Made by a Fabricista: Battle of the Tops

Happy first Friday of a new month March! I am excited to return with 2 new makes that I have been wanting to add to my closet. Even though I didn’t make half the garments I had in the queue for February, I am truly proud of the pieces I created. Since I became an ambassador for Husqvarna Viking, I have been dreading learning buttonholes on my new machines. After mastering it right when the pandemic hit on my Brother sewing machine, I took a hiatus, and then fear set in. Over the Christmas break, I decided to tackle my fears and watch videos on YouTube and practice. I was in shock at how easy it is to create a buttonhole. The machine is basically 2 simple steps: plug, align, and snap the foot on.

Carrot/Raspberry 100% Linen Yarn-Dyed Shirt-Weight Woven 58W - SKU: UKD7483r

I made a commitment to myself in 2022 that I will attempt to do at least 1 buttonhole garment a month, learn and master 1 new sewing skill and write at least 1 blog post per month. In February, I exceeded my own expectations and created 4 garments with buttons. Last summer I created New Look 6698 with a rayon fabric I had in my stash for a while from Fabric Mart here.

I fell in love with the pattern then and knew I would create more versions in cotton and linen. Even though I did not add the buttons to my first version, the sleeve drama and the darts on this pattern caught my attention.

I wanted to master collar tops and decided to use an easy pattern with no yoke and with less than 5 buttons. I made no modifications to the pattern and plan to add a 4th button to it. This top is a winner because it is very flattering and can be made using several fabric types.

My 2nd button top is also a quick and easy sew New Look pattern (N6678) which is very flattering on my body type.

I am now drawn to NEW LOOK patterns because of the perfect fit right out of the pattern envelope. I completed it in less than 3 hours before adding the buttonholes. I am amazed by the fit and darts both in the front and the back. It has facing which makes it easy to sew and I believe that a beginner who wants to try buttonholes can handle this project. This is my second version of this top and you only need a yard and a half of fabric to create it if no pattern matching is involved.

Heathered Tropical Sea 100% Linen Yarn-Dyed Shirt-Weight Woven 58W - SKU: UFA7486r

Hands down both patterns are amazing in linen, rayon, and cotton and get a thumbs up. I am adding New Look 6698 to one of my favorites and will add another version by Spring. Both tops are perfect for Spring/Summer and the linen versions are perfect for our warmer days here in Miami.

Thank you so much for reading and let me know which one is your favorite version. Don’t forget to stop by my blog and check out my latest post. Have a great month of March!!

One Love,

MARICA | @heymaricamitchell

Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!

You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following category LINEN.

💡 Did you know? 💡

A good portion of Fabric Mart's linens are reorderable!

This means that even if the color you're looking for is currently unavailable, it should come back in stock soon!

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing the Eleonora by Silversaga – A Romantic Dress you need in your closet

I recently had the pleasure of sewing up the Eleonora pattern by Silversaga, and I’m excited to share my thoughts because this one really surprised me—in the best possible way. If you’re not already familiar with Silversaga, their aesthetic leans into romantic minimalism—think timeless silhouettes with poetic details. The Eleonora Dress is a vintage-inspired, chemise-style from the Regency Era of the 1800’s design infused with modern elements like adjustable sizing, soft gathers, and flexible fit details. The Eleonora is a thoughtfully designed dress pattern with multiple views and customizable features. Some of its standout design elements include: • Adjustable fit via ties and elastic channels at the neckline and waist, allowing it to flatter a range of body shapes and sizes. • Sleeve options, including short or long gathered raglan sleeves, often finished with ruffles for added softness. • A full, swishy four-panel skirt—complete with in seam pockets and a deep hem—that b...

Made By A Fabricista: Oversized Jenna Shirt for Summer Fun

I may or may not have had several meltdowns during the making of this Closet Core Jenna Shirt… But let’s back up first. During the month of May, I promised to wear handmade garments every single day for the popular sewing challenge “Me Made May.” I really enjoyed thoughtfully putting together my outfits each day. While I was doing this, I was taking notes of the gaps in my wardrobe. Particularly, I don’t have many transitional shirts that could work for on-camera work attire and be comfortable for the weekend. When I saw this delicious cotton lawn on the Fabric Mart website, I knew that I wanted to make a button up shirt that would be both work appropriate and a nice overshirt for summer evenings over my tanks and tees. I have made a few button up shirts before using a vintage Stretch & Sew pattern but I decided to try my hand at the Closet Core Jenna Shirt (up to a 60” chest) which has had rave reviews on social media and pattern sites for being a great pattern with e...

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing the Chalk & Notch Hayes Dress

Hey lovely friends! With summer knocking at the door, I am absolutely ready for breezy dresses at all times. I love linen all year round, but summer is my particular favorite for this fiber. This bright happy color fills me with delight, and it’s so perfect in the sunshine. For this project, I got all my supplies in one go! I chose this stunning Sea Green linen , lightweight fusible interfacing , ½” elastic , and of course, matching thread. If you haven’t sat down to create your own little sewing kit with all the bits at hand, it’s quite a nice gift to yourself and makes getting started that much easier. I’m all about ease these days. I sewed the new Chalk & Notch Hayes Dress with the open back cutout, which is View A. The other two options are a closed-back dress and a two piece set. I was a tester for this charming pattern, and I can confirm the two piece set is also gorgeous and really fun to wear. I have looked forward to sewing this version for weeks! Please...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog