Made by a Fabricista: Ready for the New Year

Surprise! I just posted last week, and usually go two months between posts, but I just had to share with you one more thing before the end of the year. I thought I would sew up something a little dressier than my usual fare- something that could be great for a New Year's Eve soiree!


My jacket was made from a sueded scuba knit using Simplicity 2150. I had used a sueded scuba knit before, and knew that it would be sumptuous. It's a lot like moleskin in the fact that it has a satiny side and a plush sueded side. It's very easy to sew, although it doesn't like to hold a crease. Fabric Mart has some gorgeous moleskin suiting fabrics in stock right now that would give a similar look. Here's the original pattern- I made View B, but made mine with full length sleeves and added about 1-1/2" to the overall length.



The pattern is designed to be made with a front facing, but when I tried it on, I really liked being able to see the wrong side's satin contrast in the waterfall collar. If I sewed on the facing, I would lose that look, and would just be all the same color. So, I chose to leave off the facing, which meant leaving the hem edge unhemmed as well so that all of the outside edges are raw. Here it is with a white top.


For the white top, as I wanted something with a little bit of an unusual neckline, made from a knit, that would fit under the jacket. I consider this more of a daytime look with the white. I used an interlock knit which is a little thicker than a jersey knit, and made the shirt with a draped neckline.



For a nighttime look, I decided to switch to a black top. I used a sheer black jersey knit to make Kwik Sew 4174. This is a tank top with an draped overlay. It's hard to get black details to show up in photos, so you'll have to believe me when I tell you that this is a pattern you must get!! So easy and so pretty! This is perfect for those sheer knits that you don't know what else to make with them.



For years, I have dreamed of making up a pair of black palazzo pants from 4 ply silk. I decided now is the time to make the palazzo pants, but I didn't use silk. You really will not believe what I used to make these- a fleece lined active wear knit! You would never know by looking at them on the outside, but they feel wonderful on the inside. For winter, this is way better than silk! For this style, I used Vogue 1452- a Today's Fit pattern by Sandra Betzina. Because my fabric had stretch in both directions, I was able to lay the pattern pieces out on the crosswise grain, and got these incredibly full pants out of just 2 yards. Unfortunately, Fabric Mart is out of it, but this black ponte would work wonderfully as well.

They have just the slightest sheen and I think look very expensive! But they are just elastic waist pants with pockets, so they went together without a lot of effort. I did not have to add any length to mine, and since I'm 5'9" and wearing heels, take that into consideration if you make these. You might need much less fabric if you are considerably shorter or are wearing flats.


The back of the jacket has princess seams and a belt, just for a little extra interest.


Here is my favorite accessory- who looks good with anything- Fred, my cat. I inconspicuously tacked the waterfall collar in place, so that I wouldn't have to worry about readjusting it constantly. So I can pick up my cat or anything else and the collar should still stay in place.



Even though this is a multi-piece outfit, it was really quick to sew because they are all pretty simple pieces using knit fabrics. So, take my word for it, even if you haven't started, you still have time to sew up a fabulous New Year's Eve outfit!

I wish you a wonderful end of 2018 and all the best for all of 2019!