Tag Archives: handmade

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

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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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The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ July 31, 2026

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Sewing World News~

Love Notions~

The “Woven Wonders” Collection sale is over~ I hope you grabbed any of those patterns that you needed/wanted! Be on the look out in August for the next sale collection!

I know that many of you are missing “Feature Friday” $5 pattern sales each Friday but each month going forward there will be a new collection of patterns (with a theme) that will be on sale for an entire 2 weeks. Typically each collection will feature at least 5 patterns, one course and one printed pattern. Tentative dates for the next Collection Sale are August 7-20. No worries, the Weekly Stitch will keep you updated!!

Pattern Emporium Friday 50% Off Pattern Is~ Heartlight Skirt

The Heartlight Skirt sewing pattern features a timeless fit & flare silhouette with a soft, comfortable waistband and beautifully flowing shape. Available in multiple lengths, it’s just as suited to everyday wear as it is to dressing up, making it a versatile wardrobe staple you’ll reach for again and again

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.

*Some readers have wondered why I have started including the weekly(almost) pattern sales from Pattern Emporium. Although this pattern company has been around for awhile, I have just sewn only one of their patterns. I have however purchased several of them! I have been using the Friday 50% sales to build up my PE pattern collection. As time goes on, I will be able to show you more of my PE makes and include some blog posts dedicated to PE patterns.

I was VERY impressed with the pattern instructions and the construction techniques! My very first job (at Simplicity Pattern Co.) was as a technical writer and one of my jobs was to determine if there were any corrections or adjustments to be done to the “Primer” or instruction sheet. I also wrote educational materials and answered the questions sent into the Simplicity Magazine each month.

Fabric Release From Raspberry Creek Fabrics~ Coming Tuesday, August 4

The Fall Club Collection will release next Tuesday 8/4. This includes all the new Fall Club prints that are available on French Terry, Cotton Jersey, Double Brushed Poly and Rib knit. New this release any print that is available on French Terry or Cotton Jersey will also be offered on the Supreme Shirting Broadcloth. Any print that is available on DBP or Rib knit will also be available on Sweatshirt fleece and Ponte! For those of you that may be newer to RCF~ Club Collections are released a few times a year and the retire when the next season is released. For example~ Summer Club will retire when the Fall Collection releases. Holiday Collections typically retire the day after that holiday. It is always less expensive to purchase a current collection that to custom print. During the first week of a release they are also $1 off per yard.

In addition, the new Club prints on Stretch Crepe, Rayon Challis and Ponte will also be releasing the same day!!! So much to choose from. Again, they will be on sale $1 off per yard during the release week. This is a great opportunity to order from both new lines at release week pricing AND save on some shipping!!

If you’ve been a reader of the Sew Mary Mac blog for a bit, then you know that I LOVE RCF rayon challis!

I can’t show any sneak peeks this time around~ but I’ll come back to this post on Tuesday to add some of the prints and my makes!!

Be on the look out for even more new fabrics from Raspberry Creek Fabrics such as:

  • 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 Club Halloween Release in French Terry, Cotton Jersey, DPB and Rib
  • New Ribbing in September
  • New French Twill in September

What I Wore Last Week~

As you may be able to tell, I’m still pulling items from the back of my closet! I’ve been wearing a mix of new makes and really old makes.

  • LN Melody Dolman ~ in a cotton gingham ( my wearable muslin for this pattern back in 2022?)
  • LN Rhapsody Blouse~ in a rayon crepe from Style Maker Fabrics with Trumpet sleeve
  • PE About Town Popover ~ in a seersucker stripe from Mood Fabrics, NYC Garment District
  • Helen’s Closet Yoke Pinafore~ in a Japanese Cotton
    • I don’t love this worn with a tank~however our air conditioning wasn’t working and I was trying to stay cool. Luckily it is all fixed now!!
  • LN Willow Wrap Dress~ in an ITY knit from Zelouf Fabrics, NYC
    • I included an up close pic of the ITY fabric, as it never photographs very well when worn. It is much more navy blue in person~ the modeled photo looks like it is more white with navy.
  • LN Caprice Skirt~ in linen blend from my deep stash (one of the many I made when this pattern released)
    • I took 2 photos to show how I wore it that day. At home, I wore it with just a RTW tank, when I went out to lunch I threw on a little J Crew cardigan that I bought last fall.
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The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ July 24, 2026

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Sewing World News~

Love Notions “Woven Wonders” Collection Sale ~ 5 Patterns just $5 Each!

If you haven’t grabbed any of the “Woven Wonders” patterns for just $5~ you still have until Thursday 7/30 to do so. If you spend at least $8 you can use my code MARYMAC10 for an extra 10% off.

  • 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.

You can see the whole Woven Wonders Collection HERE.

Visit last week’s Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac for more details on each of these “Woven Wonders” along with links to detailed blog posts on one ones shown below. There you can see more photos of these patterns sewn up by me. You can find that blog post HERE.

These Sew Mary Mac blog posts contain even more info on these patterns!

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The Woven Wonders Pattern Sale From Love Notions & The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ July 17, 2026

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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

Screenshot
Screenshot

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.

The rayon challis is from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and is still available~ it’s one of my favorite prints! You can find it here.

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.

Short Sleeve in Rayon Challis
Flutter Sleeve in Rayon Challis
Flounce Sleeve in Rayon Crepe

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.

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)

Faux Dress with the Caprice Skirt in Double Gauze
Short Sleeve with Trim in a
Crinkle Rayon
Linen Dress with a waist tie
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.

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The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ July 10, 2026

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Sewing World News~

Love Notions~ No Sale This Friday!

Be on the look out next Friday, July 17 for the release of a new sale collection!!! There will be 5-6 patterns each only $5 each! If you purchase at least 2, you’ll be able to get an additional 10% off with my code MARYMAC10.

Pattern Emporium 50% Friday Pattern is ~

Ocean Daze- Very Oversized Shirt and Dress

The Ocean Daze Very Oversized Fit Shirt sewing pattern is a fabulously roomy & easy to wear style. Everything about this shirt is so perfectly exaggerated.

Need a layering piece? This pattern also works fabulously as an overshirt. An overshirt is basically a shirt, jacket or shacket, that can be worn as a layering piece. I think the name of this pattern says it all~ Beach Coverup sewn up in a lightweight linen.

You can grab the pattern HERE. Pattern is on sale for just $7.00(USD)

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

New Retail Fabric Coming to Raspberry Creek Fabrics!!

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The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ July 3, 2026

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Sewing World News~

Custom Printed Beach/Yoga Towels From Raspberry Creek Fabrics

Did you know that you can now order custom printed towels from Raspberry Creek Fabrics? You can select any design from the current Spring or Summer line, any design in the Designer Library or even upload your own! There are 2 different type towels to choose from~ Waffle Swim & Bath or Sand Free Beach & Yoga!

I love how small the Sand Free and Yoga towel can be rolled up/folded. Last week I took mine out kayaking on the Mystic River and I was able to fit it into my dry bag. Now my husband wants one for his as well!

You can order the towels HERE.

Microfiber Waffle Swim & Bath Towels

  • 30 X 60 inches
  • 85% Polyester, 15% Polyamide
  • Satin Trim and Rounded Corners
  • Waffle Weave
  • Hanging Loop
  • Fast Drying
  • Highly Absorbant
  • Lint and Odor Resistant
  • Machine Washable

Sand Free Beach & Yoga Towels

  • 27 X 60 inches
  • 100% Ultra Soft Polyester
  • Sand Free
  • Fast Drying
  • Highly Absorbent
  • Lightweight, Great for Travel
  • Machine Washable
Waffle Towel
Waffle Towel
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Simply Perfect Set For Summer~ The Somerset

……………..A New Pattern Release From Love Notions

The Somerset is simply………….the perfect set for summer!!! The Somerset is on sale for just $9.50 through Thursday 7/2/2026. Remember to use my code MARYMAC10 for an extra 10% off. You can grab the pattern here.

This pattern includes three pieces that work together to create countless outfits for all your summer days and nights! They can be combined to create the perfect lounge set or a classic everyday look. Each of them are also great stand alone pieces!

The top features a cross-over V-neckline with gathers (and optional buttons). Pair the top with a cute pair of shorts or the best baby barrel capri pants. The shorts and capris feature roomy front patch pockets and a nice wide cuff that gives them a bit more style.

