Made by a Fabricista: Sequins and Lace Holiday Affair

Happy Holiday Loves!

Can you believe 2018 is almost over? This year has been an amazing journey! I have met so many talented sew sisters, crafters, and fashionistas across the globe via my monthly Fabric Mart post.  In 2018 I gained confidence in my sewing skills, took risks and even had some failures along the way. 2019 I am so ready and excited to take on new challenges and stretch beyond my comfort zone.

I wanted to end the year with a little sparkle and challenge myself by sewing and working with sequins.  This sparkly top which is perfect for the Holidays was a challenge and I plan to continue to practice more with sequins in 2019.  My first plan was to create a simple caftan dress using this mesh sequins that can be worn for a holiday event but after making the dress, I hated the fit.  

The pattern that I used was a Simplicity 8657 and I decided that this would not go in my fail pile and created a top instead. The neckline was way too deep and even after re-cutting the XS the fit was still weird. I opted to make it an off the shoulder top and I use bias tape for the seams and neckline as I opted not to line.  I do plan to wear it over a fitted dress bodycon dress.

Now let's talk about this beautiful designer stretch lace that I am absolutely in love with. 

This designer lace is mixed with lycra and has a sprinkle of sequins. My original plan was to make a midi length dress using McCalls M7569  but at the last minute after cutting the skirt lining, I decided to make a maxi length skirt instead that I know I can wear more ways than one. 

I simply drafted the skirt by multiplying my hip measurement by 1.5 and then dividing it by 2 to create 2 pieces with side seams.  I also decided to create a detachable lining so that I can wear the lace skirt with a short or a longer lining depending on the occassion.

I decided to try something new with the waistband and plan to perfect this technique with another elastic waist skirt.  I did try a few techniques this summer with knit and have shared some great tips HERE on my personal blog.  I have mastered the art of creating elastic waist skirts (pencil and maxi) in 1.5 hours or less.

Here are the steps that I used for creating this waistband!

For the top row, I created a 3/4 inch casing for a 1 inch elastic.  This ensures that the elastic does not roll as I was using the lining fabric to create the waist band has has a 2 way stretch.
For the middle row, I decided to not to include any elastic but separate the rows by creating a 1/2 inch mock casing.
For the bottom row, I created a 1 and 1/8 inch casing for the 1.5-inch elastic.  I wanted to give it a more formal look with this casing method.

This lace fabric has a beautiful scallop detail seen at the hem.  I do plan to use the left-over on a sleeve of a dress or adding details to a top.  I also plan to wear this skirt as a bathing suit cover-up on my next beach vacation and a perhaps a dress with a lining during the summer.  I know for sure I will get more wear from this skirt than a formal dress. 

I have 1 week of work before I am off for two weeks.  I am excited about my 2019 sewing goals and plan to share it with you next month.  Thank you so much for the love and support in 2018.  I appreciate your kind words or encouragement and the love and support this year. Since this is my final post of 2018, I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy NEW Year when it comes!!

As always, don't forget to stop by my Instagram page to check out my latest makes!

One Love,
Marica!