Made by a Fabricista: A Summer Staple – The Flowy Summer Dress

Hello Everyone! Today I’m sharing my latest summer sewing project. I’ve been wanting a pretty flowy summer dress and once I saw this fabric I knew I had the perfect pattern for it.

When the new summer patterns were released earlier this year, I reviewed them all and made a list of my favorites and hit up JoAnn Fabric during their pattern sale. One of the patterns I picked up was McCall’s 8215. This dress is the perfect summer dress because both views are sleeveless and have a flowy panel skirt. I chose to make view B which has a tank top bodice and the skirt is tea length. Did I mention that the dress has pockets? I don’t know about you, but a dress with pockets is always a win for me. The dress also has a small split in the front.

Initially I cut out the size 16 bodice. I basted the bodice together and once I tried it on, I decided that I could go down a size so I ended up making a size 14. For this very reason is why I usually make a muslin of the patterns I make. I would hate to have made the entire dress just to realize it don’t fit. Been there, done that. Once I decided the bodice fit how I like it, I cut out the skirt the same size.

My favorite way to finish the hem on a knit dress or skirt is by using HeatnBond Soft Stretch Ultra Iron-On Adhesive. I swear by this stuff! Here are the steps I take each and every time.

1. Sew a basting stitch around the hem using the seam allowance you want to your hem to be.

2. Turnover and press the seam allowance using the basting stitch as your guide. Doing so saves you having to measure all round your skirt.

3. You can remove the basting stitch at this point.

4. Press the tape in place and remove the paper and adhesive will now be on your garment.

5. Fold over your hem on the adhesive and press.

I would suggest you do this in sections and also make sure it’s Soft Stretch HeatnBond because there is also regular HeatnBond for wovens and you don’t want to use that on a knit because it does not stretch and your hem will not look good. Been there, done that too.

The fabric I selected to use for my flowy summer dress is this Dark Magenta Rayon/Lycra Jersey Knit. Unfortunately, this color is sold out, but there are other beautiful colors left. I always find that every time I receive fabric from Fabric Mart, the fabric is always more beautiful in person, then it is appears to be online. This was no exception. This fabric is so soft and the drape is amazing. This fabric is a 4 way stretch which is probably why I had to go down a size. McCall’s 8215 calls for a 2 way stretch. Another thing I love about this fabric is that it is not too thin and is perfect for this pattern.

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed my dress as much as I do. If you are looking for a great summer staple, then give McCall’s 8215 a try. Also search for Rayon/Lycra Jersey Knit on the Fabric Mart site or select Jersey Knit from the Fabrics section and you can see all the other colors available.

Until Next time!

JOHANNA | @soveryjo

Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following category: JERSEY KNITS.

Made By A Fabricista: Summery Chambray Linen Mini Capsule

Hello all! With summer on the horizon, I'm gearing up for the heat with some fabrics and styles to carry me through weekend trips and general running around in hot weather. No matter the temperature, I still aim to appear stylish and put together, at least, you know, most of the time. Fabric Mart's exclusive linen chambray is superb for this exact use! I requested two colors of the glorious lightweight yarn-dyed linen chambray. Putty is a cool-toned light gray that leans toward purple and taupe tones and the Medium Sky Blue is perhaps a little more self-explanatory. I have sewn with this base before, and I was just as delighted and impressed with these two colors as I have been in the past. I can't recommend them more, these are quite lightweight and very finely woven. They are sturdy with a very smooth face and have some body, but still maintain nice drape for linen. Despite being lightweight, they have enough structure to support the rounded curves of the pant seams an

Made By A Fabricista: Rayon Challis Separates for Me!

This month I decided to take a minute to sew something for myself! Knowing that I was about to move house (I'm excited to be getting a nice big sewing room!), I opted to use some tried-and-true patterns that I knew would be quick and easy to sew: Jalie Michelle and Jalie Geneviève . I've really loved seeing garments made in crinkle challis lately, so I selected a solid mustard yellow crinkle challis with a plan for either pants or a skirt ( Geneviève is a skirt, but there's also a culotte option available for it), and two sateen challis prints for a top (Michelle can be made either as a top or a dress). I considered making a reversible top with both fabric prints, but upon playing with them in real life, opted for two separate tops with a facing. Given that challis tends to be a bit shifty, it's best to starch it before you begin cutting out your project. It's also best to cut it out on a large surface with a rotary cutter so the fabric doesn't get distorted.

Made By A Fabricista: A Mother’s Day Gift - Making my Daughter’s Prom Dress

Happy Friday All! As a mother and sewist, I am always planning months in advance for any special occasion dress. Due to the pandemic, my daughter missed all the activities at the end of her elementary journey and I was truly heart broken. She did not have any promotional ceremony, field trips or activities for the last few months of elementary school. I made a vow to myself that in Middle School, no matter what life throws us, I would make the perfect Junior Prom dinner dance dress even if she had to twirl in it at home. When I came across this beautiful blue lycra sequins fabric, I was thrilled. My daughter Arielle and I spoke a few months ago about the perfect Grade 8 Junior Prom dinner dance dress. She found an inspirational photo on Pinterest back in December which was a one shoulder maxi dress that sparkles and she was excited about me making her special dress. At the time she wasn’t quite sure of the shade of blue she wanted but after our trip to Jamaica during Spring break, she

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