……………Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)
SEWING WORLD NEWS~
Love Notions Woven Wonders Sale~ 5 patterns just $5 each!
The New Sale Collection is here!! Today, through Thursday, July 30 these 5 “Woven Wonders” will be on sale for just $5 each (Digital)!
These 5 woven wardrobe essentials are just what you need to create a complete woven wardrobe for summer!! Buy all 5 or just the ones you’re missing!
Why these 5 patterns?
- Woven workhorses
- Certified TNT patterns
- Range from beginner friendly to more challenging
- Can help fill the gaps in your summer wardrobe
- Can easily create a capsule wardrobe with these 5 patterns!
And the patterns are……………
- Timbre Peasant Top &Dress~ easy peasy and oh so versatile!
- Allegro Bottoms~ Comfy and Casual easy peasy bottoms that pair great with the Timbre
- Rhapsody Blouse & Dress~ A little more complex yet still doable for beginners with loads of options!
- Tempo Sundress~ On trend summer dress with a few steps to boost your sewing skills (Girls on sale too)
- Duet Trousers~ A Classic pants pattern for wovens or knits. A great learning pattern you will want to sew again and again. Includes a complete Pants Fitting Workbook. Course is also on sale.
Here is a link to the Woven Wonders Collection. Remember to use my code MARYMAC10 to get an additional 10% off if you spend more than $8!
Love Notions sewing courses are like having your own personal sewing teacher holding your hand every step of the way and there is a Duets Trousers Sewing Course available for just $15 during this sale. (that’s $10 off!)
Note:The printed Rhapsody Blouse & Dress pattern will be on sale for just $18
Here are links to the 5 patterns in the Woven Wonders Collection~
Duet Trousers Course ~ I highly recommend this for expert fitting advice!
Tempo Sundress~
I tested this pattern when it first released way back in 2021! During testing testers must follow the pattern exactly as it is designed(first photo). After wearing mine all day after taking photos, I realized that I needed a wider strap that would help hide my “shoulder” dents and bra straps. I created tie straps for the rayon challis dress I made during testing. I then recreated a wider ruffle strap that I saw on a RTW dress for my pink cotton version. All the details are in the blog post listed below.
- A Sundress For Summer~ the Tempo Sundress
- This post includes all the details on the pattern as well as directions for 2 different strap hacks that I made to mine.
Two years ago, after many requests a puff sleeve was added to the Tempo Sundress pattern. I REALLY need to make one of these, as I just find sundresses that comfortable for anywhere but home. But how adorable does Tami look in her Tempo “Dress”. If by chance you already own the Tempo Sundress, simply redownload the files and the sleeve add-on is there.
Rhapsody Blouse & Dress
I have made so so many Rhapsody Blouses!! Sometimes I have even sewn them up in batches! It’s so much faster to sew 2 at once than to sew one than another one. I have so many I could share with you, but below are some of my favorites. My most sewn version of the Rhapsody is the short sleeve~ I find this so cool and comfortable for hot summer days when sew up in rayon. My favorite fabric to sew the Rhapsody up in? Rayon challis, rayon crepe and even rayon poplin.
Be sure to visit these Sew Mary Mac Blog Posts for more information on the Rhapsody, along with details on my sleeve ruffle hack.
- Perfect For Spring~ A Rhapsody Sleeve Ruffle
- Detailed directions for a sleeve ruffle hack
- Rhapsody In Blue…….
- Detailed post with sizing, fabric choices and sewing tips for the Rhapsody
Timbre Top & Dress
If you want a quick sew, this is your pattern!! I simply love this pattern and I think my love for this pattern is shown in how many I have actually sewn up AND worn it. (Unfortunately most of them no longer fit me~ but I do plan on trying to alter the ones made in fabrics that I LOVE). I have been wearing some of my button versions tied at the waist for the time being.
The Timbre Top pattern is like working with a blank slate~ it is a perfect pattern to use when you want your fabric to shine! Yet, it also works perfectly in a simple solid color double gauze too! My favorite Timbre Top is my white border eyelet version that I lined with rayon challis. The beauty of this pattern is how you can use it so many ways!
My newest Timbre Top was made along with the LN Caprice Skirt to create a “faux dress” and it is one of my most favorite makes!! It would also work perfectly with the Allegro Skirt or pants to create a faux dress or jumpsuit!
Visit these Sew Mary Mac Blog posts for more detailed information on the Timbre Top and Dress.
- Perfect Time For A Timbre
- Detailed post including sizing, modifications, fabric selection along with some sewing tips for the Timbre
- Another Day…..Another Timbre Top
- Complete details on how to create the ruffle cuff bishop sleeve, how to line the Timbre bodice and change to make when sewing with a fabric with a border.
- Sewing The Timbre In Double Gauze
- Visit this Weekly Stitch blog post for tips for sewing the Timbre up in Double Gauze
Are are a few my favorite Timbre Tops (and dress) that I made previously. (I am going to try to shrink each of these before I attempt to alter them~ I hope it will make a bit of a difference. This did work for the white eyelet version above)
Crinkle Rayon
instead of elastic
Duet Trousers
New to making pants? The Duet Trousers are a great place to begin! I haven’t made a final pair of these yet~ there is a long story behind that. However, I did make a wearable muslin that I was really happy with! They were a great starting point.
Honestly I really just don’t enjoy sewing pants. I will attempt these again some day~ just not right now. Right now I’m so busy with retracing all of my patterns to different sizes. I know some of you will suggest a projector~ however I prefer having all my alterations on my actual pattern. It does take longer initially, but after they are traced, I find it super fast knowing that I don’t have to remember what my changes/alterations were.
If you have the time and really want to sew up the perfect fitting pants~ I do highly recommend the Duets. I have seen so many awesome versions from other LN sewists in the Facebook group!
Visit this Sew Mary Mac Blog post for the complete saga of my Duet Trousers muslin making!
Allegro Bottoms
Another Love Notions pattern that I have NOT sewn~ however I know that it is a favorite among so many of our Ambassadors and Facebook group members! One of these days I will make a pair of the pants, but I do prefer wider leg pants, so I would need to make some adjustments.
What fabric should you use for the Allegros?
It’s been a hot and humid summer. The Allegros would be perfect sewn up in double gauze, linen or linen blends. Chambray would also work really well, and even rayon challis or rayon poplin! Be sure to search “Allegro” in the Facebook Group so you can see all the Allegros that have been posted. It is so helpful to see how a pattern looks sewn up in different fabrics and on different body types. This is exactly what I do whenever I am sewing a new to me pattern.
The Pattern Emporium 50% Off Friday Pattern is ~ Sashay Stretch Flared Shorts
The Sashay Shorts are a flared shorts pattern designed for sewing with stretch knit fabrics. They combine the femininity of a skirt with the practicality of shorts, offering the best of both worlds. If you’re into beachwear, the slimline shorts are an excellent alternative to traditional board shorts when sewn and in swimwear fabric.
You can grab the pattern HERE. Pattern is on sale for just $6.00(USD)
Remember PE in an Australian company so this sale will end Friday night at 10 PM EST.
New Fabric Releases From Raspberry Creek Fabrics~
The new “Supreme Shirting Cotton Broadcloth” from RCF will be releasing next week. I LOVE the coolness and crispness of this fabric!(almost reminds me of my favorite percale sheets). I can imagine this fabric just getting softer and softer with each washing yet maintaining it’s “crispness”
I chose to have one of my favorite Bex Morley designs (from the Design Studio) custom printed on this fabric. I sewed it up into a Love Notions Band Camp Shirt. My husband loved this fabric when he felt it~ so I am sure I will be making him a Band Camp Shirt or 2 from this, most likely one solid and one print.
- 100% cotton
- Width 57″/58″
- Yarn Count – 50*50
- Weight- 110 gsm ( or 3.24 oz)
- Available in many solid colors
- Available for custom printing on white
- Slated for 7/21release
- Will update with price per yard once I have this information.
What is the difference between this Supreme Shirting Cotton broadcloth and the Cotton Poplin that is currently in the shop? I have now sewn with both of these fabrics. My opinion? I love them both!
- The new Supreme Broadcloth has a much smoother hand due to the type of weave. It crisp and cool to the touch thus making it perfect for hot weather.
- The Poplin has a softer hand while still creating crisp creases. This also results in a structured look. The Poplin is slightly heavier at 3.5 oz or approx. 119 gsm.
- The new Supreme Shirting is available in several solid colors and white for custom printing.
- The Poplin is only available in white with or without custom printing.
Be on the look out for even more new fabrics from Raspberry Creek Fabrics such as:
- New Fall Collection including French Terry, Cotton Jersey, DBP and Rib knit (tentative release 7/28)
- New Crepe, Challis and Ponte Prints in August
- New Oxford Cloth stripes, solids and plaids in August
- New Denims at the end of August (various shades and weights, stretch and non-stretch)
- New Ribbing in September
- New French Twill in September
What I Wore Last Week~
I spent most of last week on a Beach Getaway with my sister in Cape May (see this week’s bonus photos!). Not many exciting photos since we started our mornings with walks on the beach and then stayed on the beach till 5 pm each day! It was a very relaxing and casual trip. Our room was on the ground floor of the historic inn we always stay at and we had our own private front porch~ so we even just had take-out one night and ate on our porch! (Excuse all the “beach hair”!)
- LN Melody Dolman~ in a linen blend from Mily Mae Fabrics (2023?)
- LN Band Camp Shirt~ in a lightweight cotton lawn from Style Maker Fabrics (2025)
- LN Laundry Day Tee Dress~ in Swim knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics
- LN Tinley Skort~ in Swim knit from RCF(2026 Swim Collection)
- LN Laundry Day Tee Dress~ in Swim knit from RCF
- Worn with a LN Tunic Length Aria Button Down in white linen.
- LN Laundry Day Tee Dress~ in an ITY knit from Zelouf Fabrics, NYC
You may notice that I am tying up the bottom of several shirts lately. These are all shirts that are too large to wear~ so tying the up is allowing me to wear them before I alter them. (I’m just so tired of altering!). As you can see the pink Band Camp Shirt below is much larger than my new Band Camp featured above in the new Supreme Shirting from RCF. You can also see the difference that fabric choice makes. The Supreme Shirting above creates a crisp and boxier shirt while the cotton lawn has more drape. Times like this I am glad I am “team trace” as I traced out a new Band Camp pattern without printing. I know many of you may use projectors~ however I like tracing my patterns so that I have all of my alterations on them.
For those that aren’t familiar with the LN Melody Dolman and Band Camp shirts~ they are very similar. The collar is exactly the same. The main difference is that the Melody has a dolman sleeve and a curved hemline. The Band Camp has a set in sleeve and a split side seam. I think they both work tied up.
What I’m Sewing This Week~
This week I worked on tracing a few of my favorite patterns in smaller sizes. As I’ve stated previously, I’m tired of altering clothing to fit and I just want to SEW!!!! I was able to retrace my LN Band Camp Shirt and my beloved go-to LN Aria Button Down.
I sewed up a sample of the new Supreme Shirting Cotton from Raspberry Creek Fabrics (see above for all the details)
I was also able to sew up a light blue and white striped linen that I purchased from Mood Fabrics in the Spring when I went in for a “Fabric Shopping Day”. I love short sleeved Aria button downs in the summer! I just need to sew on my pocket tomorrow, make my buttonholes and sew on my buttons. Note~ I always wait till the end to sew on my pocket since I like to place the pocket myself rather than use pattern markings. I also don’t follow the buttonhole guidelines. I always try on my shirt~ and place a pin right at the bust line first and then measure my button hole placement up and down from there. Another perk of sewing your own button down shirts. I’m sure you’ll see modeled pics of this next week! (Note that this is actually a nice light blue with white stripe linen. I couldn’t get the color to photograph well.)
