Made By A Fabricista: Basics vs Fun Clothes

Every summer I make flowy, pretty dresses because they are so fun for me to make, wear, and they keep me cool as temperatures rise. But when the days get shorter and autumn rolls around, I’m not always confident on how best to transition my summery dresses into garments that will allow for the seasonal changes. In an effort to be more intentional about maximizing the use of my clothing, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to make for August.

It’s been a hot summer in New Jersey. From what I can see, it’s been a hot summer across the US. Looking for clothing that will keep me cool, perhaps hide some sweat stains, and allow me to transition between seasons, I decided to make separates that would pair well with each other and allow me to mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe. For the top, I wanted a basic tank top, something I could layer later on. For the bottoms, I wanted flowy, summery pants that can last into brisker weather or become phenomenally cozy in front of my winter fires.

I have been interested in making the Paradise Patterns Blomma Tank (2 cup options, up to a 60” chest), a free pattern if you opt into the newsletter, ever since I made the Paradise Patterns Honeygirl Loungeset camisole which had detailed instructions on how to sew with knits, including stitch length and width which I found absolutely fabulous. I have been looking forward to trying another Paradise Patterns sewing pattern and I knew that a Blomma Tank would make an excellent summer staple. I found the softest, most delightful Black Cotton/Spandex French Terry Knit at Fabric Mart and knew that it was meant for this pattern. 

I sewed view A (view B includes darts for D cup sewists) and it took about 2 hours in total to make this shirt. I had a happy accident with the neckline where I misread the instructions and sewed it down so that it came out at ⅜” vs the expected ⅝”. I actually love that the neckline is shallower and doesn’t match the armholes. I might prefer it to the traditional pattern specifications. I also chopped 4” off the bottom of the pattern once I tried it on. I wanted the shirt to sit comfortably cropped at my waistline, and after serging the bottom and securing the hem down at ⅜” it does.

I absolutely love this shirt. I’ve worn it several times since I completed it and I’m so pleasantly surprised at how it fits me like a glove without my being too self-conscious (I tend to avoid tight-fitting clothing on my tops). The French Terry loops on the inside of the garment are so soft and comfortable against my skin. A fantastic summer basic!

Now for the bottoms: in my scraps from previous Fabricista projects, I have made two pairs of the True Bias Casey Boxer Short & Pant pattern (up to 61.5” hip). I made both in the high-rise shorts view (view B) and I love them both for sleep pants. One pair is cotton and one pair is linen, both excellent fabrics and suggested ideas for the pattern. After several wears, however, I’ve noticed that the high rise is a little too high for my liking and the shorts are VERY short. Excellent for sleeping in the summer but I wanted to make my Fabricista bottoms so that they could be worn in and outside the house.

I found the most stunning rayon print for my vision. Fabric Mart had this gorgeous Forest Green/Imperial Red/Off-White/Multi Linen/Rayon Abstract Print Shirt Weight Woven that has such fun pictures of faces with vibrant pink hair. The fabric has such a soft handfeel, it’s lightweight but opaque–perfect for the flowy pants I was dreaming of.

I decided to make the True Bias Casey Pants in view C– the midrise pants option. This was another VERY quick sew, it took me a Sunday morning to cut, sew, and finish this garment. I added some green buttons from my stash for the faux button fly. The only adjustment I made to the pattern was to shorten the length by 2”.

When I wore these pants for a walk later that day after completing them, I received so many compliments, I was flying high! They sit perfectly at my belly button, are comfortable and breezy and the bright colors of the pattern attracts attention. Paired with the basic black tank, the outfit is such a winner! 

Full disclosure, I wore the pants three days in a row and I can’t get enough! I highly recommend sourcing a fun rayon print at the Fabric Mart website and making your own elastic waist pants pattern for summer fun. Pair it with an easy basic for a great outfit.

Happy sewing!

MARIA  | @whelanmaria