Made By A Fabricista: The Perfect Birthday Dress

Made By A Fabricista: The Perfect Birthday Dress - Simplicity 9777

Hello friends,

I’m Byrd, and today I’m excited to share my latest Fabricista project with you. I knew I wanted something extra special—a dress that would not only celebrate my birthday but also hold a deeper meaning. I found the perfect fabric in Fabric Mart’s Bordeaux Polyester Wool Gaberdine Suiting, and it didn’t disappoint.

The Fabric: A Perfect Blend of Beauty and Function

This fabric is a gorgeous wool blend in a rich Bordeaux color that exudes elegance. It’s medium weight, making it substantial enough for structure but with just the right amount of drape for movement. It’s one of those fabrics that feels luxurious and versatile—perfect for a statement-making dress.

The Pattern: Simplicity 9777

After debating between a few patterns, I settled on Simplicity 9777, an easy-to-sew, one-shoulder dress with plenty of options. This pattern allows you to choose between mini or maxi lengths, different sleeve styles, and even includes side pockets (who doesn’t love pockets?).

For my dress, I went all out with the drama:

• Maxi length

• Statement sleeve

• Double slits for added flair and movement

The Story Behind the Design

I chose an off-shoulder style for a deeply personal reason: to honor my little sister, who passed away a few months ago. I recently got a tattoo in her memory, and this dress gave me the perfect opportunity to showcase it. In a way, bringing her with me to the celebration made the day even more meaningful.

Sewing Details and Fit

My measurements are Bust 44”, Waist 39”, and Hips 45”, so I cut a size 22 for the bust and a size 24 for the hips. I only had to make a few tweaks to ensure the top laid nicely—it’s always worth taking a little extra time to fine-tune fit, especially with a dress this special.

The gaberdine fabric paired beautifully with this pattern. Its weight and drape gave the dress an elevated feel, while the Bordeaux color made it the star of the show.

This birthday dress was everything I hoped for: dramatic, elegant, and meaningful. It reminded me why I love sewing—it’s not just about creating something to wear; it’s about telling a story and celebrating life through fabric and design.

Are you ready to create something special for your next big event? Check out Fabric Mart’s selection for fabrics that inspire, and don’t hesitate to try out Simplicity 9777 for your next sewing project. Whether you’re sewing for a birthday, a wedding, or just because—you can bring your vision to life!

Let me know in the comments what you think of this look, and don’t forget to share your own sewing stories.

Thank you Fabric Mart for the beautiful fabric!

You can find me on all social media platforms:

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Thank you for reading!

Until next time, happy sewing,

BYRD | @yogabyrdsews

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