Sewing Plans~
Not all my sewing plans are simply “just for fun”. I have some new fabrics from RCF that I will be working with. I just received my 8 oz denim fabrics. This demin is simply awesome! It has a bit of a drape to it and I am excited to make a pair of LN Somerset Baby Barrel pants. I’m thinking I will make some type of lightweight jacket with the second denim cut I was sent. Also arriving soon will be my Fall Collection French Terry strike-offs along with new solid and striped Oxford Cloth.
But, in the meantime~ I am anxious to get a few more LN Arias sewn up! My stack of linen is just calling to me~ so expect to see that color-blocked Aria soon! (Linen shown below)
I was able to source the various colors of striped Seersucker (Thank you to my reader Quiltbound for the Etsy shop info and another reader “Shawn” for her suggestion of Fabric Wholesale Direct). I’ll keep you posted on this fabric~ quality, shipping speed, etc when it arrives. In case you missed it~ the skirt below is the one I’m trying to recreate.
Thanks for reading “The Weekly Stitch”! I’m so happy you took the time to “visit” my sewing room!
Mary Anne 🙂
Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes! @sewmarymac
You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account.
Pattern Links~
NOTE: These are affiliate links. It costs you nothing to purchase from these links but they do give me credit for your purchase and provide me with a small commission. This helps fund my fabric stash which allows me to continue to test and review more patterns. Using the affiliate link also helps me cover the costs of maintaining my website. I have tried to avoid placing ads on my website so using my link helps me to continue to do that!
To receive an additional 10% off LN pattern prices, use my code MARYMAC10. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. Since this change has been made I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate links above to purchase any patterns on sale for $5 or $6 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.
- Love Notions Melody Dolman
- Love Notions Band Camp Shirt
- Love Notions Laundry Day Tee Dress
- Love Notions Tinley Skort, skirt and shorts
- Love Notions Aria Button Down
Bonus Photos~ Sister’s Trip in Cape May, NJ
This was our 12th Annual trip to Cape May for our little getaway. A quick drive from where we live, but this quaint Victorian town just has a way of making you feel like you are much further away! The beach here on the Atlantic is never crowded (maybe on a weekend?) and is always so peaceful. Morning walks on the beach path followed by the entire day on the beach. Evenings you can walk up to the “Washington Mall” for shopping, ice cream (or custard) and snacks. The “Mall” is just a block up from our inn, The Carroll Villa Inn, and we love gazing at all the wonderful Victorian homes and their gardens. Many of the old Victorian homes on Jackson Street have been converted to Inns or whole house rentals, while some are still private residences.
FYI~ in case you ever get to the Southern most tip of New Jersey. Cape May is a great spot to spend a few days or even a week! Plenty of excellent restaurants and places to stay. There are a few bigger hotels along Ocean Avenue and plenty of historic Bed and Breakfasts.(There are also many many homes to rent). We always stay at the Carroll Villa Inn. Our stay includes breakfast at The Mad Batter. As guests we get seated right away, but there is ALWAYS a line down Jackson Street of people waiting to get in. The Mad Batter also serves my favorite crab cakes.
Mad Batter
sewmarymac.com 
I love so many of your makes. I ordered some of the challis from RCF and it is very nice. That print is beautiful. Ordering rayon is a real roll of the dice, since I can’t really tell if it is a little too flimsy. Since you use swimsuit fabric for other items of clothing, I wonder if you think it would be close enough to ponte to use for a dress. I just got the Lumi dress pattern from StyleArc and would love to make it in a pretty print.
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