Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets!

Lola wants to help your legs look like they go on for days, without taking away the comfort factor. 

5 out of 4's Lola Shorts, Capris, and Pants Pattern will make your behind dazzle, and can be created with a multitude of fabrics.

She includes:
- Lightweight and Drapey Knit OR Woven fabric options
- Shorts, Capris, or Pants lengths
- Optional Belt Loops and Waist Tie Belt
- Optional Pockets

I opted for ALL THE OPTIONS. Especially pockets. You can never go wrong with pockets. 

My first Lolas are the Capris version

Created with flowy silky fabric (think silky pyjamas), I can get away with wearing these Lolas out for a night on the town, or lounging on the couch snuggling up to Husband (actually, more likely a dog who refuses to move from the couch).

I think they make my behind look nice. 

They'll make your behind look nice too! 

AND they have POCKETS! So you can put your hands, spare change, or your phone in a pocket for safe keeping.

They were a quick sew, and have a paperbag-effect waistband, leaving you wondering where the  zipper is. 

Fact: No zippers have been involved with Lola.

She's all about comfort and fashion! 

My second pair is shorts from random suiting fabric given to me by my Mother-in-law's sister when she moved in the Spring.  The fabric flows, and these are the perfect office to after-work drinks shorts! 


I paired both pants with my Stella Top - which happens to have stretch lace straps instead of fabric straps. Making this Stella comfy and a bit sultry!

Overall, with the belt and pocket options, these bottoms are a must have for all seasons.

Can you imagine nice stretch velvet flowy pants for your staff Christmas Party? Or Silky pants for that Cruise you're going on in the Winter season? 

Oh yes - I went there! 

Grab Lola now before she runs away!

Sewing Pattern Review: Rebecca Page's Eloise

The Eloise - another Rebecca Page Patterns creation put together with thought and whimsy. 

This pattern includes:
- Newborn to 12 year old sizing
- XXS to 5XL sizing
- 18" Doll version
- Elastic casings or Shirring to give a unique look to each sew
- Elastic, shirred, or loose sleeves 
- 3/4 length or short length sleeves
- Flowy Knit or Woven fabrics can be used
- Top or dress length (mid thigh, midi, or maxi)

 

 

For my first top, I used random really light woven linen from my mother-in-law's sister's stash she gave to me a few months back.  Who knows how old this fabric is...

I sewed this up in my normal medium, but felt I didn't have to grade just due to the shape of the top.  

The shirring was neat to do - in  a different manner than I shirred previously with my Monte Carlo Top.  

But it was actually easy - so don't be scared of trying a new technique!  I just adjusted the tension so it was a higher number on my machine, and kept everything else the same.  I put light tension on the fabric as it was headed towards the needle, and voila - 3 lines 1/4" apart of lovely shirring for the neckline and waistline. 

Besides the shirring, so rest of the top was a breeze and went by quickly. 

The look of the top *is* to be oversized, and off the shoulder. 

My second top I made from a fun medium silky fabric that was a cinch to sew up. 

The shirring I made tighter, and the top I sized down to Small for a less-off-the-shoulder look.

I really like this look - and the first night I wore it out, I got compliments from several people - winner!  

I like the flow of the sleeves - they're not too billowy, and perfect for warmer weather.

 
 And as you can see, they pair well with jeans, skirts (like my Paige Pencil Skirt), and even casual pants, like my Pippas 

 

I love how the shirring looks on this top - I think I have this technique down now!  I love how Rebecca Page Patterns challenge me in some way - and hone in my sewing skills.  The instructions are great too - like someone holding your hand as you sew, making sure you don't miss a step. 

 

Then I made the 18" doll version of both the Eloise Top and Maxi Dress.  I didn't even need instructions at this point, as I'd memorized the Eloise pattern steps by this point - it's THAT easy! 

 

The dress is the perfect length for this doll - I'll call her, "Stella," after one of my nieces. 

The top is a great scrap buster, and stays on Stella without any issues. 

Just make sure to iron the hem after sewing up the top to flatten it down, and it looks store bought. 

So, if you'd like a flattering fun top and to learn a new sewing technique (or refresh your old technique), Eloise is for you!  

Oh, and I ALSO sized down the 18" Doll Pattern to 60% of the original size, and I bring you Barbie sized Eloise!!  Isn't it pretty??

Swim Shorts, Say Ye? My 5 out of 4 Stella Shorts Hack!

I don't like Rompers...it reminds me of Romper Room or my mom's favourite neon pink one piece strapless romper from 1984.

No.

*BUT* I do like when pattern makers offer "Romper" patterns as separates - options are good.

When I saw the Stella Women's Romper Pattern release by 5 out of 4 Patterns, I was sucked into the vortex and within 10 minutes, I was printing out the instructions and pattern pieces.

Why?

Because it sold itself as not only a romper, but separates - including a bikini top! 

I need to update a few pieces in my outside attire this year, so why not add to my 90% 5oo4 Swim collection from last year?

And my favourite niece's name is Stella. And I like Stella Artois.

We were meant to be!

After ordering, I immediately asked (I really asked - on the Facebook Group) if I could make the shorts into swim shorts?

The answer was yes - and I even provided my measurements.  Jessica assured me that since the shorts are more relaxed fit, sizing down would be fine.

And you know what?  She was right!

After cutting through the last of my awesome blue squared swim fabric, and a bit of white spandex for the interior band, away I went! 

It took me a whopping half hour to whip up my Stella Swim Shorts - including pockets!

Things I did outside the pattern instructions:
- Sized down for swim bottoms


- Top Stitched the Pockets so they laid flat

- I had to piece together 3 pieces of the Blue square fabric width wise, and sewed a  middle seam to attach the Blue Square and White fabrics together to make the wider band



- In turn, I top stitched this seam, as it's where the inside and outside band are supposed to fold over in the instructions

I opted for the longer length shorts and hemmed the legs vs adding bands.

The shorts fit perfectly! Yay! 

Now I do find the band quite high, so I am able to push it down to give it a ruched look, but I'm going to just add Ruching (possibly ties like with the Reversible Riptides) next week when I'm back from camp.

I'll update once I've modified them a bit more, but was just so excited to share while Stella is still on sale!!  Check back next week for more waistband hacking!

I do have the top cut out to match, but haven't had the chance to sew it up yet, as I'm working on a testing for a NEW swim top for 5 out of 4, so priorities! 

For now, I'm sporting them with my Agility tank, also sewn from Swim fabric!

P.S. They also have a Girls Version, so sewing from baby to adult sizes is a reality!


Sew On!