Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Vogue really hit it out of the park for me with their Summer pattern release. I've already sewn up 1526 for last month's post (missed it? read it  here ) and this month is 9259 ! https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9259 I never wore jumpsuits before I started sewing but now I can't get enough of them. Weird how that happens, huh? I think it is because RTW jumpsuits were always ill fitting; the bodice was too short, pants too long, pants too droopy, etc. The benefit of sewing for yourself is you make it specifically for you and your body. On first sight I loved the criss-cross halter top and the wide leg short/pants. I typically love short shorts and short skirts, so my first intention was to make View A, but I decided that I really loved the wide full legs of View C. Instead of using a border print I went with this gorgeous Blueberry Polyester Crepe. I loved the color and texture (I'm learning I love crepe ) and I felt this would have amazing flow and drape...

Julie from Fabric Mart contacted me late last month and asked if I wanted to participate in Fabric Mart's Skirt Challenge (#sewcoolskirts) for May. Of course I said yes. I mean who doesn't need a new skirt for spring! Now my skirt isn't made from a current pattern. I have way too many TNT skirt patterns in my pattern collection to reinvent the wheel. However, my skirt is influenced by an ad that was in my email box. Inspiration Photo from Dressbarn.com My fabric is a lightweight ponte from Fabric Mart. I purchased it a couple of months ago and while not exactly the same, it is very similar to the fabric in my inspiration picture. A little more about my skirt ~ I've really fallen in love with the slim fit through the hips yet flared at the hemline maxi skirts. When I saw the ad featuring the black and white maxi skirt, I knew that my TNT 4 gore skirt with an elastic waistline would work to make one of my own. I had to make a few alterations to my pattern piec...

Hi- I hope you are well. This month for the Skirts Challenge (#sewcoolskirts), I wanted to do a ruffle/flounce skirt. On a whim, I picked up Vogue V1450 , because I saw beauty in the skirt design (View B).  You almost miss how great the skirt is, if you focus too much on View A, the sleeveless top, on the pattern cover. I think it is a bit overwhelming paired with the skirt (just my opinion). This skirt turned out to be such a fun skirt!   To make the skirt, I used this wonderful striped stretch denim from Fabric Mart ( click here ).  This fabric is a dream to sew and wear. It is a combination of cotton and lycra with 10% stretch. So let’s get into a few details on this DIY look! I must say, there is not too much to say about the construction of this skirt.  The pattern is labeled as very easy and I have to tell you, it is extremely easy to make.  I think any beginner would find joy in making this skirt, especially if you take the route...

I wore this outfit on Friday to school, to give the skirt a test run before my trip! When Fabric Mart announced they were hosting a skirt challenge for May, and asked if I would participate, I jumped in with both feet immediately.  During the school year I prefer to keep my makes to once every two months, but I couldn't say no!  I am heading to California in a week to spend time with some relatives, and I figured making a skirt and top from a double knit printed fabric  (they sold out of this pretty feather printed version) would be an excellent choice.  I told Fabric Mart I loved the idea of wearing the two pieces together so they looked like a dress, and I also loved the fact that the skirt could pair well with multiple tops in my closet, and the top would also pair with many bottoms.  This means I can pack less for my journey out west! The Selene from Colette Patterns was my first choice for its classic shape (a straight skirt that I could...

I love maxi-skirts!  They let you really show off a beautiful fabric.  Although there are lots of patterns available for maxi-skirts, you'll notice that many do not have pockets.  I don't know why that is, as pockets are so essential!  When I got my March issue of Burda Style magazine, I couldn't help but notice this skirt in the plus section: The line drawing showed that it was a simple design but with a few features that I find desirable: pockets, a combination drawstring and elastic waist, and long side slits.  I find that a combining a drawstring with elastic helps you to cinch the waist to just the right snugness.  And side slits help you to move freely and provide extra ventilation on warm days.  So, even though these are small details, they can really make the difference between whether you end up wearing an item or not! I made this pattern three times out of different fabrics- one ITY knit, one rayon gauze, and one french terry kn...