Fabric Mart Fabricistas

We are right dab in the middle of summer and it’s still summer dress season.  I chose the Calvin Wrap Dress and Top pattern from True Bias for my last post but ended up making the McCall’s M8108 instead. Knowing the pattern I was going to use for this post, I started looking for fabric and knew I wanted to use a Chambray . Chambray is a perfect summer fabric because it’s usually light and breathable. The Calvin Wrap Dress and Top Pattern Ever since I saw The Calvin Wrap Dress and Top pattern making it’s rounds on the internet, I’ve liked the pattern.  I’ve also seen quiet a few people make this pattern and it’s super cute.  I’ve always wanted to make a wrap dress but have never gotten to making one until now and I think I’m in love. This dress was very simple to make.  There are only 4 major pattern pieces and the exposed biased binding, which is my favorite part of the dress.  I made a size 16 and graded out to a size 18 at the waist based on my body measurem...

How is everyone in the northern hemisphere faring in the depths of summer? I always think I'm mentally prepared for the heat, but nope, I'm never actually ready to face it. For my latest Fabric Mart project, I chose an unrelated pair of fabrics, one woven and one knit, to create two new dresses that are elegant for the season since feeling refined in the gnarly heat is a tough assignment.  Both of my selected fabrics boast low-contrast prints, and really their similarities end there. I chose two contrasting and distinct styles to best flaunt these gorgeous fabrics. Both ITY and linen are great options to try and beat the heat, and wearing new frocks will certainly be a pick-me-up in the depths of August!  This Pewter Gray/Black Floral Silhouette Print ITY really caught my eye. I'm already a stalwart fan of the bouncy and cool-to-the-touch ITY base, and this muted silvery background is a favorite color of mine to wear. I decided to sew a Love Notions Summer Basics Tank Dress...

YouTuber's Dee & Dory are back on the Fabric Mart blog today with their most recent Fabricista Makes. Make sure to click play on the video below to hear all about their fabric choices & how their projects turned out! Dory Dory used a 2009 Simplicity 2550 pattern inspired by Project Runway to make her linen dress.  The fabric is 100% linen with a slight slubbing.  It was a gem to work with, plus having the tropical Floral and birds on the linen made me feel like I was with “nature" while sewing on it! This was my first time sewing with Linen and I absolutely loved it.  I want more of it!  Even though it says dry clean only, I did cold water wash it and dried it on low.  It turned out just fine.  The dress has a 22” back zipper, a tab on the neckline to give it shape.  I added 5” to the hemline to make it the longer length. The sleeves have a nice detail with cuffs. There are fish eye darts on both the bodice and skirt, front and back.  Dee...

 Happy Friday All! I am so excited that my daughter has allowed me to sew for her again. When she was younger and in elementary school, she was always excited for me to make her skirts and dresses.  I haven’t sewn much for her over the past 3 years, but this year I have made 2 dresses and this cute set for our next vacation.  I plan to make a few other pieces before the summer is over. My daughter Arielle wanted a black ponte knit leisure wear set for the longest that she could rock to her a summer party or on vacation.  She was too picky with the style of the top, so I delayed making it.  We settled on the pants but for the top, she just could not decide.  She is very particular about showing her chest, making it to crop and love a peekaboo in the back.  When we came across Simplicity 9784 pattern, we knew this was a win.  I love the style but felt it was a bit crop for my personal taste but perfect for her. Top Review: Size Small The pattern is...

With summer here and the kids out of school, you might already be hearing the dreaded words, “I’m bored!” Turn that around by giving them the chance to learn a new skill – sewing! Sewing can be taught to most any age, but the project type will vary depending the age and skill level of the child. We’ve rounded up a few great projects and ideas that can help jumpstart your child’s interest in sewing! A Good Place to Start with the Youngest: Hand Sewing As a parent of a 5-year-old, my son has really enjoyed sewing little felt stuffed toys that have pre-cut holes around the edges of the shapes. Michaels Craft Store carries a nice selection of different kits for various interests. What I like about these is that it is an easy way to start learning the hand sewing motion. The kits also come with sticker embellishments to finish off the project. Once they get the idea of hand sewing, let them create their own felt projects. The blog, Meraki Lane has a great list of 16 Felt Sewing Projects t...