Made By A Fabricista: Stepping Into Summer in Pretty Crepe

Hi Guys! Summer is here! Yes, it’s been 80 degrees in Florida all week and we’ve been to the pool. We usually cook out for Memorial Day and go to the pool to open the official summer season and the weather was perfect for it. When I started thinking about this post, I thought, summertime. I wanted to select a great fabric and a summer dress to go with it and I think I might have found the perfect combination.

I selected to make McCall’s M8507. This pattern is described as an easy to sew dress with a ruched bodice, elastic neckline and waist with different sleeve lengths and sleeve variations. I made a combination of View B and View A. Based on my body measurements, I made a size 22. I selected to make the longer sleeves with the elastic at the hem and I made the shorter version. I only made 1 modification to the dress. After I finished the bodice, I realized this dress had a very deep V neck. I don’t mind showing a little cleavage, but this was a bit much and my bra was showing. I decided to hand sew the cleavage closed a little. I love the way it came out.

As with any fabric that I end up loving, as soon as I saw it, I knew I have it. I selected this dark green and white large grid floral bubble crepe fabric. This fabric is so soft and really nice to sew with. This is a thin fabric, but it’s not slippery or hard to handle and sews up perfectly. It has a great drape and is perfect for these long summer days. I’m going on a cruise soon and I can’t wait to wear it as we set sail in the Caribbean!

I usually try to include some sort of sewing trick or tutorial in my blog posts, and I have a quick and effective tip for you this time. I learned this a very long time ago and I use it every single time I sew. I know there are some of you out there that will just wing a hem and sew it up without measuring a thing and just eye balling it. The way my brain works, I can’t do that. It is also a pain to measure and press a hem with a seam gauge. What I do is, sew a basting stitch using the designated seam allowance. I then press it and sew. Once I’m done, I remove the basting stitch and I end up with a perfect hem every single time. You’re welcome!

Have I shared my DIY Birkenstocks with you all yet? I don’t recall. At any rate, I made my shoes! I believe I made these last summer with a kit I purchased from my friend Jaimie from www.creationsbyjaimie.com. The kit comes with everything you need to make these shoes, except the leather. You can find pieces of leather or suede online for a very inexpensive price. I love these shoes and wear then whenever I can. Of course, I make sure to tell people I made then.

If you want a flowly fabric for your summertime makes, then I would suggest you pick up some crepe fabric from Fabric Mart. Unfortunately, this print is sold out. I wish I had gotten more because I am absolutely smitten with this fabric.

Until next time!

JOHANNA | @soveryjo

Made By A Fabricista: A matching set and a happy error.

Hi sewing friends! Today I’m sharing a new outfit I made inspired by looks I’ve been seeing pop up in my Facebook and IG feeds a LOT this year. I’m talking about those monochromatic matching top and bottom outfits, sometimes in linen, sometimes in a flowy knit - the ones that advertise they go effortlessly from loungewear to office wear to going out wear. So I decided to “sew the look” using Fabric Mart fabric and a few patterns I already in my massive pattern library. First, let me share that I have very few solid color pieces in my closet. I’m so taken in by whimsy and geometric prints that this is still a gaping hole in my wardrobe - a matching solid color set was actually a practical addition for me. So let me walk you through how I created this look, and also tip you off to an error I made while cutting that worked out pretty well after all. Can you spot the error? Hint - it’s somewhere in the top: Here’s how I went about building my matchy match outfit. And here’...

Made By A Fabricista: Birthday Dress

May is my absolute favorite month, we get to enjoy spring weather and it is my birth month. The birthstone for May is Emerald. I think emerald is such a gorgeous color so when I saw this beautiful ombre charmeuse I thought it would be the perfect fabric to make for my birthday dress. To be honest it took me a while to narrow down on a design. After a lot of back and forth I ended up going back to my first sketch that I created. I love to sketch out my ideas to figure out the patterning and materials. To create the design I used the method of draping on my dressform. I used the lightweight muslin that Fabric Mart offers. It is always best to use a muslin or material similar to your final fabric. I started first by marking my style lines with some draping tape on my dress form. I tore out pieces of muslin to fit within those lines making sure I am always marking my grainline. I also used the muslin to determine how I will create the rosettes onto...

Made By A Fabricista: Pattern Emporium’s Lyrical Top Featuring Fabric Mart Fabrics

Sewn in a lightweight rayon challis , this top combines style, comfort, and fluidity. There’s one thing I love in a summer sew: effortless drape—and the Lyrical Top by Pattern Emporium delivered just that. This pattern is a new release, and when I spotted this dreamy rayon challis from Fabric Mart Fabrics, I knew it was the perfect pairing. Lightweight, breathable, and with just the right amount of movement, the fabric really brought the pattern to life. Today, I’m sharing all the details—from fabric choice and construction to styling and fit—plus a few thoughts on why this top might just become a repeat sew. Pattern Overview: The Lyrical Top by Pattern Emporium The Lyrical Top is a relaxed-fit design with bloused sleeves and a gently flared frill cuff. It comes with three sleeve lengths and two neckline variations. I chose the tie-neck view, but there’s also a collar option for a slightly different vibe. I’ve been looking to add more stylish tops to my wardrobe this year, a...

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