Friday, April 1, 2016

Fabric Mart Bargain Boxes


I recently discovered Fabric Mart and their Fashion Bargain Boxes.  For only $15.00 you get an assortment of various fabrics adding up to 10 yards.  All the pieces are a surprise of various fabric contents including knits and woven and maybe even some designer pieces.  I like the challenge of coming up with a cute project to sew with whatever I receive.  I am especially challenged buy the fabrics I am not especially fond of.




I really thought this bright purple border print jersey was pretty.  When I saw it I knew it had to be a new Origami Tunic from Love Notions Patterns.  This is the third time I have used this pattern,  I love the way it shows off bold border prints.  I think it has a very flattering fit.  And it is a very easy sew with a lot of style.


Next I decided to see what I could do with this Purple and Black polyester double knit (I am guessing that is what it is).  I wasn't really crazy about this fabric so I decided it would make a good muslin to test out a new pattern.  I used it to make The Sybil Skirt another pattern from Love Notions.  This pattern was an extremely easy sew, it only took me about 45 minutes to sew up.  It fit perfectly and even though I didn't really love the fabric I think it made a cute skirt.  A successful wearable muslin for the win.



Everyone can use a navy knit top and this navy jersey knit worked well for a tank top.  I used another Love Notions pattern, The Hip Hop Top.  The contrast stripe back panel and bindings are a rayon jersey from Fabric Mart that I ordered at the same time as my bargain boxes.  I was delighted that it matched so well with the navy knit.  Over all I like this top but I think I will make a few changes to the next one.  I think I will like the narrower strap look that was the other option on the pattern.  I will probably make the neckline a bit shorter and not quite so wide.  And I think I could go down a size for a better fit.  The fabric was very stretchy so a smaller size would be better I think.  This was another very easy sew.


Two of the fabrics in my box kind of coordinated so I tried to think up a way to use them together.  The plaid boucle  fabric has a gold metallic thread in it and it is a fairly loose weave.  I was thnking I would make either a skirt or a jacket.  I decided on a jacket because I thought I would get more use out of that.  There was only a yard and a half so I had to really use some creative layout to get all the pieces cut out.  I wasn't able to match my plaids but it is fairly busy with color so it is not very noticeable.  And really the only people who notice things like that are fellow seamstresses.  And probably only if I were to point it out.  The jacket pattern is Savannah Swing Jacket from Serendipity Studio


The skirt was made using  Simplicity 1202. This fabric did have a label on it so I know what it is.  It is Polyester Satin by Halston in navy.  It is very heavy thick fabric and kind of shinny.  I was also going back and forth between making a jacket, pants or a skirt.  The skirt didn't use all the fabric, there was 2 3/4 yards and it was very wide.  I think I have enough left to make a jacket or a pair of pants.  I probably would not have bought this fabric if I had seen it, but I do like the finished skirt.


In my second box I used an animal print ponte de roma fabric to make my third pair of Sabrina Slims Pants.  This is another pattern from Love Notions.  I really like the feel of this fabric.  It is perfect for this pants pattern.  This feels like nice quality fabric.  Again I wasn't sure about this print in pants but it turns out I love them.  I actually love this pattern it fits great and is another easy sew.  I see many more of these in my future.


Another pattern from Love Notions The La Bella Donna.  The black diamond print jersey was in my bargain box.  I used some Blondie cartoon print jersey for the yolk and the arm bands and neckband.  I have had this fabric in my stash for some time.  It was in strips intended to be used for book covers.  This is the third La Bella Donna I have made and I love them all.  I usually don't like the way dolman sleeve tops fit but this one fits great.

I am still working on ideas to use the rest of my box for.  I do have plans for the cream and brown stretch lace.  But the mustard and navy print cotton voile I am not to sure about.  Maybe some Pajamas.  We will see.

I have entered a Pinterest contests at FabricMart.  I have passed the prelimanary judging.  Now it is up to public votes.  If you would like to vote for me here is the link.
http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/Do-You-Love-Pinterest.html I really enjoyed the challenge of using my bargain box to sew up all my garment.  The goal of entering this contest kept me motivated.  Win or not I had a lot of fun.