Fabric That Makes Me Change My Social Plans.

On one hand, I get frustrated with not having a life to wear the clothes I want to make. On the other hand, I cringe at the introductory awkwardness and small talk involved in participating in social events. I recently received an invitation to an event by a casual acquaintance. My initial (and usual) reaction was to RSVP "Thanks, but no."

Within a few days of receiving and mentally rejecting the invitation, I  got some happy mail from Nature's Fabric. The moment I felt the super soft double brushed poly (DBP) fabric, I decided to accept the invitation. I needed to wrap my body in this wonderful stuff! I wanted to make a pretty dress and was excited to have a place to wear it.  

I have six yards of this yummy fabric in two colorways. For my first project, I chose to use McCalls 7654, a "Create it" pattern that lets you mix and match the elements. I used the bodice of view B and the skirt of C.

                                     

     

   

This was my first time sewing DBP fabric so I treated it like any other knit fabric. I pre-washed and dried the fabric prior to cutting with a rotary cutter and mat.  For construction, I used a ball point needle, serged the seams, and pressed seams with steam as I went along. I had no issues with the edges lettuceing, or snagging of the fabric as I sewed. 

The pattern calls for interfacing to stabilize the bodice and a zipper closure. Because of the stretch, I omitted them. To keep the dress up, I added an elastic casing to the upper front and back between the dress and lining.

I kept the interfacing at the top of the sleeves and with movement, this dress is not going anywhere. It is so comfortable and I love these sleeves! They balance the close fitting body and bare shoulders without me feeling self-conscious, 

If making a knit version, it is an easy pattern to make with no complicated steps. It is a good "next step" pattern for a newbie sewist. It includes darts and a lining, but that is as challenging as it gets.

I love this dress! It is just what I had in mind when I felt the fabric. It feels soft and cozy while having body for this project. I don't think I will be able to wait until that event to wear this, date night here we come.

Happy Sewing,
Bianca

New D.I.Y Felt Embroidery Kits Now Available in My Etsy Store!

I am so excited to share my new iteration of my Afro Diva and Puff Diva designs. They are now available in my Etsy store as laser-cut felt embroidery kits.  

The kits are available in floral embellished Afro or Afro Puffs. The designs can be further customized with a range of skin choices and sunglasses color.

The kits include background fabric, felt, coordinating embroidery floss and a needle. A basic stitch guide is included as well as suggested stitches to use. I love that each maker can put their own spin on the design. It can be used with the flowers or without. Add freestyle design stitches to the elements to make it your own. Use the included colors of floss or mix it up with your own.

Do you want to order a large quantity for a girls night out, a slumber party or sorority event? Do you want custom flower, hair or floss colors? Do you want stock for your store? Email me here so we can discuss it.

Happy Sewing,
Bianca