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 - Bella Sunshine Designs Eden Leggings

I have a few go-to leggings patterns and thought I was good to go.

Then my ladies at Bella Sunshine Designs held a pattern testing for their newest pattern - the Eden Leggings .

Melissa looked so happy sporting her leggings in front of the Disneyland logo (and I am terrified of Disneyland due to crowds, people, and long line ups - not my idea of fun) - and she named it such a whimsy name...I jumped into the testing queue.

I made not one, but 4 pairs of Edens! 

The areas that tends to make most leggings uncomfortable are the groin and waistlines.

These leggings don't have OR need any adjustments or extra fabric in the groin area - there is no fabric crawling where it ought not to.

There are 3 waistline heights, and even the option for a fold down waist band.

I prefer the mid rise, and with the right stretch fabric band, there is no muffin top (or bottom), for a stellar flattering look on ladies of all shapes and sizes.

There are multiple height adjustment lines,  mid and full length leg versions, and a great use of fun fabric! 

My first pair was my test pair - capris length spandex rainbow print.  And I took off 2" from the length for the perfect fit. 

I also unassumingly stripe matched perfectly - this was NOT intentional.

My Second pair is magical. Because I had this awesome Unicorn fabric, and it happened to be the EXACT length I needed for capris length. I paired it with some spandex sparkly velvet - because it was a magical fabric.

My third pair was Star Wars - I didn't have enough fabric for a full mirror image, so I cut the pattern piece in half and made the front Storm Troopers, the back Dri Fit Fabric (meshing is great for sweat wicking!), and the band is also a spandex cotton Star Wars that I got in a fabric stash sale that only had enough height for the band.

And my final pair was made from my coveted Water Tower Textiles Fleece Backed Cotton Lycra, and is the most amazing fabric ever! It wicks sweat, is perfect for camp, keeps me warm without over heating...and Eden was calling its name.

I paired it with a sparkly spandex band - because SPARKLES.

I wear my Edens almost every day after work now. They flatter my behind, there's no camel toe, and they are a super quick sew. By my 3rd & 4th pairs, I didn't even need the instructions.

And well when pattern testing, I always have fun - a dare myself to do silly things. Like fling myself into the cold snow because I said I would.

So grab your Eden Pattern now!  You won't regret it - they're my go-to leggings pattern now, and I'm totally going to hack them with fun stuff when I'm in need of replacement leggings.