Fabric Mart Fabricistas

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

As I get more into reading I see dress descriptions that I want to recreate. While this wasn't the exact dress I wanted, it was still a fun adventure. From patterning to sewing to the photoshoot with my mom. I had this piece of fan art by @fireheartweekly saved for a while, and even had a few friends excited to see me make the dress. To say there was a lot of excitement in my little social circle when I started this project would be an understatement. I kept trying the dress on at every possible moment to check the fit, but also because I loved the way it made me feel. While the fan art was inspired by Feyre Archeron from Sarah J Mass's series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, I found myself coming up with my own story for who would wear this dress in my fantasy world. She would be some powerful fantasy hero that could look stunning at a ball but also lead her troops into battle in the morning. Delivering lines like, "For Frodo," or "Be Careful but Be Brave," or

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

This month, we are hosting a Sewing Challenge on Instagram that challenges you make something that goes along with three fashion trends we’re in love with for spring. The three fashion trends we highlighted are: The one that really speaks to me is Sheer & Lingerie Looks (or Lingerie as Everyday Wear.) As a sewist and someone who is surrounded by fabric everyday, I enjoy lace and more delicate fabrics but rarely use them in my sewing projects. I don’t sew lingerie that often, but the idea of lingerie as everyday wear got me thinking. The looks don’t have to be over the top or super revealing. They can be tasteful and modest without looking like you’re running around outside with your underwear on! It's also not an unfamiliar trend. For those of us that remember the 90s, the slip dress was a big thing! Just google " 90s Slip Dress " and you will find plenty of photos of people in slip dresses. Of course there are other looks beside the slip dress that could fit into thi

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

I'm excited for my first post in 2023! At the beginning of the year, I recently went back to working in person so now I am looking to make and wear pieces that I can wear to work.  The goal is to be functional but also very fashionable since I am a fashion design professor. I saw this blue denim fabric and knew I wanted to make some pants; I just wasn’t sure what kind.  I decided to make Mimi G x Simplicity S8985 View B pants.  I liked the oversized flare look, I just made one slight modification to them by adding a pintuck along the front.  This was easy to add since the waistline was called to be slightly gathered to fit.  The fabric had a hand closer to linen and was very lightweight which was great and very satisfying to sew.  I lengthened the pants by 3” and finished with a 2” hem. The top I used Simplicity S9707.  It’s an oversized partial button down top.  I decided to create a high low hem by combining two different views.   I loved the print of the fabric but honestly as s