Made By A Fabricista: Matching Sets Are Always a Win for Me

I think I might have a problem.  I’m obsessed with a good matching set. Matching Sets can be considered as a coordinated chic look. A perfectly paired top and bottom that creates a seamless, stylish look with minimal effort. I think that’s exactly what I did. 

Usually when I’m looking for fabric, I try to have something in mind of what I’m going to make with it. Well, I’m here to report that I totally forgot what pattern I was going to use for this beautiful fabric. I believe I had a dress in mind, but I couldn’t remember the pattern for the life of me.  The fabric I chose is called Indian red dandelion soft lavender flower poplin shirting.  I’ve used poplin from Fabric Mart several times and it’s always a win for me.

I went through several different patterns for the top, until I landed on the Sara Top from Fibre Mood. I’ve had this top in my stash for so many years, and I thought it would be great for this fabric. This pattern is basically 2 rectangles with a channel for the elastic at the top. It also has 2 straps you can tie at the shoulders.  You also have the option of making this top into a dress just by making the pattern pieces longer.  As you can see, I went with the shirt version, and I made an XL based on my body measurements.

I recently had the opportunity to test the Paris Palazzo Shorts and Pants pattern from Made for Mermaids. This was the first pattern I’ve ever made from them, and I love it. For the test I made the shorts version.  This time around I made the pants version. These are a wide leg pant with a high waist 2” elastic waist with a draw string. There are so many things I like about these pants, the waist band being one of them.  My second favorite part about these pants is the pockets. I’ve never made pockets like this. Let me show you how they’re sewn together and how they look once you’re done.

1. Once you’ve cut out 4 pocket pattern pieces, I would suggest adding interfacing to the area of the pocket that is marked on the side seam.

2. With right sides together, pin the pocket to a front pant piece and stitch around the marking line. Cut into each corner and trim down to 1/8 around area just stitched.

3. Press pocket to wrong side of pants and press. Top stitch around pocket opening.

4. With right sides together, align another pocket piece long raw edges and stitch using a ¼ seam allowance.

You now have a pocket! I love how clean this looks. I may or may not start doing all my pockets this way. 

I gave this set a casual, going out to lunch look. I styled this with a pair of sneakers and a bag from Amazon. Gold accessories to match the gold chain of the bag completed the look.  If you are looking for a breathable fabric for summer sewing, then I would pick up some poplin shirting fabric.  It’s not just for shirts.

 Until next time!

JOHANNA | @soveryjo