In Bloom by Sandra Clemons for Michael Miller Fabrics

I enjoy finding new fabric designers and creating just for the sake of creating.  Today I’m sharing this post as a part of my involvement with SewingPortfolios.com.  Sewing Portfolios is a free network that helps to connect bloggers, pattern testers, etc. with businesses within the sewing community.  I was selected to be an Ambassador for Sewing Portfolios to help build knowledge about this community.  Michael Miller fabrics has really jumped on board with SewingPortfolios.com and because of this partnership I was given the opportunity sew up some fabric from newly released lines to show off.

I was sent fabric from the In Bloom Line -Turquiose by Sandra Clemons for this post.  This line has two colorways, Blossom (pink vibes) and Turquiose (blues and greens).  I was able to incorporate the Linger, Sunburst, Summer Fern (all from the Turquiose colorway) for my project.  I used the Sunburst and Summer Fern for the bodice and inserted the Linger into the skirt with the Sunburst.  I enjoy sewing fabrics within one line because I know they will work together.  However, I wasn’t quite sure how I felt when I received these three fabrics to pair together. There wasn’t a lot of contrast between the colors and that made me slightly nervous.  I’m happy to say I think they work great together. The Summer Fern offered just enough pop of color to pull this look off.  I would totally pair these fabrics together again.  Sandra must have knowledge about colors and patterns that I have not yet mastered.

I was given creative freedom for showing off these lovely fabrics, so I opted to use the opportunity as an excuse to purchase a new pattern.  Who doesn’t like an excuse to buy a new pattern?! I grabbed the Pixie Top and  Dress pattern from Violette Field Threads. It’s a fairly simple sew with a cuffed dolman sleeve.  I’ve sewn up two dresses with this pattern and have a third version cut, just waiting to become something.  For this particular project, I modified the skirt to be able to include the three fabrics sent my way.  The pattern does not include information for the paneled skirt, but this was an easy modification. (If you would like detail on an easy way to do this, leave me a comment below.)  This is a great dress pattern for beginners as you don’t have to set in sleeves and there aren’t any difficult closures.  You can see in the image below that there is a simple back tie.  This tie can be made from something you have purchased (trim, ribbon, etc.) or you can make fabric ties to match your dress.  I had some suede trim, so I opted to use that as my tie.

I’m loving the look I was able to create with these fabrics.  This dress has already been worn several times.  It’s been a great hit.  Thanks to SewingPortfolios.com for inviting me to join in on this project with Michael Miller fabrics.  I look forward to continuing to build connections with businesses and other bloggers within the sewing community.  I’m always amazed how supportive people within this community are with each other.  I’ve built many friendships and love that I have these bonds with “my tribe” of people.

If you want to join this great network, check out SewingPortfolios.com, then join the group on Facebook group to interact with other members and build new relationships.

If you loved this make, please join me on my sewing adventures.  Follow me on Instagram, like my Facebook page, and enter your email over on the side bar to subscribe to my posts.  There will be more from me soon!

Thanks again to Michael Miller Fabrics for partnering with Sewing Portfolios and for looking for opportunities within the blogger community.  I truly hope you were pleased with my creation from your fabrics.