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Made by a Fabricista: My Fall Ensemble

Hi everyone.  I am back and so eager to show you what I sewed for the transition to fall.  

Our social calendar for the next three months is filling up so it is time to sew for fall.  Where I live, fall weather can vary from 60 to 80 degrees.  Linen is my “go to” fabric, especially for September and October.  Fabric Mart happened to have on sale the mid-weight navy /light blue linen with abstract geometric print. Due to the hugely discounted price, I could sew a fall ensemble that would consist of a duster, a pair of pants, and a sheath dress for about $50.00.

Vogue V1756 pattern by Sandra Betzina caught my attention. It had a standup collar, buttoned front, and set-in sleeves, but its side front pockets hide behind a flange on each side front and the lower back had a gathered skirt. How unique! The pattern instructions, written by the designer herself, were easy to follow.  I sewed the duster in Size C and made no adjustments. Because of its style, color and maxi length, it can take me from informal to formal occasions.  I feel sophisticated with this duster. 


I wanted a pair of pants to wear with the duster for a casual look.  The tapered cut of Butterick B6028 by Kathrine Tilton would go well with the duster.  It had a mock waistband in the front and elasticized in the back for comfort.  I especially liked that the pant leg in the back was in two pieces and topstitched; this would prevent my linen pants from bagging out.  I used a light teal voile from Fabric Mart I bought a while ago to line the front pockets. I sewed a size 16 and made one modification to the pattern.  Instead of sewing the fly with zipper, I sewed the front center seam shut as there was enough fabric to go around my hips. Then I attached the elastic up to the front pocket.  This pair of pants turned out better than I expected.



A sheath dress with this duster would give it a more formal vibe. I liked the fitted lined dress of Vogue V1537 by Kay Unger because of its strap detail on the V plunge in the back.  I sewed a size 14 in the bust area and increased it to size 16 in the waist and hips.  I also lengthened it by 5 inches so that the hem would fall below my knees. Ensuring that the straps would cover my back bra strap and the point of the V plunge was crisp required patience. There is a side zipper on the left side.   For lining I used the same light teal voile fabric as the pants. Overall, this is a classy dress.

I liked how all three pieces turned out. All three could mix and match with many other pieces in my closet.   The linen fabric was so easy to sew.  I first prewashed it in warm water and put it in the dryer on normal settings. It wrinkles a bit so a touch of the iron is needed, if a more formal look is desired. I used a machine needle size 80 and Pellon interfacing whenever stability was needed.  I welcome fall with a new ensemble that is so comfortable to wear. Fabric Mart’s linen fabric did not disappoint!


Til next time,

MARY ANN  @anasewperfect

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

Comments

  1. As usual, you've out done yourself Mary Ann!! Such beautiful garments and you wear them really well!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lovely set! You did a beautiful job and the print is perfect for your choices of garments. Also - thank you for your detailed notes, it's very helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I said, Ooh, that’s that Vogue! :)

    That is a beautiful outfit. Well done!

    ReplyDelete

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