Made By A Fabricista: Gingham Style Summer

Gingham hasn't always been my favorite fabric print, but this purple gingham print shirting from Fabric Mart is definitely shifting my thoughts on Gingham this summer. I added a woven linen contrast, also from Fabric Mart,  in the color Spring bud to contrast with the purple gingham. The whole look is given me Modern Disney princess vibes.

This gingham is a lightweight, woven, shirting fabric. It's cool, crisp, and breathable. All the features you want in a summer fabric. However, this is not your basic gingham. There is a slight metallic pinstripe that runs through this gingham pattern that is a pleasant surprise and elevates the print a bit.

I also chose to use a contrasting fabric in this project for a little fun. I love a great color combo, so I couldn't resist. Lime green and purple has always been a vibe, so this linen in Spring Bud is a suitable  addition to the make.

This combo left me with so many options, and I was torn on whether to create a two-piece set or a dress. After weighing in with my IG fam, the majority suggested a two-piece.  I couldn't resist a bustier look and have seen a couple of gingham bustier that inspired the look.

My go-to bustier pattern is Daria  Rose Cafe Bustier. I love the fit, and I've used this pattern several times in so many different ways. Whenever using gingham or check fabrics, you want to make sure you line your fabric prints up so that the pattern matches. This may involve grabbing an extra yard of fabric to line it up. This bustier has boning and underwire for extra support and a zipper back.

I added neck straps for a little something different.

I created a pleated skirt to pair with the bustier using Vogue pattern 1893. I usually don't reach for pleated skirts, but this one, for some reason, was a must. I like the large pleats and the hi-lo silhouette of this pattern. I did alter the pleats a bit and created my own spacing that was a little impromptu. This I feel created a bit more fullness.  I used the linen to line the skirt and pleated it in the same way before adding the waist band.

The best thing about this look it the many ways you can wear the bustier and mix it up. The straps can be worn around the front for a more edgy look. Creating detachable elastic hem puff sleeves also offers several options. These can be worn up over the should or off the shoulder.

The detachable sleeves were a last-minute addition that I drafted using my own arm measurements. I created them 20 inches wide for ample fullness and included a 2-inch ruffle at the hem.

This was the perfect fabric for this project and came together smoothly with a standard woven needle and mettler thread metrosene thread. I can't wait to add these pieces to my current wardrobe and style them with other makes.

Until next time,

MARCIA  | @keechiibstyle 

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Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: SHIRTING & LINEN.