Made by a Fabricista: You're Gonna Hear Me Roar!!

Helloooo!! I'm back and I'm still sewing with knits! Recently I made it my mission to find more TNT- tried and true patterns, those that I've mastered the fit on and I can come back to again and again for easy no fuss makes. One of the patterns I chose to master was a basic knit dress. What's not to love about knits I ask?? I'm quickly becoming obsessed! Knits are so comfy to wear...soft, breathable, stretchy and easy to launder, wash-dry-no iron involved!

I picked up this fun animal print jersey knit from Fabric Mart. (Exact fabric not available yet, but check out the other knits available!) It's lightweight and super comfy. For the pattern I used Kitschy Coo's Lady Skater pattern. This pattern is very functional, dress it up for work or play it down with some sneakers for shopping. It features a fitted bodice that ends at the natural waistline and flows into an easy breezy skirt. It's flattering on any body type.

I started with a tissue fitting of the pattern on my handmade dress form, then moved to a muslin. Very quickly (because I know fitting can be a real snooze to read about) my alterations were (I cut a size 3):

1. Shortened front and back bodice 2 1/2 inches

2. Shortened upper back bodice 3 inches, this really helped my swayback problem

3. Pinned out excess on front bodice, armpit to apex

4. Shortened the sleeves 5 inches.

5. Shortened hem line 1 inch

Once my muslin confirmed a good fit I moved on to the real deal. Using my serger allowed me to make this in a little over an hour. I always breathe a little easier after the neckline band is attached. I'm so paranoid I'm either going to stretch it too much resulting in a puckered neckline or stretch it not enough for a floppy neckline. This neck band was drafted to perfection, no holding my breath necessary!

The only time I used my sewing machine was when using the twin needle to finish the neckline and hem line.

I'm really pleased and excited to have one tried and true pattern to add to my stash. I've also made this up in a red ponte knit and think this striped print would be super cute.

Because the knit is lighter weight it will be perfect for spring or summer. But that's not gonna stop me from wearing it now with boots and a cardigan!

What's your TNT knit pattern?

~Shannon

Made By A Fabricista: My Version of the Infamous DVF Wrap Dress

Just in case you are not aware, the iconic Diane Fustenberg wrap dress has turned 50 this year. In celebration, Vogue has re-released the DVF Wrap Dress pattern, which now comes in extended sizes. This dress is so classic and fits many different body types. I got a hold of this pattern and decided this would be my birthday dress this year. This pattern is categorized as a Very Easy Vogue pattern, and I would have to agree with that. Wrap dresses are usually relatively simple to put together since there aren’t that many pattern pieces to sew together. I made View A in a size 22 and the only modification I made was to shorten the hem by 6 inches. I will say that since I used a Ponte Knit , I could have gone down to a size 20. I didn’t read the fabric suggestions before picking my fabric. I’ve always remembered seeing the DVF Wrap dress in knits. After reviewing the fabric suggestions, they do say that you can use soft fabrics, like a Challis or a Chambray. As I mentioned, I’ve alwa

Week 4: Jeansmaking- What They Made

This is it, the final round! And we certainly did not go easy on our three remaining contestants this time. This round they had to make their own pair of well fitting jeans. I think they all did an absolutely outstanding job! Take a look what these ladies accomplished & be sure to vote for your favorite! (Link at bottom of post.) And, don't forget to show us your me-made jeans on Facebook or Instagram. Details at the bottom of this post. Danesha from Classyfied Life So first I must say that this entire challenge has been just that...a challenge! Two weeks ago there was hurricane Irma and I was blessed enough to not lose power and then I went out into the aftermath to capture some photos of my submission. Then two weeks ago I had a big trip planned so I had to do EVERYTHING in two days . Then the BIGGEST challenge of all...THIS week! I got the challenge and I was super excited to have an extra few days and then before I could even get started I ended up in the eme

Made By A Fabricista: The Grand Sewing Plan

Spring is everywhere you look! Full winter jackets and thick sweaters are no longer daily wardrobe requirements, and new spring fabrics are blooming at Fabric Mart! Every Spring, I try to make myself a new dress to celebrate the turn of the seasons, but this year I had a grand sewing plan to make 5 new spring garments. It all started one day while browsing the Fabric Mart website. I saw an adorable cotton veggie print shirting fabric and envisioned it becoming a special little button-up shirt for my son to wear on Easter. The cotton veggie print shirting reminded me of the Peter Rabbit stories I used to read as a child and then all of a sudden I got carried away with my ideas. My initial idea grew into a mother-and-son outfit coordination idea with button-up shirts and ended with an entire family outfit coordination plan. I ordered 2.75 yards of the cotton veggie print shirting fabric to make two button-up shirts and a tie. Most sane people would have stopped there with the matching sh

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