Skip to main content

Made By A Fabricista: Mix n Match Shorts & Tops for Summer

Since I prefer to sew for my children, my own closet gets seriously neglected! I decided to put my own needs first for my Fabric Mart make this time, and create a pair of comfy shorts and two tops for ME! 

I started by looking for bottom-weight fabric, and settled on some mid-weight stretch denim. I realized that all of my shorts patterns were for non-stretch fabrics, so I bought the Itch to Stitch Hermosa Shorts for this project. The Hermosa's come in three different lengths (short, mid, long) feature patch pockets on both front and back, and have options for a button or zipper fly. 

I do usually shy away from making pants because I often have trouble with them, but the Hermosa's fit was pretty much perfect, and I'm eager to make more pairs in various lengths! 

For this pair of Hermosa's I used my waist measurement (4) and blended out to between the 6 and 8 for my hip. My hip was closer to the size 8, but since the fabric was quite stretchy, I decided to go between the two sizes to account for that. While I did interface the waistband, I found the buttonhole area a little unstable, and would use an extra layer of interfacing in that area next time. (I love all the stabilizers at Fabric Mart, especially the SewkeysE tapes and Palmer & Pletch interfacings!).


I've been loving all the statement sleeve tops I've been making my girls lately, so was eager to make some puff sleeve tops for myself too! I thought I'd try the FREE Paddington Top by Peppermint Patterns with some polyester bubble crepe in this striking jungle green color. After looking at a number of reviews, I learned that this pattern ran extremely short, so I added 1.5" at the lengthen/shorten line, and removed the button placket so there were no closures. The sleeve hem was very fiddly, so I modified the construction, using 1/2" elastic rather than 1", creating a narrow channel for it. I then folded the elastic hem over and tacked it at the quarter points. This last step was probably unnecessary, but I wanted to create a similar effect to the Peony Patterns Jasmine Dress sleeve. 

Fabric Mart also sent me some royal blue 100% cotton jersey and for this I settled on the Pattern Emporium Hello Gorgeous Puff Sleeve Tee. This top has multiple neckline options and sleeve lengths, and can be mix and matched with some other top and dress patterns in their collection. I did find the neckline didn't sit quite right, and I think this may be from the lack of Lycra in the fabric - if I used the same fabric next time, I would size down the neckband to fix that. I also made this top in the "long" length, which is perfect for most of my low-rise pant outfits, but since my Hermosa Shorts are high-rise, I definitely could have got away with a shorter top.

Overall, I love my new outfits, and I can see myself wearing these pieces throughout the summer season!



NATASHA  @auschicksews


Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories CREPE, DENIM, & COTTON KNITS.

Comments

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: A Denim Set for Spring

Happy Friday All! I am ecstatic to share my latest make that I had on my to make list for a while.  My goal for the month of February was to sew a mini vacation capsule for a trip, but unfortunately I did not get a chance to. I was able to make 3 of the 6 pieces including this denim set. When this beautiful denim fabric arrived, I knew exactly what I wanted to make. I have been wanting to recreate a linen look I made a few years ago using the Montoya coat pattern with a few adjustments.  I created VIEW A without the peplum and lengthened it by 6 inches. Instead of sewing the tie inside the seam of the top like I did here, I wanted to make it separate so that it looks like a jumpsuit. (Read the blogpost here ). Moreover, my body has changed and I needed to cut a size larger so that I can rock it as an open vest or a top tucked in. I love the way it turned out but wish I had extended it by 8 inches instead of 6. For the pants, I went to my tried and true simplicity 8605 pants pattern and

Made By A Fabricista: Three Spring Basics – With a Twist

Hello Sewing Friends! By the time spring rolls around I am ready to pack away my winter wardrobe and wear my warm weather clothes. Since I don’t go into an office setting – and I like to be comfortable - basic essentials in my wardrobe include t-shirts, cardigans and knit dresses. The Cardigan The idea of sewing elevated basics came about when I spotted this fabulous FTY knit with a sequin floral and scrolls pattern.  With sequins for daytime being a spring 2023 trend, I decided to use the fabric to sew a cardigan. This is not your typical cardigan. Not only did I choose a sequin knit, but I chose what I consider to be a unique pattern, the Cascade Dress from The Sewing Workshop (now out of print). I have sewn it a few times but never with sequin fabric. My cardigan is actually a top that is designed to button down the front but I made a few small changes to the pattern. I lengthened the front by four inches, removed the front plackets, and added a button and fabric loop at the front n

Made By A Fabricista: Start Summer Sewing Now!

Hello fellow Fabric Mart lovers! It’s March and spring and summer will be here before you know it!  We need to get prepared for warmer weather. Fabric Mart is the place to get started with your warmer weather must haves, whether it's patterns or fabric. As you know they got it all.   I got my hands on an amazing oatmeal colored linen and it was the most perfect fabric for a vacation I took in February.  For a while we (myself and my family) had been planning a trip to Maui!  We finally got to see this beautiful place.  It was mid 70s everyday with just the right amount of humidity.  The sun shined most days and we got sprinkled on by the Hawaiian showers that pop up.  We saw rainbows, whales, turtles and all the lush beauty Maui had to offer us.  It was an amazing trip and this amazing trip needed the right wardrobe.  I took so many of my Fabric Mart Fabric makes with me!! But before I went you know I had to get some more sewing in. Easy and fast was the plan. Also I really wanted