Denim Weight Guide: From Lightweight Chambray to Heavy-Duty Denim Hey, sewists! If you’re a lover of all things denim, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re diving into the world of denim weights so you can choose the perfect fabric for your next project. Whether you’re looking to create a breezy chambray shirt or a sturdy pair of work jeans, knowing the weight of your denim fabric is key. Let’s explore the different denim weights, from lightweight to heavy-duty, and everything in between! What Is Denim Weight? Denim weight refers to how thick and heavy the denim fabric is, typically measured in ounces per square yard (oz). The higher the number, the heavier the fabric. Different weights are perfect for different projects, so knowing how to choose the right one will help you create beautiful, functional pieces that last. Lightweight Denim: Breezy and Comfortable Light Denim: 4 oz Lightweight denim is perfect for those who want a soft, breathable fabric that drapes beautifully. Typically, you’ll find this weight in chambray or denim shirting fabrics, which are ideal for shirts, light dresses, and lightweight pants. The 4% spandex in these fabrics adds a little stretch, giving you comfort without sacrificing style. When to Use It Perfect for shirts, skirts, and light pants Great for summer outfits and casual wear Ideal for lightweight jackets Styling Tip Think relaxed, effortless looks! A chambray shirt with rolled-up sleeves or a floaty dress that moves with the breeze—swoon! Light/Mid-Weight Denim: The Best of Both Worlds Versatile and Durable: 8 oz and 9.5 oz Denim in the 8 oz to 9.5 oz range strikes a perfect balance between lightness and structure. With mechanical stretch and a small bit of spandex (around 2–4%), this fabric offers some flexibility while maintaining a crisp structure. Think of this weight as the go-to option for blazers, jeans, and trousers. When to Use It Ideal for skirts, blazers, mid-weight jeans, and light jackets Perfect for those trendy skinny jeans or high-waisted trousers Styling Tip These fabrics are versatile enough for both casual and professional looks, so you can make a stylish statement whether you’re at work or out on the weekend! Mid/Heavy-Weight Denim: Rugged and Ready for Anything Sturdy and Reliable: 11 oz If you want a denim fabric that can withstand wear and tear, look no further than the mid/heavy 11 oz denim. This fabric is often seen in overalls, jackets, workwear, and jeans that need to endure constant use. It’s also an excellent choice for denim skirts and jackets that need structure and durability. When to Use It Perfect for workwear, jackets, overalls, and sturdy jeans Excellent for garments worn often Great for heavy-duty applications Styling Tip The beauty of heavy-weight denim lies in its ability to age beautifully over time, developing a worn-in look that adds to the character of your garment. Pair it with flannel shirts or layer it with a cute scarf—so chic! Jegging and Stretch Denim: Comfort Meets Style Super Stretchy: 8.85 oz Looking for something super comfortable that moves with you? Try jegging denim! At 8.85 oz, this fabric is designed with a 4-way stretch to give you maximum comfort and flexibility. It’s perfect for leggings, skirts, or even any knit projects that need extra stretch. When to Use It Best for leggings, skirts, or stretch jeans Perfect for athleisure looks or stretch projects Styling Tip Get ready to move! Whether you’re lounging or running errands, this fabric gives you the perfect blend of comfort and style—no need to sacrifice either! How to Choose the Right Denim Weight for Your Project Choosing the right denim weight comes down to functionality and style. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide: For light and breezy pieces (think shirts, dresses), go for lightweight denim (4 oz). For versatile, all-purpose projects (blazers, skinny jeans), choose light to mid-weight denim (8–9.5 oz). For durable, rugged wear (jackets, workwear), opt for mid/heavy denim (11 oz). For comfortable, stretchy fits (leggings, skirts), grab some jegging denim (8.85 oz). Conclusion: Denim that Works for You! At Fabric + Flow, we believe that every project deserves the right fabric, and our denim collection has something for every style and skill level. Whether you’re crafting a casual chambray shirt or a rugged pair of work jeans, understanding denim weight is essential. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of denim weights, it’s time to get creative and start sewing those stunning garments! Join our community of fabulous, creative women—don’t forget to share your projects with us on Instagram using the hashtag #FabricAndFlow. We can’t wait to see what you create!

