Daily Archives: September 25, 2026

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac ~ September 25, 2006

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

Sewing World News~

The Fall Collection has been released at Style Maker Fabrics! This is one of my favorite online fabric shops to purchase quality fabrics from. Two times a year they release a curated collection.

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.

The best part is that through Oct. 5 shipping is just $5 no matter how much your purchase!! International fabric orders will receive a special discounted rate.

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.

Below are a few of the fabrics that I have ordered for my stash! Hopefully they won’t live in the stash for long~ but past experience has shown me that I tend to take time deciding what to make with my Style Maker fabrics!

Wool Blend Sweater Knit~ available in several colors
Rayon Challis
Cozy Flannel

Love Notions’ Denim Collection Sale ~ 6 Patterns Just $5 each

The “Denim Collection” is still on sale through Thursday, October 1. If you are planning on grabbing one or more of the patterns or the Legato Sewing Course, please remember to do so before it’s over! These patterns are perfect for sewing up denim~ but are also perfect in so many other fabrics too!!

Here is a link to the whole Denim Collection. Remember to use my code MARYMAC10 to get an additional 10% off if you spend more than $8! The 10% off Ambassador code program will be ending sadly on September 30, so grab any of these than you are thinking about since you won’t ever be able to get them at a lower price.

In the future, please try to support my Sew Mary Mac blog by always using my affiliate links. Simply click on any Love Notions link in any of my blog posts and shop. Doing this can help me to keep my blog ad free!

Presto Tunic
Pianoforte Jumper
Arlington Sweater

The Patterns Are~

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

You can purchase the Legato Sewing Course HERE.

Note: The printed Coda Quilted Jacket pattern will be on sale for just $18.

If you don’t own the Presto Tunic yet~ grab this one NOW!! I think this is one LN pattern that doesn’t get enough love!! I often forget about it myself ~ then when I wear it I remember how much I like wearing it! I am definitely going to be making another one this Fall. I must say that my favorite version of all time is my blue check flannel version ( a lightweight flannel works best and RCF will be releasing some next month that would be perfect!)

For more details on each of these patterns, visit last week’s Weekly Stitch HERE.

Here are a few blog posts I’ve written specifically about some of these patterns that I’ve sewn up.

Pattern Emporium Friday 50% Off Pattern Is~ Like A Boss Tapered Dolman Top

The Like A Boss Batwing sewing pattern could easily win the award for the fastest t-shirt you’ll ever sew. 

It’s the perfect combination of draped body, dolman sleeve and hip hugging hemline that will have you looking put together, even when you are not trying.

Featuring multiple necklines, short & long sleeves, its soft silhouette lends itself to your favourite drapey fabrics.

You can grab the pattern HERE. The Like A Boss 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 Retail Denim Releasing Next Week at Raspberry Creek Fabrics *For Real This Time*

I know I posted this last week~ but sadly the new denims didn’t make it into the RCF shop this week. We’ve been promised that next week, the whole new line of retail Denim WILL be releasing at Raspberry Creek Fabric. They are available in a variety of weights, some with stretch, some without. There is even 2 different Railroad stripes to choose from! Perfect timing with the Love Notions Denim Collection Sale!!!!

Visit last week’s Weekly Stitch to see more details on these awesome denims!

You can find the new Retail Denims HERE. (I’ll update this with the actual link on 9/29!)

  • Upcoming RCF Retail Releases
  • New Retail Ribbing in October (I’ve used it already and it’s wonderful)
  • New Flannel Retail ~ Oct
  • New Cargo Canvas in Oct.
  • New Plaid Shirting in Oct.
  • New Chino Twill
  • New Twill Shirting
  • New Bull Denim
  • And More!!

What I Wore Last Week~

I spent all of last week on Block Island, an island off the coast of Rhode Island. I wore me mades every single day including my nightgown and robe( sorry no pics!). I also wore a few items more than once! I always travel with several LN Aria button downs because they are just so versatile! While it is much cooler in the mornings, I throw a vest or sweatshirt over them and then as the day warms up I can roll up the sleeves. I always take the Arias that I have sewn up in seersucker and linen and this year I added the Oxford shirting version I made. I saved that for the coolest day~ but even though it was heavier it was still cool enough to wear in the afternoon. This is why I love 100% cotton shirting! Be sure to scroll down to my Bonus Photos!!

  • LN Willow Wrap Dress~ in Jude Connally designer deadstock knit from Surge Fabrics(2024)
    • A Jude Connally dress typically costs over $200. If you ever see their fabric being sold~ grab some! When I purchased this from Surge, JC still had dresses made from this fabric on their website!
    • Surge still has some of these, called the JC Collection available. This exact fabric isn’t available , but there are 2 other color ways and many other prints! Find them HERE.
  • LN Aria Button Down~ color blocked in seersucker from Mood Fabrics
  • M4M Jordan Dress~ modified into a kayak dress in Raspberry Creek Fabrics swim knit (the very 1st one I made)
  • LN Oakley Vest~ in Blizzard fleece from Joann Fabrics (the one fabric I really liked from there)
  • LN Constellation Pullover~ in French Terry from RCF (customer printed with a Cheryl Graham design)
  • LN Aria Button Down~in an embroidered seersucker from Joann Fabrics
  • LN Timbre Top ~ in an eyelet (with border) from Its’s A Material World, NYC Garment District (next to AK Textiles)
  • LN Clef Coat~ in patchwork Madras plaid from Cali Fabrics, lined with loop French Terry
  • LN Aria Button Down ~ in 100% Cotton Oxford Cloth shirting from RCF
    • available in lots of solids, stripes and custom printing on white
  • LN Chorus Dress ~ in an ITY knit from Mood Fabrics, NYC Garment District
  • LN Aria Button Down ~ in a linen stripe from Metro Textiles, NYC Garment District
  • LN Clef Coat ~ Just another pic taken after getting off the ferry on mainland Rhode Island
Great Salt Pond
Mohegan Bluffs
North Light, Block Island
1661 Inn
Why yes, I did walk down the bluffs 140 steps and then back up!!
Port Judith, RI

What I’m Sewing This Week~

To be totally honest, as of Wednesday I hadn’t sewn anything!! When I got home from vacation, my Christmas promo fabrics from Raspberry Creek arrived so I did get them rewashed. But, that is as far as I got. I’ve been busy doing lots of laundry, cleaning all of our kayaking gear to be stored away until next Spring and resting up! Yup~ that’s how my husband and I do vacations~ we need to come home to rest from them!!

Then there is the weather~ a Nor’Easter is on its way for this weekend (actually here already)~ which meant getting everything outside either put away or secured. So there really hasn’t been much time to think about sewing!

This weekend (hoping I have power) I will try to get to some of my sewing, but it doesn’t look promising! My birthday is Monday, which means I have one daughter coming down on Sunday. We started a tradition a few years ago of going to the annual Greek Festival for to get out fill of awesome Greek food. I hope the weather will allow us to still go. The outdoor tents may not be set up~ but the indoor “restaurant” will still open!!

Sewing Plans~

So~ I just cut and pasted my sewing plans from last week’s Weekly Stitch. Let’s hope I get this accomplished!

The first thing I need to sew will be the Christmas Club Strike offs. I’ll batch sew the 2 Sweatshirt fleece pieces~ either into 2 LN Aria Button downs or one Aria and 1 Constellation. The French Terry will be quick to sew up as a LN Sloane.

Next I plan on working on a RCF promo with some navy “Cargo Canvas”to sew up a jacket. I’ve been going back and forth on which pattern to use. Over vacation I looked at some other options, so this weekend I’ll make my final choice and get started. Contenders are: Grainline Thayer Jacket, Chalk & Notch Den Jacket and the Friday Pattern Company Ilford Jacket.

I’m also hoping to sew up one or two new LN Aria Button downs in Fall plaids! I’m sure you noticed by now that I LOVE wearing button downs and I actually “need” a few new ones for Fall.

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

Sadly after 9/30 there will no longer be any ambassador coupon codes for Love Notions. Up until that date you may use my code MARYMAC10 for an additional 10% off. This coupon code can be used on any purchase as along as the order total is $8 or more. I highly recommend grabbing any of the denim collection patterns what you’re thinking about, because this will be the last time you can get an additional 10% off the sale price.

 As this change is happening, going forward I would truly appreciate it if you used my affiliate links above to purchase any patterns so that I will get “credit” for the sale. (I do receive a small commission)

Again, in the future, please try to support my Sew Mary Mac blog by always using my affiliate links. Simply click on any Love Notions link in any of my blog posts and shop. Doing this can help me to keep my blog ad free! You can even save this link in your bookmarks which will always be my affiliate link ~ Love Notions Patterns.

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

Need a resource for your zippers for the Oakley Vest or Clef Coat? Visit this Weekly Stitch Blog for all the details on which zippers I use and where I purchase all my zippers from. 

Bonus Photos~ Block Island, Rhode Island

Last week we went on our annual September trip to Block Island. The weather was perfect (just a horrible drive to the ferry in torrential rain) for our entire stay on the island. It’s always the perfect way to end the summer! Block Island~ or “The Block” is truly my happy place and the one getaway I tell my husband is “non-negotiable”. We always stay at the 1661 Inn and Resort.

If you love crisp ocean breezes, peaceful landscapes, and time spent in nature, Block Island is the perfect fall escape. This New England gem is just far enough off the beaten path to feel like a true escape, yet still convenient to reach (Only way to get there is by Ferry, plane or helicopter). The quieter months of Fall is the best time to enjoy the island’s charm at a relaxed pace. (Yes, it’s pretty crazy in the summer!),

If you want more information about Block Island, visit this website. Want to see exactly where it is? Scroll to the end of the photos!

Arriving to “the Block”
The National Hotel~ A Historic Inn
View of the Atlantic from our room’s deck
View of the Inn’s lawn from our deck
The Barn~ our favorite place to eat
Every morning we rode our bikes before breakfast to the Bluffs
View of the Atlantic
The Mohegan Bluffs
The Atlantic at the base of the Bluffs
140 Steps down the Bluffs~ and then 140 steps back up!
The South East Lighthouse
At the Southeast Light
The Great Salt Pond that leads to the Atlantic
Kayaking in search of seals
Lobster Mac & Cheese
Best Dessert Ever!
My husband in his LN Tailgate Sweatshirt
The Atlantic
On our way back up the steps! We did these 280 steps every morning!
Our view at breakfast each morning~ the Atlantic
Those are not a pile of rocks~ that is a “pile” of seals! Hiked out to the point from the North Light to see them!
The seals follow you are you walk along the beach
The North Light
1661 Farm
The West side of the island is all hills, goldenrod and stone walls
My goat friends
On our deck~ headed to dinner
After the 280 steps again!
I bought kale at the grocery store~ they love it!
The North Light again
On the ferry leaving for the mainland
Till next year Block Island!
Illustration Block island map in United States

Block Island is part of Rhode Island~ it is the small island, circled in red off the coast of Rhode Island and Long Island, NY

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