More Canadian Red inspiration, this time a sleeveless version of yesterday's sweater.
Continuing with the Canadian 'Red' inspiration I switched to more seasonally appropriate pieces.
When worn it just looks like a plain V neck sweater you could buy in any shop, only it fits my body. I wore the version I made in November 2025 in a dark burgundy plum colour a lot, so am adding more colours in the same style.
Continuing with the Canadian 'Red' inspiration I've up-cycled a tee I bought on the discount rail of a local charity shop.
The original top was very straight in the body and a very large size. I cut the sleeves off and up the sides, leaving the shoulders, neckline and hem intact.
I recut the body to be more shaped and a better fit for my pear shape. I unpicked the double layer balloon sleeves, hemmed the outer eyelet layer and reinserted them as gathered sleeves, discarding the plain red cotton sleeve linings.
I didn't manage to find if I'd taken a before photo, but did find it on the retailers website (in a smaller size) see below.
This is a summer only top as it's very hard to get any normal layer over the sleeves.
Here's my fourth project inspired by the red and white of the Canadian flag.
The fabric is a linen mix bought from Boyes, with some plain white used for the pocket facings.
Not sure if the weather is warm enough anymore to wear these, but they'll be ready for the Spring!
Here's my third project inspired by the red and white of the Canadian flag. Some Polka dot and floral print PJs for me.
Kwik Sew 3553 was my starting point though I made lots of changes to cut it from the fabric amounts I had, piecing the legs and the sleeves, adding a back facing, replacing the grown on waistband with a separate one and adding pockets. I also put a pocket in the back of the trousers.
My most recent order from Pound Fabrics
Top Left - 2 metres of red fleece for a jacket
Bottom Left - 5 metres of red stripe jersey
Top Right - 4 metres of Country Roses Viscose Challis in turquoise
Bottom Right - 3 metres of viscose poplin in duckegg
I also got some Prym Fray Check and 1 metre of Insul Bright wadding (which I used in the Place mats)
Here's my second project inspired by the red and white of the Canadian flag.
I got creative with some scraps from previous projects and tweaked a pattern I'd taken from a RTW top years ago.
For this version I made quite a few changes.
The front is all one piece but a little narrower at the top and with a slight V neck.
The back has a centre seam. The front hem is a little shorter than the back and the sleeves were cut a lot shorter but then have deep cuffs.
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Here's more detail on how I created this simple pattern.
https://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/2018/02/pattern-traced-from-rtw-top.html
Hobbycraft have been selling off their Big 4 patterns. I ordered online and picked up in store.
Simplicity S3069, so I can try the Barrel Leg Trend.
Simplicity S9645, a new knit top pattern.
Simplicity S8843, Anorak to make a causal coat (or two).
Butterick B6862, a Palmer Pletsch Advanced pattern for a smart jacket.
Vogue V2016, an Average difficulty pattern for a jacket (but I'd need to swap out the sleeves!)
Butterick B6497, an Average difficulty pattern for a coat.
Have you made any of these patterns, how did you find them?
Here's my first project inspired by Canada, and a fairly literal one.
Placemats with a map of Canada!
The fronts were a panel I bought at the Cloth Shop on Granville Island, Vancouver.
https://theclothshop.com/
I used some backing from my quilting stash and bought a metre of Insul-bright wadding to use in the placemats. I thought that'd help protect the table from hot dishes.
I did two rows of stitching round the edges and also on the red bands at the sides. Then made shapes inside some of the provinces to secure the layers in the centre section. I can always add more stitching later if I think it needs it.
They are not perfect, but they are good enough and will be in use this evening for our meal!
I made a few small purchases along the way, but will share the sewing related ones.
Just a quick post with a few more things I made for my travel capsule
The Super Basic Tank from Half Moon Atelier.
The body is a remnant someone gave me and the bands/pocket scraps left from another project.
The main fabric is quite thick cotton tubular knit but has no recovery, so it's too hot for a tank and might be distorting the fit?
The fit is not good on my body. The neckline is too wide and the underarms stick out, but the tummy/hip area is fine.
I probably need to grade from one or two sizes smaller at the upper area out to the size I have lower down. I'm pretty sure this isn't worth trying to fix, so will add a label and donate.
The little pocket is my own addition to try to tie the two fabrics together. I also curved the back hem down to be a little longer(the pattern is straight across)
It's a free pattern - https://www.halfmoonatelier.com/blogs/news/super-basic-tank-top-tester-round-up
Cotton lawn blouse with pattern matching across the front placket and front patch pockets.
This will also be for my travel wardrobe, but pretty to wear at home afterwards too.
This is my version of the Delta Cargo Pant by Style Arc. These are also for my travel wardrobe.
They are now wearable, and I have also added belt loops.
The main thing to note about this pattern is that it is very straight up and down, so if you have a curvy bottom you'll need to make some changes.
I might be better using the pockets and adapting my TNT pattern to look more like this style.
The fabric is Mocha bengaline Stretch Fabric from T9 fabrics.
Khaki stretch woven shorts
These shorts have replaced a similar style pair which are now worn out. In an improvement over the old pair I added zipped pockets into the side seams.
