Creating unique pieces to share on your blog or Instagram account to inspire others – the sew & social media combo is all the rage. And since the number of sewist-bloggers around the world is on the rise, Fibre Mood regularly presents a Sewista who has taken a Fibre Mood pattern and come up with a unique pattern hack. We present Jessica from @mom.maker.model. and her #Mabel pattern hack. Find out more about her beautiful creation here!
Hello my fellow Sewists! I'm Jessica Rimmer, or as some of you know me on Instagram, @mom.maker.model.
I have been sewing my own wardrobe for a little over 3 years now. My Nana taught me basic sewing when I was about 5 years old. My cats had the nicest cat beds but for some reason I never stuck with sewing in my teenage years or into my 20's. Thankfully my good friend @cassandrafoxdance (who makes gorgeous dance costumes) helped me get back into it. Now sewing is my therapy! I couldn't imagine a life without it and the amazing circle of Sewists I've become friends with on Instagram.
When I saw Mabel in edition 13, I knew I would be making many versions of her. As my friends know, I rarely follow a pattern 100%. Sometimes it's just a matter of adding pockets and other times it's making a Frankenstein style dress from 4 different patterns. I love how sewing allows us to combine all our favourite things into one.
With Mabel, I loved her poof sleeves and bust ruffle. I live in Canada and wear a lot of sweaters so I wanted to make a dress or tunic version that I could wear with my leggings for comfort while also looking somewhat elevated.
A guide to my Mabel pattern hack
The finished ruffle is 14.5inches long after gathering. I cut the ruffle length as the pattern suggested. The body length from underarm seam to the bottom of Mabel is 26 inches. I used a beautiful ponte de roma from Sitka Fabric and because it doesn't fray I didn't finish the bottom hem. You could hem or band it but I like it unfinished look. I added pockets on the side seam because, in my opinion, everything should have pockets!
I added horsehair trim at the seam of the poof sleeve and shoulder to maintain the height of the poof. It worked great but turns out it's super itchy and requires me to sew trim over the cut edges of it. I was lazy and instead decided to wear a blouse under it so it didn't itch me. Glad it worked out that way because I love the look of it.
I am planning a few more Mabel's in the near future. I think my next will have a full length sleeve and perhaps some lace being used too.
Happy Sewing!
Thank you!
Jessica
Interested in making your own Mabel? Buy the pattern here!
