The first blue-hued fabric I ordered was a cobalt, 100% cotton, double border, embroidered, geometric eyelet voile. I loved the geometric pattern of the embroidered eyelet and envisioned a fun summer blouse featuring the eyelet border at the hem of the shirt and sleeves.
The second blue-hued fabric I found was a slate blue 100% cotton retro floral print canvas fabric. I loved the bright white blooms on a slate blue background. I pictured a pair of fun shorts, but I wasn’t sure which pattern to use, so I ordered two yards.
As soon as my fabric arrived, I started making the cobalt blouse, knowing I needed more time to think about what to make with the other fabric. The Seamwork Sage Top Bonus pattern fit my blouse vision perfectly. The Sage Bonus pattern is a fitted button-down top with princess seams, lined center front and back panels, and short sleeves.
Due to the see-through nature of eyelet fabric, I decided to line all of the bodice pieces except for the sleeves. I used a lightweight ecru cotton voile from my stash, which was purchased from Fabric Mart’s retail store years ago. It was the perfect lining to add modesty to the cobalt voile without adding bulk. I envisioned the border hem without lining behind it, so I cut my lining pieces about 2 inches shorter than the main pieces. The lining pieces were finished with my serger to prevent the lining fabric from fraying. I finished the top with five cobalt buttons from my vintage button stash.
After completing my cobalt button-down, I still had the seamstress equivalent of writer's block, unsure of what to make with my second blue-hued fabric. Not knowing where to turn for the perfect shorts pattern, I reached out to the sewing community in the Facebook Group Modern Sewist to gather ideas of what shorts patterns were well-loved and highly recommended. I’m so glad I did this, because I received many helpful responses and pattern suggestions which helped me decide what to make. If you’ve never been part of a sewing group on Facebook, it is worthwhile to join one. I can’t describe the amount of inspiration and fun being a member of a sewing group will add to your Facebook feed and sewing life.
After reading all of the comments and reviewing the suggested patterns, I landed on the True Bias Emerson Pants & Shorts. This pattern features a lovely elasticized back waist, stylish front pleats, and side pockets. Before cutting into my beautiful canvas fabric, I made a muslin of the shorts in a size 8 based on my body measurements. I followed the pattern exactly and used the recommended seam allowance. When I went to try on my muslin, I couldn’t slide the shorts over my hips! I decided then and there that I needed to size up and make a size 10. The amount of ease built into this pattern is less than that of other woven bottom patterns.
Instead of making another muslin in size 10, I cut my canvas and hoped for the best. As it turned out, the size 10 was perfect. I made the high-rise view D version of the shorts. The shorts were just as I envisioned, from the pleats to the floral print fabric, they are structured and fun. I’m excited to wear these shorts all summer long.
Whether blue fabric is part of your go-to color scheme or blue is a new hue for you, Fabric Mart is the perfect place to stock up on blue fabric for summer sewing. I hope my two in blue have inspired you to start adding shades of blue to your handmade wardrobe!
SHAINA | @shaina_sews
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