Hello March! Spring is a-coming – I’m hopped up on allergy medicine and am ready to talk about my newest springtime outfit! Last summer, I made a shorts version of the Yanta overalls by Helen’s Closet. They are adorable and I figured it was time to make the full-length version. I couldn’t think of a better fabric to bring in the Spring than this Art Gallery cotton canvas fabric from Minerva. It turned out great and I even used the scrap fabric to make a Drew headband from Seamwork.
This fabric is a delight for the eyes! The full name of the fabric is Art Gallery Fabrics Wild Forgotten Cotton Canvas Fabric – Bluebells & Buttercups Lark. That may sound like a mouthful, but it’s necessary to describe the rich design of this fabric. There are so many different flowers blooming on this pattern that it reminded me of walking through an enchanted forest. It’s so colorful and bountiful, but the design doesn’t feel busy or over the top. The canvas was a bit stiff at first but softened nicely after being laundered and retained its lush colors. This fabric is perfect for clothing or bags, but I think it’s definitely more of a medium-weight canvas than a heavyweight canvas. As with all plain-woven fabrics, be sure to finish the seams because the fabric has a tendency to fray. I ran my seams through my serger and that eliminated any fraying. I had no issues cutting or sewing with this fabric, but make sure to use a new needle and quality thread with each new project. I used a size 14 needle and Gutermann thread, but any high-quality thread will do.
When it came to sewing the garments, I’ve made both patterns before, so I knew what adjustments needed to be made. I prefer a looser fit for the Yanta overalls, so I eliminated the side zipper and the front darts, and added 5 inches to the straps so they’d fit in the buckles. Because the canvas doesn’t have as much stretch as recommended for the Drew headband, I lengthened the elastic from 4 to 6 inches. This adjustment gave the headband a snug, but not painful, fit. I completed both pieces over the weekend, with the Yanta taking up the bulk of my time. You could probably finish the Yanta in one day, but I was in no hurry.
It’s a transitional season for my wardrobe, so I’m still wearing long coats despite making clothes better suited for warmer weather. Pretty soon I’ll be faced with whether or not it’s time to switch out my cold weather clothes for my warm weather clothes. I never know when it’s safe to put my coats away because our weather is so indecisive. The temperatures are forecast to hit the 80s this weekend, but I don’t trust it. I’m going to hold on to my coats and sweaters a bit longer. Besides, these overalls pair fantastically with a snuggly cardigan and a cup of tea.
