Made by A Fabricista: Polyester Plaids

Spring is just around the corner, and I am still obsessed with plaids! I wanted to officially end my journey with the color combination that originally lit the fire of plaids in my life this season. The fabric used for these pants is a poly novelty weave suiting found (HERE). I actually used the wrong side of this fabric because the lines seemed more in line with my taste (grainy and broken vs the other side)

Right Side

Wrong Side

I used Simplicity 8056/S0652 to create these pants. It is part of the Amazing Fit series and had alternate back pieces for different body types. I used the curvy option. Unlike many of my other projects, I created this garment as per the manufacturer instructions with one minor adjustment, which was added 3 inches to the length. The construction took a tad bit longer vs some of my go to slopers. The level of detail is not that far off from constructing jeans. I plan on converting this into a sloper as well for future jumpsuits/rompers and pants suits. The pattern also contained some great tips on interfacing and the waistband which also has facing.

I used my inseam as the dominant stripe for these pants.

My top is a basic peplum in painted leather (originally green) and was created using Vogue 8815 with an additional breast dart.

The polyester was just light enough to wear today! I hope each and every one of you have an awesome week. Until next time......

Happy Sewing!!

- Jenese

Needles and Fashion

Made By A Fabricista: The Sheer Volume Of It All!

This garment was inspired by a dress I saw in an ad, and when I went to purchase it (which I rarely do)…I realized that the dress didn’t come in my size. Ticked off and with $300 back in my pocket, I decided to draft it myself. The description listed the fabrication as a silk cotton voile, so I used that as a starting point to recreate the simple yet elegant silhouette. My drafting experience is limited; I’ve only ever made garments that are pleated rectangles that fit into an elasticated waist. No darts, no complicated calculations, and definitely no sleeves. But I’d have that dress if it’s the last thing I do! I made a drawing, created a Pinterest board to document my inspiration, and narrowed down the features I really wanted to have: billowy bubble-hemmed bishop sleeves (say it three times fast!), a fitted and lined bodice, and a gathered tiered skirt. Finally, it was time to shop for fabric. I knew I wanted a silk blend of some kind, without breaking the bank. For weeks, I ke...

Made By A Fabricista: In Love with Linen

Linen is the best fabric to sew and wear. I selected a beautiful 100% linen from Fabric Mart that is a steel blue and cream floral linen to sew up a By Hand London Hannah Wrap Dress pattern. The flowers look like Dahlias. I originally sewed a Toile from a black and white cotton bedsheet, wore the dress a lot but never made it again. I gave the Toile away to a friend who always commented on how much she loved the dress. When I saw this fabric, I knew I wanted to make the Hannah again. Linen is so easy to sew the entire experience reminded me why linen remains one of my favorite fabrics to sew. I look for a light to medium weight European linen for a dress. I like a rayon or cotton blend with linen because it seems to have more drape and be more soft. Linen gets softer with washing and wearing it. This particular linen feels crisp and after ironing and washing, softens up. I like how Fabric Mart describes the fabrics as top, dress, blouse, shirt weight under “Use” and will describe...

Made By A Fabricista: Blouse with a Unique Neckline? McCall’s 8658 Is It!

Hi everyone, this is Byrd with my latest Fabricista make! If you’re looking for a polished, structured blouse that works just as well dressed up as it does dressed down, this one is definitely worth a look. I’m sewing up McCall’s 8658, View B, part of the Spring 2026 pattern collection, and I paired it with Fabric Mart’s charcoal cotton poplin by Robert Kaufman. I was initially drawn to this pattern because of its unique neckline and tailored feel, and I knew right away that a crisp poplin would give me the structure I wanted. This blouse is semi-fitted and full of thoughtful design details that really elevate it. The neckline is a standout, featuring a collar and collar band paired with a front button closure. I especially love the shape of the front hem and the way it opens slightly - it adds movement without being overdone. The back is where a lot of the shaping happens, with double-ended darts that give a beautiful, contoured fit. The sleeves are gathered at the sleeve head a...

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