Made by a Fabricista: Summer Blues

Here comes SUMMER!!

Happy Saturday! I am so excited about Memorial weekend and a mini getting away for a few days. It has been raining all week and my plans to go the beach was ruined. I have 13 more work days and I am counting down by the hour. Being an educator is so rewarding and honestly, one of the perks is I look forward to is my summer break with my children. Over the last few months, I have really spent time understanding my lower body measurements with a focus on the fit of pants, shorts, and culotte just in time for Summer.

Made using Simplicity 8558 (CROP PANTS). Fabric: PRE-CUT DEALS!

The last 3 months I have been working on learning how to make adjustments to pants and shorts patterns based on my body type.

TOP: Ogden Cami, Shorts: Simplicity 8558 (SHORTS)

I have always wanted to make linen shorts that are perfect for these hot summer days that can be dressed up or down. I had cut these a few months ago and finally took an hour to sew them up. These for sure are beginner friendly and I honestly love the fit of this pattern and the minor adjustment needed. After measuring the pattern pieces, the only adjustments needed was to add an inch to the width on the front and back pattern pieces as I only purchased the size (6-14). I also opted NOT to include the string and to only add elastic in the middle row. When I first started sewing, I would purchase 2 patterns as the range is typically 6-14 and my pants measurement typically fall in the 16 range and the top a size 8 or 10. After gaining some experience, I have mastered the art of grading patterns and making adjustments.

To make the shorts, all you will need is 1 yard of linen (royal blue) if you are not adding the pockets. Fabric Mart has a wide selection of LINEN fabrics here.

Added only 1 row of elastic to make it a paper bag waist shorts!

Opted NOT to include pockets!

Top Pattern: Ogden Cami

After making my first pair of high waist pants (here) using McCall M7726, I knew I wanted to try a pair of shorts using denim twill to test a few adjustments and rock it on my trip to Jamaica and during the month of July for Sewcation Miami.

These shorts and the adjustment I made are perfect but I am not sure about the style for my hip to waist proportion. I also purchased the book Pants Fit for Real People and have bookmarked a few sites that shares adjustments. Check out the Sewalong website here to learn about adjusting based on your derriere which has great visuals. For this pair of denim shorts, the only adjustments I made was to the back pattern piece using the SPREAD method shown here in yellow.

Learning and understanding my body and the patterns that work for me has been my focus this year. I know for sure that I will be making a few more summer crop pants and shorts but will attempt to draft my own pattern and create a few muslins to work on the fit.

M7726 - VIEW A shorts - VIEW B pants

I just ordered a few yards of the Ralph Lauren cotton sateen from Julie's pick for the month of May and I am super excited to try a skinny fit tailored pants. Fabric Mart has the denim twill here so grab a few yards for your next summer shorts or pants.

Top stitched to give it a MORE denim look!

Do you have any special sewing projects for your this summer? I have tons and will definitely make pieces that are versatile and fun. As always, thank you so much for reading and I be sure to check out my blog to see my latest makes!

Marica, Overdriveafter30

Made By A Fabricista: Workwear Ready

I'm excited for my first post in 2023! At the beginning of the year, I recently went back to working in person so now I am looking to make and wear pieces that I can wear to work. The goal is to be functional but also very fashionable since I am a fashion design professor. I saw this blue denim fabric and knew I wanted to make some pants; I just wasn’t sure what kind. I decided to make Mimi G x Simplicity S8985 View B pants. I liked the oversized flare look, I just made one slight modification to them by adding a pintuck along the front. This was easy to add since the waistline was called to be slightly gathered to fit. The fabric had a hand closer to linen and was very lightweight which was great and very satisfying to sew. I lengthened the pants by 3” and finished with a 2” hem. The top I used Simplicity S9707. It’s an oversized partial button down top. I decided to create a high low hem by combining two different views. I loved the print of the fabric but honestly as s

Made By A Fabricista: Spring into 2023 with Liberty of London!

Hi Fabricista Fans! I'm excited to be back with my first FabricMart project of 2023 and my second with Liberty of London Tana Lawn ! This fabric is so luxurious and wonderful to work with, I just can't pass it up whenever I see it come on sale! With such a high thread count, Liberty of London doesn't easily crush, and although it's 100% cotton, it's so flowy that it's perfect for billowy dresses, blouses, and skirts. With my $50 budget this month, I purchased 2 yards of Tana Lawn and made a Peony Patterns Rosemary Dress with inseam pockets for my youngest daughter. This is a gorgeous button down dress with long and short puff sleeve options. After cutting it out, I realized I had plenty leftover for a skirt for my eldest, so I whipped up the FREE Peony Patterns Apple Berry Skirt for her. Since she needed a top to go with it, I raided my stash for some additional fabric, and found a lovely eggshell Fabric Mart Rayon Lycra hidden away. (Don't worry, I still ha

Made By A Fabricista: A Denim Set for Spring

Happy Friday All! I am ecstatic to share my latest make that I had on my to make list for a while. My goal for the month of February was to sew a mini vacation capsule for a trip, but unfortunately I did not get a chance to. I was able to make 3 of the 6 pieces including this denim set. When this beautiful denim fabric arrived, I knew exactly what I wanted to make. I have been wanting to recreate a linen look I made a few years ago using the Montoya coat pattern with a few adjustments. I created VIEW A without the peplum and lengthened it by 6 inches. Instead of sewing the tie inside the seam of the top like I did here, I wanted to make it separate so that it looks like a jumpsuit. (Read the blogpost here ). Moreover, my body has changed and I needed to cut a size larger so that I can rock it as an open vest or a top tucked in. I love the way it turned out but wish I had extended it by 8 inches instead of 6. For the pants, I went to my tried and true simplicity 8605 pants pattern and

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