Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from September, 2019

Made by a Fabricista: Flower Power

Although I don't consider myself a floral kinda girl, I was drawn to this Floral Burnout Famous Dress Designer fabric. The bold colors cobalt blue, chartreuse green, white and hints of black grabbed my attention. And the juxtaposition of the bold floral and the mesh grid was especially interesting. This fabric is even more gorgeous in person! It is light weight, but has body which allows the gathered skirt to have more fullness. It was a breeze to sew and only frayed slightly and that was mostly due to the gathering of the skirt. There are a few yards left in stock so grab yours now! click here I knew I would play with the sheerness of the burnout feature of this fabric. I debated using a pattern that featured a sheer bodice yoke like New Look 6243, a total over dress with a slip like McCalls 6883 or a sheer hem like McCalls 7534. In the end I decided on View C of McCalls 7774 adding a touch of shearness by leaving hem band unlined. I've sewn M7774 previous

Made by a Fabricista: Three New Outfits

Hey there Fabricistas!  I have been sewing up a storm the past week and it has felt so good.  I have been in a little bit of a funk recently and it has felt so good to sit behind a sewing machine and sew away all of my worries!  Sewing can be very therapeutic and it helps me clear my mind! I ordered some fabric from Fabric Mart last month and I usually end up ordering fabrics that go really well with each other.  This time, though, I ordered fabric that didn't really match well with each other, which ended up being a great thing!  Now I have three brand new outfits! I should warn you, this post has a ton of photos, but who doesn't like to look at a bunch of pictures! I sewed one pattern that was familiar to me, I've sewn it before.  And then I tried two new patterns...and I love how all three things turned out!  First let me share my repeat pattern...the Megan Nielsen Tania Culottes . This sew started with the fabric. I've been looking on the Fabr

Made by a Fabricista: Everyday Fall Pieces

Happy Saturday Loves! Now that summer is winding down and the stores are showcasing fall pieces and colors, I am slowing transitioning to creating a few fall pieces in between.  Even though South Florida doesn't get too cold and it is hot most time of the year, when I travel up north during winter months, I always want to be prepared.  When I came across this wool jersey black fabric, I  knew I had to grab a few yards for a top.  Unfortunately, this fabric is sold out, however this black polyester/lycra double brushed jersey knit or black ponte knit is perfect.  I have been on the hunt for a light-weight wool jersey for months and knew this fabric would be perfect for a top. The pattern I selected for the top is one of the latest Simplicity latest pattern ( S8982 ), a great fall pattern with basic pieces.   I fell in love with the sleeves and the mock turtle neck and cut the size 10 for a more closer fit as I do plan to wear it under a tailored jacket with jeans. I absolute

Made by a Fabricista: Floral Shantung Dirndl Skirt (Simplicity 8211)

Hi, all!  Happy September! I always am in a bit of a bind in late August and early September when it comes to sewing.  I am always excited to have the chance to make something lovely and fresh for the new school year (I teach full time), but because setting up a classroom and getting all manner of things together for the start of the school year is tough at best, I often can't get my sewing mojo on.  That said, this year I decided to go for it with a very unique fabric and a very simple pattern.  The two together check two boxes--it's a showstopper AND it's an easy make.  Bam! It also happens to be a dirndl skirt, and because I am of German heritage (my mother is half German, and my grandmother was born and raised in Berlin), I actually have dirndls and wear dirndls!  (Every chance I get I am at a German festival or an Oktoberfest --typically in the dirndls that were passed down to me.)  I decided that I need a handmade dirndl of my own, but I chose to make my first

Meet Vivian, Our Newest Fabric Mart Fabricista!

Everyone meet Vivian, also known in the sewing world as Vivmom. She is our newest Fabricista! Vivian will be sharing her makes on her YouTube channel & we will be sharing them with you here as well. Before we get to watching her first make, we thought we would share a quick Q&A... 1.) Tell us a bit about yourself... My name is Vivian and I'm a mom of 3, hence my user name Vivmom. I've been married to Brad for 34 years, we live outside of Washington, DC. I home schooled my kids and two have graduated from college with honors, the last has just graduated high school. Now I've got free time to sew! 2.) How did you get started on YouTube? I started my YouTube channel in June of 2018, at the encouragement of my kids. I believed that maybe 50 people might see it, kind family members and some friends. No one is more surprised than I am about the response to Vivmom Sews. It has been the most gratifying experience and I have met absolutely sterling people along th

Made by a Fabricista: Fall Travel Separates

For my September post, I wanted to make a mini travel wardrobe.  Something I could pack for a couple of days, take a jacket if necessary, and mix and match.  I think I succeeded! I chose four fabrics and decided to create a skirt, pants, sweater, and top. I chose easy to make garments as I didn't want anything fussy or that would require a lot of pressing.  For me, fussy construction means lots of pressing later on.  Anyone else feel that way?

Made by a Fabricista: Fun with Stripes

Happy September! I'm definitely ready for cooler weather and I am starting my fall sewing with this little striped top in an unusual color combo of black, cream, clay and mint green.  I used this Milly fabric.