Hello Friends, My name is Fatmata, the creative behind Traditionally Inspired. Meaningful Art. I am an artist, counselor, sewing enthusiast, fabric petter, button admirer, and sewist with a lot of energy! My West African heritage instilled a deep appreciation for bright bold colors and prints; my faith has helped me hone in on a modest and feminine aesthetic, and my busy life has allowed me to relish the slow pace of garment sewing. I truly view my sewing practice as artistic expression. I love sharing my wins, learning moments, happy discoveries, intense love of vintage notions and trims, and of course, BEAUTIFUL FABRICS over on this channel!
If you would like to support the channel further, I am fueled by Kofi :) ko-fi.com/timabyfk
I spent 4 years making a queen sized quilt using English paper piecing. For each time I got onto a plane / train or was away from home I’d have my shapes hand sewing them together
Hi what is the name of the blush fabric with the 3-D image from Mood fabrics? I have a blouse pattern that I would love to make. I really enjoy your videos.
G Street independence - 4th of July😂😂 I’m here visiting my daughter and hope to get to G Street tomorrow before I leave. Wanted to know a few of those thrift places that you shop. I know the area but wasn’t into thrifting when she lived in that area. Hope you get this. I went to community tab to check for an email address first😩
@@maxinekershaw9756 hi Maxine!! So happy you get to visit your daughter this weekend! Is this your daughter that had recently gotten married also, when you were in town a bit ago? I’m excited you’ll make a stop at G street. So, my best friend and I went on Wednesday this week (she was looking for a fabric for Baltimore frocktails) they had some sales on for summer, but my favorite deadstock room as so bare. I can’t remember the last time I’d seen it so empty, I was shocked. When I spoke to an associate and the manager they said they had been waiting on a shipment for some time and hope that it comes in soon. I realllllly hope it comes in before your visit, because I was a bit disappointed to be honest. We left empty handed and went down to Fabric Place Basement in Alexandria, VA. They have a coupon if you sign up for emails in advance, but also have $3.99 bins with fabrics too (not a full room, but it does have some gems). I’ll get you the addresses of my fave thrift stores, but they aren’t that close to GStreet, unfortunately
@@TIMAbyFK yes. I only have one child😂 we won’t get to G Street. Found out yesterday I gotta cook 🙄 but she may take me to a thrift store😂😂😂 I’m glad you went because she lives in Baltimore now since she got married (was in Laurel) and before that DC, Hyattsville and silver springs by way of college- Howard. So it’s a 45 min - hour drive and we have an early flight in the morning so I’ll be happy with thrifting. Tell you bestie I said congratulations!!!
@@maxinekershaw9756 Aww ok! I figured I pop the thrift store locations down below anyway, but I realize they’ll be a bit further away from your current location. BUT, if you’re in Baltimore you gotta get to SCRAP B-more, a thrift store for just craft and sewing things!!! 913 W Barre St, Baltimore, MD 21230 I hope you score big there! I haven’t been yet, but bestie has and enjoyed it, I went to a similar type of store in Michigan and loved it! Here are my other faves: Value Village 2277 University Blvd E, Adelphi, MD 20783 2nd Ave Thrift 201 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD 20707 Prime Thrift Laurel (Laurel Thrift) 9880 Washington Blvd N, Laurel, MD 20723 Red, White & Blue Thrift Store 123 Bowie Rd, Laurel, MD 20707 Value Village 2277 University Blvd E, Adelphi, MD 20783 10121 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20903
@@TIMAbyFK Not a problem, my sewing sister. She took me to a value village in Ellicot? I did purchase but did think this one was a bit pricey but I had to get something. I will put those places in my places to visit so when I come back (and I will)…I will go there. They threw in a cook day for me which was not on my schedule so that cut my thrifting time down. Thanks for your reply. I think you’re one of the best out here. And never be concerned about being too long because the controls to watch are on MY end and I keep coming back and while you were are away, I kept watching over and over. Wish we could like on every watch…lol. Again, thanks
@@maxinekershaw9756 Maxine, that means so much to me, thank you sooo much! I am so grateful for you and your encouragement! Yay I’m glad you got to do some shopping. I do understand the joy of having moms home cooking lol so I understand, but I hope you get to make it to some of the other gems on your next visit and hope we get to connect at some point in the future! Safe travels!
