Made by a Fabricista: Summer Fun

Even though Memorial Day symbolizes the start of Summer for many, this past Thursday (6.21) marked the official first day of summer. What better excuse than the first day of summer to make a swimsuit? Truthfully I wanted to sew a swimsuit for my May post since it fell on Memorial weekend but I was distracted with the beautiful chambray that I used for a jumpsuit.

Since sewing just a swimsuit seemed a little "meh", I decided to add a cover-up for a whole "day at the pool or beach" vibe. This bright, floral chiffon screamed summer so I grabbed it. Sewing with chiffon can be frustrating so I chose Simplicity 8657 to limit the amount of seams. The only tip I have for sewing with chiffon is to use a rotary cutter and be patient. This print is still in stock, but some other prints that would work well is this similar spring green floral, this more abstract navy floral or this fun rainbow stripe.

This caftan pattern is definitely a simple sew but as a part of Simplicity's pattern hacking line it offers several modifications. I wanted more of a lightweight duster than a true caftan to show off the swimsuit so I made the following modifications:

Created an open front by not sewing the front center seam
Raised the V-back to a scoop back and finished with single fold bias tape
Raised the side slits

The only thing I don't care for is the lack of closure. I thought I wanted an open flowy look, but I would like it to stay closed so I will either add a snap or ties to the the front. Overall I like the pattern I definitely see myself making it out of a challis for the caftan look.

When I can't make up my mind about which fabric to use or which pattern to sew I often take a poll on my Intsagram story, so if you'd like to give your 2 cents next time follow me there (TipStitched). So I asked Instagram to choose Vogue 9192 or Simplicity 1116 (OOP) and S1116 took the early lead. In the end the Vogue pattern won 57% to 43% but I'd already started by then. Ooops.

This bright cover-up called for standout color swimsuit. This chartreuse swimwear knit is just that. This fabric is a good weight which is great for coverage but was a bit thick at the gathered sides (where I was sewing three layers of swim knit and a layer of mesh), but my machine handled it just fine (I did go slowly). The gathers at waist paired with wrap front of S1116 is a very flattering silhouette.

I love Mimi's patterns for Simplicity because she provides sew along video for each one. So if you've thought or dreamed about sewing a swimsuit, but have been a little intimidated, this is a great pattern for a first attempt as she walks you through each step. I did watch the video before I began sewing so I barely looked at the printed instructions.

Here are some types for sewing swimwear:

Use a stretch (not knit/ballpoint) needle
Use a long, narrow zigzag stitch or a serger for constrution
Use a wider, shorter zigzag stitch to attach the elastic to hems and for any openings
Stretch the leg elastic more in the back of the leg opening (to cup your bottom) and less in the front

Enjoy your summer!

Tiffany

TipStitched

Made By A Fabricista: Celebrating warm weather with Spring sewing!

Hi sewing friends! I don’t know about you but boy, was winter cold and dreary this year! The weather here in the Philadelphia area has been slowly improving, but Spring sure did take her sweet old time to arrive. So by April, I was definitely in the headspace of needing to sew up things that were either bright and cheery or meant for the warmer weather I am very much craving right now. I recently purchased a few SewBexx Patterns so I took them on a test run to create some Spring makes. First on my list was to make a top using this absolutely gorgeous ITY fabric I picked up last year. I had two yards which was enough for a long sleeve shirt. I chose the Olivia top, which is oversized with a drop shoulder, has multiple lengths and a split hem. I think the pattern is intended for heavier fabrics but I was envisioning how lovely this top would look with the drape of ITY knit fabric, and it did not disappoint. It came together for me quickly and was a straight forward sew…and I love the br...

Made By A Fabricista | Chasing Time: My White Rabbit-Inspired Look for Atlanta Frocktails

For this year’s Atlanta Frocktails, I found myself captivated by a character who’s been quietly tugging at my imagination for years—the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. There’s something so relatable about his frantic energy, always checking the time, always running late. While he’s worried about being on time, I’m usually calculating how late I can be and still technically arrive on time. Spoiler: I’m often wrong. It’s a cycle of procrastination and anxiety that I know all too well. So when I imagined my look for Frocktails, I thought—why not honor the White Rabbit? After all, time has been chasing me too. But this look isn’t just about Wonderland whimsy. It’s also deeply inspired by this year’s Met Gala theme, Tailored for You, which includes a focus on Black Dandyism—a celebration of Black elegance, intellect, and expressive style. I’ve been obsessed with this theme since it was announced. As a Black creative, I find it powerful and moving to see style used as a way to reclaim...

Made By A Fabricista: Getting into the Spirit of Summer

I'm not gonna lie y'all, I had a completely different project I wanted to do, but that's gonna take more time, and I wanted something cute, comfy and fun to wear for my birthday on the 19th. When I saw this goldenrod & off white linen jacquard , I thought it looked a bit like the design on a Koroks body, especially Makar from The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker! I started with the bodice from the free Elderberry dress pattern from Mood, but deviated for the skirt, it felt a little plain of a design, and I had scraps of a Korok fabric that I knew would be a nice accent with some cut out pockets. I've made these pockets once before, deciding the cut out was based on aligning with the seam on the bodice for how far in, and as for how low depended on where I wanted the pouch of the pocket to start. From there I cut the visible part of the pocket, making sure to match the curve of the waist and following the line of the side seams of the skirt, as well as cutting a facing to...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog