Made by a Fabricista: Summer DIY Print Mixing

Hello Gems! It's still summer and it's a hot one! I'm not a shorts and t-shirts type of gal, as you all may know by now. That is, unless the occasion calls for it of course! I'm more of a casual chic, flirty two piece, with a little bohemian vibe on top type of gal! So you can find me beating the heat in these last days of summer in this cool and comfy backless tiered flounce sundress. Oh, and let's not forget the puff sleeves! 

This whole vibe sums up the summer! And nothing says it better than zebra and tribal print! I coordinated the rayon rugged Tribal print crinkle challis with this rayon zebra print challis. These two prints look absolutely amazing together. They are both very drapey fluid fabrics that fair well as summer garments. They are breathable and feel so light and cool against the skin. Challis fabrics make great flounce and it's not too light weight that you have to line it.

I absolutely adore both of these prints. Zebra print is one of those prints that acts like a neutral and goes with just about anything. Its sexy, its cool and it's a classic! Tribal print on the other hand displays beautiful intricate designs, with deep undertones and is grounded in culture and nature. I love a good Tribal print, it speaks to my Native Indian heritage. Together these two prints make a dynamic duo that play off each other.

I used McCalls Pattern 8087 to construct the bodice of this pattern and utilized McCalls 8150 skirt pattern to bring together the bottom portion of this piece. As with many of my makes I like to do mash ups.They always make for interesting pieces once I bring them together! However, the same can be said for a one piece made into separates. Just sayin...😁💋

For the bodice, I did make a few changes for fit and style. I left a lengthy amount of fabric at the shoulder of the bodice that makes an interesting drapey ruffle at the shoulder where the straps connect to the bodice pieces. I added a side strap that ties at the center back. This brings more support and coverage to the bust area. The double straps at the top ties at the neck. These straps are the only support up top so you want to make sure they are strategically placed and well secured.

I created the skirt then brought the waist to meet the bottom of the top and added a ¾ inch elastic waist. The hems of the skirt were left raw. I added No fray to prevent the hem from raveling. I originally planned to turn the hems under ¼ inch however, after starting that I quickly realized that I preferred the raw edges on this one. It's much more organic and adds to the character of this piece. 

The detached puff sleeve was made free hand and I left a generous amount ruffle at the top end and turned under bottom end with ¾ inch elastic. I created one of each coordinating fabric! Dress can be worn with or without sleeve. I definitely prefer it with the sleeve though. It adds an interesting element to the look that's very appealing.

This is one of the rare pieces that I planned out ahead of time and sketched before I created it. Usually, I have a look in my head and execute the look off an idea in my head. There is a lot of deviation from the original idea when I work this way. The outcome is usually a surprise yet close to the idea I had. I must say based on my original sketch this project came out exactly like I planned. 

I love the feel of this fabric and this look! It was the perfect medium of fabric for a summer project such as this! It's truly a liberating, feel good piece! I only hope to be able to wear it a few more times before Fall sets in.

Until Next time!

MARCIA  | @keechiibstyle 

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Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following category CHALLIS.