Style Maker Fabrics Fall Blog Tour - Print Mixing

Well, one of my most favorite times of the year, Style Maker Fabrics' Fall Blog Tour and I am so honored to be part of the tour.




Michelle has such a great eye for selecting fabrics and this year is no exception - FANTASTIC fabrics  with so many possibilities for garment collections.   After seeing all the fabric swatch photos,  I started discussing with Michelle via DM on Instagram and text messages and email on what I was thinking.  The fun part of all this is the interaction and how creative the process is.  Michelle understands right away what you are thinking and helps with the process.  In fact she sent me  this link - Aratta and my mind started racing with ideas.  Also, follow  aratta_fashion on Instagram.

Here is the photo which inspired my jacket

From Aratta Fshion site

or a better view here

I tempted you with the jacket but we are going to start with blouse,  I knew I wanted to mix plaid and floral.  Michelle sent me photos of a few possible combinations but this one pulled me right in.  Not sure what it is about the color mustard but I am loving it.

Let's get to the fabric information - Soft Rayon Plaid - Mustard/Navy (12483)
                                                         Autumn Rose Rayon Crepe Navy/Rust (12747)

Aren't they beautiful together?

My first thought was an Archer but I decided against that, remembering this pattern in my colletion, Vogue 9086 , (sorry out-of-print) perfect for pattern mixing.  I did add an inch to the entire neckline, tapering a bit at the shoulder seam, the neckline just looked too wide and low.  The fabric  was a dream to sew and I love the feel of the fabric, perfect weight and drape.  It just makes such a fun top, perfect colors and weight for fall.  I might have to buy this plaid in every color available, it is that good.

I did not do the front with the buttons and buttonholes, I just didn't think it needed it for looks or to get the blouse on and off.  Eliminating  that all together and using the measurement of the placket from the front piece and straightening  the front placket, gave me the look I wanted.  I did leave the tucks, just a pretty design feature.

Just look at those gorgeous fabrics together!

This top does have buttoned cuffs, like a traditional button up shirt.  I plan on making this one again and I do think I might just lengthen the sleeves and add elastic to the bottom.

The neckline binding is cut on the bias and a perfect finish. I just cannot say enough of this fabric, it is amazing and I love my new blouse.

It is picture overload but it is a good way to see the details, this pattern has side pieces and I used the floral there with the plaid at the front and back

Pattern alterations beside the neckline - 1" to the arms and body.

Now to the jacket, Michelle inspired me with the Aratta jacket and she  found the perfect fabric combination.

The fabrics -
body, sleeves is India Textured Cotton Cloth in Camel (12501)
back and pocket flaps - Homespun STripe Cotton Shirting Slate (10559)
front middle and pockets - Woven Shirting Plaid Texture Taupe (10558)

Make sure you go to the Style Maker Fabrics' site and check out the texture of these fabrics.

  I ordered Vogue 9217 and then decided it wasn't me and remembered I had McCall's 7365 (also out-of-print) and that was the perfect pattern.

First order of business was to change the front for the inset.  I cut the front into three sections and added seam allowances.  The pocket pieces were not cut until I was ready to sew in place, wanted them to match perfectly.  The plan was for the  pocket flaps to be the checked fabric but I just got tired of matching, so I went with the stripe! I am so happy with that decision, it is a nice contrast for the front.

My Aratta inspiration garment had the beautiful embroidery and with my Premier + 2 Software and my Pfaff Creative Icon, I was able to combine a couple of designs and modify sections to get what I wanted.  I am thrilled with the design and how it looks next to the navy floral piece!

The back has a pleat and I used the version for the tie belt for the back, it stitches it at the waist, too.  This keeps the pleat from flying in the wind and everything looks neat and crisp

These fabrics are the perfect weight for a fall jacket, not too heavy, just enough to keep the fall chill away.  I only interfaced the pieces as called for by the pattern instructions and added some lining to parts of the jacket.

Not wanting the seams on the front piece to show (especially since I added the inset), I used  a lining for the front and treated the fabric as one.  You can see it the lining in this picture

The hem has bias binding to neaten it up.

  I also cut lining for the sleeves, just easier to slip a jacket on and off with a lining.  The lining was separate and I did hand sew it in place, covering the seam allowance.  I did put a small facing on the sleeve hem, so the floral fabric would show when I cuffed the sleeve.  The hem and the facing were hand sewn into place.

So I can wear this one with the sleeves cuffed.....

This was a fun jacket to sew and I had a great time planning the placement of the three fabrics. There is such texture but with subtle colors, the fabrics really play well together.  A navy Nikko top is in my future to wear with this jacket.



Yesterday's stop was Delia Creates and tomorrow is Cennetta and make sure you visit all the stops

one more thing.....

 If you haven't had a chance, go visit  Lindsey of Inside the Hem's  Swatch Video  it is so fun to watch and Lindsey does a great job of showing which fabrics will coordinate and also discusses the hand of each swatch.  I have my list going for my next order.

Happy Fall and I can't quit smiling - cooler temperatures and I love my two new Style Maker Fabric Garments!  Thanks Michelle for letting be a part again this year.

This fabric was provided to me by Style Maker Fabrics to participate in the Fall Blog Tour.  All opinions are my own.