Fabric Mart Fabricistas

I knew what this Linen/Silk Organza would be the minute I saw it. For years, I have been struggling with wearing my Italian Ren Garb in the hot summers. It has not only been a struggle but a disappointment to have to try and find something else to wear when the temperature is above 75. Enter, the lightest kirtle I have ever sewn. I'm not joking, this dress is half the weight of my other kirtles. I even had other people test it to make sure I wasn't delusional. Over the past 10 years, I have made so many kirtles that I know the process and how to get this done efficiently. The only problem that I saw was how to get the right drape on the skirt without adding bulk and therefore warmth to the dress. The solution? Add a canvas facing on the hem of the skirt. This was such a simple fix that is not only historically accurate, but it produced such an amazing shape to the dress that it somehow looks better than all my past dresses?  I might just be biased. I managed to finish this dre...

Hi everyone, this is Byrd with my latest Fabricista make! If you’re looking for a versatile transitional spring layering piece - something you can dress up for the office or dress down for everyday wear - this ponte knit blazer-style cardigan might be exactly what your handmade wardrobe needs. This time around I’m sewing the Jalie Open Front Blazer-Style Cardigan , an indie sewing pattern designed for stable knits, using Fabric Mart’s Wet Sand Rayon/Nylon/Lycra Ponte Knit . This fabric and pattern pairing creates the perfect structured knit cardigan for spring, fall, and even cool summer evenings. The pattern specifically calls for a stable knit, and this rayon/nylon/lycra ponte knit was an ideal choice. Ponte fabric provides structure and recovery while still offering comfortable stretch, making it perfect for blazer-style cardigans, knit jackets, and professional layering pieces. The “wet sand” neutral tone is a wardrobe workhorse. If you’ve been following along, you know I usually ...

As we slowly (very slowly) start to leave winter behind, I am starting to resent my heavy coats and crave light and flowy garments. So what better way to summon Spring than this airy little gem of a blouse!  The fabric is a delightful silk cotton voile that floats mid-air like a feather as it drapes around you, truly whimsical and exactly what I was looking for!  I had never sewn anything this fine or sheer before, and even though it wasn't as daunting as the internet made it out to be, I certainly learned a lot in the process. For instance, I found myself paying closer attention to my sewing machine settings and for once I actually swapped my universal sewing needle for the more appropriate microtex needle. Also, the fraying was legendary and unfortunately I didn't realize until I had already lost ¼ of an inch around the hem. Once I pinked the raw edges I was OK, so in the future I'll remember to pink my raw edges to minimize fraying during construction. Overall I really ...

Hello sewing friends! I’m here on the blog today sharing a pattern hack I recently did to boost my wardrobe with a few pieces to wear during my recovery from surgery…and I’m also sharing a tip for those pesky rounded hems. So let’s jump in! I recently had surgery on my neck due to issues with my parathyroid glands. All went to plan and I’m doing well, but I have to admit, the scar was a bit larger and more prominent than I expected. I definitely want to cover it up a bit during the healing process, and I realized that I own very few tops that cover that area of my neck. I don’t really love wearing high neck tops, so I came up with the idea to sew a top that I could convert back to my preferred style once I recover.  The pattern I used to do this is the Laundry Day Tee from Love Notions. This pattern is a fan favorite in the sewing community and has been around for more than ten years. I love the style – fitted at the bust but with extra swing at the waist, with lots of sleeve and n...

Hello everyone! I’m very excited to work with Fabric Mart for the first time & be one of their Fabricistas! For my first project, I decided to make Hitomi Kisugi from the classic anime, Cat’s Eye! She’s been on my cosplay list for years!  Cat’s Eye is about a trio of sisters, Hitomi, Rui, & Ai, who run their cafe called “Cat’s Eye" in the daytime, but at nighttime they are skilled art thieves known as “Cat’s Eye” (yes the same name!) who steal art and jewelry that belonged to their father. Hitomi’s boyfriend is one of the detectives constantly trying (and failing!) to capture them, while being unaware that Hitomi & her sisters are Cat’s Eye. As Cat’s Eye, she wears a blue bodysuit, but the design varies depending on the series. I decided to make the bodysuit that she wears in the crossover movie, Lupin the 3rd vs Cat's Eye! It’s one of my favorite designs! I first made a mockup using fabrics from my stash and my go to bodysuit pattern. Since Hitomi’s bodysuit has d...

Have you ever found yourself in a transitional period?  Well that’s where I currently am in my life.  After spending 3 years in Texas I found myself having to pack all my things up and putting them in storage as I figure out my next season. Packing up means including my entire sewing room and not having access to any of my things. However no matter the situation as a creator I am always going to need to create.  So now I am adapting my methods and doing more of a slow sew process to still make beautiful things. I have to strategize how I can use or draft patterns, my cutting layout and techniques in my process. I saw this gorgeous tie dye sweatshirt knit and knew I wanted to make a sweatshirt set to keep me comfortable whether sitting in the house or running errands. I love the weight and softness of this fabric as it feels like a comfy blanket, so comfortable on the skin.  Fabric Mart also has great notions and it saved me a trip to the store to get matching threa...