Made by a Fabricista: A Love Affair with Leopard Print and Black

Happy Saturday ALL!!

Hope you are all READY for HOLIDAYS! I am super excited as I am on break for 2 weeks and can't wait to finish up a few sewing projects before 2017 is over.  For the holidays this year, I opted and plan to make garments that can be worn year round, creating staple pieces in my closet rather than focusing on seasonal items or prints.  I have always wanted to create a leopard print cardigan or sweater and when I came across this beautiful print on sale, I had to grab it.

I love any animal print which is less of a trend and is more of a classic print.  I have always grabbed anything in cheetah or leopard print that catches my eyes. My favorite sweater in cheetah print has been worn so many times the last 4 years and is now in a dump pile.  When I found this print, I knew it was perfect to replace the sweater that I loved so much.

 I wanted to mix the print with the black ponte knit and add my own twist to it.  I opted to use the print only in the front and on the cuffs.

I wanted to create a  wearable muslin and a simple view from one of McCall Winter Holiday collection pattern M7688 (here) and wore it over my little black dress. I created view A without the pocket as I wanted the remaining black ponte knit to create the dress below.

Can you believe for the last 3 years of sewing, I have never made a black dress?

I have been looking for a thick ponte knit fabric for the last 2 months and came across this great find on sale for 50% with a pre-cut cardigan kit (here).  I was so happy to grab the last kit with almost 3 yards.  Based on the amount left over from my sweater, I knew it was just enough to create a little black dress without sleeves so instead, I used some black polyester sheer lace from my stash to jazz it up. Fabric Mart has a similar lace available in stock. (here)

The pattern that I hacked is Mimi G's - Georgia knit long sleeve turtle neck top pattern (here).  I decided to create a midi dress instead of the top and omitted the ruffles from the sleeves.  

This dress is so perfect for a NEW YEAR'S EVE party!

I am totally in love with my first lace sleeve dress and plan to add my own flare to future sewing projects and take more fashion risk with commercial and self drafted patterns.  I can't wait to cut into some amazing fabric the next 2 weeks while I am off.  I am super excited about 2018 and plan to step out of my comfort zone and sew more often than I did in 2017.

Thanks for stopping!

Happy Holidays and Cheers to the New Year!  

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