Summer's Up with Laela Jeyne Pattern's Rose Circle Skirt and Dahlia Tank Top!

Some days it's nice to have some simple straight forward patterns for a quick sew.

Being able to sew with woven (aka non-stretch) fabrics is also a bonus, given half my fabric is just waiting to be used, but there aren't a lot of non-stretch patterns out there.

Having a nice Camisole style shirt with larger straps to cover my bra straps for work is also something I have been searching for recently.

Laela Jeyne has solved these dilemmas with two new patterns I had the pleasure of testing for recently!

The Dahlia Tank Top and Rose Circle Skirt 

This tank top is perfect to wear on its own or underneath a shirt like a camisole, and works well with thicker stretch cotton, t-shirt fabric, or any other knit fabric really. 

The bands should be a thicker knit with good recovery, otherwise it will look sloppy mid-way through the day.

It is a remarkably quick sew, but versatile pattern as far as functionality.  You can use one or two different fabrics (I opted for busy pandas on the back, and plain stretch cotton for the front), and make it as fancy or "everyday" as you like.

Tank and 16" length 1/2 circle Rose Skirt w/stretch knit fabrics

For me, the length and fit are perfect for making a cycling jersey with, and it will be simple enough to add pockets to the back for my granola bar and extra water pack!

It's not too tight, but not too loose, thus makes me feel comfortable wearing it while in frumpy non-Beachbody Winter mode - it has been the longest winter in eons here in Ottawa, Canada - it was still just above freezing at the beginning of June!

The arm and neck holes are perfect, and as usual, I top stitched to create a professional look.



Side with perfect armhole binding!

Ready for work with my Rose Skirt and Dalhia tank Top!

The Rose Skirt has a plethora of options as well - Maxi, knee, above knee, and too short for work (ha ha) lengths) along with different options for the band.

The band can sit either at the hips or the natural waist, which also will alter the look of the skirt, but also allows you to create the most flattering skirt for your body shape. 

I prefer A-line dresses and skirts as I have a smaller top and waist, then it all goes down to the hips and behind. I opted for the waist length band, and it's perfect! 

I created this black and white 16" length 1/2 circle skirt for work (or play!) from mystery Rayon knit from Fabricland, and a thicker stretch from Water Tower Textiles. My waist band is the same cute Panda stretch cotton from Okee Dokee Fabrics.  Technically this is the worst fabric for bands, as it has slow recovery, but I made it a bit smaller, and it sits proper with the resizing alterations.





Pretty as a flower! This outfit took maybe an hour to 1.5 hours to whip up!

My second Rose Skirt is also a 1/2 circle option (it was supposed to be the 1/4 circle, but I accidentally used the wrong pattern piece), but from a thicker mystery Fabricland woven linen. I added a zipper to the back (yay for zipper feet!), and it was another simple yet classic skirt to sew up.

Even with the zipper, from cutting to hemming, I spent under an hour creating this skirt for work the next day! 

Back of Linen Skirt

Front of Linen Skirt

Strike a pose!

Side Linen skirt

I absolutely love how these came together, and that there is another pattern out there for Ladies that allows me to use my non-knit woven fabrics! 

You can even use a stretch knit band with the woven skirt if you don't want to add in a zipper!

I'm looking forward to creating a maxi length 1/4 circle skirt from flowy fabric for the late summer/early fall. I feel that would just look stunning!

I am itching to try out Laela's entire Summer 2017 collection - and you should too! 

 

Oh, and TWIRL ON!

 

The Lily Woven blouse will be perfect for my non-stretch fabrics, and the Violet Swimsuit looks adorable with side cut outs (thinking I can hack in some Ruching too!). 

The Stunning Emma - Shirt and Layered Dress - Rebecca Page Patterns

Rebecca Page Patterns have to be the most delicate and soft patterns I have encountered to date.

Previously known as "Mummykins and Me," her patterns have evolved to include more than just childrens patterns, but patterns for the ladies, boys, and dolls as well.

Rebecca is based out of the UK, but she has worldwide helpers and fans.  No wonder I love her patterns - I have a thing for the Brits!

The Emma shirt/dress comes with several length options - Top (above hips), Tunic (below hips), and the option to add up to 3 layers for knee, calf, and floor length versions.  You can also sew up the sash, or opt to just use a belt.

I opted for the Top and Tunic versions, both using different fabric types.

As the pattern *is* flowy, do be prepared for sewing with a lot of fabric.  You can choose to use one fabric/pattern, or mix things up a bit, and use different fabrics for a bolder statement.

My first top was actually a Modcloth Dress that I tried to love for years, but the top part puffed out so much that I only wore it a handful of times.  I cut the dress apart, and used the beautiful chiffon print for the exterior layer, and the original slip fabric as the new slip fabric, neck line, and arm openings.

The Tunic length was next - with a random flowy, thin, soft, cotton fabric I obtained from my sister's old fabric stash. It is unlined.

I made two sashes - for the top, it twirls around me twice, with a cute bow at the side, front, or back; and the second one, I was tired, and only sewed the sash half the recommended length - but made it work, and it tied around my waist once, with a knotted end - I prefer the knots/bows to lay at the side.

My second top was definitely a quicker sew vs the first one, both because I didn't line the tunic version, and I was familiar with the pattern concept. 

This is one of the "easier" Rebecca Page patterns - and definitely a keeper!  I couldn't resist wearing both tops to work the day after making each of them - and received kudos both days.  Although created from the same pattern, with different fabric choices, it really DOES make a difference in the flow and feel. 

This pattern is very detailed with respect to how the fabric will fall and look on you - from chiffons and knits, to soft and cotton wovens - each fabric has its own look and feel.

Shirt Version makes its Canadian debut!

The dress versions do require quite a bit of fabric, however, they would be lovely for weddings, parties, and even a tropical vacation! 

I'm looking forward to creating a "slimmed" down version of the knee length dress (cutting less of the angle - less fabric, but more fitted), so I can make a lovely work dress from a few metres of linen I have been hoarding for awhile.

And of course, I will add in pockets - because who doesn't need pockets??  Speaking of pockets, I'll put my excitement out for Rebecca's pocket pattern tutorial set!  You MUST have it - because...POCKETS!

This pattern is for all sizes - from toddler to large handed adults - she didn't forget anyone! 

Each of Rebecca's patterns are created with precision and small details, making them challenging, but well worth it, as the end result leaves you making more than one - you can't have just one of any of her patterns! 

Twirl On!