Fabricaholic Fridays

Step 1: Acceptance

My name is Winnie and I am a fabricaholic.

Step 2: Belief in a greater power

Oh yes, I believe in the power of a fabulouso fabric

Step 3: Share this belief with the world

It could be worse. I'd rather be addicted to fabric than, say, heroin. So embrace the fabric, I say. Embrace.

Here are my favourite fabrics of the week:

Viscose/elastane crepe

A new beauty from Tessuti. I'm thinking a Sewaholic Yaletown? Or even a Megan Nielsen Eucalypt tank or tank dress? I'm all about transeasonal pieces right now.

pompomtastic - you should have been mine

Since spotting this pompom knit at Rathdowne remnants I've become obsessed with making an oversized pompom cardi to take me into spring. But I hesitated, angst-ridden as I wondered to myself, 'Will I look like an oversized Christmas tree? A diseased elephant?' I finally decided I wouldn't let self-doubt hold me back. Then I returned to the store, planning to buy 2 metres. And it was sold out. Noooooo....

Penguin french terry -  so cute!

If money were no object I'd grab a metre or two of this beauty to make some mini Hudsons for my penguin loving kiddo. Alas, it would end up costing about $50 a metre if you include shipping, so I must remain strong. If you want to check it out, you can find it on ebay.

swan print rayon

I'm planning a Sewaholic Nicola frock with this gorgeous swan rayon. You can find it here on etsy.

crazy rabbit fat quarter

I really want to make a cushion with this neon rabbit sensation. From one of my etsy faves, Miss Matatabi.

Until next week...

Yaletown meets Nani Iro

Back in the early years of high school I had an English teacher called Ms. Rosser. She was smart, funny and just enough eccentric to be a breath of fresh air in the conservative country town I lived in. Her statement shoe of choice was always a brightly coloured Mary Jane in magenta, cobalt, even orange. This dress kind of reminds me of her.

Here I have combined two of my great sewing loves: Nani Iro double gauze with a Sewaholic pattern. For a pear shaped lady like myself Sewaholic patterns are amazing. They fit right out of the envelope and I never have to make any adjustments. I cut a size 8 at the shoulders and tapered down to a 10 for the rest. It was such an enjoyable pattern to sew up and even if you are new to sewing, the instructions are super clear and easy to follow. Thanks Tasia.

The fabric is a beautifully soft Nani Iro double gauze that I bought from Miss Matatabi. I bought four yards assuming that this pattern would be a massive fabric sucker. Turns out I was wrong and I now have enough left over to squeeze out a woven tee. Whoohoo! It’s not the cheapest fabric in the world but now that I’ve been sewing for a few years I’ve decided life’s too short to sew with crappy polyester.  

And look! The gaping isn’t too indecent, even with the faux wrap bodice. 

At first I was worried this dress was going to turn out a bit ‘primary school teacher from the 80s.’ But I love it. It’s flattering and comfortable and drapes like a dream. In fact, I don’t think it’s going too far to say that this is my favourite make. Ever.