Made By A Fabricista: Tropical Vibes

Happy first Friday of a brand New Year! I hope you and your loved ones are healthy going into 2022.

Whew, 2021 was a roller coaster year but it allowed us to truly appreciate every single moment. I am excited to return as a blogger with Fabric Mart and will definitely be sharing more beginner sewing tips and tricks. When I was packing for my trip to Jamaica in November last year, I noticed I had nothing to bring that had a tropical print. I knew for my next make, I would select fabric that reflected my love for warm, tropical weather and Jamaica my island home. When I searched and came across these rayon challis prints, I knew right away it would be palazzo pants or a faux jumpsuit to rock on my next getaway - Spring break.

I absolutely love the lola tank and dress pattern I made here and yes I decided to make a few more over the holiday break using some ponte knit I had in my stash from Fabric Mart. Our temperature here in South Florida has been in the mid to high 70s for most of December so these definitely came in handy. I love the fact I can layer the tank under a cardigan or jacket when needed. To make both pants, I used my favorite jumpsuit pattern M8009 (pants) and added a waistband. I realized after making the first version, I needed to make a few adjustments.

I originally cut the size 14 and lengthened by 4 inches. I ended up having to remove an inch from the waist, and added 2 front pleats for a better fit. The adjustments I made for the jumpsuit would not work for the palazzo pants so you might consider taking off an inch from the rise of the pants. I would suggest for a beginner to make a muslin with the waistband attached to check the crotch fit. I decided to sew down the elastic and try a new technique which I love. I definitely plan to do a quick reel tutorial on Instagram so turn on your notification so you do NOT miss it when I post.

My second version fits much better as I decided to size down to a 10 because I was using a crinkle challis that tends to stretch. I also lengthened by only 2 inches instead of 4 as I wanted to make it shorter so that I could rock it with flats or sandals. I had a hard time deciding what to make with this fabric but opted to make another palazzo pants instead.

I definitely plan to make more basic everyday pieces in 2022 that work for my lifestyle. The days of making pieces that I do not maximize are over. The older I get the more comfortable clothes I want to wear based on my lifestyle. Do you make more basic or everyday essential pieces?

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to stop by and subscribe to my blog. I am excited to get back into blogging and plan to do so regularly in 2022. I am truly looking forward to documenting my creative journey and sharing it with you.

One Love and hope 2022 brings you good health, peace and happiness!

MARICA | @heymaricamitchell

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

Help Our Buyers Shop!

Comment on this post with what you are looking for right now and our buyers will seek it out! I am craving wool gabardines and ponte knits in fun autumn colors. What about you?

Made By A Fabricista: Turning the Page

We had a lovely, warm September in central New Jersey but as of last week, fall has finally started to set in. While I’m no longer operating on a school calendar, I always look forward to the return of fall, the crisp air, the colorful leaves, and the opportunity to “turn over a new leaf.” While exploring the Fabric Mart website, browsing all their gorgeous cottons, I was incredibly inspired by the Eggshell/Black 100% Cotton Horizontal Stripe Weave Lawn . It looks exactly like a lined piece of paper. I thought it would make a fun top for work during this transitional season, one that sparks “blank page” creativity. I wanted to pair the top with a simple yet classic pair of pants, allowing each piece to be a quality addition to my work and loungewear wardrobe, working together and as separates. I picked up the beautiful Midnight Navy/White 100% Tencel Chambray , which has a fun denim-look while being quite soft and flowy. When designing the top, I wanted to play with the stripes. I chos...

Made By A Fabricista: In the Fall, We Make Halter Dresses

Is we too many people? Am I the only one making halter dresses in the fall? I’m not quite ready to start my fall/winter sewing, so I’ll keep summer going. My summer was pretty eventful, and I didn’t get to sew much and now I’m trying to do a little catching up. I’ve had this dress on my mind for a while now and I thought now is as good a time as any to sew it up and I’m so glad I did. For this month’s post, I decided to make the Julia Dress from Viki Sews. This dress features a semi-fitted bodice with a full gathered skirt and a deep V-shaped back. The dress fastens at the neck and back with ties and of course it has pockets! I love the length of this dress. It’s not too short and it’s not too long, which is usually an issue for me because I’m so short. Based on my body measurements, I purchased a size 52, which is their largest size. Before I made a muslin, I measured the pattern at the waist and realized I needed to add a few inches. This might seem a little in...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog