Monthly Archives: August 2026

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

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

The Aria Button Down

Sewing World News~

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

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

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

The Patterns Are~

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

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

You can purchase the Aria Sewing Course HERE.

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

Aria Button Down~

Screenshot

Of course, the first pattern I will highlight is the Aria Button Down. This garment plays a big role in my “Coastal Preppy” wardrobe. It’s always my go-to sew! There simply isn’t anything more classic and preppy than a button down! Sew up that button down in Oxford Cloth, gingham, linen. chambray and it just screams “Yes, I’m preppy! ( I guess I scream that a lot!).

I’m in love with my newest Aria~ sewn up in a classic Oxford Cloth from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. This fabric isn’t available quite yet (but the plan is for it to release on 8/25). It is available in a slew of solid colors, coordinating stripes and even a few plaids. I used the Solid purple and the purple/white stripes. This Oxford Cloth is perfect for the “shoulder” season!! It’s a heavier weight 100% cotton shirting. It reminds me of my husband’s Brooks Brothers Oxford shirts and the school uniform shirts my daughters had to wear to school growing up!

Another way to create a truly preppy Aria, color block! I’ve made many color blocked versions with gingham and striped seersuckers and linens.

Want to sew an Aria button down for Fall? Try Sweatshirt fleece, flannel, heavier weight linens, soft corduroy, and even wools! I have sewn several version in flannel and I love them layered with the Oakley Vest. I’ve even used a heavier weight linen for create an Aria “Shacket” with just a few modifications. The Aria Button Down can also be used to create a vest like I did with this wool plaid.

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Sweatshirt Fleece
Linen Shacket
Flannel
Washed Corduroy
Linen “Shacket”
Wool Vest

For more details on the Aria Button Down visit these blog posts~

Frankie Polo~

The next must have is a polo shirt. There is nothing more classic than a preppy polo shirt here in the Northeast. Love Notions has taken that classic polo shirt and updated it for a new modern look! The Frankie Polo shirt and dress is the perfect addition to a classic wardrobe! Here is the version I made when I tested this pattern.

I’ve got a new Frankie sitting on my sewing table waiting to be sewn. I had hoped to have it done before this Collection went on sale~ but now I’m hoping to have it sewn before the sale is over! I have to reprint this pattern in my current size~ so everything seems to take a tad longer than I plan! (Plus I’ve been busy testing a new pattern and sewing up some strikes for Raspberry Creek Fabrics!). I’m also thinking I may “need” a polo dress~ just need to find the perfect fabric for it! Think the placket may be too low for you? Be sure to visit the link below~

Visit this Sew Mary Mac blog post for all the details on the Frankie including my sizing and alterations, sewing tips and how I raised the neckline

Bridget Trousers~

This is the first time that the Bridget Trousers are ever on sale for just $5! This pattern released last Fall and they are exactly what you need in your Classic Preppy wardrobe!!

The Bridget Trousers combine a polished professional look with everyday comfort. They will look great in the office while giving you the comfort of your favorite knit pants. Between all the included adjustments they will fit and flatter a wide range of body types. I’m excited to find some Ponte knit and sew up a pair! Be sure to check the Love Notions Facebook page to see the tester versions of the Bridget Trousers! (Simply type Bridget into the search bar)

Visit this Weekly Stitch for all the details on the Bridget Trousers.

Largo Cargos~

The Largo Cargos are THE perfect of pants to sew up for Fall! I have yet to sew up a pair, however since I’ve sewn the Meadowlark Hiking pants and am happy with how they fit me~ I think I’m ready to sew up a pair of these! Be sure to check the Love Notions Facebook group to see all the awesome Largos that have been sewn up!

Visit this Weekly Stitch for all the details on the Largo Cargos.

Driftwood & Dockside Polos~

For the big and little boys in your life~ the Dockside and Driftwood shirts have been included in the “Preppy and Polished” Collection. I’m thinking that Mr. Sew Mary Mac (aka Bill) needs a polo or henley someday soon~ but honestly being the New Englander that he is~ he ALWAYS wears button down shirts!

Dockside or Driftwood Henley & Polo is sure to become a year-round favorite for a comfortable, casual shirt. Casual yet preppy. Polished depending on your fabric selection. Simply put, if you don’t have these in your pattern library you should probably grab them now. I’m even thinking they would work great as lounge wear tops!

Pattern Emporium Friday 50% Off Pattern Is~ Heartstrings Strappy Dress

The Heartstrings Dress is a fit & flare style featuring a fitted bodice with narrow or wide straps, waist seam & A-line skirt. It is designed for stretch knit fabrics & includes an optional shelf bra that you’re going to love!

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

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

More New Fabric Releases Are Coming From Raspberry Creek Fabrics!!

