch. There will also be a blog post on the Raspberry Creek Fabrics blog (written my me) in the next week or so. I’ll keep you posted.

I finished up my final Olympia shirt for Love Notions as you can see above. In addition to that, I did a lot of writing about sewing (I think that counts!).

New Pattern News~ I’ve begun testing the new jacket pattern from Love Notions! I think you’re really going to like this!! I’m very excited about it. Be on the look out for sneak peeks from Tami! I found a great source for a denim with a tad of stretch and great drape. I’ll be sure to share that on the blog post for that new pattern!

This is the Love Notions Constellation Pullover. The Verona Stretch is available in any of the Swim Collection prints along with several solid colors. (You can also custom print on it!) Next week’s Spring Sale Blog post will include all the modifications made on this pattern~ since the pattern is designed for actual knits as opposed to a stretch woven.

Below is a picture of my husband Love Notions Band Camp shirt in the solid French Blue Verona Stretch. This fabric has such nice drape. This will be perfect to pack for all our summer getaways~ it doesn’t wrinkle!!!!

My Late Winter/Early Spring Sewing Plans~

Needless to say, I haven’t made any additional progress on my early spring sewing plans. Once I get other commitments out of the way, I will finish up my Navy Boucle Clef Coat. I’m hoping to jump into my Boucle Compose “Cardigan” next and then the Coda Coat.

  • LN Clef Coat
    • Gray Sweatshirt Fleece (stash)~ I ordered a pink Vislon separating zipper~DONE
    • Navy Boucle (Style Maker Fabrics 2023?)~ I ordered 2 zippers, both a navy Everbright metal zipper, one silver the other gold and will decide when they arrive which one I will use. Edited~ this is cut out and I’ve chosen the gold zipper! Can’t wait to get this sewn up! 3/18~in progress still!
  • LN Coda Coat
    • Draper James bed quilt
  • LN Compose Robe “Cardigan”
    • Lt. Blue Italian Boucle (Chic Fabrics, NYC Garment District)
  • LN Metra Blazer
    • Navy Ponte (stash)
    • Bright Pink Linen look ponte (Surge Fabrics 2023?)
  • LN Aria Button down
    • Purple Linen~ long sleeved (Mood Fabrics, linen chambray)
    • Navy Linen hacked “Jacket”  (Mood Fabrics, midweight linen)
    • White Textured Cotton ~long sleeved (Stash)
      • I made a LN Melody in this fabric last summer and I reached for it so often so I’ll make another

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 addiction which allows me to continue to test and review more patterns

Love Notions Patterns

Love Notions Olympia Dress with Shirt Add-on

Love Notions Constellation Pullover

To receive an additional 10% off LN pattern prices, use my code 10MACSEWS. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. This means that you can no longer get my 10% off one $6 Feature Friday pattern by itself.  Since this change has been made I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate links above to purchase the Feature Friday patterns so that I will get “credit” for the sale. (I do receive a small commission). To take more advantage of the $6 FF sale, I suggest adding another pattern or a children’s pattern to your order so you may use the 10% off code

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ March 13, 2026

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

Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~ The Geneva Pullover & Jacket

The Geneva is the $6 Feature Friday pattern today~ its first feature ever since its release last year! Extra surprise~ if you order the Geneva Sewing Course for $25 you will get the digital Geneva pattern for FREE! If you use my code 10MACSEWS you can get 10% off the price of the course. That means the course and pattern would be just $22.50 instead of the regular price for both of $31! So today is really a great time to grab this pattern (and sewing course)!

The Geneva is an excellent pick for the transitional weather of early spring/spring. It’s a great lightweight layer with a beautiful fit. I’ve added this to my never ending of “things I want to sew” list!

