Made by a Fabricista: The Versatile Vest

Happy Saturday and Happy Easter All!

Have you ever had your sewing plans all laid out, pattern cut and then something better came to mind? I felt like these past three weeks I was a bit overwhelmed because everything that I planned on making was sidelined after seeing another inspiration photo from Pinterest or Instagram? This is exactly what happened with this beautiful crepe fabric that I used to create this vest.

When I selected this crepe suiting fabric a few months ago, the first thing that came to mind was a jacket. Unfortunately, this color is sold out but here is another beautiful vibrant color for Spring/Summer or the classic neutral here. I chickened out dreading the task ahead to jump into making a tailored jacket. Moreover, knowing me, I would rock it once or twice during spring or summer and then let it sit for months in my closet.

I scrapped that project and then settled on tailored pants, selected the pattern and was ready to cut. I struggled back and forth as I have created so many palazzo pants over the past year and did not want to add another. Right at the last minute, I decided to create a VEST with pockets that I always wanted to add to my classic pieces that I can rock and style all year long.

The pattern I selected to create this classic vest is Simplicity 8265 (VIEW E), which is a great wardrobe builder.

I absolutely fell in love with the design lines of the coat or vest, especially the front darts. The is a great beginner project and the vest or jacket is not lined but can be.

To create the vest, the instructions are straightforward and no adjustments were needed for the size I cut (Size 12). The only changes I made was eliminating the side slit.

Here are a few tips when making this VEST based on the facing pieces!

The pattern did not state to understitch the facing but I always do it with any garment that has a facing. This helps so much with ensuring that it lays flat.

To secure the neck and shoulder facing, stitching them down (stitch in the ditch) in the shoulder seams will help.

For the most part, the armhole and neck facing laid flat after stitching my facing in the seams at both shoulders, sides, and center back.

Working to ensure that the inside of my finish garment looks just as beautiful as the outside.

I plan to wear this over a bodycon dress, with jeans and heels during the spring and summer months.

I know for sure this will be on heavy rotation as the color is perfect this time of year. I am happy with the final fit and plan to rock it all year long.

Thank you so much for reading and be sure to let me know how you would rock this VEST! Don't forget to stop by my Instagram page or by my blog to check out my 2019 first quarter makes.

One Love,
Marica - Overdriveafter30

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: 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

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog