Made by a Fabricista: Black, White, Gray and Boring?

My go to colors for winter--black, white, and gray...boring?

It doesn't have to be!

Even though they could be considered boring by some, consider the pattern on the fabric and the design silhouette before giving your opinion please!

With the right shape for the fabric and the right execution, black, white and gray can be somewhat exciting if not loads of fun! That 'spot' that appears to be on the fabric is really not there, that is from my camera. I do love how my top-stitching looks on the seams. I like to use a triple-stitch or a stretch-stitch for most of my top-stitching. I love how it emphasizes that part of the design.

I choose a sweater knit in black and white that is so soft, so luscious, and so wonderful to work with! I want a pair of pajamas made from this fabric, it is that wonderful on your skin!

The gray is a crepe with a wonderful texture that you expect from a crepe. I love how it looks in the jacket I made.

I used a StyleArc pattern for my jacket. It is the Allegra jacket and I just think the shape is so much fun and something totally out of the ordinary for me to sew together.

It has very deep raglan sleeves giving it a distinctive look. The crepe does a great job of showing the dramatic lines of the jacket and doesn't droop which would mask the look.

ONE PATTERN TWO LOOKS: Short jacket with pleat back and deep raglan sleeves + Knee length zip front cocoon shaped coat

For the sweater knit, I used an old favorite of mine, Simplicty 2054. This a Cynthia Rowley pattern. It works so very well in a sweater knit.

I made view B with the elbow length sleeves. I love the fit of this. It has shape without being tight and is flattering as well as comfortable. I matched those strips like a boss if I do say so myself!

For the neckband, I cut it out on the cross-grain, just to get a different look. I did however check the degree of stretch. I wanted to make sure I could get it pulled on and off over my head!

With sweater knits, I like to take a couple of precautions.

I use stay-tape at the neckline to keep it from stretching. I stitch it to the neckline with just a bit of it extending into the seam allowance. After attaching the neckband, the stay-tape is completely covered.

I also use clear elastic at the shoulder seams to stabilize the area and keep it from stretching out.

I hemmed everything on my cover-stitch machine. If you don't have a cover-stitch, a single needle or double needle works well to hem. Just like a recent post from Julie, I used SewkeysE hem tape at the sleeve and lower hems. At the sleeves I used 1/2" tape and at the lower hem I used 1" tape. This gives such a beautiful finish to your knits.

I hope you'll try sweater knits and a crepe in a shape you don't normally sew. I had a great time sewing this ensemble!

Thanks for reading!

Sue from Ilove2sew!

Made by a Fabricista: The Bernadette

Hello friends, My Latest Fabricista Make: Friday pattern Co Bernadette Skirt x Midnight Navy Cotton/Lycra Sateen Stretch Denim Hi everyone, this is Byrd with my latest Fabricista make! When I saw Fabric Mart’s Muted Midnight Navy Cotton/Lycra Sateen Stretch Denim , I knew it would be perfect for my next project. The color is rich and versatile—a deep navy that works as a neutral but still has presence. The stretch denim has just the right balance: structure with a bit of give, making it great for a garment that needs both shape and comfort. It’s an ideal fabric for fall transitions, but it’s sturdy enough to carry straight into winter with tights and boots. For the pattern, I chose the Bernadette Skirt by Friday Pattern Company . This is one of their newer designs, and I knew immediately I wanted to sew it up. It’s a modern skirt that blends structure and style, with darts in the back and pleats in the front for a flattering fit. One of my favorite features is the belt, and of co...

Made By A Fabricista: Falling for Knits

We are now well into Fall, even though the temps are still relatively warm here in Texas. I love the fall season and dressing for Fall. When it comes to the conversation of knits vs. wovens I typically sew mostly wovens. So for this post I decided to sew completely knits! With the holiday season right around the corner I saw these three dress styles as perfect for Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving gatherings. The first look is a tried and true pattern Simplicity S9372. Using this gorgeous burgundy ponte knit , I like how this pattern fits throughout. I chose this color to add to my typically neutral palette in my closet. I also wanted something I could wear to my sorority meetings and found this color perfect. It's an easy sew with back fisheye darts and invisible zipper to add to the tapered style. The neckline and armholes are finished with bias binding giving it a clean finish on the inside. I used a universal needle to sew a...

Made By A Fabricista: The Art of the Slow Make: My La Forme Double-Breasted Jacket

I started this project back in July — one of those mid-summer sewing plans meant to get me ahead for fall. My idea was simple: start my wardrobe a season (or two) early so that when cooler weather came, I’d already have a few handmade pieces ready to wear. That was the plan, anyway. But as sewing often reminds us, plans evolve. This jacket, made using La Forme pattern No. 0303, is a double-breasted design with peak lapels and an exaggerated hip detail that gives it such a striking silhouette. I fell in love with the structure of the pattern right away — it has that timeless, tailored feel I can never resist — but it also asked for patience. I picked it up and put it down several times over the months, letting it rest while I worked on other projects, until finally, the timing felt right to bring it to life. And now, here we are — the leaves are turning, there’s a chill in the air, and some parts of the country are even seeing snow. My summer-started jacket is finally finished, and it c...

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