Made By A Fabricista: Back to the gym with my workout top.

I usually end my posts with a thankful message. Today, I’ll start with it: this time, my gratitude goes to my husband. Short of sewing and modeling this outfit for me, he did everything else. Most importantly, he made sure I got started! Let me explain.

My creative juices have dried out in the last few weeks. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I’ll say that once a child is around, it takes a village to do anything. Between work, viruses, and a little one that needs your eyes, ears, and hands at their disposal 24/7, there is not much brain space or energy left.

For weeks, I had scrolled through the Fabric Mart website and blog almost daily. The New Arrivals section indeed reveals new materials EVERY DAY! I was looking for a spark, trying to find the fabric, and then being inspired to do a project. But days went by, and nothing popped up. In comes the husband:

HIM: Can you sew something for work?
ME: No… I have everything I need…
HIM: Ok. What about making an outfit for the baby?
ME: No… she grows out of her clothes too fast…
HIM: Ok. How about a swimsuit for the summer?
ME: No… I am not in the mood to pose in a swimsuit.
HIM: Ok. You plan to return to the gym, so what about a workout outfit?
ME: Hum. Maybe?

Encouraged by that “maybe,” he revisited my previous projects, checked the fabrics, and even suggested different combinations. We settled on the tank top version (View B) of the Jalie Anne-Marie. With a plan in hand, I was ready to get started.

The Anne-Marie View B is a very flattering peplum workout top. It comprises seven pieces (front and back body, back top, two side panels, and two side bottom panels), allowing for playful fabric combinations. I had some fabric left from this swimsuit, so I used it to cut out the front and back panels and combined that with purple activewear lycra. To give a nice touch to the back, I cut the bottom piece with vertical stripes and the back top with horizontal stripes.

The top includes a built-in bra or lining that I made with some Powernet I also had in my stash. The bra construction is clever since it provides a clean finish without hems or hand-stitching! By the way, I hope someday Fabric Mart gets some deadstock Powernet. It would beautifully complete their immense choice in the Swimsuit/Activewear fabrics.

As per modifications, I chose not to add any elastic to the bottom of the bra because I always wear a sports bra anyway. I also skipped the optional back pocket: it is a nice touch, but I know I would not use it much at the gym. Putting the pocket would also have disturbed the lovely line pattern of my fabric!

This project has achieved two purposes: I have gotten my sewing mojo back (at least, for now), and it has brought me back to the gym. Here’s to overcoming creative blockages and keeping a healthy mind and body!

INES | @bynunis

Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: SWIMWEAR & ACTIVEWEAR.

Made by a Fabricista: What's Black and Gold with Chevron All Over? This DIY Pant Suit, That's What!

Hope you're having a Golden day, get it? [I crack myself up sometimes!] This DIY pant suit is golden for sure. So tell me this, were you one of the lucky ones who were able to grab some of this fabric when Fabric Mart posted their new arrivals? I jumped on it so fast it was crazy and before you know it "poof" it was gone. So sorry I don't have any links to this fabric but all is not lost, you can use something else for these patterns. Try looking in the suiting selection for the blazer. The other awesome option is denim and as always check the New Arrivals. I went to my "tnt" blazer pattern for this project because I knew the metallic bias around the edges would look fab and I was on a mission to make another pair of mimi g's jeans and trim the seams in metallic bias as well. I recommend both of these patterns to any level sewist. I did a little pattern hack on the blazer pockets to make them a little more interesting and I made a pic...

Made By A Fabricista: Blouse with a Unique Neckline? McCall’s 8658 Is It!

Hi everyone, this is Byrd with my latest Fabricista make! If you’re looking for a polished, structured blouse that works just as well dressed up as it does dressed down, this one is definitely worth a look. I’m sewing up McCall’s 8658, View B, part of the Spring 2026 pattern collection, and I paired it with Fabric Mart’s charcoal cotton poplin by Robert Kaufman. I was initially drawn to this pattern because of its unique neckline and tailored feel, and I knew right away that a crisp poplin would give me the structure I wanted. This blouse is semi-fitted and full of thoughtful design details that really elevate it. The neckline is a standout, featuring a collar and collar band paired with a front button closure. I especially love the shape of the front hem and the way it opens slightly - it adds movement without being overdone. The back is where a lot of the shaping happens, with double-ended darts that give a beautiful, contoured fit. The sleeves are gathered at the sleeve head a...

Made By A Fabricista: The Skirt that Brought my Sewjo Back

I know it can’t just be me. My sewjo has gone away and I’ve been having such a hard time trying to get it back. I remember the days when I used to sew every single day without fail and now, not so much. I think about sewing and all the things I’d love to make, but I just haven’t found the motivation. I kind of know what the issue is. I started a new job last October and ever since I started, I’ve been sewing less and less and I don’t like it! Well, in comes Simplicity S3237. Summertime is here and it’s time to bring out all the skirts. Simplicity recently released S3237 as part of their summer patterns. This skirt is a full, gathered skirt with a bias-cut yoke with side seam pockets and an invisible back zipper. The skirt comes in 3 different lengths – mini, midi and maxi. I decided to make View B which is the midi length. I’m not much of a maxi length kind of girl and that mini was a little too small for me. I sewed up a size 22 with a few modifications. Let’s talk about th...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog