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 #FabricistaFabricMart on Facebook and Instagram and all submissions are due by Friday, September 23, 2016.  For more information:  FabricMart.

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 #FabricistaFabricMart on 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!

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!

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!

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!

Wardrobe Building Series Tops: MYSTYLE: McCalls 9147

One of the first things I noticed after ridding myself of all the clothes in my closet, I hadn't worn in years, was that I didn't have many tops, blouses, and shirts. I figured I better start there.  I spend a lot of my non working time in tank tops so I literally have drawers of them.  I think these darn hot flashes are the culprit.  As soon as I get home from work/workout, I immediately shed my bra and put on a tank. 

While perusing the pattern section at Walmart a few weeks ago (I hate WALMART btw), but I had to pick up a prescription, and needed to kill sometime, so off to the pattern section I went.  I came across this lovely pattern.  I loved all the variations it provided.  I can see me using this pattern as a TNT, as it has tucks to define the waist and a button placket, all things I love in a blouse.  I always look at patterns that I can make fit adjustments rather easy without altering the pattern a lot.  And the fact that it has a tie neck version, made this pattern all the more attractive to me. 

I purchased this black and white checkered fabric or Gingham as it is commonly called, to use as a lining for a blazer, but that project went left quick.  Its been sitting in my stash for a little while.  It will be perfect for my first version of this pattern, "View B".  

I plan to pair with a pair of jeans for Casual Friday or maybe even a pair of wide leg slacks and some sandals with a pop of color.  I have so many styling options in my head.  I can't wait to also make all the other variations so stay tuned.  

Happy Sewing!

Wardrobe Building: "MYSTYLE"

It is that time again, I'm working on building my wardrobe from top to bottom.  

I have recently cleaned out my closet and rid myself of every item that I have not touched for at least a year.  I had so many pants I couldn't believe it. Pants I hadn't worn in several years, and couldn't get into if I tried.  I literally had size 6 to 12 in my closet.   After gaining weight a couple of years ago, I totally gave up on dresses and skirts. Not sure why because I have always loved them.  I guess I felt frumpy and decided to buy or make them,  just wear pants, to me it was easier.  I work in corporate America and lost the zeal to dress up and look pretty anymore, and my co'workers started to notice and question me about it .

 

Then it happened, I started taking my workouts serious, and though I haven't lost much weight, because I exercise to eat, my body started to change.  After a few months, I noticed my clothes started to fit a little different, and my pants no longer bulged at the waistline. I was like hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm maybe this workout stuff is working after all.  Long story short, I am feeling like the old me again.  I started paying more attention to what I wear and taking the time to put my outfits together more cohesively.   I even had a co-worker tell me that I was "BACK".  LOL.  

So I am stuffing my closet full of beautiful garments that fit me and my style again.  I making things I love to wear and will be showcasing them here an on my other online sites.  My wardrobe building series is called"  "MYSTYLE".  Here a a few garments that I have made in the past and shared on on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites  Each piece except for the pink sweater was made by me:

 

As I build and post, I will share with you guys my patterns, modifications and styling preferences.  Have an awesome day and Happy Sewing!