Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Happy Fall Everyone!   Where I live, we typically have a beautiful fall, except for this year.  It's pretty much been non-existent but that hasn't stopped me from making some fall tops in trendy colors.  


For this months post, I knew I wanted to use Olive green and I knew I wanted a cosy knit.  I found this lovely fabric in the ITY knit section.  Isn't that color so pretty?  
Here's the link to the fabric: Olive ITY knit


Yes, I am back to indoor photos.  It was just above 30 degrees today and the wind was howling.



I make a lot of flat pattern measurements before I start.  With this pattern, I knew it would be snug across the back shoulder area, so I widened that area for a total of an inch.  This is a typical adjustment for me when I use StyleArc patterns.  

I spend a lot of time on my necklines and hemlines.  I used this notion from FM's site: SewkeysE-White-Fusible-Knit-Stay-Tape-Interfacing.  It's sold in various widths and for necklines I use 1/2" tap…

It's November and time to get cozy inside!  We had our first snow on Halloween in about 30 years, which I'm taking as a warning that this could be an extra cold winter.  I'm ready though, with the help of some new homemade loungewear using Fabric Mart's velour.  These fabrics are all from the group that said it was from a "Better Spa Wear Manufacturer".   There were hundreds of yards of the pale jade velour, so maybe you got some of it.  The white terry velour that I used on the robe is still available.  These fabrics were really nice quality, so I have high hopes that Fabric Mart will get in more from this company!


This heather gray velour tunic was made using McCall's 7979.  I made the cowl neck version, and added a kangaroo pocket to the front.    This is a super easy pattern and I was a little worried that the velour might be too thick for it, but it turned out fine.


You can see in this photo that it's got dropped sleeves with extra low armholes.…

Animal print is almost always in style, but this fall it's especially on trend! I've got plenty of cheetah/leopard print makes, but nothing in snakeskin so when I saw this cream and black double brushed polyester (DBP) knit I had to have it. In addition to the print I love the feel of DBP, it's so soft, doesn't hold wrinkles and holds up to multiples washes! This fabric is sold out, but they have plenty of other double brushed knits online.


I recently added a few (read: several) patterns to my collection thanks to an annual sale hosted by the local American Sewing Guild. This was totally accidental as I was there to donate fabric and patterns NOT buy. LOL Anyway in that lot of patterns was Vogue 8738 (OOP). I grabbed it thinking it was a jumpsuit, but its actually two pieces which is almost better as I need more separates. Though I'm not sure when this was printed it has a 90's vibe and the 90s are making a comeback (whether we like it or not!) so I snagged t…

The more I sew with wool, the more I love it.  It presses so well, it's easy to sew, and when the weather turns cooler, it has you covered!  I've been slowly adding more and more wool into my wardrobe from base layer tees, more scarves than I care to admit to, and even some wool workout gear.  This year's goal was to make some wool garments for my lower half.
See, I've been terrified of doing just that for years because of my husband's uncanny ability to shrink all my wool.  It's so wonderful to have a hubby who helps with the laundry, but being a set it and forget it person, and me being a little careless myself with where I put my laundry, there have been more wool sacrificed to the washer than have lasted.  The last skirt I lost hurt--a navy one with swishy vintage lines that I had worked so hard to fit *perfectly* to me.  Until it got eaten in the wash.  I ugly cried over that one.  But this time, I'm determined!  As God is my witness, I'll never s…