Made By A Fabricista: Date Night looks for Valentine's Day

Happy New Year!

I am excited to be back blogging in 2023 with Fabric Mart. Over the past few weeks, I spent quite some time reflecting on what truly brings me joy and a personalized form of self-care. Sewing was on the top of the list and I truly enjoy making my own clothing. During the winter break, I wanted to create some basic looks that I can jazz up for a wedding or rock on date night. When I read Johanna’s blogpost and came across the Vogue 1835 pattern that she made last month, I saw endless possibilities with the pattern. I knew it was perfect to hack to make a mini, midi or maxi dress and a staple pattern to have.

My original plan with the lycra foil printed knit (here) fabric was to make a formal infinity wrap dress that I saw on instagram. I will be attending a formal event later this month and felt it was perfect. Knowing that I would only wear the infinity wrap dress once or twice per year, I decided to make separates that I can dress up or down and maximize the wear.

I used the Vogue top pattern and did not make any adjustments to the large. Unfortunately, the self drafted skirt did not turn out as expected. While sewing the skirt a few pins on my sewing table damaged the fabric in several places. Additionally, I noticed a line in the dead center and was not sure if that happened during pre-treatment. I definitely plan to save it and make a cute top for my daughter.

For the rayon french terry red fabric, my original plan was to make a jogger set. When the fabric arrived, I realized that it was light weight as I did not look at the fabric description on the site. The rayon lightweight blend is perfect for a maxi dress so I decided to hack the pattern and make it instead. I basically aligned the waistline with the Simplicity S8595 maxi dress pattern that I made before here. There was no grading necessary and the waist lined up so perfectly.

The silhouette of the dress is perfect for a formal event, date night and I definitely plan to make it again using ponte knit from my stash.

I am absolutely satisfied with these pieces and even made another version of the bodice to create a jogger set using black ponte knit from Fabric Mart. I shortened the length of the sleeve by 3 inches and added a 2 inch band. Additionally I shortened the bodice by 6 inches and added a 3 inch band.

I really enjoyed sewing all these pieces including two button down dresses during the winter break and definitely plan to sew down my ponte knit stash this month. For 2023, I have decided to set aside sewing time weekly for self care and my scheduled sew day will be Thursday nights unless I have an urgent obligation. Do you set a schedule day for self care that you commit to at least once a week?

Thanks for stopping! Don't forget to stop by my Instagram page to check out my latest make.

One Love,