The Details~

  • 3 Body styles to choose from
    • Classic pullover
    • Sleek full-zip jacket
    • Edgy asymmetrical zip jacket
  • All views feature raglan sleeves and princess seams
  • Choice of welt or zippered pockets
  • Designed for knits
  • FBA included
  • Skill Level: Confident Beginner

What I’m Sewing This Week~

This week I was finally able to get all my Raspberry Creek Fabrics swim knit strike-offs sewn up, photographed and shared in the various Facebook Groups and Instagram. You can see my finished pieces below, as you can see I fell in love with the Ocean Collection! You can read all the details on these garments along with fabric information and sewing tips on this blog post:

Sewing Up Swim With Raspberry Creek Fabric~2026

Love Notions Constellation
Love Notions. Tinley Skort
Made For Mermaids Jordan Dress

RCF has also just announced a new fabric in the shop, Verona Active Stretch Poly~ a stretch woven designed for active wear! In between typing this week’s blog I have sewed up a new LN Constellation in this new fabric. Let me tell you~ I love it! It’s such a breeze to sew with. Below is a sneak peek. I’m in the process of sewing up a Band Camp shirt in the French blue solid for my husband. He’s excited for this one!

I am in the process of writing a blog post for Raspberry Creek Fabrics all about this fabric and how to sew with it. In the mean time, here is some basic information about this new fabric. I will keep you updated when that blog post gets published.

Verona Active Stretch Poly

  • Fast Drying
  • Lightweight
  • 2 way mechanical stretch
  • Available in dyed solids
  • Available printed in any Club swim print
  • Available for custom printing

The Verona Active Stretch woven will work great with any woven sewing pattern such as:

  • Shorts
  • Golf, fishing or hiking shirts
  • Sun hats
  • Windbreakers and jackets
  • Hiking pants and shorts
  • Boardshorts and swim trunks
  • Fitted Princess seamed blouses

Basically Verona is great for any woven pattern where a little bit of stretch will make it more comfortable to wear.

SNEAK PREVIEW

This is the Love Notions Constellation Pullover. Although this particular pattern is designed for knits, I have sewn this up in RCF sweatshirt fleece (which has very limited stretch) and it works well.

I went ahead an added an additional 1″ of ease to the side seams and sleeves for comfort while leaving the shoulders and neck area as is.

I used cotton jersey for the pocket bands and cuffs.

I will have more detailed information of this sewing project and detailed photos in the weeks to come Be on the look-out!

This print is from the new 2026 Club Swim prints which can be ordered at regular retail pricing. You can find these prints HERE.

My Winter/Early Spring Sewing Plans~

I haven’t made any progress on my sewing plans this week due to a few different commitments as stated above. I’m still hoping to get to all of these things before the end of May.

  • LN Clef Coat
    • Gray Sweatshirt Fleece (stash)~ I ordered a pink Vislon separating zipper~DONE
    • Navy Boucle (Style Maker Fabrics 2023?)~ I ordered 2 zippers, both a navy Everbright metal zipper, one silver the other gold and will decide when they arrive which one I will use. Edited~ this is cut out and I’ve chosen the gold zipper! Can’t wait to get this sewn up! 2/24~ this is still cut out and waiting it’s turn!  3/5~ in progress. 3/11~ set aside for a few days due to other commitments
  • LN Coda Coat
    • Draper James bed quilt
  • LN Compose Robe “Cardigan”
    • Lt. Blue Italian Boucle (Chic Fabrics, NYC Garment District)
  • LN Metra Blazer
    • Navy Ponte (stash)
    • Bright Pink Linen look ponte (Surge Fabrics 2023?)
  • LN Aria Button down
    • Purple Linen~ long sleeved (Mood Fabrics, linen chambray)
    • Navy Linen hacked “Jacket”  (Mood Fabrics, midweight linen)
    • White Textured Cotton ~long sleeved (Stash)
      • I made a LN Melody in this fabric last summer and I reached for it so often so I’ll make another!