Mistakes to Avoid When Sewing Swim Fabric Making your own swimsuits can be an incredibly rewarding hobby, but it’s also easy to make mistakes, especially if you’re just starting! Not gonna lie; we’ve all been there. For this blog, we’re highlighting some common sewing mistakes when working with swim fabrics—we also have some fab recommendations to help you get through it so you can rock that beachwear in style! 1. Stop That Stitch! Are You Using the Right Needle? Using a ballpoint needle is important when sewing swim fabrics like Swim Print | Mint Blossom. It avoids unpleasant snags and keeps your fabric in tip-top shape. 2. Grainlines Are Your Best Friends Let’s talk about grainlines. Cutting on the wrong grain can lead to garments that hang oddly. Always mind the grain, especially when working with fabrics like the Swim Kit | Coco Tweed. 3. Pre-Wash and Prep Your Fabrics! Always pre-wash your fabric to avoid any size surprises. And remember to follow the wash instructions, you don’t want to see the cute French Terry | Bamboo - Vanilla losing shape after you’re done sewing! 4. Seam Allowance Seam allowances are the secret to sleek finishes and a well-fitting garment. Patterns for swim projects—like the one you’ll need for the Swim Kit | Floral Rush + Wildberry—include specific seam allowances, so let’s give them the respect they deserve. 5. Thread Drama? Choose Quality for Smooth Sewing! Cheap or old thread just won’t cut it. High-quality threads are key when sewing swimsuit fabric, especially pieces like the ones in our Swim Kit | She’s An Icon + Black—which, by the way, already includes some top-quality Gütermann thread! 6. Test Garment First Before you cut into your precious fabric, make a test garment. Try using a less fancy fabric before handling your awesome Swim Kit | Grey Leopard + Black. 7. Steam Power! Press your seams and hems as you go. For swim fabrics like Swim Print | Baroque Silhouette, use a pressing cloth and low heat to avoid damaging the fabric! 8. Maintain the Right Tension Make sure your sewing machine’s tension is set correctly. Play around with a scrap piece of stretchy fabric from the Swim Print | Spot On to get it just right. 9. Keep Your Scissors Sharp Using dull scissors is a no-go. Sharp tools are essential, especially with designs like Swim Print | Gilded Flora. 10. Sew Slow and Steady Rushing through your projects is a recipe for frustration. Trust us, patience pays off. Take your time and enjoy the process while working with Swim Kit | Life’s A Peach + Forest Green or another kit. 11. Study Your Pattern Always read through the entire pattern instructions. It clarifies everything, especially with fab kits like the Swim Kit | Lost In Lagos + Navy. 12. Tune into Your Fabric’s Mood Each fabric has its personality. Some fabrics like our Swim Print | Check it Out have unique stretch and thickness, so adjust those techniques accordingly. 13. Use the Right Stitches Different fabrics require different stitches. Zigzag stitches are amazing for swim fabrics like Swim Print | Sleepy Hollow. 14. Handle with Love Delicate fabrics like swim ones need a gentle touch. Use special needles and take your time with the Swim Kit | Garden Whimsy. By mindfully following these tips and tricks, sewing swimsuit fabrics can be fun and fabulous! Check out our Swim 2025 Collection and our Swim Kits Collection to get your fabrics and kits. We’re here to cheer you on and get you the best materials to create something awesome. Now, turn those wrong stitches into something memorable.

Spring Fabric Trends: The Must-Have Fabrics for Your Next DIY Project Spring is here, which means it’s time for fresh fabrics, bold prints, and DIY projects that actually make you excited to sew. And if there’s one fabric stealing the spotlight this season, it’s swim fabric. Yes, you read that right—custom swimwear is the move this year. Forget settling for whatever fits off the rack. With our new swim fabrics and pre-made Swim Kits, you can design your own swimsuit, complete with the perfect stretch, colour, and fit. So, before we dive into the rest of spring’s trending fabrics, let’s talk about your new summer staple. 1. Swim Fabrics and DIY Swim Kits—Your Summer Essential Why settle for basic swimwear when you can make your own? With Fabric + Flow’s latest swim fabrics, you get high-quality, stretchy, and durable materials perfect for designing bikinis, one-pieces, or even stylish cover-ups. And if you want to make it even easier? Our Swim Kits come with everything you need—fabric, lining, and elastic—so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to sewing. Our top picks? Swim Print | Lost in Lagos → Vibrant, smooth, and ready for your next poolside moment Swim Print | She’s an Icon → Classic, textured, and ridiculously flattering Swim Kit | Life’s a Peach + Honey Gingham → A dreamy combo of playful peaches and classic gingham ✔️ Four-way stretch for comfort and support✔️ Swim Kits available—because we like to make things easy Pro Tip: If you’re new to sewing swimwear, start with a Swim Kit—it’s got all the essentials, plus you won’t have to hunt down the right materials. 2. Breezy Linen—Because Comfort Should Look This Good If effortless style had a fabric soulmate, it would be linen. It’s breathable, lightweight, and has that “Oh, this old thing? Just threw it on” kind of elegance. Whether you’re making an oversized button-up, a tailored jumpsuit, or an easygoing sundress, linen just gets the job done. Our pick? Woven | Viscose + Linen - Lavender. It’s structured yet soft, perfect for anything from power dressing to weekend lounging. ✔️ Keeps you cool✔️ Softens beautifully with wear✔️ Adds that understated luxury vibe 3. Statement Prints—Louder Is Better Minimalists, look away. Bold prints are dominating this season, and we are here for it. Florals, stripes, geometrics—if it turns heads, it belongs in your sewing room. What’s in our cart? Cotton Stretch Print | Night Garden. Crisp, breathable, and features a stunning black and white floral design that screams spring (without actually screaming, of course). 4. Lightweight Cotton—Your Everyday Go-To Yes, cotton is a staple. But not all cottons are created equal. This season, it’s all about breathable, soft, move-with-you cottons that work for everything from breezy blouses to laid-back dresses. Our cotton crush? Cotton Poplin Print | French Botanicals. Playful, fresh, and just structured enough to hold its shape without feeling stiff. ✔️ Lightweight and breathable✔️ Perfect for relaxed silhouettes—think wrap skirts, shirtdresses, and flowy tops 5. Stretchy Ribbed Knits—Because Who Said Comfort Can’t Be Chic? Soft, stretchy, and just the right amount of form-fitting, ribbed knits are the real MVP this season. They hug your curves (without suffocating you) and work for everything from cute crop tops to lounge sets. Must-have? Ribbed Knit | Bamboo - Fuchsia —the ideal balance of cozy and stylish. 6. Sheer and Flowy Chiffon—For Those Drama-Queen Moments Not all heroes wear capes, but if they did, they’d probably be made of chiffon. Whether you’re layering it over another fabric or making a billowy blouse that catches the breeze just right, this fabric brings instant romance to any project. Our go-to? Chiffon | Midsummer Night—light, sheer, and practically made for twirling. ✔️ Adds a soft, dreamy aesthetic✔️ Perfect for layering or statement pieces   Ready to Start Sewing? Let’s Make Some Magic Spring trends don’t wait, and neither should you. If you’re feeling inspired, grab these fabrics while they’re still in stock—because nothing haunts a sewist like the fabric they almost bought. Want more DIY inspo? Join our community on 📸 Instagram | 📌 Pinterest | 💼 LinkedIn Let’s get sewing!

Creating your own swimwear is an exciting project, but choosing the right fabric is key to getting a comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting swimsuit. Whether you’re sewing a bikini, one-piece, or rash guard, the fabric you choose will determine how well it fits, stretches, and holds up to all your activities. What to Look for in Swimwear Fabric Swimwear fabrics need to be: Stretchy: Look for at least 50% four-way stretch to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. Quick-drying: Fabrics that hold moisture will feel heavy and uncomfortable. Durable: Strong fibres prevent sagging and wear. Top Fabrics for Swimwear Nylon Spandex (Polyamide Spandex) If you’re looking for a classic, go-to swim fabric, this is it! Nylon spandex is soft, stretchy, and fits like a dream. It moves with your body and gives that smooth, second-skin feel—perfect for bikinis, one-pieces, and even swim leggings. Pros: Soft, lightweight, and dries quickly Cons: Slightly less chlorine-resistant than polyester blends Best for: Bikinis, one-pieces, swim leggings Our Pick? Swim Basic Solid | Dewy Blue Content: 80% Nylon | 20% Spandex Width: 150 cm | 60” Weight: 200 gsm | 7 oz Stretch: 4-way | 80-90% cross-grain and straight-grain Polyester Spandex If you’re planning to swim a lot—as in, lap after lap in the pool or back-to-back beach days—this is the fabric you need. Polyester spandex holds up like a champ against chlorine and UV rays, meaning your swimsuit will stay vibrant and stretchy for the long haul. What we’d grab? Swim Print | Porcelain Rhapsody. This print has such a soft romantic vibe and just the right amount of stretch to keep things comfy. Why you’ll love it: Long-lasting, fade-proof, and feels great against the skin. Keep in mind: It’s not as silky-soft as nylon, but it makes up for it with durability. Textured Swim Fabrics Want to take your DIY swimwear to the next level? Textured fabrics are where it’s at. Whether it’s ribbed, waffled, or jacquard, these fabrics add a unique, high-end look to your swimsuit. What we’re obsessed with? Swim Basic Rib | Marine. Navy is a timeless, elegant color that never goes out of style. Why you’ll love it: Looks stylish, fits like a glove, and makes your DIY swimsuit feel designer-level. Pro tip: Ribbed swim fabric provides amazing compression by hugging the body with its structured texture, creating a flattering and supportive fit. Don’t Forget the Lining! No one wants a see-through swimsuit, right? For a pro finish, always add a good lining. It keeps things secure, adds comfort, and makes sure your swimsuit lasts! What we’d use? Swim Lining | Nude . It’s lightweight and stretchy enough to move with you. Why you’ll love it: Gives your swimsuit that polished, high-quality feel. Pro tip: Use Power Mesh if you're looking for tummy control in a one-piece! Where to Buy High-Quality Swimwear Fabrics At Fabric + Flow, we offer a curated selection of high-performance swimwear fabrics designed for DIY creators. Whether you’re making a classic one-piece or an on-trend bikini, our fabrics are handpicked to provide the best fit, durability, and style. Explore our Swimwear Fabric Collection or check out our Swimwear Sewing Kits for everything you need in one place!

✨ January is the month of new beginnings, fresh goals, and exciting resolutions! ✨ It's the perfect time to set your sights on what you want to achieve, and we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way! Let's crush those goals together this month and kick start it off with an Athleisure Wear Sewing Challenge! 🧵👚 Here’s the game plan: 🔸 The Goal: Rival your favorite athletic or athleisure wear brands (yes, the ones you absolutely live in) and make YOUR OWN epic set using your choice of patterns and fabrics! Bonus points if you use F+F fabrics (hey, it’s our challenge, right? 😉)! 🔸 The Rules: You have the ENTIRE month of January to complete your masterpiece! Yes, the whole month to flex your sewing skills, get creative, and maybe even learn something new along the way! 🔸 What You’ll Need: Your favorite athleisure pieces to inspire you (whether it’s those comfy leggings or snazzy hoodies!). Snap a photo or take a screenshot. A killer pattern (get ready to customize it to make it your own). If you need help, ask your sewing community. Greenstyle has graciously offered a 15% discount off patterns with code GSFF558120023 Fabrics galore! Stretchy, comfy, stylish—pick the best fabric that’ll help you move and groove in style. Even better, dig into that stash of fabric, or treat yourself to something new. Encourage a friend to join. The more the merrier. Did we mention there are prizes?! Tag and Share! Take us along your journey. Share your progress. We want to know your what inspiration was, the patterns and fabrics you used and end epic results. Be sure you tag us and use the hashtag #FFSewFitJan 🔸 Prizes: $75 Gift Card to Fabric + Flow $40 Gift Card to Greenstyle Patterns 5 Pattern Prizes to Styla Patterns 🔸 To Enter: To make sure we see your Epic Fits and track who has participated, we'd love it if you could send us a photo - via message on Facebook or Instagram, or to our email workroom@fabricandflow.com - and if you're feeling extra: your inspo and patterns you used. Photos need to be submitted by Feb 3. Winners will be drawn Feb 6. Let’s make this January all about that perfect combo of fashion, comfort, and creativity. You’ve got this! Sew much fun ahead! 😍💖 Ready, set, SEW! 🧵✨

If you've been following along with us, you'll see we have released some absolutely AMAZING new coatings in various weights and textures. Our influencers have been knocking their creations out of the park. HELLO sewing goals!! Maybe you're like me and think "Hmm, I’d love to try making a coat". But are feeling apprehensive because it's uncharted territory. No matter your reasons, we're here to help you pave the way to success. Shoot, even I want to conquer my fears and stitch up a jacket. And if I, a self-proclaimed adversary of zippers, ironing, and practically all tasks tied to tailoring woven fabrics (knits hold my sewing heart), am willing to give it a whirl, then so can you! Perks of sewing your own coat: Customization Choosing the fabric, color, and style you love allows you to create a jacket that truly represents your unique taste and personality.​ Perfect Fit Sewing your own jacket allows you to tailor it to your exact measurements, resulting in a fit that’s often more comfortable than off-the-rack options. Why are the arms always so tight?? I can’t be the only one! Skill Development Sewing is not just about stitching fabric together; it's a journey of skill-building that amps up your crafting game. It's like leveling up in real life, where each stitch is a step towards becoming a crafting ninja. You'll pick up nifty tricks that you can whip out for your next creative adventure! Cost-Effectiveness Crafting your own jacket may involve an initial investment in materials, but it can prove to be cost-effective in the long run, especially when you choose premium fabrics. The personal attention and care you put into making it ensures a durable and long-lasting piece. Contributing to a more sustainable fashion practice compared to mass-produced garments. You might be thinking, Okay now what? Well now the fun begins. Step 1 Really you could start one of two ways here. Either by knowing what fabric is calling your name or what pattern you’d like to use. Both are great inspiration starting points. For the sake of this, lets start with the fabric. Decide which one has to be part of your wardrobe. Also get personal with your fabric. Know its content, width and its structure. How does it move or stretch. This will be helpful in choosing your pattern. Keep in mind, the amount of fabric you need will vary depending on the style of coat you want. So both steps really go hand in hand. Step 2 Select your pattern. I know this isn’t always easy. When you look at your fabric, can you envision it finished? How do you want it to look? Do you have an inspo photo? Utilize the sewing community if you’re stuck. Share your inspo/fabric pics and ask them for suggestions. Guaranteed someone out there can direct you to what you’re looking for. We have a wonderful group of sewists in our Fabric + Flow Collective page on Facebook There are so many amazing pattern companies out there, your choices are endless. I have found many pattern companies also include video tutorials within their instructions. This is a tremendous help. Step 3 The fun continues... You’ve picked your pattern and got it ready in your size. Like all patterns, you will need your measurements. Gathered all necessary notions and prepped your fabric. And away you go! But wait, you’re still not feeling confident. You want more support. Did you know that some pattern companies also offer detailed courses? You can use these to your advantage. They will guide and support you through the coat making process. From start to finish, you will have one on one video help. You’ll gain all sorts of knowledge, like pattern adjustments and sewing techniques. Here are two I have found: Love Notions Octave Coat Course - Love Notions Sewing Patterns (can add on the pattern). We've partnered up with Love Notions for the month of November to help you make an amazing coat, whether its your first or you tenth. You can save 20% off any off their Outerwear Patterns. (Not valid on sale items) Closet Core Coatmaking 101 | How to Sew Coats | Online Sewing Class – Closet Core Patterns Happy Sewing friends, you’ve got this. If you decide to embark on the coat making journey, I hope you’ll tag us and show us the finished project. Allison Coating Collection: Coatings – Fabric + Flow Textile Co.

From Fabric to Fashion: Create Your Fall Look Fall is all about the return of those cozy fabrics, with cool textures and heavier weights. Hello plaids, sweater knits, denims and coatings! Let's get you inspired for sewing your fall wardrobe! This week's email is all about blending textures to craft the ultimate autumn ensembles. Imagine the possibilities with our cozy brushed plaids, soft ribbed bamboo, and the versatile Denim jeggings. Dive into the season with these fabulous fabrics! We've collected a few photos of amazing fall outfits and have some great pattern suggestions to get you started on your new fall wardrobe. Love this look?? Pattern Suggestions: Clef Coat - Love Notions Sewing Patterns I love that this coat has a few finishing options. The Button up Hooded version is calling my name. Bonus, they also have a pattern for Men and Kids. The whole family could have matching coats. Logan Shacket – Casual Patterns – Style Arc This one is great is your looking for the more traditional Shacket vibe. Or even this one: Styla Tahoe – Styla Patterns Again quite a few finishing options. Pair the Shacket with a long or short sleeve tee. By using the ribbed bamboo you're adding great texture. And makes the basic tee not so basic. There is quite a few out there, and many free. Here is one to get the vibe going: Crew Neck Top Sewing Pattern – Swim Style Patterns Finish the outfit off with denim, well jeggings actually. Complete comfort, ultimate style. Crescendo Jeans - Love Notions Sewing Patterns This more your style! Rise & Fall Turtlenecks - Papercut Patterns Turtleneck - a fall staple. This one has two versions. Encore Skirt - Love Notions Sewing Patterns I love all the options this pattern has (HELLO it has pockets!), making it perfect for year round projects. PDF Skirt Pattern | Women's Circle Skirt Sewing Pattern – Pattern Emporium 3/4 Circle Skirt with various ways to finish Finish this outfit off with a waist length denim jacket = Perfection! Shop the collection: November Fall Fashion – Fabric + Flow Textile Co. We cannot wait to see how your Fall Wardrobe develops. Happy Sewing, Allison

Guest Feature by Karen Dolen from @intostitches Crafting the Puffer Vest: A Journey of Collaboration and Creativity When Fabric + Flow approached me about a collaboration with a selection of their new Euro coat fabrics, I decided to take a look and see what they had (I'm a sucker for anything having to do with coats). I instantly became obsessed with ALPHAMANIA, a quilted polyester piece (in what I thought was black). I love graphic prints and especially letters. When I saw that this piece was embossed with letters and numbers, I couldn’t resist. When the package arrived, and I opened it, I was shocked to see that what I thought was black was actually blue . . . and I don’t do blue (more on that later)! My amazing daughter convinced me to pretend I was on Project Runway, that they had just handed me this piece of fabric, and my job was to Make It Work and WIN. Challenge accepted! (Let me know how you think I did.) Here's a look at the process I went through to bring this creation to life. Inspiration and Concept This project allowed me to pull together the many design elements floating around in my head (and some PINTEREST inspiration) that ultimately resulted in a unique and stylish vest. I wanted to blend functionality with fashion. Design I searched through patterns for something that might come close to what I was envisioning but didn’t find what I was looking for. For the body shape, I had previously made a VikiSews Cheryl oversized jacket and loved the way it fit so I used that as my starting point. I cut the front and back out of muslin and stitched them together. It was just a bit more oversized than I wanted so I took the side seams in as well as shortened it a few inches. After I was satisfied with the shape of the body I traced about 2” in from the outside edges all around the muslin (while it was joined together) and created a continuous facing that started at the back V went around the back, up the front, along the neck and back down the front and back. Fortunately, with careful layout before cutting, and a bit of extra fabric, I was able to cut the entire facing in one piece. Next, I added the fun design features from my Pinterest inspiration photos. A deep opening for the arm hole (with added facings) A V cutout in the center back . A front band with an interesting curve at the bottom so that when it is buttoned you can see a bit of an opening on the lower edge of the band). The band I just drew on as part of the