Made by a Fabricista: All Dressed up..

I've been wanting to make something with the exclusive chambray linen since Fabric Mart introduced it. Having used and loved the designer quality linen (here, here and here) I knew this new line would also be amazing. I mean chambray and linen are two of my favorite fabrics, combine the look of one with the feel of the other and you can't go wrong. This fabric is available in 23 colors so you'll find one just right for you. It was extremely difficult to pick just one, but I selected this carolina blue because it gives the look of a classic denim chambray. There isn't much of this color in stock right now, however it will be restocked soon.

Fabric Mart describes it as a lightweight,100% linen fabric with a chambray look with most colors being yarn-dyed with a color and white. They suggest that it is best for a shirt, skirt or dress and warn that a lining may be required for some garments. It worked pretty well for this jumpsuit, but I can understand why it isn't recommended for pants as it is light and I'm a tad worried about the stress on the crotch seam. I was glad that I didn't need a lining.

Although I loved the fabric before it even arrived I wasn't sure what to make with it. I had pulled several jumpsuit and dress patterns from my stash, but managed to narrow it down to the jumpsuits. That still left three options; Closet Case Amy, McCalls 7936 or Simplicity 9097 so I asked my Instagram fam and they overwhelmingly voted for S9097. So that's what I did though it was the least practical of the three.

It might not be practical as there is certainly no where to wear it currently due to the state of the nation, but I am feeling this make! The halter jumpsuit is a Mimi G for Simplicity pattern and her patterns typically work well for me. I hardly ever have to adjust the crotch of her pants patterns and I appreciate that. This jumpsuit is a straight 18, though I should have graded out to a 20 at the waist. I had to go back and let out each seam a little for a smidge more room. There are sewn in sash to create a little more definition at the waist. I had a plan to add some elastic between the the back and back facing pieces, but the sash saved that from being necessary. I love the large pockets.

The only downside of the fabric is it will fray (like any loosely woven linen would) so make sure to serge your raw edges before construction if you're at all concerned. Also serge your raw edges before prewashing! Like most linens it is a prone to wrinkle, but that is simply one of the properties of 100% linen fabrics. Lastly be sure to stay stitch any curved seam or seam that may be stretched while you're working with it.

See you next month!!!

Tiffany

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