Monthly Archives: January 2026

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac ~ January 23,2026

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

Feature Friday From Love Notions Pattern~

Today’s $6 Feature Friday pattern from Love Notions is the Boyfriend Cardigan! It’s been almost 2 years since this cardigan has been featured~ so if you don’t have this one you should definitely grab it today! The Girl’s Boyfriend Cardigan is also on sale for $6 today, 1/23/26.

I simply love this cardigan pattern. I wear them pretty much year round. Now that it’s getting frigid cold where I live~ I’ll be layering with my heavier Boyfriends. If you grabbed the La Bella Donna top last week that’s my favorite top to wear underneath my Boyfriends!

The Details

Why I love this pattern:

  • It’s the only cardigan pattern you’ll need!
  • Two Length options: A new duster length was added when it was updated!
  • Plain banded, Hooded or Shawl collar options
  • I LOVE the side vents and pockets on this pattern!
  • Can get totally different look with different fabrics.
  • It’s beginner friendly!
  • Can be worn year round.
  • Can be thrown over just about anything!!!
  • Can be hacked into a super cute vest!!! (See Below)

For complete details about the Boyfriend Cardigan including my pocket modifications, sizing and sewing tips~ visit this blog post.

Super Simple Boyfriend Cardigan Vest Hack

The Boyfriend Cardigan “Vest” is simply a boyfriend cardigan without the shawl collar, (There is a cutting line on the shawl collar piece to reduce it to just a band). The only thing I did was leave off the sleeves! To finish the armscye I simple folded it to the inside and topstitched it. I didn’t want a facing that would potentially stick out. You could also finish the armscye with bias tape or a strip of your fabric.

For all the details on the Love Notions outfit pictured above~ visit this blog post.


What I Wore This Week~

  • LN Oakley Vest in a Quilted Sweater Knit (Surge Fabrics 2023) over a RTW sweater
  • LN Sloane Sweater with a funnel neck hack and split side seams (see blog post listed below)
    • Horizontal ribbed sweater knit from my stash via Joann Fabrics (2022)
  • LN Boyfriend Cardigan in a Hacci Sweater knit from Raspberry Creek Fabric
    • LN La Bella Donna in a cotton modal from Style Maker Fabrics
  • DIBY Nora Sweater with a LN Oakley Vest (quilted knit from Surge~ still available in several colors)
    • NOTE: Do It Yourself Better patterns became Copper Creek Patterns but it now looks like that as of Dec 2025, DIBY is back on Instagram with a link to purchase 5 of the patterns they designed. I’m not seeing the Nora as an option to purchase. The LN Sloane is very similar if sewn with my funnel neck hack.

What I’m Sewing This Week~

This week I sewed up 2 final versions of the new top pattern that will be released from Love Notions soon! I’m really loving this new top pattern and with the 3 body styles and 3 sleeve options you can make so many combinations!

I even used a piece of Rifle Paper Co rayon challis from my deep stash! That’s how you know I really LOVE this new pattern!

I will absolutely let you know when it will be released! Be sure to watch the Love Notions Facebook page for sneak peeks! This pattern will be available in both digital and print versions! (Because of this I took some extra time during testing to read through the tutorial to find any corrections that needed to be made.)

The past few years I have also tested several patterns for Chalk + Notch Patterns.. This week I’m starting the Phase 2 testing for Gabrielle’s new top pattern that will be releasing some time next month. This one is a fun sew with lots of details that make it truly special. If you visit the Half & Notch Facebook page you can see Gabriela wearing an early sample of the RIVI shirt! It’s designed specifically with stripes in mind so search your stash!!!


My Winter/Early Spring Sewing Plans~

For 2026 I plan to be more thoughtful in my sewing. I’ve spent the last few months pulling things from my overflowing closet and determining which makes I really like and which ones I actually wear. I’ve donated many of them and I’ve made alterations to some that will perhaps make me wear them more.

I won’t be spending quite as much time in my sewing room as I have a bunch of home projects I want to focus one. I have 2 rooms I want to refresh and a laundry room that will be getting a complete makeover. For the laundry room, I’m looking at wainscoting and wallpaper and new cabinet/shelving. I’ve just begun the thought process on that one!

I also want to make some “new to me” patterns. I truly LOVE Love Notions patterns, but over the years I’ve purchased several patterns from other companies that I’d like to get sewn up. Maybe later in the Spring I will finally get another Grainline Studios Thayer Jacket sewn up! I tested this jacket pattern for them, loved it, wore it often and always planned on making another one. Believe it or not, the Thayer Jacket was the subject of my very first Sew Mary Mac blog post. You can see it HERE. Don’t expect too much~ it was my very first attempt of a blog post. (My daughter for Christmas that year had purchased my domain name and set the whole blog up for me.)

  • LN Clef Coat
    • Gray Sweatshirt Fleece
    • Navy Boucle
  • LN Coda Coat
    • Draper James bed quilt
  • LN Compose Robe “Cardigan”
    • Lt. Blue Italian Boucle
  • LN Metra Blazer
    • Navy Ponte
    • Bright Pink Linen look ponte
  • LN Aria Button down
    • Purple Linen~ long sleeved
    • Navy Linen hacked “Jacket”
    • White Textured Cotton ~long sleeved

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 the $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 Girl’s Boyfriend Cardigan pattern or a children’s pattern to your 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.


Bonus & Bloopers

I typically take my blog photos myself with a tripod. Sometimes I do enlist my husband if I want to get them done quickly. This week I asked him for help because it was freezing, snowy and icy out on our deck and driveway. I laughed when I saw the first 2 photos he took~ clearly he was more focused on his buoy tree than me! (As far as the buoy tree goes~ isn’t a New England thing!)

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~. January 16, 2026

………..Welcome To My Sewing Room

Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~

* Please read the important note under Pattern Links for update info on discount codes.

Today’s $6 Feature Friday pattern from Love Notions is the La Bella Donna! This is truly a wardrobe staple in my closet. I wear the LBD all year long! It is one of my favorite patterns for layering and I have a closet full of solid color ones to prove it! I have also created one of my favorite Tee shirts, by combining the LBD with the Classic Tee.(Details in the blog post linked below)

There are some patterns that are so good, you just sew them over and over. Imagine a top that makes you look great on your good days AND bad days. A top that is forgiving when you gain a few pounds here and there. A top that always makes you feel good about yourself. Sound too good to be true? Nope~ the Love Notions La Bella Donna or the LBD as we like to call it truly lives up to it’s name. “The Beautiful Woman” is exactly who you will be when wearing this top or tunic.

The Details

The La Bella Donna is a great Dolman style top and tunic that deserves a place in your closet!

The Details:

  • Shirt and Tunic length
  • Shirt tail or banded hem on Shirt length
  • 3 Sleeve options: Short(cap), 3/4, and Long
  • Hood or cowl options
  • Pocket option for Tunic length
  • ****new neckband option just added!!!

Visit this blog post for all the details such as my size modifications, suitable fabrics and to see how I mash the LBD with the Classic Tee.

I’ve hacked the La Bella Donna to make a vest, pictured below. Visit this blog post for all the details

I also love to finish my La Bella Donna with a different neckline binding procedure. (see close up on the coral version below). I feel this gives the LBD a more professional RTW look. Visit this blog post for the detailed directions for creating this look.


What I Wore This Week~

  • LN Terra Tunic in a Sweater Knit from Style Maker Fabrics (2023?)
  • LN Oakley Vest in a quilted sweater knit from Surge Fabrics (several colors still available)
  • LN Aria Button down in “Cozy Flannel” from Style Maker Fabrics (2023?)
    • LN La Bella/Classic mashup in a triblend knit from Cali Fabrics a few years back
  • LN Aria Button down in a Japanese Corduroy from Style Maker fabrics ( Winter 2025)
    • LN La Bella Donna in a wide rib knit
  • LN Sloane with a hacked funnel neck in a rib sweater knit from Style Maker Fabrics (Fall 2025)

What I’m Sewing This Week~

This week I finished up the version #1 of the pattern test I’m working on for Love Notions. It came out really cute and I’m excited for you to see it! I went through my deep stash and found a lightweight voile clip dot for Version #2. Version #2 had a few adjustments made to it and it’s ever cuter now!!

This new woven top has 3 different sleeve options and 2 hem options . It will sew up great in chambray, linen, rayon challis to name just a few. It’s a pretty quick sew too!

I’m not really planning on sewing up anything else this week. However I do have some sewing related plans.

  • Deep clean my sewing room~ including dusting and cleaning the floor!
  • Rearranging my fabric stash
  • Work on my “Winter” and “Early Spring” sewing plans!
  • Getting some me-mades ready for the consignment shop by taking out my labels, pressing them, etc.

My Winter 2026 Sewing Plans~

OOPS! The week really got away from me! This weekend I REALLY need to get these plans in order!


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~

*IMPORTANT UPDATE~Due to some changes made to the Love Notions Ambassador/Affiliate program, my 10% off code will only work on orders of $8 or more. The 10% off code will work on regular priced patterns, new pattern sales and site-wide sales and as stated any order of $8 or more. If you add another pattern to your order for the $6 Feature Friday, you will get the 10% off. (Consider a purchasing the Girls La Bella Donna pattern or one of the sale patterns)

Love Notions Patterns

To receive an additional 10% off the LN pattern prices, use my code 10MACSEWS. This coupon code can be used at on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. This means that you can no longer get my 10% off the $6 Feature Friday pattern. Since this change has been made I would REALLY appreciate it if you used my affiliate links to purchase the Feature Friday patterns so that I will get “credit” for the sale.

 My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working. This code will be good through the end of March 2026.


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~ January 9, 2026

………..Welcome To My Sewing Room

Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~

The $6 Feature Friday Pattern for today, 1/9/2026 is the Breckenridge Henley! Remember to use my code 10MACSEWS for an additional 10% off. The Breckenridge is a great top for layering (see it with my Boyfriend Cardigan below or to wear all on its own. As seen above, I’ve even hacked it into a vest! Nervous about sewing a henley placket? It’s a lot easier than you may think!

The Details

The Breckenridge Henley is an easy to wear top, tunic or dress. Meant for knit fabrics, this style is perfect for all seasons! The neckline is an unconventional henley style that is amazingly easy to sew! Believe it or not buttonholes aren’t even required!

  • 3 length options: shirt, tunic or dress
  • 3 sleeve options: short, long cuffed or roll- tab 3/4 
  • Simple to sew henley placket. (Seriously!!!)
  • Optional buttonholes

Visit this blog post for all the details on the Breckenridge Henleys I have made. I have made some fit modifications that you may want to read about.

For details about my Breckenridge Vest hack, visit this post I wrote for the Love Notions Blog.


What I Wore This Week~

Along with my Boyfriend Cardigan and Breckenridge Henley pictured above I wore quite a few memades. The Oakley Vest is always one of my most worn memades every winter! As you may notice from the photos, our snow has melted and it has warmed up a bit!

  • LN Oakley Vest over a RTW sweater (Joann Fabrics fleece)
  • LN Oakley Vest in quilted sweater knit (Surge Fabrics)
    • LN Sloane with the Evanston Cowl neck added in RCF Hacci Sweater knit
  • LN Oakley in a quilted sweater knit (Surge Fabrics)
    • LN Sloane in a waffle knit
  • LN Aria in Sweatshirt Fleece (RCF)
    • LN La Bella Donna in a rib knit
  • LN Sloane Sweater with a funnel neck hack in a cable sweater knit
  • LN La Bella Donna Vest Hack in a loosely knit sweater knit
    • LN Rockford Raglan in a rib knit

What I’m Sewing This Week~

This week I’ve been getting back into my sewing room after the flu and bronchitis! I’ve had some sewing obligations to catch up on which I will be sharing soon! I’m anxious to get to some sewing just for me!

  • I completed a LN Juliet nightgown in the newly released Easter prints from Raspberry Creek Fabrics~ visit the RCF Facebook page to see all the new designs!
  • I have a Valentine’s strike-off sew for RCF that I need to get sewn up pronto! I had planned a detailed color-blocked sweatshirt, but I may need to simply it just to get in done!
  • I’m testing the newest Love Notions pattern this week! It’s a SEW fun! I can’t wait to share this with you!

My 2026 Winter Sewing Plans~

I’m still working on my list and have a lot of ideas in my head. Hopefully I’ll have a written plant share next week!


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~

Love Notions Patterns

To receive an additional 10% off the LN pattern price, use my code 10MACSEWS. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $6 Feature Friday pattern.  My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working. This code will be good through the end of March 2026.


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

Happy 2026 & The Return Of The Weekly Stitch!

Hi Sewing Friends!

I hope your holidays were filled with family, friends and things that you love! I’ve taken a short (much needed) break from my “Weekly Stitch” due to the holidays and the dreaded flu! I’ve been out of my sewing room for almost 3 weeks now! I’m hoping that next week I’ll be back on track with the “Weekly Stitch” and my Winter Sewing Plans List!

Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~

The very first Feature Friday of 2026 is the Evanston Vest! This pattern released back in January of 2025 and this is the first time the pattern has been on sale for just $6! Remember to use my code 10MACSEWS for an extra 10% off!

This is THE PERFECT piece for your winter layering wardrobe! I simply love this pattern. I have made 4 so far and I wear them often. For all the details on the Evanston Vest along with my sizing, modifications and tips be sure to visit THIS BLOG POST.

Just before I went to Boston, I whipped up a new LN Sloane Sweater and added the Evanston Cowl to make the perfect cozy winter sweater. I love it paired with the Oakley Vest!


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 🙂

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.


You can grab the Evanston Vest pattern HERE,

This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.

To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code 10MACSEWS. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $6 Feature Friday pattern.  My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working. This code is good through March 2026.