Made by a Fabricista: Tropical Paradise Summer Top and Maxi Dress

"One Love, one heart,
Let's get together and feel all right!"
Lyrics from Bob Marley song!

The melodies of one of my favorite songs from Bob Marley replayed in my head when I came across two beautiful fabric; a solid yellow and tropical print. They both screamed Jamaica, Caribbean, cruise vibes and summertime fun in the sun. I instantly fell in love and had to select them for my May Fabric Mart blog post.

When I saw this sun yellow polyester/lycra crepe techno fabric, it reminded me so much of the Jamaican flag. I knew I had to grab a few yards before it was sold out.

My first choice was to make a wrap dress but fearing that I would look like a yellow highlighter with my hips, I decided to go with a top instead. I always wanted to create McCalls M7812 and knew it was the perfect fabric for this style based on the texture.

I cut the small and used view A bodice with view B sleeves and made no modifications. The next time around I will definitely lengthen the bodice by an inch as this is a great pattern for summer. This was a quick and easy sew as I did sewed up most of it before heading out to work at 8am.

I am in love with the front gathers and found the perfect drawstring in my notions pile!

1 INCH elastic for the sleeves

This beautiful tropical floral double brushed jersey knit screams paradise vacation. This fabric and print hit the nail and is perfect for Mimi G's Simplicity new summer pattern S8915. I fell in love with the booty gathers the minute Mimi shared as it is perfect for the curvy girls. I love a great maxi especially if it has a great drape and length.

Typically, I do not sew a commercial pattern more than twice unless it's TNT but I do plan to make this again using lycra, and the other view using a jersey as it is an easy sew and great fit right out of the pattern envelope.

I needed an extra 1/2 yard based on the bottom back piece and instead of cutting it on the fold, I decided to join 2 pieces creating my own fold as I did not have enough. It worked out just fine and yes, I am satisfied with the look.

The two modifications to fit my curves and my height are:

- Graded the waist from a size 12 to the 14 hips.

- Added 1 inch to the length.

It came out absolutely perfect to my taste when I tried it on and I was floored with the fit.

Another minor tweak that I will make next time is removing 1/2 or 3/4 inch from the back bodice piece.

I am happy with both looks and can't wait to sew down my stash of knits purchased from Fabricmart.

I am counting down to summer break which starts on June 7th, and can't wait to rock both makes in Jamaica this summer.

Thank you so much for reading and for always showing love! Don't forget to check out my latest makes on the blog and my Instagram page.

Photos taken by my daughter Arielle (10 years old)!

One Love,

Marica - Overdriveafter30

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