@@GoingGreenMom thank you!! I was smitten with it as soon as I saw it, the sheen and luster in person wasn’t fully captured on screen, but I’m glad you enjoyed it as well!
@@onalennamanyeneng8862 thank you soooo much and welcome to the channel. I am so happy you found me, and I hope you enjoy the backlog, and the more recent posts of creativity!
@@LostMyThread I honestly feel like I want to make something similar for myself, after all the hard work of figuring out how to hack that pattern, I can’t let her have all the fun, can I ?
With the binding the way it was could you add maybe some hooks and eyes to make that center panel drop down temporarily to make it more nursing friendly and then stitch up the seam when the baby weans? @@TIMAbyFK
@@GoingGreenMom sometimes you just need someone else to take a look at something with fresh eyes, because I don’t think I would’ve thought of that idea! That could be possible with some tweaks and would be a great nursing friendly hack for that as a temporary solution. I think the hooks may need to be close together to avoid a wardrobe malfunction, but could be worth a tey
The dress is gorgeous! Congratulations on the accomplishment of completing it. I have been here through about half of the process. It's amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you so much, Glenda! It certainly felt like a huge accomplishment when I sewed on those buttons at the end! It’s been a pleasure to share this process because I really wanted to show how long some labor of love projects can take.
Yes! Thank you for those wonderful vlogs, I’ve been enjoying your recount of the episodes so much, and I love how other bloggers in the community have been doing some sewing bee inspired challenges also! I’m so happy to have you here on my channel also, and I hope you enjoy the backlog of creative projects, I’d like to think some have a bit of sparkle for sure. I don’t always get to comment on all your videos ( I usually watch while nursing, washing dishes or sewing so my hands are often tied up, I’m trying to get better about that though 🤗)
You are so welcome! When I saw it on @TomkatStitchery’s channel for a bias cut skirt she made, I took the idea and ran with it, I love it for many of my skirt even the ones that aren’t bias cut. I have found that at least a 1.5” soft waistband works best
I hadn’t considered that, I think the linens may be stiffer than I’d like for a head wrap, or I’m afraid it may be overkill since the dress is A LOT lol it has been fun picking out hijab colors from one of the layers and pairing that with the dress. I have a great match for the burgundy that’s in the dress, and that had worked well with it also!
Oh my to floral trenchcoat ! Just finished my linen Chanterelles and love them today's task is finding the perfect button for a blue striped Jenna shirt. I need to run at the Zadie again....I haven't got it to fit me yet! Well done on your super interfacing.... woven interfacing definitely game changer! I hand sewed a hanbok vest on our last family holiday and a dress on the one before !
Wouldn’t it be absolutely fabulous?! I am really looking forward to it if I can make some headway this summer it’d be great! You have been busy!!! Fabulous makes, and I hope you continue to get some sewing time carved out and make garments that you’ll love!
Thank you so much, maybe one day! I often wonder, what original designs would I come up with on my own. I love being able to get creative and figure out how to recreate looks I've seen, and wonder, what would i make just out of my own imagination, I miss those more experimental days, but know I'll have more of them here and there in the future, too!
I knew crochet might have been a good idea. I fee llike the only real free time I've had so far has been in the car and crochet feelsm ore appropriate to bring along than my feather project. Sadly, as I was making my mad dash to the door before our trip, I did not chuck my yarn into my bag, but I also havent had time to touch the feathers since we've been hanging out with the kiddos (and my cousins 3 kiddos too, it's a full house lol) and out and about with the family. All in all, its not bad, I doubt I would've found a spot to cut the pattern out in peace, so it turns out this may not be the creatively productive trip I thought it would be, no biggie lol What have you been working on lately?
@@TIMAbyFK I’ve been working on getting the fit right on pants and at the moment, I’m making the Lillian Jacket from Gertie’s new book. If I can get the fit right. I’ll be making many suits in the near future. Enjoy your vacation and fun family time.
I love the color so much!!! The rust color suits me so much, I have found that I have so many pops of orange throughout my collection, I really like it!! I’m looking forward to making a start on the trench! I’ll def share updates!! More on the meetup as soon as I can get my life lol I can’t wait!
Yay! Thank you, Shellie. No matter when you arrived, I am so HAPPY you stuck with me and that we get to celebrate the completion of this project together!! I hope you have a great creative win also!
