Monday, September 26, 2016

FABRICISTA CHALLENGE: I AM NO LONGER A CONTESTANT

I was eliminated after the second round.   It was explained that I had the lowest scores on my Trench Coat submission. I love my trench coat and I thought I did a marvelous job based on my personality and my style.  It was an honor and privilege to have been chosen and able to participate. 

The other contestants did an amazing job, and I was in awe at how much work and detail they put into their coats within such a short amount of time.   The winner of the 2nd Challenge made a very nice coat.  Go over to the blog and check them out if you haven't.  I a rooting for them all to go on to win.  




Now its is back to my regularly scheduled sewing.  I have so many great projects in the works.  Hope you guys stay tuned.   Happy Sewing!.


Thursday, September 22, 2016

FABRICISTA CHALLENGE, WEEK 2 SUBMISSION: Not Sew Traditional Trench Coat.



When I received the email for the email for the 2nd Challenge I was perplexed for a moment.  I have made several summer/spring coats, but never have had a need for a full coat living in Central Florida.  In late December early January through mid-February the temperature can go as low as 30 degrees, but those days are far and few between.   The last couple of Christmas’ have been in the mid 70’s to 80’s and we here in sunny Florida are still wearing shorts, straight through the winter months.

After reading the email I immediately went on line to read up on the history of the Trench Coat and too look for inspiration.   I knew I didn’t want the traditional Trench Coat as I am top heavy and all those buttons on the traditional Trench freaked me out.   I also knew I wanted something in darker denim, something I could wear on a cool winter’s night to the movies, or to work on a casual Friday.  So I found these three designs that I absolutely loved:




So armed with my inspiration pictures, I hunted for a pattern that had at least a few of the details in my inspiration pictures.  I chose McCalls 6442 which had the basic design features I was going for.  I really liked that it had darts both front and back to bring in the silhouette a little.   View C had a full Label and the perfect length which was a requirement for this challenge.





My Trench is fully lined and inset pockets with some beautiful whimsical cotton fabric I found at Walmart.  I purchased the whole bolt.  The fabric has a really cute French City Part theme.  I thought it was a perfect contrast to the darker denim I used for the Coat. Also fully serged all seams on the inside of my coat. I omitted lining the Sleeves to prevent bulk in the arms.  I also added ties at the wrist to give it a Trench feel.  The bottom half of the Trench has a lot of fullness which I love because it hides a lot of my imperfections in the lower half of my body.    

I am extremely excited about Week 3’s project and hopefully I make it to the next round.  Happy Sewing! 

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

FABRICISTA FASHION CHALLENGE WEEK 2: TRENCH COAT

First I'd like to congratulate the winners of the first challenge, they did a marvelous job.  To see who Week 1's winner were, check out the Fabric Mart Blog Post: Challenge 1 Winners

A little history about this weeks challenge:

The trench coat was invented by Burberry and Aquascutum back in the 1850s. Later it was used as a raincoat by the British and French soldiers in WWI. The name "trench coat" came to be because it was used by Army officers in the trenches. During this time, the design was modified to include details such as shoulder straps and D-rings, all added for specific reasons. The wrist buckles, for example, were added to keep the rain out when using binoculars. A classic trench coat was usually made of a waterproof fabric such as a heavy gabardine, leather or poplin. It could have a removable lining, raglan sleeves and ranges in length. It is double-breasted with 10 front buttons, wide lapels, a storm flap, belt and pockets with button closure.

While we probably don't use trench coats for these reasons today, we still see a lot of these features on trendy coats of this time.


This week's challenge is to sew a trench coat to fit your personality. It can be a classic trench or a more trendy one. You can use classic fabrics or live on the edge with a unique fabric. It can be lined or unlined. The only thing that is a requirement is that it goes past your bottom so that it resembles a trench coat in some way. There should also be some type of lapel, whether it be classic and tailored or loose and floppy like trends you see today. There were some interesting takes on a trench coat at Stylecaster.com. Be sure to tell us a little about your personality, too!



