fabrics: mocha gauze sweater knit and blue floral rayon crepe, both c/o Stylemaker Fabrics

sweater: Megan Nielsen Jarrah sweater

skirt: Tessuti patterns Evie bias skirt

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I had so much fun the last time I participated in the Stylemaker Fabrics style tour, so I was excited when Michelle asked me to participate again! This time its the spring style tour, which is my faaaaaaavorite. Coming out of that winter haze to some sunshine and color is the best, you know? And with all of the covid-19 craziness going on right now, It’s nice to have something pretty to look forward to.

So, I started out by picking out this lightweight floral crepe, because - florals for spring, duh. Ha. It’s very light and drapey , but pretty opaque (except when held right up to light. depending on the application, you may want a lining. I didn’t, though). But really, this floral was kinda giving me some 90’s vibe, so I decided to go with a 90’s style slip skirt - which also happens to be very “in” right now. It’s seriously one of the easiest skirts to make, once you master cutting on the bias. And also, just a note if you’ve never cut in the bias before - it will change the direction of a pattern. But since this floral is more of a all-over multi-directional pattern, it didn’t really matter. Bt yes, easy -just a couple of side seams and then elastic at the waist, and DONE. I love it. I can see me wearing it with a basic tee, knotted, with a denim jacket thrown over top. Or even a nice woven cami and some heels for a dressier look. For this outfit, I chose to make a boxy, cropped, sweater for a casual in-between season look.

The sweater knit is a very lightweight gauzy knit, and it comes in a few different colors! It is gauze-like, so slightly sheer, but not completely. I used my go-to sweater pattern- the Jarrah sweater, which has many view options. For this one, I wanted a boxy cropped look. So I went with the banded hem view, but left off the band and just turned under the fabric instead. For the sleeves, I went with the vented sleeve hem option instead of cuffs, to give it the same vibe as the hem. This helped give it a loose, lightweight sweater feel, and less sweatshirt-y. I actually had just made another Jarrah sweater in a similar color, but with a heavier fabric and in the tie view. So I felt a bit silly making another Jarrah in the same color. Buuuuut this one is a lot more lighter-weight and will be worn in a completely different way, so thats how I justify it, ha. It’s the perfect warmer-weather sweater, for cool spring days or cool summer nights.

And thats it! I hope you like it! Make sure you check out all the other stops on the tour. Follow along with @stylemakerfabrics on Instagram to keep up to date on everyone. Girls In The Garden is up next! And if you haven’t checked out Stylemaker fabrics before, do it! Michelle carries some of the nicest and best quality fabrics, both woven and knit.

I’m so excited to be a part of Style Maker Fabrics Fall Style tour! I feel like I have been back on top of my sewing game lately, so It makes it extra special to be a part of something that I’ve watched from a far the last couple of seasons. Style Maker fabrics has become my go-to for online fabric shopping lately. Seriously, the first place I look when I’m in need of something. Michelle stocks some of the dreamiest fabrics.

For this project I chose two fabrics - a super slinky and soft navy rib knit, and the most perfect navy and ivory striped sweater knit. I was immediately drawn to the striped sweater knit and could not get my mind off of it. I knew I wanted to make a Rowan bodysuit (of course), and the little stretch and recovery of the sweater knit wasn’t going to work for a close fitting bodysuit. The navy rib knit worked perfectly, though. But I was still determined to use that perfect navy stripe in some way, and the idea of sweater knit jumpsuit to go over top was born. A bit of an unconventional choice for a sweater knit, but I took a gamble and love how it turned out!

So let’s break it down.

The jumpsuit is a Closet Case Patterns Sallie Jumpsuit. The style is perfectly me - especially with those tie straps. I also added a small sash belt, because I can never have too many bows. I actually didn’t have to make any adjustments to the pattern. The fit was perfect! And the textured sweater knit was a dream to work with.

And of course, the top is a Megan Nielsen Rowan bodysuit - my go-to pattern lately. Especially for fall! So easy to wear under jumpsuits, dresses, and with jeans without having to worry about it coming untucked.

As I have to with all my bodysuits, I had to add 1” in length (I have a pretty long torso). I then wanted to add a dramatic bell sleeve, so I used another Megan Nielsen Pattern, the Dove blouse. I cropped the Rowan sleeve at about elbow length, pretty much right at the same spot as Dove. And because the Rowan sleeve is not as wide as the Dove sleeve, I had to eliminate a little bit from the bell pattern piece as well. I didn’t do it very mathematically. I just kind of eyed it. But it worked out fine!

And did you think for a second think that Penny wasn’t nearby in a matching outfit? Haha. The turban, tee, and leggings she is wearing are all new Nelly Lou fall items that I plan to have ready to list by mid October.

Make sure you check out all the other stops on the tour. Follow along with @stylemakerfabrics on Instagram to keep up to date on everyone. Love You Sew is up next!