Teenagers: a whirlwind of energy, ideas, and ever-evolving style. This fall, my son’s wardrobe “needs” sparked a creative challenge: high-end inspiration (think Fear of God and Moncler) on a DIY budget. He
was drawn to relaxed silhouettes and luxurious, earth-toned fabrics like corduroy and wool. Instead of
sticker shock, I saw an opportunity to dive into Fabricville‘s winter collection and put my sewing skills to
work.
The Brown Corduroy Pants:
I repurposed a trusted Burda pattern from a previous project, adding personal touches:
- Back darts and flap pockets.
- Slanted front pockets with deep pleats.
- A three-piece waistband with elastic for comfort.
Following Roberto Cabrera’s tailoring techniques ensured clean, professional finishes—a point of serious pride!
The Taupe Padded Vest: A Vintage Gamble:
A 90s Italian magazine pattern was the base for this puffer vest. I knew padding would alter the fit, so I
sized up and used high-loft polyester filling. The vest shrank beautifully during quilting, achieving a
modern, cropped look perfect for pairing with wider pants. (Next time, I’ll add a bit more length!)
The Oversized Shacket: A Fabric Fiasco Turned Triumph:
Inspired by a high-end boutique, I aimed for a long-sleeved shirt-jacket using a vintage Spanish pattern.
A miscalculation in fabric quantity resulted in short sleeves, but the meticulous pattern matching and
detailed construction (lapped seams, in-seam and slotted pockets) made it a masterpiece.
The shacket’s extreme oversized fit initially caused my son some amusement, but paired with the pants,
it grew on him. And if he doesn’t fully embrace it? I’m claiming it for myself! It’s a testament to the
power of creativity and the joy of handmade fashion.
The Lesson?
Teen style challenges can turn into rewarding sewing adventures, especially with the right
fabrics and a bit of daring.
