Fabric Mart Fabricistas

We are getting close to the start of summer and I am coming to you with this checkered look to start the season.  I had an inspiration saved of a full checkered set which I absolutely loved and said if I ever find the perfect fabric I would make it.  I was so happy to see exactly what I was looking for one day when I was checking out Fabric Mart’s site.  Not only did I find the exact big check but I also saw the traditional gingham shirting in a very close colorway.  I thought it would be fun to work the two scales together to create a look.  I’ll admit sometimes I overthink things and end up going down a deep rabbit hole trying to find a new inspiration that would work.  I wanted to make something that still would reflect my personal style and could continuously rework in my wardrobe without it looking too “countrytime” or “clownish”. My other goal was to try to use a pattern that wouldn’t be too cumbersome as I am still working out of a temporary space a...

Hello everyone! I’m very excited to once again contribute to the Made by a Fabricista Blog! For this I made a new cosplay: Miku Hatsune from Vocaloid, but with a twist! For those of you who don’t know, Miku Hatsune is a virtual idol from the Vocaloid series. Vocaloid is a singing voice synthesis software which uses voice banks from voice actors & singers. In this program people can make their own songs using these voices! There are so many characters in Vocaloid and Miku is the most popular one. She came out back in 2007 and is still going strong! She has so many songs and even does live concerts! She performed at Coachella one year and even opened for Lady Gaga at one of her concerts!  Miku has an iconic design, but she has so many others from her songs and the games! Fans have also made their own Miku designs. Some people incorporate their own culture, and some even based their designs on fast food places!  Jujutsu Kaisen is one of my favorite anime and manga series of a...

This month, I wanted an easy project because I am in the middle of switching jobs. While I am excited about this opportunity, it left very little room for a larger project. Thank heavens for simple rectangular skirts. The math on these is simple. You need to cut the length of your skirt; mine is usually about 36 inches. And then the width is between 2 and 4 times your hip measurement. Because I like flowy skirts, I averaged somewhere between 3.4 and 4 times my hip measurement.  From that point, it was just a lot of hemming. Lightweight fabrics with a loose wave, like this Cotton Gauze , tend to warm while you work with them. Because this fabric is yarn dyed and not printed, I was able to use the plaid to make sure everything was staying on grain. This was the saving grace to ensure the entire project didn't fail. The more I wear this skirt, the more I love it. I'll probably add buttons to keep the faux button plaquet from gaping, but other than that, I couldn't be more plea...

I have so many distinct memories from middle school of sneaking downstairs after everyone has gone to bed and watching Inuyasha on Toonami with the volume just barely above mute to see what adventures and drama Kagome and her friends get into. My favorite character has always been Sango. She's strong and fiercely loyal to those she trusts, absolute role model material! This project is a bit of a redemption for me, as Sango was the second ever cosplay I made about 16 years ago! My fabric choices were made easy for me because there were linens all in the perfect colors for her travelling outfit and would be ideal for summer cosplaying, especially here in Arizona! Once I got my fabric all washed and pressed, the next thing I had to do was start pulling threads. For the green fabric I couldn't opt for any other method for cutting the length of the skirt since you'd be able to notice if my hemline wasn't straight, so pulling a thread as a guide was an absolute must! The gre...

 Hi everyone, this is Byrd with my latest Fabricista make! If you’re looking for a polished, structured blouse that works just as well dressed up as it does dressed down, this one is definitely worth a look. I’m sewing up McCall’s 8658, View B, part of the Spring 2026 pattern collection, and I paired it with Fabric Mart’s charcoal cotton poplin by Robert Kaufman. I was initially drawn to this pattern because of its unique neckline and tailored feel, and I knew right away that a crisp poplin would give me the structure I wanted. This blouse is semi-fitted and full of thoughtful design details that really elevate it. The neckline is a standout, featuring a collar and collar band paired with a front button closure. I especially love the shape of the front hem and the way it opens slightly - it adds movement without being overdone. The back is where a lot of the shaping happens, with double-ended darts that give a beautiful, contoured fit. The sleeves are gathered at the sleeve head a...

Linen is the best fabric to sew and wear. I selected a beautiful 100% linen from Fabric Mart that is a steel blue and cream floral linen to sew up a By Hand London Hannah Wrap Dress pattern. The flowers look like Dahlias. I originally sewed a Toile from a black and white cotton bedsheet, wore the dress a lot but never made it again. I gave the Toile away to a friend who always commented on how much she loved the dress. When I saw this fabric, I knew I wanted to make the Hannah again. Linen is so easy to sew the entire experience reminded me why linen remains one of my favorite fabrics to sew. I look for a light to medium weight  European linen for a dress. I like a rayon or cotton blend with linen because it seems to have more drape and be more soft. Linen gets softer with washing and wearing it. This particular linen feels crisp and after ironing and washing, softens up. I like how Fabric Mart describes the fabrics as top, dress, blouse, shirt weight under “Use” and will describe...