Style Maker Fabrics Spring Style Tour: 2018!

I’m so honored to be a part of the Style Maker Fabrics Spring Style Tour today! I spend more time than I’d care to admit pouring over all temptation on the Style Maker site, so when Michelle asked me if I’d like to sign on for the Spring tour, I just about tripped over myself rushing to say yes- a sneak peek into all that Spring-y goodness? I was totally on board!

I’ve really gotten into creating capsule wardrobes this year, and the way that Michelle organizes her fabrics by color, style, and substrate makes it easy to create a cohesive plan. She also spends time researching the current style trends, which for this busy working/homeschooling/sewing mama of three is exactly what I need if I’m going to have a chance at my kids continuing to think I’m a “cool mom” into their teenage years.

With patterns, prints and possibilities swirling in my head, it was a challenge narrowing down my choices for the tour (honestly, I want it ALL!) but I finally sat down with a hard cider, and let the fabrics do the talking.

The Statement Piece: The Sasha Trousers in Abstract Reptile Sateen

You know how something jumps out at you, and then you just keep coming back to it over and over? That’s how I felt about the abstract reptile print sateen fabric– I saw it and just couldn’t get the idea of a pair of snakeskin trousers out of my head. If you knew me in real life, you’d know I’m a pretty subtle dresser (think black yoga pants and grey hoodies) so this was a bit of departure from my usual style.

That’s the beauty of sewing for ourselves though, isn’t it? We can go outside our comfort zone, and try something new, and in this case, I’m so glad I did, because this is one ssssssweet pair of pants (see what I did there?)!

I chose the Closet Case Files Sasha trousers– a pattern that’s been on the top of my  list since it was released. Having just conquered the Ginger jeans I was eager to expand my pants-making repertoire, and I knew the fit and finish of the Sasha’s would be the perfect match for this sophisticated fabric.

I’ll save the in depth pants fitting/jeans comparison for a future post, but once I got the fit dialed in, these came together really smoothly. I was careful to offset the print on the legs, to maximize the abstract nature of the print.

I’m pretty stoked about that back view- I think most of my adjustments paid off, and it’s looking pretty good back there.

The welt construction method was new to me, and I did stuff up my first try, which was fortunately on a scrap, but I got the hang of it after that!

Since I really wanted these pants to look as good on the inside as they did on the outside, I used a chambray bias tape in natural from Style Maker to finish the fly and waistband facing, and used french seams on all my pockets.

Pre-made bias tape is a great time saver, and this was really nice stuff- nothing like the scratchy kind from big box stores- and it coordinated perfectly with the polka dot lining from my stash and the colors in the snake print sateen. Even the hook and eye and zipper is from Style Maker- I love it when I can buy everything I need for a pattern in one place!

I’m ridiculously in love with these pants- they’re everything I imagined they would be (and how often does THAT happen?!)

I know spring is all about color- but I think it’s also about clean, crisp looks and feminine touches, so I also grabbed the mini waffle knit in charcoal, and the textured stripe jersey knit in grey to add to my Style Maker box, squirreling away a few ideas for when I finished the pants.

The Wardrobe Staple: True Bias Nikko Top in Textured Jersey Knit

When the Nikko top by True Bias was released,  I  took one look at the striped/ribbed jersey and knew it would be perfect as a sleeveless Nikko- the fitted silhouette was just what I needed to tuck into my new trousers.

I think sleeveless turtlenecks are the perfect Spring/Fall transitional piece- I can layer this top under a sweater in cooler weather, or wear it on its own as things start to warm up.

Would you believe this was my first time sewing a True Bias pattern? It won’t be my last though- I was really happy with the drafting and the little details, like the slight racer back, which really come together to make a timeless look. I did size up once from my measurements based on reading some of the testers posts, and I’m thrilled with the fit- not too tight, but not too loose either.

The rib knit has two sides that are equally gorgeous, and is just the right weight and opacity that even with the close fit of the pattern, I didn’t have to worry about undergarments showing through! Which is great, because some mornings I hardly have time to shower, let alone coordinate my bra to my outfit. #lifegoals

The Flirty Top: Style Arc Keely in Plush Thermal Sweater Knit

For my last piece, I used the charcoal grey plush thermal sweater knit and jersey bias tape in white (another total time saver- I’ve tried to make bias tape from a knit before and it’s a total PITA, I strongly urge you to buy it instead!) to revisit the Style Arc Keely pattern that I made earlier this year (see my first version here).

This thermal sweater knit is just divine- warm enough to keep me from the chilly winds we get in the spring, but with a slightly open weave that lets it breathe as well.

Unlike many sweater knits, it was quite stable, and easy to work with. I literally sighed with happiness when I changed into it for the second round of photos- the wind was really whipping around that day, and I needed something to warm me up a bit!

I’m bit of a latecomer yo the ruffle trend (too many years of being told I’m little and cute, have me avoiding things that are reminiscent of little girls clothes), but now I’m totally on board- and I think the stark contrast between the white bias tape and the dark grey knit are in keeping with my modern vibe.

I changed the construction of the Keely a bit so I could extend the ruffle all the way up to the shoulder seam, but still wanted some movement, so I folded the edge under and left it free where the arm meets the shoulder.

