Made By A Fabricista: Shades Of Brown

Are you stuck in a color rut? I know I am! I am such a creature of habit when it comes to the colors of my clothing. After walking into my closet recently, I observed that I didn't have a single brown-colored item. I don't have anything against brown; in fact, I like brown and have multiple pairs of brown shoes, so why the lack of brown clothing? I think my problem is that I like pink, blue, and black fabrics so much that they tend to dominate my closet.

With fall in the air, I set out to add some shades of brown to my color palette. When I popped over to check the Fabric Mart website, I was in luck! It was fully stocked with beautiful apparel fabrics in brown. I ended up purchasing two yards of an umber brown floral thermal knit, two yards of dusty brown mesh knit, and two yards of brown faux leather knit fabric all for $53. I’m constantly amazed at just how much fabric you can get for your money at Fabric Mart!

When my new fabric arrived, I set out to make two tops and a skirt. For the first top, I used the Ellie & Mac Be Captivating Top and Dress pattern. I envisioned the top in the umber brown floral thermal knit fabric. The sewing pattern features a lovely faux wrap neckline, making it breastfeeding-friendly. This was the first time I had ever made this pattern and it was extremely easy to make. I was impressed with the front bodice instructions and that I didn't have to finish the wrap neckline with bands. The top came together quickly and I didn't need to make any adjustments to the fit of the pattern. You'll see that I paired my finished top with jeans and loafers.

For my second top, I used the Seamwork Farah Wrap Top pattern. This pattern gives off ballet top vibes, which would match nicely with the floral stretch mesh fabric. Naturally, I wanted to wear this top with a flowy skirt to complete the ballet-inspired streetwear vision I had for the look.

I used the faux leather knit fabric to make a Seamwork Wallis Skirt. This is the second time that I've made this skort pattern, but I loved my first skort so much, I thought "Why not make another!" The drape of the stretch leather worked well for the pattern. I used a nude stretch athletic fabric from my stash of previous Fabric Mart purchases for the shorts under the skirt.

In my photos, you'll see that I wore my Farah top and Wallis skort with knee-high boots. It would also look cute with ballet flats to further bring home my ballet inspiration.

I had fun making these new pieces and adding shades of brown to my handmade wardrobe! I’m definitely not out of my color rut yet, but at least these three new pieces are a start! If you’ve also found yourself stuck sewing and wearing the same few colors lately, Fabric Mart is the best place to branch out and try new colors. You won’t regret it! Happy Sewing!

SHAINA | @shaina_sews

You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: KNITS.