Made by a Fabricista: Literary Dreams and the Fabric Hole

My close friends and family have been known to call me notorious. No, I’ve never committed any crimes, but I am known to cause a great deal of damage to one’s budget (and fabric stash.) My true offense is pulling people down the fabric equivalent of Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole. My poor sister is often the victim of the “fabric hole,” as we lovingly call it. I can’t help but see the perfect fabric for her next outfit, and then promptly plead with her to purchase it so I can make it for her. Fabric Mart is often the catalyst for many fabric hole adventures.

One dreary winter morning, about a year ago, I checked my email and was struck by the most spectacular exclusive chambray linen fabric new to Fabric Mart. This linen started calling my name from the fabric hole, but with my stash overflowing, I refused to give in to temptation. Many Fabric Mart linen sales came and passed and I never gave in to the exclusive chambray linen, but it was always in the back of my mind waiting for me.

When I was selected to be a Fabric Mart Fabricista I was overjoyed! After a brief thought of “what on earth am I going to make” and a quick browse of the website, I knew it was finally time for the exclusive chambray linen!

I envisioned a By Hand London Hannah Dress with billowy bishop sleeves made out of cornflower blue chambray linen. I wanted this dress to be common so that I could wear it everywhere, but also have special, luxurious elements to it. Instead of using bias tape for the wrap bodice neckline, I used a special blue velvet ribbon inside. I also decided to add a touch of blush pink lace trim around the waist and in the drawstrings for the bishop sleeves.

Wearing the cornflower blue linen, ultra-feminine bishop sleeved Hannah Dress makes me feel like Belle from The Beauty and the Beast. This dress had me longing to visit a faraway library cloaked in white paint with ornate trim and climb a magnificent rolling library ladder. Since I don’t live in a fairytale, or anywhere near a library like that, I had to settle for a visit to a nearby university library.

The university students were on winter break so the library was empty and we were able to capture pandemic safe indoor photos. Special thanks to my dear friend @annie.catherine.artist who happily agreed to capture photos of my dress and fulfill my literary vision.

If you find yourself going down the Fabric Mart fabric hole anytime soon, I highly recommend any color of the exclusive chambray linen. It’s easy to cut, sew, iron and mold into the clothing of your dreams. I’ll see you all later for my next Fabric Mart fabric hole adventure.

SHAINA | @shaina_sews