There was supposed to be a new fabric release this week (The Oxford Cloth I sewed up my newest Aria in)~ but it got pushed back. However, next week the Club Halloween Prints will release in French Terry, Cotton Jersey, DBP, Rib, Supreme 50’s Broadcloth, Ponte and Sweatshirt Fleece! There are some really cute prints for both kids and adults!

Be on the lookout for these new releases coming soon ~

  • New Oxford Cloth stripes, solids and plaids ~ 8/25
  • New Denims in September (various shades and weights, stretch and non-stretch)
  • New Retail Ribbing in September (I’ve used it already and it’s wonderful)
  • New Club Christmas designs in September
  • New French Twill in September
  • New Flannel Retail ~ Sept/Oct
  • And More!!!

What I Wore Last Week~

I wore a combination of makes from 2026 this week along with some much older makes. I was so happy to pull off some of my makes from 2022 that I’ve held on to because I loved the fabrics! The two Melody Dolmans are both made in the softest 100% cotton from Alyssa May Designs. That is a good shop to check out from time to time!

The day I wore my Swim knit Laundry Day Tee Dress, we had thunderstorms and lightening all day~ hence the inside picture. But, I wanted to note that I love wearing these as “house dresses” and when working in the sewing room~ because thread just slide right off!! I’m not walking around the house depositing little pieces of thread everywhere!

I wore 3 LN Rhapsody Blouses and I’ll be keeping 2 of them! The Coral rayon poplin I actually shrunk that so that it fits well now. The “Patchwork” Crepe version is big, but the fabric is so thin and “floaty” that it drapes so well so that it doesn’t appear as large as it is. The last one I wore, the green/teal print stretch crepe will be getting donated. The neckline (without the ties) is just too large and I was pulling it back on my shoulders all day. The Rhapsody isn’t an easy blouse to alter, as it has French seams on the side seams~ so I’m happy that I have 2 of these 3 to continue wearing.

Oh~ and excuse the “helmet” head photo~ that was the only one I thought to get taken the day we were out bike riding!!

  • Love Notions Metra Blazer~ in a Ponte Twill from Surge Fabrics(2026)
  • Love Notions Aria Button down~ Color blocked in linen from Gray Lines Linen, NYC (2026)
  • Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse~ in Rifle Paper Co. rayon poplin (2022?)
  • Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse~ with flounce sleeve in a poly/rayon crepe (not sure- but may be from Alyssa May as well)
  • Love Notions Melody Dolman~ in a dotted Swiss from Alyssa May Designs (2021)
  • Love Notions Laundry Day Tee Dress~ in Swim Knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics
  • Love Notions Melody Dolman~ in a textured cotton from Alyssa Jay Designs (around 2021)
  • Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse~ in a Stretch Crepe from Raspberry Creek Fabrics
Ponte Twill
Linen
Rayon Poplin
Poly/Rayon Crepe
Clip Dot Cotton
Swim Knit
Textured Cotton
Stretch Crepe

What I’m Sewing This Week~

This week I’ve been working on cutting out and sewing two new LN Melody Dolman tops, one plaid seersucker and the other a red ditsy floral poplin. The Plaid Melody is just waiting for buttons to be sewn on and a good press. The Ditsy Floral one is about half way sewn and will be finished up later today. I’ll be sure to share them soon! I enjoyed wearing the Melody Dolmans so much last week, I knew I needed to get these sewn up ASAP!

I’m also working on a new pattern test for Love Notions. If you follow the Love Notions Facebook group you may have seen a sneak peek of it! It has bias binding on it~ so practice making your own bias tape because it will work so much better than the premade kind!

I’m also working on the Raspberry Creek Fabrics Halloween strikes. A cute cardigan for myself and something a little fun and different for my great niece and nephew. The designs are just so good this round!!

Sewing Plans~

What do I have coming up in my sewing plans???

A ton of sewing for RCF in the next few weeks including~

  • Denim pants- deciding between the LN Somerset pants and the PE Making Moves Pants
  • Christmas Club prints
  • Ribbing~ a new Fall sweatshirt for me in one of the new mini gingham French Terry prints with the new retail ribbing coming to the shop
  • French Twill~ I’ve got a “Shacket” planned in the PERFECT color for my wardrobe~ “Nautical Red”

I still am hoping to sew up one or two Caprice Skirts (including my seersucker version, although I will admit I’m beginning to not be thrilled about the quality of the seersucker I found.). I should be able to fit these in between all the sewing I have planned! The Caprice skirt goes together so quickly!

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

Mary Anne 🙂

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

Pattern Links~

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

Love Notions Patterns

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.

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

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

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

Pros

There are just soooo many!

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

Cons

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Working with Stretch Crepe

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

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

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

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

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

Sewing World News~

Love Notions~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Fall Fabric Release From Raspberry Creek Fabrics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be on the lookout for these new releases coming soon ~

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