Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Ready for the New Year


Surprise!  I just posted last week, and usually go two months between posts, but I just had to share with you one more thing before the end of the year.  I thought I would sew up something a little dressier than my usual fare- something that could be great for a New Year's Eve soiree!


My jacket was made from a sueded scuba knit using Simplicity 2150.  I had used a sueded scuba knit before, and knew that it would be sumptuous.  It's a lot like moleskin in the fact that it has a satiny side and a plush sueded side.  It's very easy to sew, although it doesn't like to hold a crease.   Fabric Mart has some gorgeous moleskin suiting fabrics in stock right now that would give a similar look.  Here's the original pattern- I made View B, but made mine with full length sleeves and added about 1-1/2" to the overall length.



The pattern is designed to be made with a front facing, but when I tried it on, I really liked being able to see the wrong side's satin contrast in the waterfall collar.  If I sewed on the facing, I would lose that look, and would just be all the same color.  So, I chose to leave off the facing, which meant leaving the hem edge unhemmed as well so that all of the outside edges are raw.  Here it is with a white top.


For the white top, as I wanted something with a little bit of an unusual neckline, made from a knit, that would fit under the jacket. I consider this more of a daytime look with the white.  I used an interlock knit which is a little thicker than a jersey knit, and made the shirt with a draped neckline.



For a nighttime look, I decided to switch to a black top.  I used a sheer black jersey knit to make Kwik Sew 4174. This is a tank top with an draped overlay.   It's hard to get black details to show up in photos, so you'll have to believe me when I tell you that this is a pattern you must get!!  So easy and so pretty! This is perfect for those sheer knits that you don't know what else to make with them.



For years, I have dreamed of making up a pair of black palazzo pants from 4 ply silk.  I decided now is the time to make the palazzo pants, but I didn't use silk. You really will not believe what I used to make these- a fleece lined active wear knit!  You would never know by looking at them on the outside, but they feel wonderful on the inside.  For winter, this is way better than silk!   For this style, I used Vogue 1452- a Today's Fit pattern by Sandra Betzina.  Because my fabric had stretch in both directions, I was able to lay the pattern pieces out on the crosswise grain, and got these incredibly full pants out of just 2 yards. Unfortunately, Fabric Mart is out of it, but this black ponte would work wonderfully as well.  

They have just the slightest sheen and I think look very expensive!  But they are just elastic waist pants with pockets, so they went together without a lot of effort.  I did not have to add any length to mine, and since I'm 5'9" and wearing heels, take that into consideration if you make these.  You might need much less fabric if you are considerably shorter or are wearing flats.


The back of the jacket has princess seams and a belt, just for a little extra interest.


Here is my favorite accessory- who looks good with anything- Fred, my cat.   I inconspicuously tacked the waterfall collar in place, so that I wouldn't have to worry about readjusting it constantly.   So I can pick up my cat or anything else and the collar should still stay in place.



Even though this is a multi-piece outfit, it was really quick to sew because they are all pretty simple pieces using knit fabrics.  So, take my word for it, even if you haven't started, you still have time to sew up a fabulous New Year's Eve outfit!

I wish you a wonderful end of 2018 and all the best for all of 2019!

Happy Sewing!
Ann 

Comments

  1. You have done it again. Great sew with lots of versatility. I just added the jacket pattern to my list. Now to find the perfect two sided fabric.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Pat! I would definitely take a look at the moleskin category. They have some lovely ones.

      Delete
  2. Beautiful outfit, Anne. Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is such an elegant outfit. What a wonderful combination of fabrics and patterns. You are ready to party. Fred is a very handsome kitty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Audrey. Fred is the best- I am a lucky human.

      Delete
  4. Thank-you for showing your lovely outfit. I love wide leg pants. Always have. But thank-you most for showing us Fred. He is really handsome !
    BestWishes,
    Gail

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thanks! He's like the George Clooney of cats.

      Delete
  5. This is such an elegant ensemble Ann! The drape on the jacket is just perfect, and how cool that it's a knit--I actually have a sueded scuba in my stash that I'm ready to cut next! Have a happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Elizabeth. You are so creative- I can't wait to see your make with the sueded scuba! Happy New Year to you as well.

      Delete

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: Sewing the Eleonora by Silversaga – A Romantic Dress you need in your closet

I recently had the pleasure of sewing up the Eleonora pattern by Silversaga, and I’m excited to share my thoughts because this one really surprised me—in the best possible way. If you’re not already familiar with Silversaga, their aesthetic leans into romantic minimalism—think timeless silhouettes with poetic details. The Eleonora Dress is a vintage-inspired, chemise-style from the Regency Era of the 1800’s design infused with modern elements like adjustable sizing, soft gathers, and flexible fit details.  The Eleonora is a thoughtfully designed dress pattern with multiple views and customizable features. Some of its standout design elements include: • Adjustable fit via ties and elastic channels at the neckline and waist, allowing it to flatter a range of body shapes and sizes. • Sleeve options, including short or long gathered raglan sleeves, often finished with ruffles for added softness. • A full, swishy four-panel skirt—complete with in seam pockets and a deep hem—that b...

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing the Chalk & Notch Hayes Dress

Hey lovely friends! With summer knocking at the door, I am absolutely ready for breezy dresses at all times. I love linen all year round, but summer is my particular favorite for this fiber. This bright happy color fills me with delight, and it’s so perfect in the sunshine.  For this project, I got all my supplies in one go! I chose this stunning Sea Green linen , lightweight fusible interfacing , ½” elastic , and of course, matching thread. If you haven’t sat down to create your own little sewing kit with all the bits at hand, it’s quite a nice gift to yourself and makes getting started that much easier. I’m all about ease these days.  I sewed the new Chalk & Notch Hayes Dress with the open back cutout, which is View A. The other two options are a closed-back dress and a two piece set. I was a tester for this charming pattern, and I can confirm the two piece set is also gorgeous and really fun to wear. I have looked forward to sewing this version for weeks!  Please...

Made By A Fabricista: Oversized Jenna Shirt for Summer Fun

 I may or may not have had several meltdowns during the making of this Closet Core Jenna Shirt… But let’s back up first. During the month of May, I promised to wear handmade garments every single day for the popular sewing challenge “Me Made May.” I really enjoyed thoughtfully putting together my outfits each day. While I was doing this, I was taking notes of the gaps in my wardrobe. Particularly, I don’t have many transitional shirts that could work for on-camera work attire and be comfortable for the weekend. When I saw this delicious cotton lawn on the Fabric Mart website, I knew that I wanted to make a button up shirt that would be both work appropriate and a nice overshirt for summer evenings over my tanks and tees.  I have made a few button up shirts before using a vintage Stretch & Sew pattern but I decided to try my hand at the Closet Core Jenna Shirt (up to a 60” chest) which has had rave reviews on social media and pattern sites for being a great pattern with e...