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 addiction which allows me to continue to test and review more patterns

Love Notions Patterns

To receive an additional 10% off LN pattern prices, use my code 10MACSEWS. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. This means that you can no longer get my 10% off one $6 Feature Friday pattern by itself.  Since this change has been made I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate links above to purchase the Feature Friday patterns so that I will get “credit” for the sale. (I do receive a small commission). To take more advantage of the $6 FF sale, I suggest adding another pattern or a children’s pattern to your order so you may use the 10% off code. This week is a great time to grab the Geneva Sewing Course to get the pattern for free~ plus the 10% off.

Sewing Up Swim With Raspberry Creek Fabrics 2026

……………Swim Fabrics Aren’t Just For Bathing Suits!!

DISCLAIMER: If you’re expecting to see cute swimsuits sewn up in beautiful Raspberry Creek Fabric swim fabrics- you won’t find them here. (ok~ maybe at the very end.) BUT– you will see some other ways you can use this awesome swim fabric from RCF! Hopefully my blog post today will inspire you to grab some of these awesome swim fabrics and make something other than a swimsuit! Because we all know swim fabric isn’t just for bathing suits anymore!!! The fact that Raspberry Creek Swim fabric is UPF 50+ makes it great for any day/activity out in the sun.

Project #1 ~ Pullover ( my ‘Lilly P” dupe)

So what did I make this year?  The first thing I sew up EVERY year is a new pullover! I LOVE the UPF50+ pullovers sold by Lilly Pulitzer. I love the bright colors and prints, but I don’t love the price tag on them or how they fit me. I’ve made a new one every year, for the past few years and I wear them more than I ever imagined!  We live on the North East Coast, so our mornings and evenings are cool. We also spend a lot of time out on the water, so wearing UPF50+ clothing is a must! Therefore I can always use another one! They also go on all my bike rides all summer long as the sun protection and wind/breeze protection make them the perfect choice!

So naturally I knew I would be making another one this year. As a member of the Raspberry Creek Promo team I get to see all the new prints before they are released. The second I saw the Ocean Collection by Brittney Laidlaw I knew I needed the Minimal Navy Lobster print. Every single design from this collection is to die for! I’m sure I’ll be ordering up a few more of these prints. My first Constellation is swim is pictured below~ it has always remained by favorite, but I think this years might take over!!

I was even able to find a source for a zipper exactly like the ones LP uses! Downside ~ I had to purchase 10 yards of zipper~ but I’m sure I’ll eventually use it all! Upside~ the zipper for one Constellation wound up costing $1.18!

This was my very first swim Constellation and still my favorite!

Note~ All of my new swim makes this year are from the Ocean Collection by Brittney Laidlaw simply because these prints are all “me”. Brittney admitted that she did think of me when she was designing me!!!

A Few Tips About This Project

  • Before attaching the zipper to the upper front, place a strip of tricot interfacing along the front edges to stabilize the edge. This will help prevent the fabric from stretching out while basting on the zipper.
  • When using swim fabric, it would be best to interface both the main collar and the collar lining with tricot interfacing. This will help the collar lay a bit nicer, yet it won’t be too stiff.
  • Tighten the cuff just a tad, so if worn for any water activities, it will prevent water from running down your arm. I wear this over a kayak dress sometimes (keep reading) and if the cuffs are too loose, the water will run down the paddle and down my arm.

Inspiration Pics…

The pullover below is from the Lilly Pulitzer 2026 collection. The pullover is made with fabric very similar to RCF swim fabric. It retails for $98. The Constellation Pullover I made would cost someone just $45 to make!!! (even less if you already own a pullover pattern)

Project #2 ~ Kayaking Dress

Another one of my favorite things to make with RCF swim fabric are my kayak dresses. I use these dresses for kayaking, but they are also perfect for play dates at the water park! I make a new one every year and while we are away it always handy to have 4 or 5 clean and ready to go! For this year’s version I chose the Navy Periwinkle Blue Ocean Life print also from the Ocean Collection by Brittney Laidlaw.  I just love the classic navy prints that are so perfect for living and vacationing at the seaside.

A little background about me: My husband and I both grew up and spent all of our lives on the Atlantic Coast(me in NJ and him in RI), therefore we love the water! We spend much of our summer (and vacations) on and in the water. One activity we love doing together is kayaking. The Atlantic is pretty chilly in New England(even in August!). 

My husband and I spend a lot of time in Mystic, CT. We have been known to kayak down the Mystic River at 7:00AM , pull our boats up onto the dock at a local marina and grab breakfast at Kitchen Little. Or sometimes we take an afternoon paddle for lobster rolls at Fords in Noank. This little kayak dress so comfortable to kayak in- yet looks cute when we go on our little excursions! I can’t tell you how many people ask where I get them! I’ve even had Kayak shop owners ask me if I want to sell them in their shops. (But then sewing isn’t fun for me!)

Port Clyde Maine
Mystic River, CT
Burnt Island, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Above are a few of the kayak dresses I have made over the years in action!

A Made for Mermaid Jordan dress makes a perfect dress to wear kayaking when shortened to tunic length! I made 3/4 length sleeves for sun protection when out on the water. The only change I made was to tighten the sleeve so that water doesn’t run from the paddle down inside my sleeve (did I mention how cold the Altantic is in New England?).

You can read more about the M4M Jordan dress pattern on this blog post.

Project #3 ~ Skort

I LOVE sewing up the Love Notions Tinley Skort in swim fabric! When the Tinley pattern first released 3 years ago I made one during testing from swim. I wore that one so much that I immediately sewed up a second one. The next year, 2 simply were NOT enough so I quickly made 4 more!. I purchased some super cute “Lilly” like prints from Etsy and uploaded them to the RCF website. I can’t tell you enough how much I loved wearing these for bike riding, hiking and site seeing on vacation. Last year, I began wearing these skorts for my daily beach walks along with bike rides and all my other activities while at home and on vacation. So…..I made even more. I do have a few new ones planned for this summer (sadly some of my older ones no longer fit me well and I honestly rather make new ones than alter the old ones~ which I know some of you will totally understand!)

I selected another print from the Ocean Collection, the Navy Periwinkle Seaweed. (I like to call them Sea Fans)

Below are a few of my older versions (all made in RCF swim knit) in action that were taken on vacation in Maine and Newport, RI. Best thing about packing garments made in swim knit is that they don’t wrinkle!!!

Bristol Bike Path, Rhode Island ~2025
Marshall Point Light House, Maine ~2024
Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor Maine ~ 2024

You can read more about the Tinley Skort pattern from Love Notions on these blog posts~

And Of Course You Can Make Bathing Suits!!!!!

Two years ago when Love Notions Pattern released their first ever bathing suit essentials pattern, I thought why not? I already LOVE to sew with RCF swim fabric so I figured I would give it a try. Guess what?!?!?!? I LOVE my swim dresses. Both of these prints are not available at retail pricing. The Navy Vine Floral is from the 2024 collection and the Navy Shell Print was a custom print. However you are able to custom print any design from the Designer Library onto swim fabric. Be sure to sign up for RCF’s newsletter, as the have custom printing sales ALL the time!!

You can read all about the Clearwater Swim Essentials pattern from Love Notions on my blog post HERE.

What Else Do I Sew With Swim?

Swing Dresses

Another thing I love making in RCF swim knit is the popular Laundry Day Tee Dress from Love Notions. (This pattern is always just $5!). It’s cool, it’s comfy and who cares if it gets wet! It’s perfect for beachcombing or splash pads for you moms of young kids. I have lost count of how many of these I have made.

For this dress I made a sleeveless version (not the tank version) by adjusting the shoulder width. I wanted a bit more sun protection for my shoulders and this also assured me my bra straps would be covered.

This dress is perfect anytime I need to be cool or those times I might get wet! Every morning I do water all of my flowers and plants wearing one of these dresses, somehow I always manage to get wet doing this. However, my favorite time to wear this dress is for morning walks on the beach. I don’t have to worry about the waves and I can leave the beach and run errands or do lunch with my friends without worrying about what I have on! I love throwing on a denim jacket on top of these dresses! I have also used these dresses as coverups, especially when I am going someplace after the beach. I also wear them when visiting my little great nephew and niece .They live across town and I watch them at their pool often. Getting wet always happens!

