Fabric Mart Fabricistas

It’s been a while since I have sewn with a sweater knit, and now I think I seriously have a Sweater Obsession going on. This Michigan weather absolutely calls for a cozy sweater but why not look comfy and cute all at the same time.   I’m completely in love with this Thick Rib Sweater Knit fabric in the color Heathered Cream . I love a beautiful cream color in the winter months and to combine it with a sweater knit, makes it perfect. If you are like me and tend to get hot quickly, this fabric is for you. While it is labeled as a thick sweater knit, it is not very thick at all, making it easy to wear under coats and jackets all while still being perfect for anyone looking to make a sweater with this fabric. This fabric is so soft and while it is not a thicker sweater knit in my opinion, it still seems to hold it stretch pretty well.  I chose to use my own self-drafted dress pattern and jazz it up a bit by adding a cute Bolero/Shrug . I have had the Butterick 5797 in my p...

Hello Fabric Mart friends! So nice to say hey again!  Just want to take this opportunity to wish my awesome, sweet and amazing firstborn a Happy 5th Birthday this week.  It's hard to believe he's already FIVE! Like many folks I've been spending a lot of time at home this Summer, which has translated into lots of sewing.  I've often had a thoughts about sewing for the upcoming season to get maximum wear out of garments, but often seem to be playing catch up for the current season.  But not this time:  here are my first transitional pieces for Autumn, entirely inspired by the wonderful sweater knits I kept spying at Fabric Mart. First up is the cardigan:  Helen's Closet Blackwood Cardigan This is the third Blackwood I've made, but the first of the shorter iteration (view B).  It makes me want to sew up a 3/4 sleeve cropped version! The fabric is a delightfully mottled abstract blot poly/lycra sweater knit.  Unfortunate...

Have you tried out any of the Milly designer fabrics yet?  I had not heard of Milly, but really liked the colors in this print and thought it would be perfect for a wedding that I am attending in Germany.  The wedding will be in a very old church, and the bride chose blue as the wedding color scheme, so I wanted something with blue in it.   When I received the fabric, I actually gasped- it is probably the prettiest fabric I've ever worked with! The type of fabric was unfamiliar to me- it was very heavy and fully interfaced on the back.  I quickly googled Milly's creations, and found this...

Do you wear linen?  I never did until a few years ago when I bought a long sleeved linen shirt for gardening.  I would alternate wearing it and a cotton chambray shirt when I worked outside, and I quickly noticed that the linen shirt didn't smell as much, or get as dirty as the chambray shirt did.  It also didn't seem as hot to wear. What I had figured out, was something known for centuries by people in hot climates. Linen is naturally resistant to bacteria (thus cutting down on odor), dirt repellant, as well as both absorbent  and quick-drying! It also has a naturally high SPF factor, high luster, and strong, long-lasting fibers.  And the cooling factor? I read that studies have shown that skin temperature can be lowered 2-3 degrees when wearing linen clothing, compared to wearing cotton clothing! It does have one drawback, and that drawback may be a deal breaker for some people- it wrinkles like crazy.  Just sit down once, and you will s...