If you are interested in learning more about the Trench Coat, see Wikipedia

Remember you can sew along and submit your entries as well and win 3 yards of this beautiful fabric for yourself. Makes sure you use #FabricistaFabricMaron Facebook and Instagram and all submissions are due by Friday, September 23, 2016.  For more information:  FabricMart.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Fabricista Challenge, Week 1 Submission: Sweater Knit Duster and Matching Pencil Skirt.

Here she is guys:  


I was very pleased how it came out.   I paired it with a matching pencil skirt, jeans and a black sheath dress (really a tank and pencil skirt).  I love how it came together.  Immediately when I got the fabric, I knew what I was going to do with it.  I am overwhelmed at the response I received on my social media sites.  The other constants did a wonderful job as well, and I am amazed at how one fabric could produce so many different looks.   

Remember you can sew along and submit your entries as well and win 3 yards of this beautiful fabric for yourself. Makes sure you use #FabricistaFabricMaron Facebook and Instagram and all submissions are due by Friday, September 16, 2016.  For more information:  FabricMart.

I am really excited about the next challenge too.  It will really push me to think outside my comfort zone.  So stay tuned!

Happy Sewing!

Monday, September 12, 2016

Fabricista Fashion Challenge Week 1: Geometric Sweater Knit

Even though I received my fabric last Thursday, I did not cut in to it until late yesterday. When I received my email that the fabric was shipped and it included a picture, I had an immediate vision of what I wanted to make.  

I changed my mind several times, but always came back to my original vision.  Once I received the fabric, it was clear I had to keep to my original vision.  When I tell you this has to be one of the nicest and softest fabrics I have felt in a long time, believe me.  This fabric is like butter. 




It has a really great stretch and recovery, which is really important when working with Knits.  Though I am a Florida girl and do not get to wear much fall items, I love them.  I love the fall colors and for a brief moment, I think about living in a cold environment so I can rock nice coats and over garments, then, I snap back to my senses.  

The submission is due Tuesday, September 13, 2016 which happens to be a very special day for me and my family.  It's my favorite Nephew's (only nephew) birthday.  This child was born a permie with several major health issues and has had several major surgeries, so we are so very blessed to see him turn 12 years old tomorrow.  

Remember you can sew along and submit your entries as well and win 3 yards of this beautiful fabric for yourself. Makes sure you use #FabricistaFabricMart on Facebook and Instagram and all submissions are due by Friday, September 1, 2016.  For more information:  FabricMart.


I hope you guys like my final submission.  I think it is absolutely fabulous.  Stay tuned and Happy Sewing!




Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Fabricista Fashion Challenge 4 Contestants Have Been Selected!! And I am one of them.







I couldn't wait to share my the news.  Can I tell you how excited I am to have been chosen to be one of the 6 contestants.  My mind has been on creative overload ever since I received the congratulatory email last week.  I was actually out of town with my family when I received the email and was beyond overjoyed I couldn't be still.   This is really huge for me because I had always wanted to participate but was reluctant to do so for so many reasons.  When the initial announcement came out asking for applicants, I immediately sent in my packet in the same day.  I am so glad I did.   

You all are welcomed to participate and follow along.  Here is the website information:   Fabricmart Fabricista Fashion Challenge 4 Information.

Happy Sewing!

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Making Progress: McCalls 9147


I have decided that this pattern will be used  to several tops in different variations and colors and I can't wait to make them.  It is very simple and and straight forward pattern.  The "Tucks" at the waist as they are called, not "Darts" are awesome and can be adjusted to make the fit more flattering on the body. 

I am not done, it still needs to be hemmed and an the bottom added but I wanted to share my progress and I am so excited about this particular top.   Here you can see the phases as it take shape.  


I can't wait to show you guys how I plan to style it, so stay tuned. Happy Sewing!
IT'S MELANIE DARLING // BLOG DESIGN BY CHIC PIXELS