Skip to main content

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 absolutely love it and will probably lengthen the sleeves and the bodice by 1 inch the next time around.
Can you believe this is my second pencil skirt from a woven fabric? For years I have avoided making a pencil skirt out of woven as I dread the issues with my butt.  I have had this pattern (Simplicity 8175) in my stash for over a year and was hesitant to cut it. Unfortunately the cotton twill fabric I used is sold out but Fabric Mart has a wide selection of twill available here.
  I decided to try a simple  tweak to the dart for a better fit which was all I needed to do for this pattern. I wasn't sure if I needed to slash and spread the back pattern piece which is the typical adjustment I have to make for pants.   I am absolutely thrilled with this make and definitely plan to try more pencil skirt.

For the skirt, I cut the size 18 based on my hip measurement and removed about 4 inches off the waist (1 inch taken in on both sides which removed a total of 2 inches for the front piece and back). I also added an extra inch to the length of the back dart and 1/2 inch more on the top.
 Due to the fact that I will be wearing this skirt to Open House, I opted to lengthen by 1.5 inches and adjust the slit in the front.
I am totally in love with both pieces and plan to make the pattern again sometime soon with the right fabric.  I love to make separates and this classic black top will definitely be on rotation this fall.  If you know me, I absolutely love skinny jeans and heels.


Thank you so much for stopping by and don't forget to check out my latest Instagram makes.



One Love,
Marica - Overdriveafter30

Comments

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: Back In The Saddle

If you don’t know in October my beloved Bernina sewing machine blew a fuse and started smoking while I was using it. She went to the shop for repairs, and then I moved. So it’s been a bit since I’ve sewed last and I’ve had trouble getting back into it. I knew I needed a simpler project to get me going again. Julie sewed up a Jarrah sweater recently ( restock coming soon! ) and gushed about how simple and rewarding a project it was. Then we got in this beautiful wool/cashmere sweater knit from England. I was seeing lighthouse keeper, sheep herder in the highlands. I knew it had to be my Jarrah sweater. I did lengthen the bodice by 3 inches. I actually sewed up a mock up with the curved hemline, but decided that wasn’t for me and went with the straight hem. Of course I took zero photos of said mock up.  Oops. Otherwise I sewed it up in a size 6 as is. Using the serger this really does sew up quickly. The dropped shoulder creates clean, simple lines that make it easy to sew u...

Made By A Fabricista: From My Imagination to My Closet

One of my favorite parts of sewing is taking an idea that exists only in my head and turning it into something I can actually wear. This project was exactly that—a quick, intuitive exercise in imagination, experimentation, and trusting my process, brought to life with Fabric Mart’s sweatshirt fleece. I started with a loose concept rather than a fixed plan. I knew I wanted something comfortable, but still fashion-forward—elevated loungewear that felt intentional rather than basic. Fabric choice was key, and Fabric Mart’s sweatshirt fleece ended up being the perfect foundation. Working with Fabric Mart Sweatshirt Fleece This fleece was an absolute dream to work with. It has a slight stretch, which made the final outfit incredibly comfortable while still maintaining structure. After pre-washing, the fabric held up beautifully with no pilling or texture issues, which is always a big win. It sewed smoothly and handled like a fabric that wants to be worn, not babied. Safe to say, I’m offici...

Made By A Fabricista: A Wooly Wearable Blanket.

Twirling in a me-made outfit! I live in a small town where the nearest fabric shop is a road trip away, so I almost exclusively shop for fabric online. Having access to an online shop like Fabric Mart with a solid search engine is incredibly helpful. But by far my favorite aspect of Fabric Mart is what I call the “Drape Picture” included in each listing! This picture gives me all the information I need and I find it more helpful than the exact weight per yard/square meter.  Seeing how the fabric falls close or away from the body gives me a clear idea of how it will behave and inspires me to make it into something that will highlight the fabric’s nature.  When I saw the drape of this “Baked Plum” wool suiting , I immediately wanted to immortalize those beautiful folds into a skirt! I opted for a simple self-drafted pleated skirt with a deep hem. I wear my dresses year-round and rely on wool skirts that I layer under or over my dresses for warmth. I cut two panels for the front ...