Made by a Fabricista: The Cold Shoulder Top

Hey, guys! I'm baaaaack! And look at me, I am totally on trend with my sassy new cold shoulder top. I have never put one of these sort of tops on my body ever in my life until I finished sewing this one, I had no clue if I'd even like it. Surprise, I think I do?!

I used a pattern from BurdaStyle magazine-- it's 3/2017 #116. I cut my usual size 42 to fit my shoulders, and of course no grading for a fuller hip on this flowy and roomy top. I added 1" to the hem of the bodice to account for my slightly taller height at about 5'8". The sleeves and bodice are very, very, very full and loose, perfect for stupid hot summer days to come.

I chose this double border rayon challis print. I was so nervous I'd ruin everything with my pattern matching, so I ordered 3 yards. Likely I only needed 2 1/4 at most considering I was able to take advantage of the fact it was a double border... each side was a mirror image of each other. See the pic on the right, you can see how the pattern is actually printed on the material. Lots of leeway for those who may be anxious when matching prints up like this.

I looove sewing with rayon challis. Initially, I need to wrangle it since it's so slippery--I need to be careful to cut it perfectly straight as I prepare the pattern pieces with my rotary cutter. But it goes through my serger and sewing machine so nicely. It presses up beautifully-- which makes hemming super easy. Pre-washing IS CRITICAL since it will shrink up some. And I severely dislike ironing if it's not associated with sewing. Usually I can toss it in the wash, then remove it from the dryer immediately and hang it for a wrinkly free garment. It'll be a hot wrinkly mess if I leave it in the dryer for any length of time after it's done tumbling.

I was (sort of) surprised that the Burda directions fail to include understitching for neck or shoulder pieces. But then again, it's Burda, infamous for half-@ssed directions. This top is pretty easy to sew up, but it would seem to be frustrating for a newer seamstress to have only partial directions.

Overall, I'm pleased with this trendy look. I was mostly worried it would look like a weird pregnant top that adds mega pounds to a figure. I think it's not particularly slimming for sure, but it's super cute none-the-less.

Happy Sewing!!

~Kathy

Kathy Sews

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Made by a Fabricista: The Bernadette

Hello friends, My Latest Fabricista Make: Friday pattern Co Bernadette Skirt x Midnight Navy Cotton/Lycra Sateen Stretch Denim Hi everyone, this is Byrd with my latest Fabricista make! When I saw Fabric Mart’s Muted Midnight Navy Cotton/Lycra Sateen Stretch Denim , I knew it would be perfect for my next project. The color is rich and versatile—a deep navy that works as a neutral but still has presence. The stretch denim has just the right balance: structure with a bit of give, making it great for a garment that needs both shape and comfort. It’s an ideal fabric for fall transitions, but it’s sturdy enough to carry straight into winter with tights and boots. For the pattern, I chose the Bernadette Skirt by Friday Pattern Company . This is one of their newer designs, and I knew immediately I wanted to sew it up. It’s a modern skirt that blends structure and style, with darts in the back and pleats in the front for a flattering fit. One of my favorite features is the belt, and of co...

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Made By A Fabricista: The Art of the Slow Make: My La Forme Double-Breasted Jacket

I started this project back in July — one of those mid-summer sewing plans meant to get me ahead for fall. My idea was simple: start my wardrobe a season (or two) early so that when cooler weather came, I’d already have a few handmade pieces ready to wear. That was the plan, anyway. But as sewing often reminds us, plans evolve. This jacket, made using La Forme pattern No. 0303, is a double-breasted design with peak lapels and an exaggerated hip detail that gives it such a striking silhouette. I fell in love with the structure of the pattern right away — it has that timeless, tailored feel I can never resist — but it also asked for patience. I picked it up and put it down several times over the months, letting it rest while I worked on other projects, until finally, the timing felt right to bring it to life. And now, here we are — the leaves are turning, there’s a chill in the air, and some parts of the country are even seeing snow. My summer-started jacket is finally finished, and it c...

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