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Made By A Fabricista: A Wool Pinafore for Winter

Hello exciting wintry weather! Brrr, though. For my December post, I wanted to sew something more unusual for me, something outside my wide leg pants and big boxy sweaters, and this pinafore combination is exactly that. I really like the layering aspect and how easily one could switch up the look based on the top worn underneath, and how this pinafore pattern could easily work for all seasons based on fabric choice and possibly adding leggings. The new Love Notions Pianoforte Jumper in this incredibly charming polka dot wool blend suiting is just right. I wanted wool for warmth, and the sweet print just sent me. Of course a pinafore looks SO darling in dots. The Pianoforte is a slightly-cocoon shaped dress with princess seams and some large and handy front inset pockets. There is a zip-front option, but I went with the pullover plain front. I love the vintagey, sort of old-timey vibes of this style, and categorize this one under dopamine dressing.  Because the wool is on the heavi...
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Made By A Fabricista: Spooky Season Hasn’t Ended Yet!

When fall started and we moved into Spooky Season I knew I wanted to make something a little witchy. I’d been eyeballing Stitch Witch’s patterns for some time, and after some back and forth on which pattern to make, I landed on the Harlow Dress. I really liked the neckline, the cute elasticated sleeves, and I didn’t have a pattern already with a princess seam a-line skirt.  I’m a huge sucker for linen , and after perusing Fabric Mart’s stock I decided on this beautiful black linen with a subtle rose jacquard weave. I loved how at first glance it looks plain, but when it hits the light the roses appear. I love to make things much harder for myself than they need to be. My favorite seam finishing technique, especially for a fabric like a linen, is french seams. They’re so neat and I don’t have to worry about anything unraveling, it’s all neatly tucked inside itself. What I didn’t consider was how tricky french seams with neck facings would be. I had to pick out several seams multiple...

Made by a Fabricista: Structure

Hi everyone!  I can’t believe the year is nearly wrapping up already and this is my last post for 2024! You may have noticed but the barrel silhouette has been very much in right now from pants to sleeves.  To be honest I was a little bit hesitant about hopping on to the trend.  One I was not sure if the proportions would work for my body also I considered would this be a long lasting trend to keep incorporated in my closet?  But after a few seasons the barrel seems to stay in many variations, I think exaggerated proportions are such a thing now.  I saw this Cult Gaia x Gap denim dress collab with the barrel sleeves and wanted to remake it.  When I saw this brown distressed denim twill I knew it was perfect.  I had been debating between making cargo pants but I wanted to try to do something different and went for the dress once I saw the inspiration.   I used McCall’s pattern 8139 as my base with the following modifications.  Instead of...

Made By A Fabricista: Fall Wardrobe Ideas for Girls

Happy Fall Ya’ll! This month I was inspired to create outfits for my girls with fabrics giving fall vibes. My eldest landed on the orange polkadot jersey , and I couldn’t resist the beautiful burgundy floral challis for my youngest. With my $50 budget, I purchased four different fabrics for four garments, and I just love how they all came together!  My eldest recently turned thirteen and has decided she only wears pants and tops, thank you very much. I selected a nylon Ponte to make a pair of Jalie Renee Ponte Pants, and aside from the fact they don’t have pockets, she’s a big fan! Renee is a really easy sew and the darts in the back, along with the elasticized waist, make them easy to fit. With all the holiday dinners coming up, these pants are the ones you need for feasting comfortably! Being a double knit, Ponte is an easy knit to sew as it’s fairly stable. If you’re new to sewing with knits, Ponte is a great place to start!  I thought my daughter would like a loose fitti...

Made By A Fabricista: Youtube Edition - Marty

This project was one of necessity. Over the past two years, I have worn various 15th-century court gowns, and every time I run into the same problem. Around 4 pm, I start overheating and need to make a quick escape.  So I thought I would make a loose gown that I could wear over my foundation garments and still look dressed. Essentially it would act like a very fancy dressing gown. I made one of these garments a few years ago as a fur-lined coat. And while I am absolutely in love with it, it's not practical to wear when I am already too warm to function. So in choosing the fabric for this project, I looked for a lightweight linen that I could line with an equally lightweight silk. This would give me everything I would want and more.  I chose to alter a doublet pattern so I could skip most of the patterning process and get straight to the construction. With a few quick decisions on where to start adding fullness and how to support the collar, I was onto sewing. All of this was d...

Made by a Fabricista: Know Me Pattern ME2052, An Oversized Button Front Shirt

Hello friends,  I’m Byrd, and today I’m excited to share my latest Fabricista project with you—an oversized button-front shirt made from the Know Me Pattern ME2052, sewn using a gorgeous 100% Tencel sand-washed  challis  from Fabric Mart called “Chalkboard Black.” This shirt has quickly become one of my go-to wardrobe staples for fall, thanks to its versatility and classic design. One of my favorite things about this oversized shirt is its versatility, especially as we transition into cooler weather. In the first photo, I’ve paired the shirt with wide-leg pants, which I think is perfect for fall. I used New Look 6271 for the pants. The loose, flowy fit of both the shirt and pants creates a relaxed but put-together outfit that I can wear just about anywhere. In the second photo, I’m wearing the shirt layered over a jumpsuit. This is such a fun way to wear it, turning it into a light jacket that adds a casual but stylish layer. Whether you’re wearing it as a standalone piec...