Be a Flamingo in a Flock of Seagulls - 5 out of 4's Roxanne Tunic Sewing Pattern

Dare to be different - the world is already full of ordinary. 

5 out of 4 has done it again with their newest pattern, the Roxanne Tunic!

The Roxanne Tunic is Unicorn length approved (I'm 5'-2"), and can be easily sewn up for any season, depending on your flowy fabric and sleeve length.


It features:
- Straight or Curved hemline
- 4 Sleeve lengths - Short, 3/4, full, or extra long
- 2 sleeve styles (loose or more fitted)
- 4 Fabulous back styles - button up, faux button up, lace up with grommets, or lace up with loops


I do NOT recommend a normal cotton lycra or denser fabric, as it will make the top look quite boxy, and you will be sad.


My first top is the short loose sleeved, straight hemline, with lace up back (loops):

I used a drapey sweater knit (now sold out, thanks to me!) from Water Tower Textiles.  It's super soft, and I've pretty much ordered this fabric in the maroon and black colours until it has sold out throughout the year - perfect for drapey patterns and all year round wear.

Serious face while wearing it, but it was a really rough nauseous vertigo week.

So with my limited cognitive abilities, I tested out Roxanne, and succeeded with no seam ripper!  I deserve a Blue Ribbon for that, as my mind can't figure out simple concepts when I'm in full migraine mode.  But Rachelle's instructions are precise, give hints and tips to cover any potential issues, and the pictures are on par with Roxanne.

That being said, it took me some time to slowly pin the ribbons to the back facing and sew up the back facings, but that's me. I'm a slow sewist without a migraine!

I would use a denser ribbon next time - perhaps cording - so the corset back is a bit more defined, but some days you use what you have on hand! 



It pairs well with the Eleanor Cardigan! \

Next, I made the curved hem, long sleeved, faux button back version.

I really don't want to button up any shirt, and honestly didn't have the energy to make button holes, so sewing the buttons on through both layers made it SO simple to get the button up look!

This back version wasn't as lengthy as the corset back, and gives the top a totally different look! 

The fabric is a mishmash of fabric I won from Zenith and Quasar for a sew-a-long (my Doctor Who outfit!) and Water Tower textiles.

The purple is some sort of light supplex, and the grey is a dri-fit fabric - both from a random stash box I opted for from Z & Q.

The sleeves are remnants from some super soft DBP from Water Tower Textiles.

They work well for this top - which happens to be a good top for colour blocking due to lack of any appropriate length of fabric. 

When in doubt, colour block. I've become SO accustomed to that as I keep to my low fabric budget.

I love the sleeves lengths and the flow of the top - and the button back turned out quite well! 

I even paired it with my Aspen Fleece Vest, fresh out of the wash before being packed for camp this weekend.

So challenge yourself with a bit of a different top in Roxanne - experiment with a lace modesty panel in the back of your corset version to give it that va-va-voom appeal, colour block with smaller bits of fabric like I did, or just follow the pattern (which is also totally awesome to do), and be proud of your final product! 

***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!) 

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend - Migraine Update

My life has become: 

- Wake up
- Crawl into shower
- Hope the spinning subsides
- Drive Husband to work (who can afford $20 parking a day??)
- Drive home
- Make coffee
- Work in my basement office
- If I'm lucky I get to talk with one or two people throughout the day - like use my voice, not just instant messaging
- Lunch with the dogs
- Work in basement office
- Work out or make dinner and then work out (always modified...but it's something to help me heal)
- Time with Jamie or crafting of some sort of escape activity
- Sleep
- Repeat

Weekends are at our camp. 50/50 chance I even want to go and be social with our neighbours.

I'm just too used to being alone now. 

I think I cry almost every day. 

Every day just runs into the next. 

I feel lost and forgotten. 

I may see non-weekend camp friends once every 2? 3? months. I don't remember the last time I did. Likely I've just scared everyone away...so I don't matter anymore. 

