When Style Makers asked me to be part of their new fall fabric release I was thrilled!
There was a spectacular variety of fabrics to chose from in a wonderful range of fall colours.
I was really impressed with the customer service offered by Style Makers when choosing fabrics that were just right for me. I sent a picture of my colour swatch from Color Guru and they worked with me to narrow down my colour and fabric choices so they would coordinate wonderfully.
I knew when my fabrics arrived they would work perfectly together. Style Makers took the guess work out of ordering fabric on line. My fabrics were exactly what I thought they would be and I couldn't wait to start sewing a complete fall outfit that would feature staple pieces for my new fall wardrobe.
With so many gorgeous fabrics to choose from, I narrowed my choices down to three key fabrics. An absolutley gorgeous Matte Rose Bubble Quilted Puff Coating, a crisp Butterscotch Autumn Madras Plaid Cotton and a gloriously coloured Cinnamon Mid-Weight Stretch Denim.
The Matte Rose Bubble Quilted Coating is luxourisly soft and a delight to sew with. I wanted an eye-catching versatile pattern so I chose the Cap Sleeve Vest from The Assembly line. It is a perfect for our mild fall weather, adding just enough coziness and a roomy more oversized fit for layering over sweaters. It truly is the ultimate layering piece. I made the unlined version because this quilted coating is double sided. The vest is designed very well for an unlined garement. The inside has a clean, tailored finish if you match your serger threads to your fabric.
The Cap Sleeve vest has some great design features. It is a straight cut style that is slightly oversized so I sized down one size. You can use snaps or buttons for the front closure or even leave it open with no buttons at all. I have buttons for my closure choosing two slightly smaller buttons for the collar stand so that two buttons could be more easily accommodated. I love the design of the collar. The turtleneck style of the collar stand is one of my favourite styles for cooler weather. Its really nice to button your vest right up to feel warm and cozy.
This pattern also features two large hidden front pockets with flaps. This design is sleek and adds a stylized tailored look to the finished garment. The pockets come in handy for tucking your phone and keys in while you are out for a walk so you don't have to bother with carrying a bag. My favourite feature of the vest is the cap sleeve design of the sleeve. This elegant extension of the shoulder into a cap sleeve with added cuff details makes it a versatile piece for styling in so many ways. The added sleeve gives it more of a cardigan or blazer silhouette but the comfort and versatility of a vest.
For the Butterscotch Madras plaid cotton I choose to make the Rachel button down from Seamwork. It has classic button down styling with a front button placket and collar. I lengthened the cuff so that I could have french cuffs; an added touch that I think elevates any button down. Head to my blog post here for more information about the sewing details and how I pattern matched the plaid. I couldn't be happier with the end result and I know the gorgeous colours in this madras print will be a jumping off point for many fall outfits.
My final fabric choice was the Cinnamon Mid-Weight Stretch Denim; what a glorious denim fabric! The weight and softness of the fabric was perfect for making the Marah Maxi Cargo Skirt from Fibre Mood. It holds it shape really well and has just enough stretch for comfort. It was a joy to sew, especially when creating the many pockets featured on the skirt. It pressed beautifully and it was really easy to work with when adding the topstitching that add polished detailing. My personalized labels from The Dutch Label company were the perfect finishing touch to my me-made maxi.
I love the fun pocket features on the Marah. You can combine them in a variety of ways to personalize your skirt. The skirt includes two traditional curved front pockets, back pockets as well as an extra large side pocket with bias binding edges, a pocket pleat and flaps. There are different pockets to choose from depending on whether you are sewing the maxi or the mini length version of the Marah. The Marah also features a traditional front zip closure and a rear kick pleat. The shaped waistband and belt loops allow for a belt to be added as another way to accessorize your look. Combine the design elements of this skirt with a Style Maker denim fabric and you have the perfect autumn fashion trend.
And so, my first feature fall outfit is complete. I am so pleased with the fabrics and my pattern choices. I highly recommend that you head over to Style Makers Fabrics to make your fall fabric choices- I can’t wait to see what your will choose.
After all… There is Sew Much To Design.
Happy Fall Wardrobe Sewing,
Lou Sheffer