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