Made by a Fabricista: Spring Fever

I have been dreaming of Spring since the weather changed here in South Florida to the low 40s and 50s a few days this week which is cold for us. After grabbing some great Spring color pre-cut fabric right after the holidays a few weeks ago on sale at Fabric Mart, I decided that sewing for Fall/Winter must come to an end even though we have a few months left. We do not get snow here in South Florida, but this winter, we have had a few days where the temperature dropped to the low 40s and 50s. Living in Florida, our typical temperature during the month of January and February ranges from the low 50s to the high 70s which is perfect for this maxi dress.

PHOTOS were captured in bright sunlight so fabric may appear lighter in color.

Being pretty tall, more than the average size woman, (5 feet 10 inches) with a small upper body and a pear shape body type, it is very difficult to find ready to wear maxi dresses that can be worn with heels that fits just right. I wanted to hack one of my favorite summer dress pattern Simplicity 8124 and create an elastic waist maxi dress that was breezy, versatile and fun to wear.

This dress is oh so perfect for a Sunday brunch, date night on Valentine's day, or even a Happy hour event.

PHOTOS were captured in bright sunlight so fabric may appear lighter in color.

When I came across this Rayon Challis fabric (here), I knew it was perfect for a jumpsuit or maxi dress. After receiving a VOTE via Instagram to create a maxi dress instead of a jumpsuit, I decided to go with a pattern that was an easy sew for a beginner. I had two maxi dress patterns in mind, a wrap dress or off the shoulder. Being that I am not a big fan of wrap dresses, I knew that this style was definitely a win. Cyntha Rowley's Simplicity off the shoulder dress pattern (8124) has 3 main pieces for the dress or top (bodice front, back and sleeves) and any beginner could simply create a self drafted pattern piece for the skirt.

Opted to cut the XS based on my bust measurement.

I measured slightly above my chest to my natural waist for the off the shoulder top bodice and added an extra inch to the bodice length to create the casing. I also measured the width of the top to create my skirt. (SIDE NOTE - The bodice top/dress front and back pattern pieces are cut on fold so the skirt front and back pieces (rectangular) were also cut on fold). I opted not to draft the skirt on paper but to use the width measurement of the top and cut directly on the fabric. I truly had no issues and created a 1 inch elastic waist casing after attaching the skirt and the bodice. I also added my own personal touch, a small paper bag casing for both the shoulder and sleeves.

I am totally in love with the fit, length and silhouette of the light weight rayon challis fabric.

I am excited about some of the new McCalls patterns and can't wait to cut into the great pre-cut finds to create my Spring capsule that I plan to wear during my Spring Break vacation in March.

Thank you so much for stopping by and don't forget to grab a few yards of this amazing Rayon Challis before its sold out!

Photos Taken by my amazing 9 year old daughter Arielle.

Don't forget to stop by my blog as well - Overdrive After 30!

Love Marica

Made By A Fabricista: Falling for Knits

We are now well into Fall, even though the temps are still relatively warm here in Texas. I love the fall season and dressing for Fall. When it comes to the conversation of knits vs. wovens I typically sew mostly wovens. So for this post I decided to sew completely knits! With the holiday season right around the corner I saw these three dress styles as perfect for Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving gatherings. The first look is a tried and true pattern Simplicity S9372. Using this gorgeous burgundy ponte knit , I like how this pattern fits throughout. I chose this color to add to my typically neutral palette in my closet. I also wanted something I could wear to my sorority meetings and found this color perfect. It's an easy sew with back fisheye darts and invisible zipper to add to the tapered style. The neckline and armholes are finished with bias binding giving it a clean finish on the inside. I used a universal needle to sew a...

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...

Made By A Fabricista: Closing 2025 with a Lined Jacket

Hello again, sewing friends! It seems we have arrived yet again in the grandest season for layering, all this oncoming cold weather. I like ending the year with something warm and very useful. Seems based on my past Fabricista posts, I love to sew year-end outerwear, and this round is no different! I challenged myself with a new lined coat (wait, jacket? Coat? I feel like the presence of wool changes things?). Anyhoo, since the lovely Chalk & Notch Den Jacket has been in my queue, I proceeded ahead. I like the large pockets, the option to line or not, and the extra bodice and sleeve seams for topstitching. Sewing this coat is not at all difficult, but the many pieces and loads of topstitching will take a bit of time. My version took me a few multiple-hour sessions to complete. I sewed a size 2, which matches my measurements, and I made no alterations. Hint: for a quick size test, just employ the lining pieces. Gorgeous, muted blue as a soft wool flannel ? This is ...

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