Made by a Fabricista: Tomboy Chic

Now that the weather is finally starting to cool, my need to get glammed up is diminishing. At the same time, I realized I didn't have too many options in my wardrobe for the days I just want to put on some sneakers and still maintain my own personal style. I mean, my gym clothes are pretty dope, but they are just that, gym clothes. Somehow, I missed having more than a couple options for my"kick back" days.

The fabric I used is a heather gray 100% wool chunky sweater knit from Fabric Mart. The fabric is no longer available, but is very similar to this choice (HERE). The only difference is the fabric in the link is a lighter knit in weight.

The pattern I used for the sweat pants is oddly Vogue 1411. I have made these pants in every variation OTHER than what it was designed for. Both previous pairs I made were with Goat and Lamb skin leather. I cut my normal size before thoroughly pressing the fabric to loosen the weave.

This time I chose to double the pattern pieces on the middle front piece and create a 1/4 quilted top stitch design for a total of 4 pattern pieces in stead of 2.

To attach the two pieces per leg, I attached the middle front pattern pieces to the upper front pieces right sides together.

Once the pieces were attached, I completed the top stitch design before adding the bottom side pieces. I then drafted my own tight fitting cuff for the bottom of the pants and added elastic to the waistband

Finally, this jacket! I have been experimenting with different textures and designs that will change a normal garment into something truly different and unique. This is one of the outerwear jackets I was working on over the past week. A great deal of painting and repainting went into it. Because............. it would be too much like right for me to leave a brand new jacket in its original state right? RIGHT!!! I look forward to showing you the next set of ideas I have been working on.

Overall, I love this look. The chunky sweater knit on the pants is super warm so I know it will last me from now through the winter. The fabric does tend to roll a lot, but no more than your typical jersey/ITY knits. The construction involved a great deal of pressing.

Until next time, happy sewing!

Jenese

Needles and Fashion

Made By A Fabricista: Matching Sets Are Always a Win for Me

I think I might have a problem. I’m obsessed with a good matching set. Matching Sets can be considered as a coordinated chic look. A perfectly paired top and bottom that creates a seamless, stylish look with minimal effort. I think that’s exactly what I did. Usually when I’m looking for fabric, I try to have something in mind of what I’m going to make with it. Well, I’m here to report that I totally forgot what pattern I was going to use for this beautiful fabric. I believe I had a dress in mind, but I couldn’t remember the pattern for the life of me. The fabric I chose is called Indian red dandelion soft lavender flower poplin shirting . I’ve used poplin from Fabric Mart several times and it’s always a win for me. I went through several different patterns for the top, until I landed on the Sara Top from Fibre Mood. I’ve had this top in my stash for so many years, and I thought it would be great for this fabric. This pattern is basically 2 rectangles with a chann...

Made By A Fabricista: Effortless ITY

Clothing made from ITY (Interlock Twist Yarn) fabric is effortless, almost like wearing secret pajamas. It is silky and cool to the touch, with a beautiful drape and amazing stretch. ITY fabric is incredibly versatile, and some of the best dresses, skirts, and athletic wear I’ve owned are made from it. Thanks to Fabric Mart’s recent influx of unique ITY fabrics, I was inspired to add some additional ITY items to my wardrobe. I found two beautiful ITY fabrics on the Fabric Mart site that stopped me in my tracks. The first fabric I loved was a funky off-white and multi-color flora and fauna print from a New York Designer. I ordered two yards of this print with a top in mind. Next, I saw a beautiful ITY fabric panel featuring off-white and blue floral print. I’m usually hesitant to buy fabric panels without a plan of how to use them, but I threw caution to the wind this time. I ordered 5 panels, hoping that would give me more than enough fabric to showcase the...

Made By A Fabricista: Gingham Summer Days

If you’ve seen our recent posts on Facebook or Instagram you might know that I love gingham. Gingham, check plaid, any plaid really. But I also have very little of it in my actual wardrobe. So I set out to fix that today. I’m using two free patterns to make this cute matching set. Seamwork’s Hansie top and Rosery Apparel’s free shorts pattern. I’ve made one other Seamwork pattern before and it was pretty cropped. Even after I lengthened it. I’ve heard that a lot of their top patterns tend to be cropped. So I lengthened the shirt by two inches. I’m getting used to my serger now too! The shorts are an elasticated waist boxer short style. They’re super comfy, but definitely run a bit big. And if you’re doing the inseam pockets, I would suggest moving the placement up an inch or so. The bottom of these babies hang right at the bottom of the shorts, so they’re sometimes visible. What you should definitely NOT do is use your brand new used serger to chop an inch off the bot...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog