I was absolutely thrilled to be chosen to be a Fabricista for 2025! I have been a customer of Fabric Mart for a while now, and I love the variety of the fabric I find whenever I shop. When I got the assignment for my first blog post, I searched around the site for a fabric to jump out and inspire me. In my mind, I needed to start off big and make something that I’ve had on my list of things to make, but for whatever reason, I have been putting off. I knew I wanted to make a classy and chic winter jacket, and one that would wear well on the days I have to dress professionally for work. I wear a lot of suits, dresses and skirts to the office, so I figured a dressy winter trench coat would be ideal. I decided on Ellie & Mac’s Duchess Jacket, which has a beautiful hi-lo hem, fitted bodice, statement puff sleeves, and faux double-breasted closure. Once I decided on the pattern I wanted to use, I set out searching for the perfect winter coat fabric. I f...