Below are a few of my older Laundry Day Tee dresses made in RCF swim knit fabric.

Did you know that there are many dress boutiques in the coastal towns of New England that sell simple swing and shift dresses made from swim fabric? And did you know they cost $212.00 and up?? WHAT!?!? Check out the Sailor Sailor clothing line- all swim knit! I’ve tried these dresses on and I’ve fallen in love with them- but even if I was willing to spend the $$$- many are shift dresses and aren’t made to fit us curvy girls! This is where I got the idea of using RCF swim fabric for making my own. dresses. Not only do my dresses fit me better than RTW ones but they cost me less than $30. (2 yards of fabric @ $14.70 per yard =$29.40! )

All About RCF Swim Fabric

Now that we’ve talked about what I’ve made, let’s talk a lil more about this awesome RCF FABRIC!


Raspberry Creek Fabrics Swim is high quality and UPF 50+. It’s the perfect weight for tops and dresses and isn’t too  clingy. And of course- it’s perfect for swimsuits! The best thing about RCF Swim is that it is available in the cutest prints with coordinating checks, stripes, polka dots and solids!  I also find RCF swim easy to sew with. It’s thick enough that the edges don’t roll and isn’t too slippery.

I often get asked if clothing made from swim fabrics is hot to wear. First, off, I live on the coast and I spend a lot of time in and on the water. Early mornings and evenings almost always require a jacket or sweatshirt~ hence my new pullover will be perfect!

When out on the water it’s important to wear UPF50+ clothing, and for me 3/4 length or long sleeves are a must. Would I wear longer sleeves during the day? Probably not.

However, during the day I LIVE in my sleeveless LDT dresses. I actually find them cool to the touch. I wear them for walks on the beach, out to lunch and taking care of my flowers and gardens. I kinda even wear them as loungewear/house dresses. After a day on the beach or on the water, I love coming home and putting one on.

I have these swim knits on the way right now and I can’t wait to sew these up too! The first will be another LN Constellation and the two blue prints will be more LN Tinley Skorts.

Sewing Tips For Sewing With Swim

I could write a whole other blog post on sewing with swim fabrics….but I won’t. My friend Whitney of Sew Whit Designs has written one of the best posts I’ve ever read. It’s got all the details you may need to know. You can read this over on the Raspberry Creek Fabrics Blog.  READ ME!

If you’d like to see all the other things I’ve made in the past with RCF swim fabric, you can visit these blog posts from past RCF Swim Tours. The exact prints shown here are not available retail, but many of them are available as custom order.

RCF Swim Tour 2020

RCF Swim Tour 2021

RCF Swim Tour 2022

Sew Mary Mac 2023 Swim Blog Post

Sew Mary Mac 2025 Swim Blog Post

Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit!  If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts!  

Mary Anne 🙂

Be sure to follow me over on Instagram @sewmarymac to keep up with my retirement wardrobe.

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.

As a member of the Raspberry Creek Fabrics Promo Team, these fabrics were given to me in return for posting pictures of my makes on Social Media. I did not receive any compensation for writing this post on my personal blog. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own

Fabric Links

Raspberry Creek 2026 Swim Fabrics

Ocean~Minimal Navy Lobster

Ocean~ Navy Periwinkle Blue Ocean Life

Ocean~ Navy Periwinkle Blue Sea Fan

Pattern Links

Love Notions Constellation

Made For Mermaids Jordan Dress

Love Notions Tinley Skirt, Skort and Shorts

Love Notions Clearwater Swim Essentials

Love Notions Laundry Day Tee Dress

Zipper Resources

Gold Metallic Nylon zipper~ sold by the roll from Amazon. Can be purchases HERE.

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ March 6, 2026

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

Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~ The Glissandos

The Glissnado is a great bargain for $6 as it includes pants, shorts and a skirt! One of the main features is the button fly, however there is a tutorial available to help you swap it for a zipper. You can find that HERE.

You can purchase the Glissando pattern HERE. This is my affiliate link and it costs you nothing to click here to purchase the pattern. (I simply get credit for the sale). Using my code 10MACSEWS will only get you and additional 10% off if you add another pattern to your order. Read more about this below.

  • Sizes 0-32
  • Meant for woven fabrics
  • Three options: crop pants, shorts or skirt
  • Exposed button fly
  • High waisted
  • Fitted hips and thigh with wide legs or straight skirt
  • Back darts for shaping
  • Full belly adjustment option
  • Front curved pockets and back patch pockets
  • Skill Level: Confident Beginner

What I’m Sewing This Week~ Raspberry Creek 2026 Swim Line!

This week I’ve been finishing up my Raspberry Creek Fabrics swim knit strike-offs. Due to the blizzard we had my fabric was sitting in a few regional post offices and got to me pretty late. I’ll be finishing them all up over the weekend and then getting photos. It’s been pouring rain the last 2 days with heavy rain and thunderstorms for Friday and Saturday, so I’m hoping to get modeled photos of them on Monday. Below is a sneak peak of the Love Notions Constellation that is all ready for photos along with the 2 other fabrics I am sewing up.

The Swim knits and board short fabrics are $1 off per yard through Monday, 3/9/26. They can be purchased by the half yard. All the collections are just soooo good this year! Be sure to visit the Raspberry Creek Fabrics Facebook page to see all the amazing fabrics sewn up! I’m adding more and more to my own “want/need” list!

You can find the new Swim and boardshort fabrics HERE.

Scroll to the end of this blog post to see the new swim collection.

Remember~ swim fabrics aren’t just for swimsuits!!!

Visit this Weekly Stitch to see all the garments that I love to sew with swim knit from RCF.

My Winter/Early Spring Sewing Plans~

Not much progress this week on these plans due to the Strike-Offs I needed to sew for Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I did get some work done on my second Clef Coat~ the boucle version.

  • LN Clef Coat
    • Gray Sweatshirt Fleece (stash)~ I ordered a pink Vislon separating zipper~DONE
    • Navy Boucle (Style Maker Fabrics 2023?)~ I ordered 2 zippers, both a navy Everbright metal zipper, one silver the other gold and will decide when they arrive which one I will use. Edited~ this is cut out and I’ve chosen the gold zipper! Can’t wait to get this sewn up! 2/24~ this is still cut out and waiting it’s turn! 3/5~ in progress!
  • LN Coda Coat
    • Draper James bed quilt
  • LN Compose Robe “Cardigan”
    • Lt. Blue Italian Boucle (Chic Fabrics, NYC Garment District)
  • LN Metra Blazer
    • Navy Ponte (stash)
    • Bright Pink Linen look ponte (Surge Fabrics 2023?)
  • LN Aria Button down
    • Purple Linen~ long sleeved (Mood Fabrics, linen chambray)
    • Navy Linen hacked “Jacket”  (Mood Fabrics, midweight linen)
    • White Textured Cotton ~long sleeved (Stash)
      • I made a LN Melody in this fabric last summer and I reached for it so often so I’ll make another!

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 addiction which allows me to continue to test and review more patterns

Love Notions Patterns

Love Notions Glissando

Love Notions Constellation

To receive an additional 10% off LN pattern prices, use my code 10MACSEWS. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. This means that you can no longer get my 10% off one $6 Feature Friday pattern by itself.  Since this change has been made I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate links above to purchase the Feature Friday patterns so that I will get “credit” for the sale. (I do receive a small commission). To take more advantage of the $6 FF sale, I suggest adding another pattern or a children’s pattern to your order so you may use the 10% off code

Raspberry Creek Fabrics 2026 Swim Collection

1 2 … 15
Blog at WordPress.com.