Made By A Fabricista: Turning the Page

We had a lovely, warm September in central New Jersey but as of last week, fall has finally started to set in. While I’m no longer operating on a school calendar, I always look forward to the return of fall, the crisp air, the colorful leaves, and the opportunity to “turn over a new leaf.”

While exploring the Fabric Mart website, browsing all their gorgeous cottons, I was incredibly inspired by the Eggshell/Black 100% Cotton Horizontal Stripe Weave Lawn. It looks exactly like a lined piece of paper. I thought it would make a fun top for work during this transitional season, one that sparks “blank page” creativity. I wanted to pair the top with a simple yet classic pair of pants, allowing each piece to be a quality addition to my work and loungewear wardrobe, working together and as separates. I picked up the beautiful Midnight Navy/White 100% Tencel Chambray, which has a fun denim-look while being quite soft and flowy.

When designing the top, I wanted to play with the stripes. I chose the Sew House Seven Remy Raglan, a timeless raglan top and I picked the version with a split center and keyhole button closure with short sleeves. I decided to cut one of the front pattern pieces on the crossgrain so that one side of the top has horizontal lines and the other side is vertical. 

The Remy Reglan is a very quick sew and features French seams so that it has what many call “pretty guts.” I particularly like the French seam finishing with this top because it’s quite sheer and I really like to show off the seams on the underside. Speaking of the sheerness, this fabric is delicate and frankly, divine. It has a light glossy shine to it so it feels like a luxurious lawn against the skin.

I think I’ll play around wearing a nude and a black bra with this top. I like the way the sheerness allows me to play with color underneath but I also know that I’ll want to keep it professional at times as well. 

For the button, I wanted to play with the black and white effect of the stripes and chose a stark black button that I think pops really nicely against the rather simple top. I love it.

One of my all time favorite patterns is the Closet Core Sepia Pants. It was released as part of their Crew subscription in 2023 but released as a standalone pattern with more views in the years since. I find that the barrel-leg view with the elasticated waist and drawstring suits my style and comfort level. I have made pairs of Sepias in denim, brushed cotton, cotton chambray, a cotton/linen blend, and linen. I find that this pattern, with its massive double pockets can suit many fabrics and I was interested in trying it in a tencel. I wondered if it would maintain its shape well, and I’m delighted to say that it does. 

Due to my height and slight mid-rise preference over high-rise, I alter the pattern by removing 1.5” from the front and back rise and 1.5” from the length. I find that these alterations create the perfect fit for me. 

While I typically find tencel shifty to sew and cut, I really enjoyed working with this tencel chambray. It has just enough structure to make it relatively easy to use and I didn’t have any problems. The pants, with their unique pocket details and fun topstitching were a great weekend project and now I have a lightweight faux-denim pair of drapey, comfortable pants. The fabric also has a slight sheen to it and they will match perfectly with a number of blouses and tops for workwear and fun.

I’m thrilled by this autumnal outfit. Both of these pieces will carry me into the long winter ahead and the spring beyond. I look forward to pairing each of these pieces with others in my wardrobe and wearing them together. They feel classic, comfortable, and excellent additions to my closet.

What are you sewing for fall? Are you making anything that reminds you of school, turning over a new leaf or are you bundling up for the months ahead with cozy sweaters and coats?

Happy sewing!

MARIA  | @whelanmaria