Made by A Fabricista: Jazz in the Gardens

Oh how I look forward to SPRING in Miami as I truly enjoy the amazing weather and the entertainment events during the month of March. My favorite of them all is the "Jazz in the Gardens" music fest that occurs annually to kick off Spring (happening today and tomorrow) that celebrates the diversity of arts and culture. I look forward to a weekend of relaxation and music without the kids each year and the musical artists (both old and new school) that graces the stage. I was so excited to select berry fuchsia linen fabric (here) as my March blog post to wear to the event.

Styled with a TANK top and flats.

When I came across a few linen looks on PINTEREST, I knew I wanted to create another palazzo pants for my March post just in time for Spring break vacation and the Jazz event. After grabbing some great deal from the PRE-CUT section back in January of this yummy marmalade linen and how amazing the palazzo pants turned out, I knew that I would use linen to create a few looks this Spring.

After creating my first linen pants above using Simplicity 8389, I browsed Pinterest for other inspiration and I stumbled across the the perfect high waisted linen wool pants on Moda Operandi Madison and after seeing the price, I was floored.

I knew for a fact that I would NEVER spend $1,745 on a pants that I can create for 3% of the price tag.

MY VERSION MODIFIED

I am in love with my version as it is perfect for my height (5 feet 10 inches) and curves. I did NOT want to create a look that was more fitted at the thighs and hip based on my body type. I knew this Simplicity paper bag waist pattern (8605) has room yet drapes perfect and could be used to achieve a similar look. I opted to add a 2-inch knife pleat 5 inches from the front center seam and used a flat waist band with interface instead of the paper bag elastic style. I also gathered the back slightly as I did NOT want to change the pattern and include back darts.

I definitely had a few sewing aha moments and will make a few changes for the next pants or shorts that I create using the waistband method.

The modifications for this style that I will definitely make next time around are:
1. Add darts in the back.
2. Add 5 inches to the length if I plan to wear with heels.
3. Add pockets and remove the side zipper.
4. Include a back center seam invisible zipper all the way to the waistband.
5. Use medium weight facing instead of light featherweight for more stability.

For this version, I wanted to wear it with FLATS so I only added 3 inches instead of my normal 5 inches to the length of the pattern. Unfortunately, I had only an extra 1/2 inch for the hem.

I am totally in love with linen as it is classic and comes in a variety of colors. The feel is amazing as the fiber is absorbent which makes it cool and comfy. Despite the fact that it crunches easily, it is perfect for Spring or Summer and the beautiful selection here at Fabric Mart are all great options for loose pants, shorts, culottes, jackets and shirt dresses. I can't wait to share my more Spring/Summer makes on my blog and here next month.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out my latest post at Overdrive After 30.

Made By A Fabricista: Just Wear It Out!

Originally I wasn’t happy with my make this time around. I put it on fresh off the sewing machine and didn’t love how it fit. My elastic was slightly too narrow for what the pattern called for. I did end up putting a stitch to close up the v-neck on the top. I thought my sewing on the waistband looked sloppy and I looked kind of frumpy in the outfit. I was going to put the project down to fix later but decided to wear it out for some feedback from our web manager and one of the describers. I ended up pleasantly surprised! The fabric is super comfortable and I felt really good wearing it. All the things I didn’t like kind of melted away wearing it out. The flaws were so small that only I noticed them. I think it’s important to remember that while striving for perfect seams and flawless construction is good, a handmade garment doesn’t have to be perfect to be wearable. This isn’t the first time I’ve softened on a garment after wearing, and it certainly won’t be the last! The 100% c...

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...

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