Joann’s new customizer fabric is just what I needed to get my creative juices flowing again. It’s a new feature where you are able to customize your very own fabric. I love bold fabrics and prints. As someone who likes to sketch and look for unique fabric this was a delight to work with.

First, I had to decide if I wanted to design my very own from scratch. I had so many ideas in my head that I couldn’t decide. That is the benefit of the customizer. You don’t have to design your fabric from scratch if you don’t want. So, I searched for geometric prints and patterns and also Afrocentric prints.  I knew that I wanted pops of my favorite color red. I stumbled upon this print and with some changes I had my perfect fabric.

I took out the beige background and swapped it for a white, added some hints of black and a deep gold. One good thing about it is that you can also make the scale of the fabric to the size that you want. I decided to go up to the largest scale as I wanted the print to be big and bold. Now down to selection of the type of fabric I wanted.  I knew that when I saw the print, I wanted to make a dress. Something that I could wear to work, happy hour, date night and some of my sorority events. (My sorority colors are red and white) and this dress fits it perfect.

There is a large array of fabric selection to choose from. You can choose from a 4 way stretch, cotton duck, batiste, cotton sateen, velvet, wool and minky just to name a few. I decided to choose a 4 way stretch and I ordered 3 yards. It was a very easy process and my shipment was here in a few days. Once I opened the fabric, I was so pleased. My daughter laughed and said that it looked like muscles. And ever since she mentioned that I keep seeing it. But after making the dress, all I saw was a masterpiece and I fell in love.

I have made this dress before, and it is so flattering for my figure. The bonus is that it is an easy make and doesn’t require that much fuss like some patterns I have made in the past. The twist tie in the front gives me that subtle gather to hide my mommy pouch and the neckline offers that bit of skin that is needed. The only modification I made to the pattern was shortening the length as it runs long and I am only 5ft. I can’t wait to make this pattern again.

I styled this look very simple with a pair of black pumps. I enjoy styling and can definitely see this dress worn with knee high boot and blazer.

Speaking of blazers, I think I may order the fabric in a cotton twill for one. What do you think? Well, what are you waiting for…get to designing? Remember have fun and create what you love. Can’t wait to see what you make. Get yours today here.

Xoxo,

Monica