I tested the Somerset pattern as a Love Notions Ambassador. lLet’s be honest~ I’m not really a “barrel” pants kind of person, or so I thought. I love these Capri pants so much I plan on making more! I’ve tried on RTW barrel jeans and pants, but they have never looked right on me. (Being just 5 feet tall may have something to do with that!). So, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and give them a try. This pattern was a fairly quick and enjoyable sew, but be sure to check out my tips below!

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The Summer & Swim Collection Sale from Love Notions & The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ Friday, June 5, 2026

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Exciting New Sales From Love Notions ~ The Summer & Swim Collection

For the month of June (and perhaps longer) Love Notions will be featuring a collection of patterns for just $5 each! This collection will be on sale from Friday, June 5 through Thursday, June 18, 2026. (On Friday, June 19 a new collection will be announced!). The Summer & Swim Collection features 6 patterns, 3 Ladies, 2 Girls and 1 Boys pattern. Buy one, two or all! Find the Summer & Swim Collection Sale patterns HERE.

Printed patterns of the Ladies Clearwater Summer Essentials and the Summer Basics Top & Dress will be on sale for just $18.

Even better~ the Clearwater Sewing Course, that I highly recommend will be on sale for just $15! Remember if you spend $8 or more you can save an additional 10% off with my code MARYMAC10.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FROM NOW ON MY DISCOUNT CODE WILL BE MARYMAC10

Here are links to each of the $5 patterns in the Summer & Swim Collection

Clearwater Summer Essential Sewing Course ~ I Highly Recommend this!!!

I have made and worn my Clearwater Swim dress over and over and over (I live on the coast). I’ve also made the Clearwater sports bra and brief for my little niece. My Clearwater Dress was my first ever attempt of making a swimsuit for myself and I like sewing and wearing it so much I made a second one!

For more info on the Ladies Clearwater Summer Essentials, visit this blog post.

For more info on the Girls Clearwater Summer Essentials along with more pics of Vivi Lou, visit this blog post.

Both blog posts contain specific sewing tips. The Ladies blog has tips on sewing the swim dress and how I was able to fit this to my petite busty shape. The Girls blog has some tips for sewing the sports bra and briefs. Both blogs have recommendations on elastic. You’ll even find tips for sewing with swim fabrics in both posts!

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Last Few Days of Me Made May Sales & The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ May 29, 2026

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WINNER HAS BEEN DRAWN!!!

I hope everyone has enjoyed Me Made May with Sew Mary Mac and Love Notions! I can’t wait to see what you all sew up in June! Thank you all for your lovely comments~ I really enjoyed reading them all! As the week progresses I will respond to all of your nice comments!

I’m Giving Away One Free Pattern From the MMM Trunk Show!!!

All you need to do is comment on this blog post! I’ll be selecting one of my readers randomly to receive one pattern that was featured in the Me Made May Trunk Show! It’s that easy! Simply leave me a comment~ maybe about what your favorite LN pattern is, what blog posts you enjoy most or even what you’d like to see me include in my Weekly Stitch!

I will be selecting a winner on Sunday evening, 5/31/26. If you’ve won, I’ll need your email associated with your LN account. It’s that simple!!

The Sale is Over but be sure to check The Weekly Stitch on Friday, June 5 for the next exciting sale from Love Notions!

In honor of Me Made May, Love Notions has been doing something really special this May! Each day of May LN has been featuring a different pattern for just $5! The schedule won’t be announced ahead of time~ so check back to this email each day(until the next Friday’s Weekly Stitch) for the $5 pattern of the day and my link to the pattern and related blog post! Remember each pattern is on sale for just 24 hours. 

**I would truly appreciate if you could use my affiliate link below to give me credit for your purchase. Thank you so so much for visiting and helping to support my blog! The small amount I get with this affiliate link helps to keep my blog ad free!  If you don’t want to return to my blog each day~ you can simply go to the Love Notions Website to see the $5 pattern. You can bookmark/save this link which will also give me credit for your purchases~ Love Notions Patterns

5/31~ Today’s $5 Pattern~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Muse Blouse

The Muse Blouse is a great transitional blouse for all seasons! This pattern includes so many options you can easily make a closet full and each one would be different. I’ve made 3 versions so far and have plans for a few more for summer.

Buy this pattern HERE.

Visit this blog post for more details, photos, how to block fuse interfacing for the Muse Blouse and tips for sewing with rayon challis!

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