Made By A Fabricista: From My Imagination to My Closet

One of my favorite parts of sewing is taking an idea that exists only in my head and turning it into something I can actually wear. This project was exactly that—a quick, intuitive exercise in imagination, experimentation, and trusting my process, brought to life with Fabric Mart’s sweatshirt fleece.

I started with a loose concept rather than a fixed plan. I knew I wanted something comfortable, but still fashion-forward—elevated loungewear that felt intentional rather than basic. Fabric choice was key, and Fabric Mart’s sweatshirt fleece ended up being the perfect foundation.

Working with Fabric Mart Sweatshirt Fleece

This fleece was an absolute dream to work with. It has a slight stretch, which made the final outfit incredibly comfortable while still maintaining structure. After pre-washing, the fabric held up beautifully with no pilling or texture issues, which is always a big win. It sewed smoothly and handled like a fabric that wants to be worn, not babied. Safe to say, I’m officially a fan.

Visualizing the Design

Before I ever touched my fabric scissors, I spent time visualizing what this set could look like. I even used ChatGPT as a creative tool to help me explore the idea and solidify the concept before committing to the cut (see the AI generated image below). That step helped bridge the gap between imagination and execution—and made the entire process feel more intentional while still staying playful.

For the bottoms, I was inspired by all the trouser designs I’ve been seeing that feature a skirt panel layered over the front. I loved the idea of translating that silhouette into something unexpected, like sweatpants. It felt like a fun way to blend tailored inspiration with cozy materials.

The top came from a Pinterest save—an oversized cowl-neck tank that immediately stood out to me. I kept thinking about how that neckline could work in sweatshirt form, and eventually landed on a cropped sweatshirt interpretation that felt both relaxed and modern.

A Pattern-Free Approach

I didn’t use any patterns for this project. Instead, I worked intuitively using garments I already owned. I loosely traced a pair of sweatpants for the base of the bottoms and referenced a hoodie I’d made in the past for the top. From there, everything was freehanded.

I drafted the skirt overlay for the pants myself, along with the pockets, cuffs, and all other finishing details. The neckline on the top was also freehanded, which allowed me to adjust the shape organically as the garment came together. This kind of pattern-free sewing is where I feel the most creative—less rigid, more responsive.

Most of the construction was done on my bernette b68 serger, which made this a fast and efficient sew. The fleece fed beautifully through the machine and gave me clean, professional finishes without any fuss.

Bringing the Idea to Life

This project came together quickly, but it was incredibly satisfying. There’s something powerful about seeing an idea move from imagination, to visualization, to a finished garment you can actually wear. Fabric Mart’s sweatshirt fleece made that process seamless and enjoyable from start to finish.

This set is a reminder that not every project has to be overthought or over planned. Sometimes, the best makes come from trusting your instincts, experimenting freely, and letting your imagination lead the way. 

Shimere  |  @shim.sew.creative