It's Love - The Lily Leggings by Rebecca Page Patterns

OMG Becky. Look at Her Butt. 

I do feel pretty amazeballs in the Rebecca Page Lily Leggings.  

I did not make a muslin version (aka practice pair), knowing that I can trust both the RP sizing AND their description as to how their garments fit. 

The Lily Leggings are just magical. 

And come with a plethora of options:
- Plain (nothing fancy)
- Chevrons for front and/or back
- Bum panel
- Cuffs
- Elastic or non elastic waistband
- Back pocket

I opted for the chevrons on the back legs, bum panel, no cuffs, no pocket (I know - shocking that I did not put pockets in something).

Look how amazing this pattern makes my behind look - yes, I'm asking you to look!  The curve fits perfectly while sewn in, and I didn't even clip the curve corners.  

I topstitched everywhere for a professional look, and I'm pretty proud of myself.

I paired mine with the Talia Top, which makes me feel really good in these as I try to gain my balance and momentum to get back into pre-Vestibular Migraine shape. 

And hey, I found out Talia can also be tied in a knot when Shawn T gets me really sweaty working out.

I do have to keep in mind, a year ago, I could barely walk a block or even up and down the stairs without almost falling or shuffling. That's led to a 30lb weight gain. 

But Always look to see how far you have come.

And How amazing I feel in these leggings.  

There's no weird pressure on my waist/hips (my hips tend to hurt when compressed in leggings), so I'm able to be flexible without pain. 

The fabrics I used - I have no idea what specific types they are, other than athletic-specific fabrics.

The main front blue fabric is from Zenith & Quasar - from a mystery pack I ordered from a sew-a-long I won for my Doctor Who outfit.

 

The black zippy fabric is a Black Stripe Knit from Black Rabbit Fabrics (Canada) - and actually cut from my first pair of leggings that I made 2.5 years ago that just weren't working for my body any more. The fabric is still so durable and in great shape, I felt it would want to be leggings again. 

And finally, the Pac Man Fabric....is from a pair of leggings I got from Wish.com that never fit right. At one point I did put a side seam in with extra fabric and changed the waistband...but wasn't happy with the fit still. So Pac Man got folded up, and called my name when I was putting Lily together. 

So - reduce, reuse, recycle - don't throw out awesome fabrics (but don't hoard either! Unless you're organized about it). 

I am still in awe of this pattern - I feel I have found my new leggings pattern as they just make me feel amazing. And I can use up scraps of fabric to make fabulous visual combos. 

For example...the black stripes on the side - I did not have the full length in one line...but each side actually has two pieces of fabric cut, sewn together, top stitched where the seam is, and then placed as per pattern instructions. 

I did the same scrap busting with the back waistband - I made each of the two back waistband pieces by putting together two pieces of fabric, as I lacked the full length and top stitching to make them singular pieces. 

Boom!

I hope you try out the Lilys - my hips don't lie and feel you must give them a go!  

***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: Bella Sunshine Design's Clementine Top (and Dress!)

I always enjoy the ease of sewing Bella Sunshine Designs patterns - the Clementine is no exception. 

It features:

- A scoop neck

- 3 sleeve lengths (or sleeveless)

- Shirt to maxi dress lengths

- Plain or banded skirt options

- Full Bust Adjustment pattern pieces (if more than 3" difference between upper and full bust)

The instructions for putting together the bodice are similar to the Amelia Top, but the neck is a lot less revealing (office and big bust friendly without adjustments!) - much to Husband's dismay :).

I opted for a few shirt length tops, which also in turn helped use up some scrap pieces of fabric that were perfect for Clementine.

The "skirt" part is gathered, and the easiest part of construction - having a cute flattering flare that suits my body well. 

I graded part way down the bodice side down to the bottom of the bodice from a 4 to 12. TRUST your current measurements and circle them in the pattern guide for the perfect fit.  If you are unsure, Melissa or Danielle are great at determining your sizing based on upper & full bust, and waist/hip measurements. 

If you have a long or short torso, there is a shorten/lengthen line that will help the bodice bottom sit at your proper waist. 

I didn't alter anything, as I have a long torso for my 5'-2" frame (making it difficult to find swimsuits when I was younger - they all looked weird on me despite my toothpick size at the time). 

If you want a fun flattering top (or dress), this is a cute pattern that I've been able to wear at the office and at play (fabric pending). 

My first top is my I Lava You top - made from stretch cotton (black) and some Cotton Lycra I Lava You fabric I won during my first sew-a-long for on a Facebook page sponsored by the Fabric Geeks. This was the last of the Yard I won, but I managed to make 3 outfits that contain this cute summery fabric. 

I've paired the top with my Bella Sunshine Designs Sansa Pants - which are again, great for office wear or for play. And SO comfy. Who needs zippers, buttons, or uncomfortable waistbands in pants when you can wear some Sansas?

It's a fun shirt!

Deep thoughts of my next Clementine

Perfectly flattering and sits where I like it to

My second top was made with lovely grey chiffon with white dots from Fabricland and a cute feathered cotton lycra fabric from Okee Dokee Fabrics.  

This top is more whimsy, and a great use for scrap Chiffon or flowy fabrics for a different look and feel.

Love the co-ordination and flare

It was about -15 or -20 Celsius outside during photos - but I do it for Melissa, as she's awesome!

So, it's a lovely sew with a multitude of looks depending on fabric and length you decide to go.  

Sew up on your summer dress and shirt stash with light flowy fabrics and test out the plain and banded skirt options for your upcoming Clementines - they're all so pretty!

And remember to have fun while sewing - I sure do!

             
 

Sewing Pattern Review - George + Ginger Mood Dress

Scraps - every sewists bane of existence. 　

What do we do with scraps? 　

With knits, depending on the stretch, they can be useful for colour blocking, undergarments, bands, and other little projects. 　

With non-stretch wovens - it's more difficult to use up the smaller pieces. I use them for small projects like toys...but that is a rarity. 　

 

Full Billy Book Case of colour organized scraps!

Scraps before I labeled colours on each bin

 

The George + Ginger Pattern collection came out with the "Mood Dress," which immediately inspired me! 　

I am short at 5'-2", however, thus the initial length of the dress was daunting. So what did I do? I cut each of the mood strip pieces in half lengthwise in hopes that I'd have a knee length (or close to) dress. 　

What I ended up with was a dress just below mid calf that is full of awesomeness and fun! 　

With a fitted bodice, that fits perfectly with my G + G measurements (size 8 bust graded down to size 14 waist), and was a delight to sew.

 　

Maybe not such a delight to cut, as each strip is individually cut x 4 pieces to create the chevron look. 　

 

Some pieces near the bottom, like the Star Wars fabric (sorry, Husband, I had to have something with Star Wars in my wardrobe, even though I bought the fabric for you!). So I blocked a few pieces together on the bottom strips to make it work, and sewed a pretty line of lace and ribbon for any pieces I did this for. 　

 

With the number of different complimentary patterns used in my dress, this is noticeable to me only - it looks funky and is definitely original! 　

 

The Star Wars blends in, so I am able to actually wear my Mood Dress to my Business Casual office! 　

 

Although I wish it were shorter (I'll add one less layer next time - maybe half the strips again for less length an add nice ribbon or lace to the bottom edging), I love it. 　

It's flattering, sassy, and fun!　

 

it would make a great prom or fancy dress with the right fabrics - think draped silk or the fabric you see bridesmaids dresses made from! 　

 

There is also an option for a gathered knee length skirt (no chevron colour blocking involved)....although I could attempt this dress again with the gathered skirt and chevron or make just plain strips length or width wise to still make this an awesome woven scrap-busting dress option for my closet! 　

 

I love the sass and style of George + Ginger Patterns - the Mood Dress is no exception.  They put me out of my comfort zone at times, but make me feel beautiful once I adorn on of her designs!