Made by a Fabricista: Tobago Shorts

This time of the year, I do nothing but blog about my upcoming vacation. Each year in June, I travel to one of my absolute favorite places in the world, Puerto Rico. Growing up in NY, Puerto Rico and its people have always been a part of my life and is literally weaved throughout my family. The island and its culture are something that speak to me and I don't think there will ever be a time in which I stop going.

When I think of the Caribbean, I think of bright and vibrant colors. I remember visiting the Virgin Islands many years ago for my first of many carnivals and being overwhelmed with the colors of the sea, the mountain sides, the homes, and the many colors displayed on the costumes they wore.

The fabric I used for these shorts (yes they are shorts) is a Caribbean Blue 100% open weave suiting that until recently was available on sale @ $3.00 per yard. This garment is also suitable for Linen which is currently on sale (HERE). As soon as I finished this garment, I ordered red and yellow linen from FM (HERE) & (HERE). I also have plans to make these in denim. If you do so, be sure to use a denim that is no more than 7oz. Anything heavier will create a large amount of bulk.

The concept of these shorts is for each piece (2) front and (2) back to be created as a half circle. I do so using the measurements from the top of the shorts sloper with the darts (10 & 10.5) inches and create the waist area similar to how circle skirts are made. Once this is complete, you can cut the center front and side seams using a pattern or a sloper. This is what the finished piece will look like.

Pockets and waistbands stay the same as if you were constructing a normal pair of shorts. I extended my sloper 2 inches all the way around to make sure I had clearance once the shorts were hemmed due to this shape.

Now on to the tricky part. Once your pieces are cut, you have to manipulate the waist your pieces down to the normal size of your pattern/sloper. To do this, you must insert (3) darts. The size of these darts will vary but the locations MUST be the same. In the case of this garment, my first dart is positioned exactly at the midpoint of both pieces and the other two equally separated from there. Remember to do this AFTER you put your pocket on if using a sloper or pattern with a visible side pocket for your front pieces. The remainder of construction is standard from there.

I am in absolute love with these shorts and cannot wait to wear them next week! Once I get my linen from Fabric Mart, I will be making a tutorial for anyone that needs visual assistance.

Shoes: Steve Madden

Accessories (including glasses): Target

Happy Sewing!

Muah

- Jenese

Needles and Fashion

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

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog