One Stitch at a Time - The 5 out of 4 Patterns Sandra Dolman Tunic Sewing Pattern Review

Never underestimate the power of a woman with a sewing machine. 

There's always sew much fabric and sew little time...but there should be time to sew up the new 5 out of 4 Sandra Dolman Tunic (or Dress)!

The new Sandra Dolman Tunic/Dress pattern has several fun options:
- Tunic or Dress length
- Short or long bottom split bands
- Short or long sleeves
- Optional hood
- V Neck or Crew Neck
- Optional Thumbhole Cuffs

I sewed up my Sandra with some random waffle knit from Water Tower Textiles, and beautiful Double Brushed Polyester (DBP) from Libelle Sewing. 

They mesh together so beautifully, and go well with my 5 out of 4 Zen Pants (also Libelle Sewing fabric - Scuba!).

This top was easy to sew up, and I love the options and oversized fit.  It definitely makes me feel better about the lumps and bumps I don't like about myself. 

And I love that it covers my behind - it's always cold!  

I tested this top out as a layer while closing up our trailer, and the hood made it nice, as the back of my neck didn't get cold, and I looked fashionable while sweeping snow off the trailer roof. 

As you can see, it's not a slim fit top, but has a nice drapey feel to it.  With that in mind, I definitely recommend a lightweight fabric such as the Waffle KNit or light Sweater knit to prevent a weird boxy feel. 

Get your pattern here, and sew it up for all seasons!

**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!) 

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Mambo Number Five! The Skirt Collection from 5 out of 4 Patterns

A little bit of Monica in my life.

A little bit of Erica by my side. 

A little bit of Rita is all I need.

A little bit of Tina is what I see...

5 out of 4 patterns has blown it out of the sewing park again with this Mambo #5 Line of skirts.  

What's great about them?  You can get the set in a bundle, or just one (or two, or three), and combine the skirts with the different bands and features.  

What options are there?
- Thin Band
- Thick Band
- Scooped Band
- Lace Up Band
- Tie Up Band
- Straps
- Mini, Knee, or Midi length Skirts
- Pockets
- and more!  

 

Monica is a pleated skirt with 3 length options, and several options: pockets, regular band, tie up band, or Encased Elastic band.

I loved sewing her up - and the pleats were SUPER simple to sew up and laid perfectly the first time around. 

I sewed up the mini version with regular band and waist ties.  The fabric was some sort of stretch suiting fabric from Fabricland, so the skirt cost me about $5 to make. Woot!  

I paired Monica up with the Virginia Tank (including a cut file also on the 5 out of 4 site) for a more casual look.

 

 

Erica is possibly my fave out of the four skirts. She was an easy sew, and I LOVE the options included: Suspenders, lace up or regular waistbands, pockets, and all 3 skirt lengths. 

I opted for the Knee length with Lace Up Waistband - made with a maroon pleather from Water Tower Textiles via a mystery bundle I took a chance on.  This fabric called out Erica's name!

Lesson learned with Pleather - put a piece of paper on top of the fabric while sewing, and tear it off once done sewing.  Otherwise, the needle does NOT like to sew through just the pleather.  

The lace up band instructions were super simple to follow, and I just used lace I had on hand for the tie.  

I paired up Erica with my Laura Tankini - what a perfect colour match and va-voom look!

 

Rita is the fitted skirt, with options: one or two piece back (aka with a seam or without), solid or colour blocked front and/or back, back vent, Basic or encased elastic waistbands.

I opted for the knee length back seam plain waistband version.  And va-voom!  It was both an easy sew and flattering for my figure. 

The seam in the back is recommended for those of us with big cabooses, and it definitely helped me with this second version of the skirt I sewed up. 

I used a waffle suiting fabric from...either Fabricland or Water Tower Textiles - I can't recall. It has just enough stretch, but doesn't put tension on my poor hips - so I can move and not feel suffocated in a traditional fitted skirt. 

This will be fun to wear at the office! 

I paired up Rita with one of my Calypso Tops for a more casual feel.

 

Tina is the final skirt in this collection - and includes: basic, scoop, or cross front waistband; suspenders, hem ruffle, or patch pocket options.

I opted for the cross front waistband, suspenders, knee length skirt. 

I wore this out for my 10th wedding anniversary with Husband a few weeks ago, and he was impressed!  

It was a quick sew to which I loved all the available options, fit, and lasting factor. I paired Tina with my Shiela Top, and it's a match made in heaven.

So get your groove on and collect all 4 skirts (and the FREE Luna skirt pattern) and mix & match Monica, Erica, Rita, and Tina with all the features to your sewing heart's desire.

Share your pictures on the 5 out of 4 Facebook group once done with your favourite Mambo Pose! Why? Why Not!

***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!) 

Let the Sew Set You Free - 5 out of 4's Calypso Top & Dress Sewing Pattern Review

Aye Calypso, the places you've been to, the things you have shown us. 

5 out of 4 must be dreaming of either the Pirates of the Caribbean or Ottawa (where Calypso Water Park is).  Either way, the Calypso top reminds me of waves of warm water and the tropics - even though fall is here, frost warnings and all. 

