Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: A Love Affair with Fabric!

Happy Saturday All!!  
My Summer BREAK is officially over and I will be heading back to work on Monday!  I had an amazing SEW summer and I can't wait to start the planning process for my Fall makes.

Have you ever fell in love with a piece of fabric just by the touch and how it feels on the skin?  In June's edition of Julie's pick, I wanted to order at least 10 fabrics just by the way it felt.  Having a busy schedule throughout the school year, honestly, I never sat down and delved deeply into this amazing offer from Fabric Mart that was just a mere $5 a month.



For years, I have been skeptical about ordering fabric online and have always followed brand ambassadors for different fabric stores to see how the fabric looks and drapes.  I have had greats hits with Fabric Mart and one or two misses as I did not have knowledge of the fabric fibers, structure or aesthetic before ordering it.  In May, when my monthly mailer arrived with Julie's pick selections, I decided to sit down for an hour and touch and feel every single swatch and read about the fabric content. 
The catalog of at least 30 swatches with detail description of fabric content and suggested patterns for the fabric is so worth it.  This is a great offer especially for any self-taught sewist who does not have a formal education in Fashion Design or construction.  I have been shopping lately just from Julie's pick as they offer a wide range of designer fabric at special discount pricing.
ROCKING IT WITH A PETTICOAT!
WORN without a PETTICOAT
MY favorite tools that HELP!
 Sewing gauge, rotary blade, quilting ruler!
WAISTBAND - OUTSIDE OF THE SKIRT


The fabric that I selected for my August make is a Retro Floral Print Cotton Pique bottom weight fabric that I have never worked with before. The content is 97% cotton and 3% lycra which is perfect for this look. 


There were 2 prints of Cotton Pique bottom weight available in JUNE Julie's pick matched with a Gertie's Butterick pattern B6556 that I had in my stash. I really struggled to create either a dress or separates so I reached out to in Insta-family for a vote.  The two-piece set got the most votes, so I opted to create separates instead.  This print is perfect for this crop top and matching skirt set which gives the illusion of a dress.
The skirt sits at high waist leaving no skin visible when worn with the matching crop top that I created from the remainder of the fabric. This chic yet tasteful look and fabric print is perfect for a garden or tea party affair. In addition, it can be worn with a cardigan or top for work. 



My other top 3 fabrics for this look would be a cotton linen blend HERE, a silk jacquard dot taffeta HERE, or this beautiful wool polyester satin jacquard HERE

The pattern that I chose for the top was last year's popular Spring top pattern from McCalls #M7542.  I decided to shorten by cutting away 2 1/4 inch from the shorter view and not add any of the sleeve drama options.  In addition, I included a zipper in the back as I was NOT sure how this fabric would lay with a keyhole.


For the box pleated skirt, which I plan to wear without the crop top, I created it without a pattern.  For the most part, I always gather or pleat a skirt based on my high waist measurement with about 1 to 1.5 inches of ease and add seam allowance for the zipper insertion and side seam. For my first 3 years of sewing, I mastered the art of making skirts without any patterns whatsoever. To create a clean smooth waistband, follow these steps highlighted below.  
It is easy and effective and will make your life so much easier in the end.
Step 1: Select a piece of fabric that is enough for the length and width of your waistband. Cut the length of the waistband based on your finish waist circumference including ease (measurement) plus seam allowance. Fold fabric, mark, press and cut using a rotary cutter based on the desired width of your waistband plus an extra 5/8 to 3/4 inch.  For example, I would cut on fold 3.25 inches if I wanted a waistband that is 2.5 inches wide.  
Step 2: Fold the front of the waistband over by 5/8 to 3/4 inches and use a seam gauge for accuracy and press. 
Step 3: Add the desired interface based on fabric weight and press waistband ensuring the width measurement is the same for the entire length of the waistband.  
Step 4: Mark back of waistband (the side that is NOT folded) at least 1  inches from the bottom.  The mark lined should not be visible when the waistband is folded.
(REFER TO PICTURE IN STEP 3).  I marked mine at about 1.75 inches from the fold for my 2.5 waist band.
Step 5: Line up pleated or gathered skirt on the marked line ensuring the back is laid flat and pin. This ensures that it is even all around! BE SURE TO PIN on the front of waist band and ensure that the back is flat and smooth.
Step 6: Sew waistband on the right side (outside) of the skirt close to the seam (about 1/4 inch).  Always check to make sure that when sewing, the back remains flat throughout the sewing process.
WAISTBAND - INSIDE OF THE SKIRT!

I have been saving all of my Julie's pick since May and found a few others and will be transferring all the swatches for different fabrics to my Fabric Swatch Stash book that I purchased recently from Les Fleur Style.  This definitely will help me to develop a better understanding of fiber and fabric type.  I am super excited to use both of her books to plan my Fall makes and will be giving away a set to a lucky reader.  Be sure to stop by the post to learn how you can win.
                      
I am excited to see what Julie has this fall to finalize my holiday makes. I have been purchasing fabric mainly from Julie's pick the last 3 months and can't wait to cut into them.  The prices for the array of designer selection is worth the $5 each month and I can't wait to use up a few yards of my Ralph Lauren sateen for pants.


Thanks for reading and be sure to stop by my personal BLOG to see my latest makes!

One Love,
Marica - OverdriveAfter30

Comments

  1. Thank-you for the beautiful pics and the great step-outs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Marcia, this is such a gorgeous dress! Thanks for reminding me how fabulous Julie's picks are! I need to resign up! Enjoy wearing this beauty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sue!! Its actually a 2 piece, fake the dress look!

      Delete
  3. Absolutely perfect two piece outfit for you! Love the color, fit and fabric. Thanks for sharing the tips for making a skirt without a pattern, too. Deb E / Oregon

    ReplyDelete
  4. Can I just say I am bedazzled! Brava!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

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

Made By A Fabricista: Three Spring Basics – With a Twist

Hello Sewing Friends! By the time spring rolls around I am ready to pack away my winter wardrobe and wear my warm weather clothes. Since I don’t go into an office setting – and I like to be comfortable - basic essentials in my wardrobe include t-shirts, cardigans and knit dresses. The Cardigan The idea of sewing elevated basics came about when I spotted this fabulous FTY knit with a sequin floral and scrolls pattern.  With sequins for daytime being a spring 2023 trend, I decided to use the fabric to sew a cardigan. This is not your typical cardigan. Not only did I choose a sequin knit, but I chose what I consider to be a unique pattern, the Cascade Dress from The Sewing Workshop (now out of print). I have sewn it a few times but never with sequin fabric. My cardigan is actually a top that is designed to button down the front but I made a few small changes to the pattern. I lengthened the front by four inches, removed the front plackets, and added a button and fabric loop at the front n

Made By A Fabricista: Start Summer Sewing Now!

Hello fellow Fabric Mart lovers! It’s March and spring and summer will be here before you know it!  We need to get prepared for warmer weather. Fabric Mart is the place to get started with your warmer weather must haves, whether it's patterns or fabric. As you know they got it all.   I got my hands on an amazing oatmeal colored linen and it was the most perfect fabric for a vacation I took in February.  For a while we (myself and my family) had been planning a trip to Maui!  We finally got to see this beautiful place.  It was mid 70s everyday with just the right amount of humidity.  The sun shined most days and we got sprinkled on by the Hawaiian showers that pop up.  We saw rainbows, whales, turtles and all the lush beauty Maui had to offer us.  It was an amazing trip and this amazing trip needed the right wardrobe.  I took so many of my Fabric Mart Fabric makes with me!! But before I went you know I had to get some more sewing in. Easy and fast was the plan. Also I really wanted