Woohoo, it's stunning and you are a genius! You know I've been here since the beginning and knew better than to ask for progress updates 😂😂 You made a baby quicker than this dress 😂 Both the dress and baby are gorgeous 😍 🎉
Thank you so much, Tanya!! Hahhaha omg I didn’t even think about that, but how true! I am so grateful for this slow sew project, it saw me through so many life stages, if only seams could speak! Thank you so much for your encouragement and I look forward to seeing your makes this summer and all you work wear items! What you did with the gingham large collar too and trousers was gorgeous!
First time here tuning in! I thoroughly enjoyed your video and the drive to finish what could have been a UFO..but ended up being a HUGE win! You killed this dress from top to bottom...KUDDOS! Such an inspiration!!! Thank you and you have a new viewer!!
Aww thank you so much Ruqayyah! I’m so excited you found this video❤️ talk about a possible UFO! I’ve had items sitting in the UFO pile that were only missing a hem, and others hat were cut out without even a single stitch, the fact that is project was put away and taken back out repeatedly is the testament to the idea that if you choose projects you’re truly excited about, you’re more likely to finish them. Needless to say, I REALLY wanted this dress lol. I hope you enjoy the couple years of creative sews on the channel!
Thank you so much!! It tested me in all the right ways and I am so pleased with the finished garment!! It felt like such a win to stitch that last button on!
🎉 Bravo, I admire your ability to stick to it and make this dress. After all the math for the tiers and gathering all that fabric, I would have given up and bought the dress. Yours is much better and made just for you.
Thank you! 😊 seriously, I couldn’t have asked for a better finish (well aside for pockets and maybe 2” shorter) so happy I persevered with this make, and it’s motivating me so much for other longer term projects ( hopefully no more two year ones lol)! Thank you!
First time I have seein a video offered by you. It was a delight to see the results of your two projects, both your baby and your dress are lovely and delightful. Thank you for sharing.
Awww Thank you so much!😊 welcome to the channel! Both this dress and baby boy had its ups and downs and I am so grateful for the safe delivery and the creative execution of both! I hope you enjoy the other creative projects on the channel and more to come 🤗
Congratulations Fatmata! What a huge sewing accomplishment. This dress is indeed a pleasure project- no deadlines, no rush, no pressure just enjoying the process of creation and it shows. I was trying to remember all the milestones that happened since day 1- at least two international trips, sewing dresses for a wedding, being in a wedding, attending frocktails and drumroll please carrying and delivering a baby!! Thanks for having us along for the journey 🥰
Thank you so much, Vee! I mean when you put it like that, you make it seem like I’ve done so much 😅 lol it’s been such a ride these last few years and I am beyond grateful for everything you just listed and so much more, how blessed I feel!!! Thanks for bringing my attention to how wonderful it’s truly been and how many milestones I’ve had while making this dress, I hope the seams show it!
Absolutely Stunning! ❤❤❤ This is a testament to patience with perseverance. You finished the garment when it was ready for completion, not when you were ready. Bravo! 🔥🔥🔥
Thank you so much, Will, this project was certainly a test of many things, my patience was certainly one of them. I am so happy things came together as they did, and you’re right, it was really on its own time! Thank you so much!! Also, I’ll be headed to Bmore Frocktails, will you happen to be attending? It was so fun to see you pop up in other vlogs at The ATL Frocktails I believe. I hope you’re having a great spring/summer!
You're the best Estelle, and it’s been lovely to have your support and encouragement, for this project (and anything I’ve attempted) from the beginning!!so glad to share the finished garment with you!
This is such a wonderful creation, Fatmata ! I love everything about it, perhaps most of all watching you give yourself grace to put it away for a while, meaning each section has been completed with such thought. What a celebration of colour and fabric and detail! 😍
Thank you so much, Deb! I couldn’t agree more! I think had I been tempted to complete this in a rushed manner, I may have compromised on many things- including the finished, and some creative decisions- but taking this slowly, meant I could really take care with each step, and I’m so happy I did. So happy to have your support through this project, we did it!
When you initially introduced this project I was in awe that you were going to attempt it. I remember making a comment that it was going to out do your efforts on a pair of patterned pants where you challenged yourself with the pattern matching and cutting. With THIS you were not just a problem solver, you have been a true motivator and inspiration. CONGRATULATIONS🎉🎉🎉
Wow, thank you, Rosemary! I remember when the patchwork, print placement trousers felt like a leap for me, and to have been able to tackle this felt so rewarded, as those trousers felt! Thank you so much for all the encouragement and for being here for the journey, I’m so glad I was able to share the completed dress with you!