Calypso has several options:
- Top or dress length
- Short, 3/4, or long sleeves with a cute bow detail
- XXS to 5XL sizing

 

The first top I made was my test version. 

I had a, "moment," and didn't realize the sleeve binding should of been doubled, so my short sleeves version lacks the bow feature - but it's still cute and works!  

I also didn't shorten any of the tiers, as this was my fit version to ensure everything worked as it ought to.  

 



I used a DBP from Water Tower Textiles, and it's so soft and flowy - definitely the type of fabric this top desires. 

The gathers were the most time consuming part of making this top, but well worth the end result. 

For my second top, I opted for long sleeves, and used DBP and some sort of really light Sweater knit from a mystery box (also Water Tower Textiles) - and everything came together well. 

I love the flow and look of the top, and the long sleeves are different and feminine. 

 


Originally during testing, we'd used clear elastic in the gathers, but it didn't work well for flowiness, so I originally made this top as the dress version (I'm not normally a dress girl), and had to unpick the seams between all the tiers to get the elastic out, and resewed it back together in a top version for finals.  

I did learn that unpicking clear elastic made it easier than just through the fabric, and none of the fabric was torn during the process. 

The final version has NO clear elastic, so you shant suffer this two Netflix episode unpicking adventure!

I did take 3/4" off each tier, but next time I won't, as I prefer a longer length. 

Overall, it's a fun sew, and these are already in my closet ready to wear. 

If you want a fun sewing adventure, take the ride down the Calypso here!

***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!) 

5 out of 4 Pattern's Plentiful Piper Peplum (and Dress) Sewing Pattern

The 5 out of 4 Piper Pattern is great for beginner or advanced sewists.  

It offers a plethora of options, that make it perfect 365 days of the year!

- Peplum or Hanky Top length
- Dress Length 
- Pockets
- Hood
- Cowl
- Regular Neckline
- Thumbhole Cuffs (banded, or plain options too!)
- Sleeveless, Short, 3/4, or long length sleeves

For my first version, I opted for Peplum length with Thumbhole Cuffs and a Cowl Neck.  

Now, I DID put pockets into the Peplum, but cut a good 3/4-1" off the bottom of the pocket curve, and it worked!  It's enough room for my iPhone, change, and even a snack (because, SNACKS)!

I love the flare of the skirt, and the drape of the cowl. Both were easy to sew up, and fit me perfectly first time around. 

 

I used some sort of lightweight knit fabric and cotton lycra from Water Tower Textiles for this version - all light and airy - but definitely a fall and winter wear with the longer sleeves. 

 

My second version has a hood (of course!), to which I used a soft sweater knit and french terry fabrics - also from Water Tower Textiles. 

It's like a hoodie, but fancy and feminine. I LOVE it. 

Again, the peplum sits at my natural waist, I didn't shorten anything (I'm 5-2", and love length on my tops), and it fits like a nice glove. 

 

No seam rippers or bad words were used in the making of these tops.  And I can't wait to make one (or three) for each season! 

The dress version is so pretty if you're a dress person - and the hanky hem is planned for my next Piper Top. 

Overall, I LOVE the options available, and it's the perfect pattern for any level of sewist. 

Get your Piper Here, and share on the 5 out of 4 Facebook Page once you're done - fan fare from the Pied Piper will ensue!

***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!) 

Hey Jessie, You're So Fine, You're So Fine, You Blow My Mind - 5 out of 4's Jessie Top and Dress Sewing Pattern

The 5 out of 4 Jessie Top, Tunic, and Dress Pattern is a beautiful form fitting pattern with some fun options. 

- Shirt, Tunic, or Dress Lengths
- Regular, FBA, or Maternity Bodices
- Regular, Low, Racerback, or Strappy Back Options
- Sleeveless, Short, Elbow, 3/4 length, or Long Sleeves

You really could have a different Jessie every day!

I used Rayon Floral fabric from Water Tower Textiles for my Jessie - definitely a cooler weather top, as I'm not sure if the Rayon would breathe enough in warmer climates with long sleeves. 

I opted for tunic length, and love it!  

It was super easy for me to sew up, and as usual, the instructions were on par. It hugs my curves where they need it, but doesn't show all my bumps and life - just the way I like a slimmer top to feel. The armcycle is perfect without being too tight (or loose) - sometimes an issue with me and tighter sleeves.  No bicep adjustment required = happy Unicorn.

 

I opted for the criss cross back, and everything lays flat and is perfection!  

I also used my new Panasonic Lumix DC TS7 for pictures - minimal editing required (for more of a colour pop), and the edges are just so crisp and clear. Despite not having the ability to use my normal wireless remote, I did find a timer option to take 3 pictures after 10 seconds in 2 second intervals. As long as I centered myself, they turned out fine.   

What do you think??

I paired my Jessie with Rebecca Page's modified Slim Cargo Pants (I added in a Moto pattern to the front thighs - here's my blog post with step-by-step instructions!), and they're the perfect duo. 

