Made By A Fabricista: Playing with Classic Silhouettes and Timeless Color Palettes

When it comes to sewing, few things excite me more than reimagining classic designs and breathing new life into timeless patterns. As someone who has been sewing for over 25 years, I thrive on exploring unique details and construction techniques that make each piece feel special. Recently, I found inspiration in a previous look I’d created and decided to take it a step further, crafting a full outfit that plays with volume, texture, and classic styling. See below my dress from 2011 that I drew inspiration from.

The Fabric

For this project, I chose a Glen Plaid Suiting fabric from Fabric Mart, a timeless yet versatile pattern that instantly elevates any garment. The fabric’s classic black-and-white palette gave me the perfect base to experiment with silhouettes and pairings while keeping the overall look chic and cohesive. I love how this fabric’s pattern gives off an air of sophistication yet lends itself beautifully to bold, modern designs.

The Dress

For the dress, I used the VikiSews Asel pattern as my base and made it entirely my own. I cut the design into a mini length and self-drafted the balloon hem to give it a dramatic, voluminous shape. To enhance the structure, I added crinoline to the balloon hem, which gave it just the right amount of fluff and flair. The result? A standout piece that’s equal parts fun and fashion-forward.

The Pants and Dickey

Because I had some extra fabric, I decided to curate a mini collection by also creating a pair of pants using my favorite pant pattern at the moment, Vogue 2020 (V2020). These pants are my go-to for their impeccable fit and versatility—they’re a wardrobe staple I find myself returning to again and again. To add another layer of interest, I made a dickey to wear under a jacket, creating a polished and refined look while keeping things practical and stylish.

The Styling

When styling these pieces, I leaned into one of my favorite approaches: classic color and pattern combinations. Black, white, and red are timeless hues that always feel fresh, bold, and sophisticated. Paired with the tailored details of the pants and the playful volume of the dress, these colors tied the entire look together perfectly. There’s something so satisfying about playing with these classics—they’re endlessly versatile and never fail to make a statement. I loved the pops of red with the gloves and the tights as well as the bling with the mini bucket bag made by my friend Renee of Sew Mote it Be, as well as the pavé crystal and pearl necklace.

A Lifelong Journey in Sewing

Sewing has been a part of my life for more than 25 years, and each project is a reminder of why I love this craft. From the first spark of inspiration to the final stitches, the process is as fulfilling as the finished product. This project, inspired by a previous look I created, showcases how I love to revisit ideas and reimagine them in new and exciting ways.

Whether you’re a sewist looking for inspiration or someone who simply appreciates bold, creative fashion, I hope this project sparks your creativity and encourages you to play with unique silhouettes and timeless color palettes.

Shimere | @shim.sew.creative

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