Drum roll, please!!! I have been waiting to see this dress! I love ❤ it! Not only is it beautiful but you look fabulous wearing it. You persevered. This was a slow sew but every moment was worth the effort and time spent on this masterpiece! I love how you challenge your sewing skills! Kudos to you sis!
Thank you so much, Patricia! This one was certainly one for the books, out of the Pinterest grid and into my wardrobe and I’m so thrilled I thought to document the journey, which turned out to be much more than I expected. Thank you for the constant encouragement and positivity, seriously this community pushed me through and brought me back to this project multiple times! Here’s to more ambitious masterpiece level makes (and the necessary makes too) ❤️
This year in April my dance partner had a vision of us dancing in African wax print 25 yard skirts. These skirts are reminiscent of your Zimmerman skirt except the bottom tier is 25 yards long. The tier above it is 12.5 yards long . The tier above that is 6 yards long and the shortest tier is 3 yards. It is a beast to sew! The final skirt however is so pretty you almost forget you spent $100 on the fabric and a couple weeks sewing the tiers together. Congratulations on your Zimmerman dress!🎉❤
Omg omg omg Betty, what?!? 25 yards of skirt? Wow that sounds like a magnificently swishy skirt! How does it feel wearing it, weight wise? And walking/dancing in it? The 10 yards felt like a trip hazard to me for climbing stairs, I can’t imagine 25 yds. The final effect and impact for dancing must be epic. The nice thing about a project like that is that it almost desensitized me from gathering (I’m not saying a like it) but I don’t dread it anymore lol, it’s just another part of the process and I take it on with less reservation now, how about you?
This year in April my dance partner had a vision of us dancing in African wax print 25 yard skirts. These skirts are reminiscent of your Zimmerman skirt except the bottom tier is 25 yards long. The tier above it is 12.5 yards long . The tier above that is 6 yards long and the shortest tier is 3 yards. It is a beast to sew! The final skirt however is so pretty you almost forget you spent $100 on the fabric and a couple weeks sewing the tiers together. Congratulations on your Zimmerman dress!🎉❤
That is incredible! I cannot even imagine 25 yards of fabric being gathered, let alone the subsequent tiers. WOW!! What a vision and I’m sure the twirl factor during the dances were worth it. I’m sure no other gathered skirt or gathered sleeve will ever stump you after this mammoth task! What kind of dance was it, and how did you motivate yourself or encourage yourself to make it to the Finish line? Also, have you worn it again, or do you have plans to wear it again? Job well done!
Hello friend, Was it really two years? I Was there when you started this, and it’s feels like we made it, I feel so accomplished😂. Thank you for being such an inspiration so proud of you, well done.
Yes and yes WE did! Listen, where have the years gone, I am also amazed it’s been that long! I’m so grateful I get to share my creative journey here with you, the encouragement and positivity is beyond what I could’ve hoped for!
Absolutely remember it, glad to be of some help at some time. I thank YOU, my dear, for the inspiration and resourcefulness, your dedication to the project. But really, girl, are you telling us there’s no pockets? No pockets? But it’s gorgeous, and carrying a bag isn’t that hard……..❤
You're the best! Hahha I remember you being there throughout the journey! Listen, I am as shocked and as hurt as you are about the pockets. As much as I unpicked and redid elements of this dress, I’m telling you, when I noticed the pockets should’ve gone on the blue tier, I was so ready to see this dress done, I couldn’t stomach undoing two tiers to figure out pockets at that point lol it’s a sad omission for sure. I’m so happy it’s done though, now onto our next long term project!
Thank you so much! I did try to mimic the colors to the best I could, but I love how my slightly deeper colors on some of the tiers are more ME! Really happy and proud of this one. Thanks for watching!
I am feeling so inspired right now. Your dress is fabulous! I love it😊. All of your garments are beautiful & they all show your love for doing it right. This dress shows your love & compassion for your sewing gift! Beautiful ❤
Thanks so much Donna, that is so kind😊 I was truly inspired by this project, and I’m glad to have had something worthwhile that called me back Tina and time again! These special garments make me really grateful for our craft! Thanks so much for such a lovely comment!
