Made By A Fabricista: My Special Occasion Dresses

When I saw the Vogue V1842 pattern by Badgley Mischka, I knew I was going to sew it for a special event. The style is elegant, versatile as it can be worn with a jacket or shawl during cooler seasons and accommodating of changing body shapes with its empire waist. I needed a formal dress to wear to a Mozart concert in Europe in a couple of months; that dress must be easy to pack on a cruise. Fabric Mart’s sequined mesh fabric (# SKU: MOA9294) met my criteria and its color was so unique – a combination of violet, cadmium blue, and deep carmine.

Because sequined fabric is not one of the suggested fabrics in the back of the pattern, I decided to try out the pattern first on one that is, a jacquard. I happen to have on hand FM’s black and white 100% cotton leaf print with oval jacquard design (SKU#BLA4147). I first made a muslin and found size 14 bodice and size 16 skirt fit me properly. I raised the neckline by 5/8 inch, however, for more coverage. Basting the gathers first in the center front bodice made it easier to sew the neckline. I hand sewed the binding all around the neckline and armholes. The back is low, but a low back bra or low back bustier could be worn with it. I added a hook and eye above the invisible zipper. I used a size 80 universal needle and serged the seams. Overall, the pattern was easy to sew; the fabric was a dream. The black and white leaf design exuded the vibrance of spring and summer. Better yet, big prints are currently on trend. I definitely look forward to wearing this dress to a wedding next month!

Feeling confident after the success of my first dress, I proceeded to sew the sequined fabric. Instead of binding around the neckline, I lined the dress with FM’s ash gray polyester/lycra lining (SKU# SNC4263w), thus avoiding the thickness of the sequins. I then reinforced the center neckline with twill ribbon and understitched. By installing the zipper 1/2 inch higher that the first dress, I eliminated the need for the hook and eye. I used a Size 70 microtex needle and am proud to say I did not break a single needle! I hemmed this dress by hand as I did the first one. I hemmed the lining 1 inch shorter than the dress. I love this dress for formal events. Who would not notice the shine of the 2mm sized nylon iridescent sequins and watch its colors under the sun and under the shade? Just look at the pictures!

I am happy with these elegant yet comfortable dresses. I will be wearing a black bolero with the sequined dress and a white chiffon coverup with the cotton one, depending on the weather. I hope you try the pattern and the fabrics, too.

Til next time,

MARY ANN | @anasewperfect

Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories SEQUINS, LINING, COTTON, & JACQUARD.

Made by a Fabricista: A Wardrobe Staple for Spring - A Denim Coat

Hello Sewing Friends! It’s Sharon with Sharon Sews with my latest Fabricista make – a denim coat for spring. Denim is a wardrobe staple for many of us, and even more so this year with denim on denim looks coming back in style. The denim I used is a medium weight cotton/lycra blend with about a 20% stretch selvage to selvage. Fabric Mart always does an amazing job photographing and describing their fabrics, yet I still gasped in delight when I opened the package containing my denim. It was even better than I had anticipated. This fabric would have worked well for a traditional denim jacket – one with button front closure, chest pockets with flaps, and a collar. However, I have wanted to sew this open front coat with kimono inspired sleeves and big patch pockets since February 2021. I saw it in that month’s BurdaStyle Magazine, bookmarked the page, and promptly forgot about the coat. It’s coat #105 if you’re interested in sewing one for yourself. Fortunately, I went on an organ

Made By A Fabricista: My Version of the Infamous DVF Wrap Dress

Just in case you are not aware, the iconic Diane Fustenberg wrap dress has turned 50 this year. In celebration, Vogue has re-released the DVF Wrap Dress pattern, which now comes in extended sizes. This dress is so classic and fits many different body types. I got a hold of this pattern and decided this would be my birthday dress this year. This pattern is categorized as a Very Easy Vogue pattern, and I would have to agree with that. Wrap dresses are usually relatively simple to put together since there aren’t that many pattern pieces to sew together. I made View A in a size 22 and the only modification I made was to shorten the hem by 6 inches. I will say that since I used a Ponte Knit , I could have gone down to a size 20. I didn’t read the fabric suggestions before picking my fabric. I’ve always remembered seeing the DVF Wrap dress in knits. After reviewing the fabric suggestions, they do say that you can use soft fabrics, like a Challis or a Chambray. As I mentioned, I’ve alwa

Week 4: Jeansmaking- What They Made

This is it, the final round! And we certainly did not go easy on our three remaining contestants this time. This round they had to make their own pair of well fitting jeans. I think they all did an absolutely outstanding job! Take a look what these ladies accomplished & be sure to vote for your favorite! (Link at bottom of post.) And, don't forget to show us your me-made jeans on Facebook or Instagram. Details at the bottom of this post. Danesha from Classyfied Life So first I must say that this entire challenge has been just that...a challenge! Two weeks ago there was hurricane Irma and I was blessed enough to not lose power and then I went out into the aftermath to capture some photos of my submission. Then two weeks ago I had a big trip planned so I had to do EVERYTHING in two days . Then the BIGGEST challenge of all...THIS week! I got the challenge and I was super excited to have an extra few days and then before I could even get started I ended up in the eme

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog