Ruching Ties and More! Bella Sunshine Designs Hazel Dolman Top and Dress Sewing Pattern Review

Fact: People with hazel eyes are the most fun and happy.  

Fact: I love the ruching Ties in the new Bella Sunshine Designs Hazel Dolman Top (and Dress) pattern. 

Fact: You will too. 

The options available are:
- Top, Tunic, or Dress length
- Sleeveless, Short sleeves, or 3/4 length sleeves
- High or low neckline
- Simple sleeve or ruched/tied sleeve

The front has a beautiful drape, and I love the way it flows from my graded bust to hips (4 to 14). 

My fabric is from Water Tower Textiles for both tops - the blue a Double Brushed Polyester knit, and the pink a two way stretch lightweight sweater knit (possibly a slub?).  They are both lightweight and flowy - I feel the best types of fabrics for this top. 

The side also has a lovely flow - and it's such an easy sew. 

Honestly, the ruching shoulders is probably the most, "difficult" part of this pattern, and it's really not all that difficult to sew.  

The instructions are straight forward and a handful of pages. Definitely faster than a load of laundry!  

 

The back also accentuates my curves in a good way - in either fabric. 

I made both sleeveless top length with ruched shoulders. 

So really, if you haven't tried Bella Sunshine Designs patterns yet, and want a great introductory pattern, try out Hazel today.  I haven't seen the shoulder ruching in more than a handful of patterns to day, and the fit is great for a plethora of sizes, and super easy to blend if you fit into several size brackets for your bust/waist/hips. 

***Affiliate Links Above used - I love these patterns, and without the help of those who love their patterns, marketing would be extremely difficult for the pattern makers we love and learn to love. Affiliate links help with the hours, fabric, and tears that go behind testing each pattern in order to provide a real-person view on the patterns for you (and me!) 

Rebecca Page Patterns Review: The St. Tropez Swing Top = Memories of Summer

The St. Tropez Swing top *may* look daunting with its beautiful open back finishing, but with Rebecca Page's detailed instructions, even a novice sewist can tackle it!


It reminds me of summer. Which is certainly not here, as the winds make it feel like -30 Celsius (-22 Farenheit) today.


If someone gifts me a trip to the Mayan Riviera, I'll have a drink for you and wear my St. Tropez!

It's a lovely swing top pattern that offers several options:

- Top or dress length

- Optional sleeves

- Optional belt

- Knit OR WOVEN Fabrics

- Ladies sizes XXS to 5XL and Newborn up to Girls Size 12 (Pssst - Bundle them for 20% off)

The back opening is quite simple - with a bit of bias tape (or you can make your own - instructions included), buttons, and facing fabric, you learn (or perfect) a few techniques. 

A bit of gathering and some buttonholes, and the back opening is done.  You don't even have to undo the buttons to get the top on and off!

I graded from Medium to XL from my bust to hips, and its' not too tight at all!  I actually took an inch off the bottom "triangle" shape so it was a bit slimmer fitting.  Especially since my fabric wasn't super drapey, despite being a very light mystery cotton.

Now I'm ready for Plaid Fridays at work...if I ever go into the office on a Friday (I work from home currently thanks to my Vestibular Migraines and horrid office lights - I'm like Golem in my hobbit hole).

I used the tie option, as I wanted to accentuate my bust and natural waist, and take attention away from my hips.  With my fabric choice, again, it would be a bit too tent-like without some sort of cinching here.

Overall, it was a nice sew, and my measurements didn't fail me again.

I paired mine with my lovely Cinch sided Pippa Pants.

That's what I love about Rebecca Page Patterns, and you can and will too:

- Read the Directions as to what type of fabric to use - this section will also advise how a garment will look on you if you choose certain types of fabrics (i.e. quilting cotton will make this top look boxy, a flowy lightweight viscose will let it flow)

- Don't skip steps - even if you think you know what you are doing - you will end up unpicking work otherwise


- Drink your tea (or wine) and sew on!


Grab your St. Tropez pattern today!


***I sew for the passion, fun, and confidence it gives me. Affiliate links have been used, but I only promote what I believe in and adore ***

I'm too Sexy For My Fashionista Jacket - New Winter Wear Designs Fashionista Jean Jacket Pattern!

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. 

The new Winter Wear Designs Fashionista Jacket scream, "I'm fashionably awesome!"

 


It is a fabulous way to sew up your denim or twill fabrics, and gives a totally va-voom vibe to the traditional jean jacket. 

Options include:
- Large or small pockets (or both...or none!)
- Detailed cuffs and scoop neckline
- Natural waist line length (perfect for layering)
- Use buttons, snaps, or shank jean buttons for closures

 

I used a really light silver twill fabric from the suiting department of Fabricland that was waiting for the perfect pattern.  The Fashionista seemed to be calling its name when I opened up my outerwear fabric drawer. 

And what's more fashionable than shiny and sparkly?  Besides sequins and glitter, this definitely stands out from the crowd in that pizzazz kind of way. 

 


I made mine with the smaller pocket, and it's perfect for my lip gloss, chilly hands, or keys - without looking bulky. 

The back has a lovely yoke, and throughout the pattern, all the seams are top stitched twice, giving it a professional look and stylish feel. 

It may take a bit more time than just regular seams, but it really does make the difference between a basic pattern and one that stands out from the crowd and makes people go, "Wow!"  

The armcycle is comfortable, and the arms are big enough that you can wear a light long sleeed shirt or sweater underneath without feeling tightness (an issue I tend to have due to my Hulk Rage arms). 

 


I paired mine with my Cross Hem Tee, and it's the perfect match whether my shirt is tucked in or out.  (And the Cross Hem is free with code from the WWD Facebook Group!)

You won't regret the sewing skills you will learn or hone in with the Fashionista (and other Winter Wear Designs Patterns). 

Be too sexy for your current fall jacket, and sew up the Fashionista today!  

***Affiliate Links Above used - I love these patterns, and without the help of those who love their patterns, marketing would be extremely difficult for the pattern makers we love and learn to love. Affiliate links help with the hours, fabric, and tears that go behind testing each pattern in order to provide a real-person view on the patterns for you (and me!) 

Sewing Pattern Review: The Wolf and the Tree's Ballerina Tie Top and matching Ballerina Skirt

The Wolf and the Tree is a lesser known designer, but I enjoy sewing her whimsy designs - and they are easy to follow instructions with minimal confusion on my end. 

I get brain fog and can forget what I'm doing mid-sew, so easy instructions are important. 

Two of her designs are Ballerina themed. I mean what woman in her 30s wouldn't want to feel like a slender, graceful ballerina?

The Ballerina Skirt

This skirt has an assortment of options:

- Regular or Deep Scoop Back

- Two widths (regular or extra full)

- 4 lengths - Accent, Short, Medium, or Long

- 4 Tiers - choose from 1 to 4 layers of skirt!

- Knit Waist Band

- Woven or Knit Skirt depending on the look you are going for

I made 2 versions, and they are so reminiscent of Cosplay and fun - but you can sew a single later for an everyday skirt as well.

Now, there *is* a LOT of gathering - I found sewing gathering lines on the front and separate gathering lines on the back made the gathering process SO much easier!  Do sew 2-3 lines of gathering stitches in case you break one of the threads while gathering - at least then you have a back up gathering line. 

The hemming didn't do the normal weirdness at the bottom (you know - when it flips and gathers while hemming) - but I ironed the hems first THEN sewed.  

This makes ALL the difference in a flat rounded hem!  

The more layers you have, the more hemming and gathering, but other than the time required for that, it's a relatively easy sew. 

They even have a Girls version, so you can match the little ones if they get jealous of your masterpiece!

 

For my first skirt, I used random flowy (maybe used for business pants?) maroon fabric over top of a double layer of light flowy cotton and lining fabric for the second skirt layer

The double second layer was to give the skirt a bit of a boost!  

The Waist band is spandex, and therefore, the skirt is easy to get on and off. 

I call it my sassy Bardess skirt - it's fun and flirty - and I can wear it on a normal day as well when I'm in a feisty fun mood!  

My Crazy Testing Photo Face

For my second skirt, I opted for some stretch velvet sparkly Meow Fabric for the second and fourth layers.  For my second and first layers, I used an old sheer Ikea Curtain. 

Again, I sewed a double second layer (if I recall, I meant to have 4 tiers, but something happened with the 3rd layering fabric!).

It works well, and is totally Cosplay - perfect for the upcoming Comicon season, and SO much easier than sewing a bustle, giving a nice Steampunk appearance.

It's very twirlable without showing what's underneath. 

The Ballerina Tie Top

I LOVE the tie top - I forgot how much fun it is until I wore one last week for May the 4th (Star Wars fabric, HELLO!), and sewed a tank top version of it this week. 

Its options include: 

- Regular or Cowl neckband

- Sleeveless, Short, 3/4, or Long length sleeves

- A nice Tunic length top - falls below my 5'-2" hips, which I prefer

- Ladies sizes UP TO  49.5" hip, 39.5" Waist, and 47.5" bust - so a great variety for a plethora of body shapes

Sewing it up - honestly, super easy. If you can sew a t-shirt, you can sew this - the only extra steps are the ties, which can be single or double sided. 

Really - THAT easy. 

I've sewn 3 so far - it's love. 

My First is made out of a light sweater knit fabric with a black lace tie. 

I can get away with wearing this at work with a nice blazer or cardigan - it's one of my "plainest" tops in my closet. 

 

My second just rocks. 

I used a medium sweater knit for the front and bands (stars), and Floral Wars Star Wars Cotton Lycra Fabric for the back.

The tie is the same black sweater knit from my plain black version. 

I like the light tie, as it wraps well, and doesn't have much bulk - it's easy and comfy to sit in. 

And my most recent version just - LOVE!

I used light cotton lycra for the front, and a cotton lycra Tardis print for the back - both fabrics were used for the tie. 

The fabrics are thicker as the tie, so not quite as comfy to sit in (so I just undo the tie while sitting), but SO worth the effect! 

The tie is very flattering for my abdomen, and covers up some lumps and bumps - it's a great alternative to ruching.

I love that this top is so different, and I get compliments on them whenever I wear them. 

I'd highly recommend this for every day wear - it's just a different form of elegance and sass combined in one pattern. 

Sew On!

***Affiliate Links Above used - I love these patterns, and without the help of those who love their patterns, marketing would be extremely difficult for the pattern makers we love and learn to love. Affiliate links help with the hours, fabric, and tears that go behind testing each pattern in order to provide a real-person view on the patterns for you (and me!)