Made by a Fabricista: My Fall Ensemble

Hi everyone. I am back and so eager to show you what I sewed for the transition to fall.

Our social calendar for the next three months is filling up so it is time to sew for fall. Where I live, fall weather can vary from 60 to 80 degrees. Linen is my “go to” fabric, especially for September and October. Fabric Mart happened to have on sale the mid-weight navy /light blue linen with abstract geometric print. Due to the hugely discounted price, I could sew a fall ensemble that would consist of a duster, a pair of pants, and a sheath dress for about $50.00.

Vogue V1756 pattern by Sandra Betzina caught my attention. It had a standup collar, buttoned front, and set-in sleeves, but its side front pockets hide behind a flange on each side front and the lower back had a gathered skirt. How unique! The pattern instructions, written by the designer herself, were easy to follow. I sewed the duster in Size C and made no adjustments. Because of its style, color and maxi length, it can take me from informal to formal occasions. I feel sophisticated with this duster.

I wanted a pair of pants to wear with the duster for a casual look. The tapered cut of Butterick B6028 by Kathrine Tilton would go well with the duster. It had a mock waistband in the front and elasticized in the back for comfort. I especially liked that the pant leg in the back was in two pieces and topstitched; this would prevent my linen pants from bagging out. I used a light teal voile from Fabric Mart I bought a while ago to line the front pockets. I sewed a size 16 and made one modification to the pattern. Instead of sewing the fly with zipper, I sewed the front center seam shut as there was enough fabric to go around my hips. Then I attached the elastic up to the front pocket. This pair of pants turned out better than I expected.

A sheath dress with this duster would give it a more formal vibe. I liked the fitted lined dress of Vogue V1537 by Kay Unger because of its strap detail on the V plunge in the back. I sewed a size 14 in the bust area and increased it to size 16 in the waist and hips. I also lengthened it by 5 inches so that the hem would fall below my knees. Ensuring that the straps would cover my back bra strap and the point of the V plunge was crisp required patience. There is a side zipper on the left side. For lining I used the same light teal voile fabric as the pants. Overall, this is a classy dress.

I liked how all three pieces turned out. All three could mix and match with many other pieces in my closet. The linen fabric was so easy to sew. I first prewashed it in warm water and put it in the dryer on normal settings. It wrinkles a bit so a touch of the iron is needed, if a more formal look is desired. I used a machine needle size 80 and Pellon interfacing whenever stability was needed. I welcome fall with a new ensemble that is so comfortable to wear. Fabric Mart’s linen fabric did not disappoint!