Monthly Archives: August 2026

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

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

A Tiny Bit of Sewing World News~

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

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

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

Pattern Emporium Friday 50% Off Pattern Is~ Go-To | Fit & Flare Dress & Skirt

The Go-To Dress sewing pattern features a fitted bodice, waist seam & separate A-line skirt. It has a beautiful fit & flare silhouette with a moderate hemline sweep. Sew up the entire dress or just the skirt! There are so many options you could have a closet full of them!

I think this dress would be so cool yet dressy sewn up in an ITY knit! So now I’m on the search for some. My favorite shops to find this other than the NYC Garment District are Fabric Mart and Zelouff.

You can grab the pattern HERE. Pattern is on sale for $6.00 USD

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

New Oxford Cloth Shirting from Raspberry Creek Fabrics Is Here!

Finally!! The new Oxford Cloth shirting is in the shop at Raspberry Creek. I am a fabric snob (and geek), I will admit this! When I first got my hands on this Oxford Cloth I was so impressed! This is the real stuff!!! It reminds me of the uniform shirts my daughters had to wear all through grade and high school. So, yes, it may appear a bit stiff at first~ but let me assure you it will soften up beautifully over time and it WILL become one of your most favorite shirts to wear ever! (Be sure to check out the RCF Facebook page, because you will see that some of the promo team made some awesome garments with this new fabric base!). This is NOT a cotton/poly blend~ so no pilling to be found here! I reminds me of my husband’s Brooks Brothers shirts~ so that is a good thing!!!

It is available in a large array of solids and coordinating stripes (like my purple)~ but it is also stocked in a few other multi stripes and plaids. It is even available for custom printing with the white Oxford cloth.

However, there is nothing more preppy and coastal than an Oxford Cloth button down shirt. So that being said, I “needed” to sew up a Love Notions Aria Button down with my fabric. I see this shirt being worn ALL the time, as soon as the heat lifts a tad. I love wearing shirts like this layers with a tank or tee underneath and then as it gets cooler I’ll throw on a Love Notions Oakley Vest. So expect to see photos of that soon! You can also expect to see another Oxford Cloth shirt from me!!

Below is the color card we chose our promo fabrics from. To see larger, up close swatches be sure to visit the RCF website. You can see the entire Oxford Cloth Collection HERE.

Be on the lookout for these new releases coming soon ~

  • New Christmas Club Designs very very soon!
  • 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 Flannel Retail ~ Sept/Oct
  • New Cargo Canvas in Oct.
  • New Check Shirting in Oct.
  • And More!!!

What I Wore Last Week~

Looks like I wore a ton of Love Notions makes this week! My 2 new Melody Dolmans have become ones I grab for every time they come out of the wash! I know I’m going to sew up more of these! I’ve also pulled a bunch of old Laundry Day Tee dresses, which I love wearing around the house on yes “laundry day”. I also love them made in swim knit and I wear them over to my niece’s because we always wind up sitting by the pool~ and the kids always wind up getting me wet! The Harmony blouse was made so many years ago and I’ve held on to it because I loved the rayon crepe floral fabric. It’s so hard to find a true “crepe”~ most that you see listed as that in the shops is really a crinkle. A true crepe has more of a “pebble” texture. This one will be staying in my closet permanently as I plan to shorten it. (As my bust has become smaller~ I no longer need that added length that the FBA adds to the front of a garment)

  • LN Laundry Day Tee Dress ~ in a rib knit from Fabmere Fabrics (no longer in business)
  • LN Chorus Maxi Dress~ in and ITY Knit from Mood Fabrics
  • LN Melody Dolman~ in a Cotton Seersucker from Fabric House in the NYC Garment District
  • LN Melody Dolman~ in a Cotton Poplin from AK Textiles in the NYC Garment District
    • Worn with LN Somerset Capri pants in linen
  • LN Laundry Day Tee Dress~ in a swim knit from Mily Mae Fabrics (2022?)
  • LN Willow Wrap Dress ~ in DBP custom printed from Raspberry Creek Fabrics
  • LN Aria Button Down ~ in a Lightweight Cotton Poplin from Style Maker Fabrics (2023?)
  • LN Harmony Top with a Rhapsody Sleeve ~ in a Rayon Crepe from Style Maker Fabrics (2023?)

What I’m Sewing This Week~

No matter how often I sew~ my “want/need” to sew list just keeps growing!

This week I was able to get the LN Somerset Capri pants sewn up in an 8oz. denim that RCF will be releasing next week. They are going to be great pants to wear during that “shoulder season”. I’ll be posting them on the RCF and Love Notions Facebook pages next week. They will be featured on the Weekly Stitch next week.

I also finished up the 2 dresses for my great niece to wear to Kindergarten. The LN Everyday Play Dress is her favorite dress and I wanted to surprise her with two new ones for her new school. She’s so excited to ride the bus with her older brother who will be in first grade! All fabrics are cotton jersey from Raspberry Creek Fabrics~ which is also her favorite fabric because it just gets softer and softer with every wash! These prints are from the Fall Collection and still available at the links below.

I’ve got a khaki mini gingham French Terry along with a mauve ribbing that I am sewed up into a sweatshirt .(Shown below) My inspiration for this project is the many sweater and sweatshirts I see advertised in stripes or gingham with a contrasting ribbing rather than a matching one. I’ve liked all of these and the fun color combinations I’ve seen so I decided to make one of my own for Fall! The Mini gingham is from the RCF Fall Collection and is available in several colors. The ribbing will be available soon! You can find the mini gingham HERE.

I’m also working on the “Finalish” version of the new Love Notions pattern. It’s looking really cute so far and the changes that Tami made after our “Fit” versions make it even better! This is a top or dress pattern~ I’m testing the top version. (Sorry~ no peeks from me, but here is the sneak peek that Tami posted in the Love Notions Facebook Group!! As you can see it requires sewing with bias binding~ so I would practice up on making your own bias binding. Store purchased could be used~ but I wouldn’t recommend it for this design.

In between all the above~ I’m trying to fit in cutting out the sweatshirts for my great nephew’s first birthday in September. Once cut out, I’ll be able to batch sew them up fairly quickly. Hopefully this weekend I will get a head start on them before my Christmas Club fabrics arrive from RCF.

My Sewing Plans~

The birthday sweatshirts for little Jacob are the first on the list~ so I’m not sewing the night before! I’m hoping to get them done before the Christmas strike-off fabric arrives from RCF.

Next on the list is my Final version of the new Love Notions pattern. I’m torn between what fabric I want to sew it up in~ my last “summer” make or something in more Fall colors?

I also have a beautiful piece of Swafing French Terry from Germany in rust and navy featuring leaves and acorns. I ordered it last fall and never got it made before it was winter. So~ I WANT to get that sewn up now so I will be ready for FALL this year!!! Update~ It’s all cut out and ready to sew and I should finish it this weekend!

I purchased this from Style Maker Fabrics which is one of my favorite mother/daughter owned small fabric shops. They source their fabrics from all over the world and always have some of the best quality fabrics available! They will have their big Fall/Winter Release of fabrics in September. I always buy a large quantity from them during their Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer releases as they also feature $5 shipping for the first 2 weeks. (It has always been $5 previously~ I can not guarantee it will be that this year.). You can also order swatches of any fabric you may be interested in at a small price (around 10% of the cost per yard) plus all swatches ship for free.

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

  • Christmas Club prints~ I’m planning a LN Aria Button down and a hacked version of the LN Clef Coat both in Sweatshirt fleece. (Not a new base~ but now available for club releases!)
  • *****. This fabric has been pushed to a 2027 release due to inventory issues. French Twill~ I’ve got a “Shacket” planned in the PERFECT color for my wardrobe~ “Nautical Red”
  • Retail Flannel plaids and checks~ I haven’t decided what I’ll be sewing with that yet.

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.

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

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

The Aria Button Down

Sewing World News~

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

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

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

The Patterns Are~

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

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

You can purchase the Aria Sewing Course HERE.

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

Continue reading →

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

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

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

Pros

There are just soooo many!

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

Cons

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Working with Stretch Crepe

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

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

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

Continue reading →

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
Continue reading →
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