Spirited Look Book - The Garments
Just over a week ago Art Gallery Fabrics published the Spirited virtual Look Book full of beautiful projects made from my new Spirited fabric collection. If you missed it, view the Spirited Look Book here.
I contributed a lot of sewing projects to the Spirited Look Book that to be able to give you more images and project information, I’m splitting up my blog post coverage into categories. Last week it was all about The Quilts. This week will be all about The Garments and next week will be The Sundries.
View the entire Spirited Look Book HERE and then come back to see extra photos and learn more about each project.
The Garments
Art Gallery Fabrics is known for their fine quilting cotton that feels like percale but did you know they offer other substrates besides? Spirited offers two rayons and three knits—both incredibly soft.
My absolute favorite is the rayon. The drape is superb in garments, it’s comfortable and breathable like cotton, and even though it’s silky and lightweight, it’s very easy to sew with.
I wouldn’t consider myself a garment sewer but I may need to adjust my thinking because I sure have made quite a few pieces this year. I did a quick count and think the number comes in at 16 garments! That’s more than I’ve sewn in total over the last 10 years!
The big difference now a days over the past is Indie clothing designers/patterns. I find the fit of the Indie patterns truer to size and on trend and one successful sew makes you braver to try more.
When I started planning what I wanted to make for the Spirited Look Book I had a specific mood I wanted to capture. After seeing Sew House Seven’s Burnside Bib garments on Instagram I knew I wanted to sew these overalls. I made them in AGF natural linen for a chic farmhouse look and pulled the look together with the Viscose Blouse by Burda Style made with my Boundless Spirit Sorrel (horses) print in rayon. I think this has a 40s-vibe to it and love the current trend of wide-legged, cropped pants. That’s my beautiful daughter modeling the look, by the way.
We took the majority of our garment shots in Kentucky on a very cold and dreary day. Hopefully we don’t look like we’re freezing.
Here’s another look at the Burda Style blouse on me and the Cleo Skirt by Made by Rae on my daughter. I like that we can still share each others clothing!
I combined view A and B on the Cleo Skirt to have the longer length skirt with the big side pockets. This skirt is super flattering in rayon and was the easiest of all the adult garment patterns to make!
The most challenging garment I stitched for my Spirited Look Book was the Button-up Button-down shirt. It was challenging only because there were so many pieces and steps to making it. The pattern by Oliver + S was an excellent pattern and they expertly talk and illustrate you through every step. It went together perfectly but just took time to get it done.
I used the Lore and Legend print in quilting cotton with accents of Bright Star Washed quilting cotton on the inside yoke, neckline, and sleeve plackets. Instead of buttons I attached Dritz Pearl Snap Fasteners and and love how it turned out. Unfortunately it was too large for my grandson as the smallest this pattern comes in is a 3T. But, he’ll soon grow into it.
The same Spirited Lore and Legend print comes in a knit. AGF knits are buttery soft, cozy, and have just the perfect stretch for garments. My daughter has been sewing pajamas for her kids and as gifts from my beautiful knits.
The original plan was for my grandson to wear his cotton button-up shirt and matching Lore and Legend knit ear flap hat but since the shirt didn’t fit—he just modeled the hat.
Oh, my goodness, the kid rocked modeling his hat! I mean, come on, just look at those baby-blues! This print and the fit are perfect on him. I used the free Ear Flap Hat pattern from Delia Creates and this was another fast and rewarding item to make.
I love this sweet snuggles photo from our day out in the cold.
If you’ve never sewn with knits before they really are an easy material to work with and quite forgiving. You don’t need to worry about edges unraveling and the stretch makes the garments hang nicely and fit comfortably. Yes, there are some consideration for sewing with knits but nothing to stop you from tying them and garments can be made just with a domestic sewing machine—no need for sergers, if you don’t have one. There’s many books, sites, and videos available with expect advice for working with knits. I know I could stand to learn more about it but my little dip into sewing with knits has given me confidence to try more!
A really good beginner pattern for first time working with knits is this Tatum Dress by Violette Field Threads. I think this only took about 3 hours from start to finish to make. That includes cutting out the pattern from the printout, cutting the pieces, and assembly. The fit on my 4 year old granddaughter was perfect and I love the lavender Calico Days knit on her—so cute! This sort of dress would be great any time of year and can be worn with leggings or shorts.
My last make was stitched after the Look Book and purely for no other reason than I wanted to make it for myself. I used the Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater pattern and Spirited Delicate Balance Terra knit.
I took this with me to Thanksgiving in Iowa with hopes of having a chance to get a photo of me wearing it but the timing and weather just didn’t cooperate at all! Another great pattern by Sew House Seven and it comes in two views. I plan to make more of these (in each view) but will add a little length the the torso next time for the A view. I love how the neckline, cuffs, and waist band are folded over so there’s no hemming!
I hope you’ve gotten inspired by my Spirited garment makes and that you give some of these patterns a try!
Spirited quilting cottons, knits, and rayons are shipping to quilt shops everywhere. I’ve started a stock lists of online shops for this collection on my FABRICS page and will continue to add links as more shops get their listings up. If your local quilt shop hasn’t ordered it yet, let them know you’d like to sew with these prints and feel the AGF difference for yourself at your favorite shop.
When you do make a project with my fabrics, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @sharonhollanddesigns because I love to see what you’re sewing! And tag the Spirited collection as well with #AGFSpirited.
Giveaway Alert!
This week I’ll be hosing another Spirited fabrics giveaway on my Instagram account @sharonhollanddesigns in collaboration with Linli Boyd of @lambandloomfabrics starting on Friday, December 13 with the drawing on the 16th for a 10-piece fat quarter bundle for you and a tagged friend. You’ve heard it here first so be sure to stop by IG on Friday and enter on this Friday’s Instagram giveaway post.
—Happy sewing!
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