Overall, I can't wait to have time to make more Jessies - especially one from sweater knit for the upcoming cold Ottawa winter we're expecting. 

If you're a beginner or Advanced, you'll sew up the right Jessie for you here!

***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!) 

Say Yes to New Adventures - the 5 out of 4 Adventure Skort Sewing Pattern Review

What if life is but one grand adventure? 

What if your wardrobe could be the same? 

The 5 out of 4 Adventure Skort is an adventure I didn't know I was missing out on!

The Adventure Skort is PERFECT for those of us who want to wear short shorts underneath skirts in the summer...it's all built into one garment. 

The options included are:
- Workout shorts (with 4 inseam lengths)
- Skort (shorts + skirt in one)
- Low, Regular, or Maternity rise band
- Short and long skirt lengths 

The skirt was perfect for some stretch denim camo print fabric from Water Tower Textiles, and the last of my Tardis Doctor Who Dri Fit fabric from...(brain fog moment) that online store that sells custom print fabrics (it cost an arm and leg and ear, but this is the 3rd item I've used that yardage in, so I feel I got my money's worth!). 

It sits nicely on my waist, and no muffin top!

 


I paired it with my X-Factor tank top - and it seems to work - sci fi geekiness alert!

I love the longer skirt length, and used the 3" inseam for the shorts, so no more thigh rubbing - especially in sweaty muggy weather, which seems to be this summer, and the reason I've avoided wearing skirts and dresses.  

To me, having shorts built in is a game changer. Yes I can wear shorts AND a skirt/dress...but that's so much work when getting dressed at 5:30am. 

With a nice DBP fabric, it can be the perfect office skirt, and the current combo the perfect outfit for working at our camp land. 

My behind looks good, and I didn't need to grad from the waist to hips. It isn't too tight, thus not causing pressure on my hips (I have super tight hips and low back issues). 

Sewing it up was a breeze, and I was honestly surprised when it was done. It was quick!  

The instructions were easy to understand, and no seam rippers were harmed in the making of this skort. 

I'll definitely make more when I get some extra sewing time in!  

Yay!  

Make everyday an adventure with the Adventure Skort sewing pattern 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!) 


The 

X Marks the Spot - 5 out of 4's X-Factor Tank

The first reason I was attracted to 5 out of 4 patterns a few years ago was the versatility of their patterns, unique design features, and swim separates that were actually flattering. 

I've been wanting to make the X Factor Tankini for eons, and finally got around to making not just one, but two!  

The different options the X Factor entails are:
- Bikini (or Bra) top
- Straight, gathered, or maternity tankini
- Nursing options
- Bust ruching
- Built in bra cups (removable or sewn in)

I sewed up a Small bust Graded to large waist & hips - for the perfect fit.

My first version can be worn for either swim, working out, or play.  And I LOVE it!  

It's taken me a few years, but I can finally scrap bust in a colour co-ordinating way!  

The fabrics used for this amazing X-Factor Tankini (yes, I'm tooting my own horn) include:

- Random dance fabric from my sister's old stash from her dance clothes making days - the floral, red, and striped fabrics

- Athletic fabric - thinner than normal dri-fit - for the cool circuit fabric - from a mystery pack I received from Zenith & Quasar Fabrics thanks to a sew-along I won last year for my new Doctor Who outfit. If I could get their fabric ALWAYS, I would. I just need to win Lotto Max first (ha ha)

- A lightweight spandex, also from Zenith & Quasar fabrics.  It's super soft and blends perfectly with this colour combo.

I LOVE the way this fits me - like a nice glove!  

I paired it with the Tidal Wave Swim Shorts - another super easy pattern that can easily be workout or swim shorts.  

Sewing the X Factor itself, wasn't actually as time consuming as I thought it would be.  It required minimal elastic, clear instructions, and the sizing was right on.

Although the "X" part looks complicated - it really isn't.  

The binding is wide enough that it's simpler than a camisole binding, and not a lot of stretching is required while sewing it up, thus, minimal room for weird stretching errors from occurring (ripples, creases, etc.). 

My second version is more geared towards summer fun.  

The purple and bicycle fabrics are from Water Towel Textiles - swim/spandex fabrics.  The purple is super soft, and the bicycle fabric I hoarded over the last few years (purchasing it 3 times!), as I loved it so much!

The Black binding is from my scrap bin, and likely remnants of sister's dance fabric stash. 

And finally, the meshy mermaid fabric is from the same mystery pack from Zenith and Quasar.  I could of sized out a bit more for this due to its lack of full stretch, but that's ok with me as-is

I've paired it with my first 5 out of 4 swim shorts pattern - the Reversible Riptides.

I did the front bust ruching in this version, and it looks pretty amazing!  

With the exception of the meshy fabric not being quite stretchy enough, the fit is perfect!  

So, I'd definitely recommend this flattering pattern. Both to challenge your sewing skills with something new, and a versatile pattern that's more than just a bathing suit. 

Grab the X-Factor here!

***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!)