Two Yard Cuts

One of the most common questions I see in so many fabric and pattern groups is, if you don’t have a plan for it, how much of a fabric do you buy? I’ve also seen answers that run from 1/2 yard if it’s for the kids or 1 yard for me, to, I just buy X yards, just in case. There are SOOO many answers that can be helpful. Is the fabric knit or woven? Are you sewing for an adult or a child? Is it bottom weight or top weight? And, honestly, there is no right answer that works for every person for every situation.

For me personally, I most commonly sew for my self and my sister. And I most often sew with knits these days. Unless I’m planning a specific project, I almost always prefer 2 yard cuts. Now, this is mostly because I sew curvy sizes. I can’t quite get every top out of 1 yard, so I need a little extra fabric. (Ok, there are a few fabric companies that I KNOW send generous cuts. Sometimes I order 1 yard cuts if I know I want a simple top.)

This is the downside for having a bit extra time in my hourglass. 😉 So, I am always keeping an eye out for patterns that take less than one yard. Now, one of my absolute favorite basic tee patterns is the Favorite Tee from Patterns for Pirates. I adore the fit. It is hella flattering on me. And is has some great options to fancy it up, if I’m in the mood. Of course, it is takes just over one yard…

However, I’ve now found a couple of patterns I can sew up out of just UNDER one yard! Now that is winning!! AND they aren’t even tops. 🙂 My default was to check if I have enough for a Made for Mermaids Mama Chloe skirt. I just need enough fabric to get a length I am comfortable with. Plus, the waistband can always be a different fabric, since I never wear it out anyway.

Now, though, I am living in Made for Mermaids Mama Lexi shorts. I LOVE THEM!!! They are comfortable, super fast to sew, have pockets, and I can get an entire pair out of just about one yard of fabric. This one also falls in the waistband can be a different fabric category!

So, how in the world does this pertain to the outfit I’m sharing today? I got this GORGEOUS Sly Fox Fabrics Unforgettable double brushed poly and started weighing my options. I considered quite a few different patterns. Some that would just squeeze out of the 2 yards. Some that would comfortably fit and leave me with tiny scraps. I hemmed and hawed while it was shipping to me. Then while I was washing it. Then I sprained my damn ankle and couldn’t sew. So, more time to consider, I suppose.

I sewed up a practice top to see if it is what I wanted. While I love it, it wasn’t quite right for this fabric. Back to the drawing board. Then, I realized I knew exactly what I wanted. This DBP was the perfect weight to flatter and be comfy. I can wear it in this hot Atlanta summer without melting. Obviously, I needed another (non basic, but fabulous) basic tee. And I hoped there would be enough to squeeze out a skirt or some shorts. I need more summer bottoms in my life.

Now, I knew I needed a top that would match these gorgeous new summer bottoms and I had the perfect Sly Fox Fabric in my stash! The Peach double brushed poly matched perfectly and it meant I got to sew up something from my shelf! Plus, the Made for Mermaids Mama Ava is another of my favorite go to basic tees. Win. Win.

So, now I have three lovely new pieces in my closet and I can’t wait to start mixing and matching them to everything I already had.