Fabric Mart Fabricistas

If you’re new to sewing, picking up a sewing pattern and deciphering what everything means can be daunting! There are charts, numbers, drawings and terminology you might not be familiar with. That’s why we’ve put together eight tips for reading a sewing pattern. Before we get started, it’s important to mention that there are two types of sewing patterns: PDF patterns and pre-printed paper patterns . Some pattern companies offer both options, others offer one or the other. There are pros and cons to each and it really depends on your preference. Some people like PDF because you can purchase online, print and get started. But on the flip side, one has to print, cut and tape pages together to create the pattern pieces. Others like pre-printed patterns because you don’t have to print and tape pieces of paper. But if you’re ordering online, you have to wait until it arrives. Next thing to note is that there are two types of sewing pattern classifications: commercial sewing patterns and ind...

  Today we thought we would give you access to a little behind the scenes of what makes Fabric Mart so special.  We sat down & asked our current longest employee a few questions... Let's get to know Brett! Who are you? Tell us a little bit about yourself.  My name is Brett. I have two jobs, this being my full time job. I live with my girlfriend and twin teenage daughters in Lancaster. We also have a dog and 2 cats. Which is why the 2 jobs. How long have you worked at Fabric Mart? I have been working at Fabric Mart for 11 years, 23 days, 10 hours and 32 seconds, but who's counting? What is your official title? I am the Warehouse Manager What are your main responsibilities? What do you do? How much time do you have? Here is a short list.... Organize and locate fabric on shelves. Schedule, pickup, load, unload, and make room for truck shipments. Order shipping boxes, supplies, and machine parts. Keep the warehouse clean and organized. As well as keep our web and retail s...

YouTuber's Dee & Dory are back on the Fabric Mart blog today with their most recent Fabricista Makes. Make sure to click play on the video below to hear all about their fabric choices & how their projects turned out! Dee Simplicity 9189 was the pattern used for the wonderful ponte knit of polyester lycra.  This is a medium weight fabric, perfect weight for cooler weather wear or layering when it is colder.  The fabric sews up easily and there were no issues with working with this fabric.  It also launders well. I used cool water and in the dryer a medium temperature.   Wrinkles were not an issue.   A great choice if you need a medium weight stretch fabric for a garment.   This fabric can be dressed up or down, looking chic with a pair of jeans or a topper for a dress. Do be careful though if the pattern calls for the reverse side showing, as the wrong side of this fabric is white! Dory I found this ITY Knit 58” wide perfect for Kwik S...

Happy New Year! I am excited to be back blogging in 2023 with Fabric Mart.  Over the past few weeks, I spent quite some time reflecting on what truly brings me joy and a personalized form of self-care. Sewing was on the top of the list and I truly enjoy making my own clothing.  During the winter break, I wanted to create some basic looks that I can jazz up for a wedding or rock on date night.  When I read Johanna’s  blogpost and came across the Vogue 1835 pattern that she made last month, I saw endless possibilities with the pattern.  I knew it was perfect to hack to make a mini, midi or maxi dress and a staple pattern to have. My original plan with the lycra foil printed knit ( here ) fabric was to make a formal infinity wrap dress that I saw on instagram.  I will be attending a formal event later this month and felt it was perfect. Knowing that I would only wear the infinity wrap dress once or twice per year, I decided to make separates that I can dress ...

Do you ever see a fabric, and it reminds you of a fabric in your stash, so you just have to combine the two and like... annoy the world? Now I'm not saying that these colors are horrible together, but I definitely feel like a high visibility vest while wearing them. The neon orange and hot pink are just that striking of a combination. And I still can't get over the pocket detail I did on the color-blocked pair. Along with everyone else I set a New Years goal to be more healthy. To improve my relationship with food, my body, and the world around me. And these leggings bring me so much joy. Not, go run a marathon in July joy. But maybe some Yoga and outdoor adventures in August kind of joy. From beginning to end, figuring out these legging patterns has been a lot of fun. Before this, it had been almost a decade since I had worked this seriously with knit, and I think I need to do more, to be honest. I apologize for the awkward photos. I just finished a cross-country move and am s...