Adding the bias tape was also a small (albeit impactful!) change to the construction- the pattern calls for finishing the top and side ruffles with a rolled hem.

I’ll admit, when I first finished this top I wasn’t sure if it was too stark for me, but hubby was in the background telling me how much he loved it, and my son even walked in and commented about why I was displaying a top I’d purchased on my mannequin! Seven year old boys can be brutally honest, so I took that as a good sign!

With a little encouragement and some trial and error with styling, I’ve now totally embraced it- it feels a little rocker-chic maybe? Not exactly descriptive of my suburban mom lifestyle, but sometimes it’s good to step a little out of your comfort zone, and I can’t wait to wear this one out on a date!

That wraps up my dose of Spring Style Inspiration for you- I’d love to hear what you think! What are your favorite spring style trends?

But wait! The tour’s not over yet, and you don’t want to miss the other bloggers – they are all amazingly talented seamstresses, and I’ve been honored to be in their company! Up tomorrow is Threadbare Garments, and you can see the whole lineup below.

3/19 | 3/20 (Pt 1Pt 2) | 3/21 | 3/22 | 3/23 | 3/24 | 3/25 | 3/26 | 3/27 | 3/28 | 3/29 | 3/20

You also don’t want to miss the Style Maker Fabrics spring fabric reveal post– I’m not sure how much restraint I can be expected to have after drooling over all these fabrics for weeks! I’m thinking my capsule could use a few more pieces….(sorry honey!)

Don’t forget that if you enjoyed this post, you can follow me on Pinterest and Instagram, to stay up with what I’m sewing (and I’m always sewing!).

Note: The fabrics and notions in this post were provided to me free, in exchange for the opportunity to blog and share them with you. All opinions are my own. There are also some affiliate links in this post- thank you for your support in keeping this blog going!

 

 

 

 

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16 Comments

  1. Stephanie Allen on March 21, 2018 at 6:04 am

    Those trousers fit you so well! Does this make for your third pair of pants this year? Way to go!

  2. Elizabeth Blanchard on March 21, 2018 at 7:24 am

    I love all three pieces. Even the ruffles and I too have had a hard time grasping that trend. But it’s growing on me lol. The fit of your pants looks amazing and I love how you offset the print.

  3. Abbey on March 21, 2018 at 9:15 am

    Okay Sarah. There’s way too much awesomeness in this one post. Like, OMG!!! LOVEEEEEE! That Nikko Top and Sasha Trousers look straight out of some celebrity’s wardrobe. Totally loving this outfit and I’d probably find an excuse to wear them separately and together all the damn time. And that Keely Top? You sold me on this pattern with that white binding on that navy! All the heart eyes for this post! ALL!

  4. April Simpson Hunt on March 21, 2018 at 9:20 am

    As always, your post is full of tons of great inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing! I love seeing new designers and fabric spots. Loving the new pieces, too…as well as the bias tape details! Love reading your posts, sarah. Hope you’re having a wonderful day!

  5. […] | 3/20 (Pt 1, Pt 2) | 3/21 | 3/22 | 3/23 | 3/24 | 3/25 | 3/26 | 3/27 | 3/28 | 3/29 | […]

  6. Anya on March 21, 2018 at 1:21 pm

    These are fantastic! I was hoping someone would pick up that print fabric!! The pants turned out amazing. I am also in love with the Nikko top. What a wonderful staple! As for your ruffle sweater, it totally blew me away. I love the contrast binding, it is stunning. I really want to sew this pattern now, even though I am certain those ruffles will make my broad shoulders look even broader.

    • Sarah on March 26, 2018 at 3:53 pm

      Thank you so much Anya! You might be surprised about the ruffles- they may not have that effect, but if you like the style, I say go for it anyway!

  7. Martha on March 28, 2018 at 10:58 am

    Hi Sarah. I love the grey sweater knit that you used for the ruffle blouse and plan to purchase some for a cardigan. I enjoy your newsy posts. Thank you.

    • Sarah on April 6, 2018 at 10:17 am

      Thank you Martha!

  8. […] Day 3 – Sewing with Sarah […]

  9. Randrox on May 21, 2018 at 8:25 am

    Like your other commenters, love all the pieces. The “snakeskin” pants are so stylish and flattering, and the neutral colors make them classic. They’ve inspired me to use a piece of leopard print stretch gabardine in my stash as slacks. The ruffled top is adorable; feminine but graphic and modern. I’m afraid it wouldn’t look as good on a larger busted person like myself, but am still keeping it in mind for fall! Great job all around!

    • Sarah on May 23, 2018 at 7:27 pm

      Oooh, leopard print would be fantastic! And thank you so much!

  10. Diana on June 22, 2018 at 10:53 pm

    Wow! This is like the most perfect outfit ever. The trousers and top go together perfectly. Ugh you always cause me to want to buy more patterns. Lol

    • Sarah on June 26, 2018 at 7:58 am

      Haha- thank you!

  11. Melissa Watters on October 25, 2018 at 10:06 pm

    How would you compare the Sasha’s to the Chi-Town chinos?

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:18 am

      Sorry I’m so late to comment. The Chi towns were much baggier on me- but the construction was very similar. Hope that helps!

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