Skip to main content

Made By A Fabricista: My List (Not to Santa)

“As I write, December ends amid the usual neurosis of lists - from bestsellers to best dressed of the year. The last twelve months get summarized in these podium/listings published by all the newspapers and posted on the networks.” (Irene Vallejo, Infinity in a Reed , 2019) – Free translation

Let me participate in this end-of-the-year-list neurosis! From thinking about the project to sharing it with you, this is my list of ten steps to post on this blog: 

  1. Decide on a project - I appreciate simple, straightforward, practical projects. I was looking to sew a pajama set this time and chose the McCall M7297 pattern that included the whole set of pants, shirt, and robe. I ended up skipping the shirt, though. It wasn’t my style! The good news: I will use this pattern if I ever want to sew a nurse scrub.


  2. Select the fabric – Patterns usually include recommendations about the suitable materials to use. In this case, I chose a very stretchy and flowy jersey fabric, combined with a plain pink knit for accent pieces. I checked that both fabrics had the same stretchiness and composition (rayon/modal/lycra) to ensure they were going to couple flawlessly at the seams.
     
  3. Cut the pieces – This was my first time using a commercial pattern made in such a thin paper – it feels like rice paper - so I cut my size right into the pattern. I don’t particularly like tracing, but I felt bad cutting into the pattern and knowing I wouldn’t be able to use it again. Once cut, I wrapped every piece into the “rice paper” and laid them all out.



  4. Make pattern modifications – I made the pants first because they were faster and easier, and they would give me a chance to get familiar with the fabric. Unfortunately, these pants were around six inches too long for me! Also, the bottom band with an accent fabric is an original detail, but it makes them heavier than I like. Once I got the pants, I realized I needed to modify the robe a little. So, I shortened it too, by 6 inches, and sewed tight cuffs instead of oversized kimono-like sleeves. I don’t want my cuff to slip in my pancake mix! I also chose to sew an elastic inside the belt and stitch it on the back of the robe. Otherwise, I know I would have quickly lost the belt!





  5. Sew! – It’s “the heart” of the process when everything comes together! No wonder it’s the exact middle step! Sewing this project didn’t need any special precautions, just the usual ones: jersey or ball-point needle, serger to polish the seams, making sure not to stretch the fabric while sewing.

  6. Polish – Here’s a shameless confession: the first outfits I ever sewed didn’t survive the first rounds on the washing machine. They frayed all over; the armholes got deformed, stitches got loose. I wasn’t paying much attention to the finishes. Understitching, what’s that? Stabilizing the stitches, what for? Using the twin needle, why? I have learned my lesson with practice: garment longevity depends on polishing these details.

  7. Smile and pose! – You can pose in front of a tripod, and that’s fine! But instead, let me give you a tip: find yourself a talented, generous, and resourceful friend like my friend Jennifer! She not only offered her house to take the pictures, with her beautiful Christmas tree, decorations, and a fireplace on the TV. Jennifer sets up the mood, finds the right angles, and takes the best pictures! I will take this opportunity to thank other friends and family that have had the patience to take my photos this year: Carlos, Liana, and Sarina. 




  8. Edit pictures – There are a million apps to edit pictures, and I am not an expert in this! I make sure the lighting is natural, and that’s it!

  9. Write – Ideas pop up in my head throughout the process. “Oh, this would be worth sharing!” So usually, by the time I finish a project, I know the angle I’ll give to my article, and it’s just a matter of sitting down and putting it together!

  10. Share – Yay! If you are reading this, the process is complete! Thank you for reading! 

Writing on this blog has taught me so much this year. When I applied to become a Fabricista, I knew I liked sewing, posing, and writing. Since then, I’ve realized I enjoy every step of the way! What about you? Any favorite steps? Would you add any steps? 

INES  @bynunis

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

Comments

  1. Enjoyable post, I appreciate your logical approach to the process.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great Job! Thank you for sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your loungewear is so pretty and very also practical. You have a winner in this make. Happy Holidays to you.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: I Sewed a Chic Matching Set with Fabric Mart Knit Fabric

There’s nothing I love more than sewing a project that is both stylish and comfortable—and this one checks all the boxes! For this make, I paired two Pattern Emporium designs with a gorgeous designer knit fabric from Fabric Mart, and the result is a matching tank and wide-leg pant set that’s as easy to wear as it is to sew.   The Fabric Fabric Mart always has hidden gems, and this designer knit caught my eye right away.  It’s the Urban Taupe/Gold/Black Polyester/Lycra MK Chain Print ITY Knit - NY Designer - 56W.  The weight, stretch, and drape made it perfect for both a fitted top and a flowy pant. It’s soft against the skin, has great recovery, and presses beautifully. When working with knits, having a fabric that behaves well makes all the difference. The Patterns To build my set, I chose two favorites from Pattern Emporium: • The Works Tank Top – Simple, classic, and versatile. It skims the body just right and works beautifully as a layering piece or on its ow...

Made By A Fabricista: A Berry Bold Suit – Scallops and Wide Legs for Fall

Hello Sewing Friends! It’s Sharon from Sharon Sews back with a fabulous Fabricista make for fall.  I fell in love with the color of this stretch suiting and couldn’t wait to sew myself something to wear as the weather starts to cool off.   Before I share about my jacket and pants, can we have a moment to appreciate this “Jazzberry Jam” color? It brings to mind strolling through my local farmer’s market, filling my tote (handmade of course!) with fresh produce, and then baking seasonal goodies, something I love to do when the weather turns crisp.  Of course, I’m not wearing my suit for that outing!  The fabric is a designer polyester/rayon/lycra mid-weight stretch suiting that has a lovely drape and a wonderfully soft feel.  I ordered it with a jacket and pants in mind, but honestly, it would have also been stunning sewn into a vest, skirt, dress, or even a lightweight coat or cape.  It’s such a versatile fabric.  I ordered matching thread from Fa...

Made By A Fabricista: From Paris with Love!

Bonjour! I am still in bliss from my recent trip to Paris!!  It was much more than I expected and I absolutely fell in love with the city. I can honestly see myself living there one day. I knew before leaving I wanted to make something to fit into the Parisian landscape because I knew it would be a special opportunity. I was inspired by one of my favorite fashion creators Juliette Foxx. Her checked gingham corset and wide leg pants were on my list to remake. For fabric I used this red and white pin stripe denim twill and deep red sateen for the pants.  The pattern I used for the corset was McCall’s #M8182 with a few modifications.  The fit was a little large so I took it in along the sides and shoulder seam.  I then lowered the neckline since the shoulders were taken in. I used the sateen as my lining which gave a great contrast.  My pants are my unreleased pattern which happens to be exact from the inspiration.  I drafted these last year and have been wo...