front so that there was nothing to attach, and it was cut as one piece. I try to avoid a lot of seams when working on this type of fabric. Topstitched front band That took care of the shape of the vest body.Next I needed to add some extra fun features. I found the Tuski Cargo Vest Waffle patterns. I used the large cargo pockets and the stand collar with concealed hood, and I just love the way that came out. This combination of elements from different patterns allowed me to create a vest that was both functional and stylish. Sewing and Construction The sewing process required careful attention to detail, especially when working with quilted polyester fabric that has been stamped together in some places. I totally cobbled everything together as I went, ensuring that each piece fit together seamlessly. I decided to finish all of the visible inside seams by stitching right sides together, folding the seams toward the back of the vest and folding the edges under and sewing close to the folded edge for a flat-felled seam. After attaching the collar, I enclosed everything with my large facing piece, stitched right sides together, trimmed the seams, turned and edge-stitched all the way around.For final touches, I added grommets, snaps, and cording with nice metal end caps. Puffer Vest Trends for 2024 Puffer vests are making a big statement this season, and here are some of the top trends: Layered Over Sweaters: Puffer vests are being styled over chunky knit sweaters for a cozy yet chic look. This combination is perfect for fall and early winter[1]. Bright Colors and Patterns: This season, puffer vests in bright hues and bold patterns are making a statement. They add a pop of color to any outfit[1]. Oversized and Belted: Oversized puffer vests, sometimes cinched with a belt, are popular for a more structured and fashionable silhouette[2]. Sporty and Casual: Pairing puffer vests with leggings and sneakers for a sporty, on-the-go look is also trending[2]. Final Thoughts If all these details want to make you run screaming . . . I can highly recommend this fabric using the VikiSews Cheryl Jacket (exactly as drafted) or it would be fab in my favorite Boxy Parka pattern by Tobias Konrath. I’ve made both patterns in pre-quilted polyester, and I LOVE them. Surprising Conclusion Collaborating with Fabric + Flow turned out to be a great experience that allowed me to push my creative boundaries and produce a designer garment I am thrilled with. AND – shock of all shockers . . . I'm kind of in love with this color, the blacks in my wardrobe are going to have to make some room for this newcomer because I will be wearing it a lot! About Karen Dolen Also known as @intostitches on Instagram. It was love at first stitch as Karen began her sewing journey at the age of eight (Over 60 year ago).In 1974, while working on her degree in Fashion Merchandising and Textiles, she bought her first sewing machine, an Elna SU, on a layaway plan. She began her first “industry” job when a sewing machine shop hired her to sell sewing machines and teach customers to use those new machines. Two similar jobs followed. One of which also involved making draperies. After discovering that sewing for homes was more profitable than sewing for bodies, Karen began her own custom interior business, working for decorators in the late 70’s through early 90’s. Circumstances changed and she found herself entering the commercial finance industry in 1994, where she remains today. Throughout all the changes, Karen has continued to sew for herself. In high school, she made her first coat and has been fairly obsessed with them ever since. Currently she has over 50 coats/jackets in her collection, ranging from Chanel style jackets, leather moto’s, Burberry trench copies, and my “Queen Coat”, a copy of a Pierre Balmain Afternoon Coat designed for the Queen of Thailand in 1960. These days you will find her sewing on weekends and any other free time she can find (and occasionally teaching at sewing retreats). Sewing allows her to set day-to-day life aside and mix her love of fabric, fashion and style, into one-of-a-kind pieces that she loves wearing as much as making. Be sure to give her a follow on Instagram @IntoStiches! References [1] The 18 Best Puffer Vests of 2024 - Byrdie [2] Puffer Vests Aren't Going Anywhere This Winter — Ways To Style The Trend

You could feel it in the air—the night was going to be special. Fabrics were waiting patiently, hidden under wraps, knowing full well they were about to steal the spotlight. We were just as excited as you were, but we like a little drama.