Made By A Fabricista: A Tipsy Martini Transitional Three Piece Look

Hello Sewing Friends! It’s Sharon with Sharon Sews with my latest Fabricista make – a three-piece set I can wear as the weather transitions to fall here in Texas. It may look like a summer outfit but there will days filled with sunshine and high temps well into November. 

At first glance it looks like a nice, lightweight jacket, top and pants. But look closer – it’s sewn from the designer Tipsy Martini cotton sateen that was originally used by the designer for a pajama set.

Now I could have sewn myself a pair of pajamas using the Closet Core Carolyn Pajama pattern (available at Fabric Mart)  and replicated the designer pajamas.  But if I had gone that route the only ones who would have seen this adorable kitschy fabric would be my family.  This print is much too cute to hide out at home. 

This Tipsy Martini cotton sateen fabric was lovely to sew. I used black thread, an 80/12 universal needle, and Palmer/Pletsch Perfect Fuse Medium interfacing (link here). Note that this is a rayon fusible welt interfacing and does need to be preshrunk before using.  It’s easy to do though. Just soak it in hot water for 10 minutes, gently blot on a towel and hang up to dry.  

As soon as I saw the fabric I thought using it to sew New Look 6780, a loose-fitting jacket with matching shorts. I envisioned myself wearing it at the outdoor concerts our city hosts weekly.  I ended up going with pants instead of the shorts, knowing I’d wear the pants more often.

The New Look jacket is a great one to sew if you’ve never sewn a jacket but want to try.  It has a relaxed fit, slightly dropped shoulders, is unlined with no buttonholes, and the shawl collar is simple to sew.  If you can’t find the New Look pattern, the jacket is the same as view C from Simplicity 9468. 

The jacket closes with a fabric loop and large button.  I had picked up some vintage buttons at an estate sale recently and discovered a large green one that worked perfectly!  

Instead of sewing the elastic-waist pants included in the New Look pattern, I sewed the Style Arc Bob Woven Pants.  I like the balloon shape, wide elastic waist and in seam pockets. The side seam sits slightly forward, creating a flattering line, and making the pockets easier to access. 

The pants are stylish, yet comfy, and in this fabric, they are a conversation starter.

I sewed the pants before in a mid-weight green linen, so I knew I liked the style and fit. The linen was in Fabric Mart mystery bundle, one of my favorite things to purchase from Fabric Mart.

I posted a YouTube video unboxing the mystery bundle that included the linen, stating that I had no idea what how I would use the linen as I don’t wear green too often. That’s the beauty of those mystery bundles as you sometimes need to think outside your comfort zone.

Anyway, let’s talk about the third piece – the top.  I knew I wanted a sleeveless top that could be worn on its own or with the jacket. I used the Itch to Stitch Madalena Vest Top as it offered multi-cup options, and I only needed 1-1/4 yard (in my size).  I sewed the top that ends at the high hip, but there is a cropped length also.  I used white buttons, but I think I’m going to change them to lime green to bring out the Martini olives a bit more. 

This Tipsy Martini cotton sateen fabric was lovely to sew. I used black thread, an 80/12 universal needle, and Palmer/Pletsch Perfect Fuse Medium interfacing. Note that this is a rayon fusible welt interfacing and does need to be preshrunk before using.  It’s easy to do though. Just soak it in hot water for 10 minutes, gently blot on a towel and hang up to dry.  

When I wore the top and pants without the jacket, I added another kitschy element, a necklace adorned with flamingos, palm trees, flowers and lots of bling.  This will be fun to wear when I vacation in Florida.

The beauty of three pieces is they can be mixed and matched with other garments already in my closet. Like the long denim coat with the big pockets I sewed last spring – read all about it here 

So, tell me, what would you have sewn with the Tipsy Martini fabric? 

Until next time, Happy Sewing!

SHARON  | @thesharonsews

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