Out of sight out of mind. 

If I'm lucky, I'm an afterthought. 

I don't generally complain to Husband how I am feeling. It's various levels of vertigo, jello legs, brain fog, head clamp headaches, and so on (as per my original migraine post).

I saw my first neurologist again in August, and am due again in a month. He doubled my Beta Blockers dosage. 

I don't know - I think it may have made me sink deeper into my depression. 

Neither him nor Neurologist # 2 (whom I met last week) will prescribe me anti depressants. They say it's side effects of the meds. 

I told them I need something. The loneliness is becoming unbearable and I'm just closing up more and more. 

Not only is the migraine in my head - but I'm also in my head. And not in a good way. 

Neuro #2 is now in charge of my vestibular issues, and sent me to the hospital for more testing to confirm the Vestibular Migraine diagnoses. I find out next week for sure. Vestibular issues are my main downfall currently, and I'd rather have just the headache part of the migraine than my other symptoms. 

Now, not only does my body feel like it's spinning constantly, but I can actually feel my eyes spinning separately. It's actually really happening and confirmed by my newest Doctor on my medical team - an Optometrist specializing in the relationship between the eyes and Brain. 

He said there's a lot going on in my head - and there's definitely a major disconnect between my brain and eyes that we need to resolve. We have a baby step game plan, and meet up again in 6 weeks. 

Both him and Neuro #2 suggested I see a Vestibular Therapist and essentially start physio for my vestibular (inner ear/brain) system. 

But I had to choose which symptoms to relieve first.  Eyes (light sensitivity, dissassociation, double vision, etc.) or vestibular (the vertigo and related issues). Both cost me out of pocket. 

Benefits cover next to nothing - it's barely worth making a claim. 

So I'm "excited" to go more in the hole for more tests, diagnoses, treatments, etc. *sigh* 

I'm going for my vision issues first, and hopefully that's a good starting point. 

That, and as i type, my right eye is totally circling like a clock - I don't feel my left eye is following suit. FML.  It seems to have gotten worse over the last few weeks. 

Nothing the doctors tell me is a surprise. I've researched, know my body, and am logical. 

It's been over a year. 

Countless Doctors visits.

Not enough answers.

Who knew the end of my 30's would be so spectacularly shitty? At this point, I don't even care to do anything for my 40th birthday. I just don't have the smiles or energy to give to anyone who would care to show up anyhow. 

I really need a Unicorn to come out of the shadows right now. I need to believe something good will come from all of this. 

I just want to curl up into a ball and close my eyes until I am better.

 I am just so tired of appearing all right to the outside world. 

And even though I may smile and laugh on the outside, try not to complain to others, and am always busy doing something...it just hides the defeat, frustration, loneliness, and sadness that is constantly with me now. 

I wish I could be all roses and sparkles again. 

I just need life to give me a break so I can find myself again. 

I feel so forgotten and lost. Out of sight out of mind. 

In the words of Amy Lee:

You won't cry for my absence, I know
You forgot me long ago
Am I that unimportant?
Am I so insignificant?
Isn't something missing?
Isn't someone missing me?

I'm too Sexy For My Fashionista Jacket - New Winter Wear Designs Fashionista Jean Jacket Pattern!

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. 

The new Winter Wear Designs Fashionista Jacket scream, "I'm fashionably awesome!"

 


It is a fabulous way to sew up your denim or twill fabrics, and gives a totally va-voom vibe to the traditional jean jacket. 

Options include:
- Large or small pockets (or both...or none!)
- Detailed cuffs and scoop neckline
- Natural waist line length (perfect for layering)
- Use buttons, snaps, or shank jean buttons for closures

 

I used a really light silver twill fabric from the suiting department of Fabricland that was waiting for the perfect pattern.  The Fashionista seemed to be calling its name when I opened up my outerwear fabric drawer. 

And what's more fashionable than shiny and sparkly?  Besides sequins and glitter, this definitely stands out from the crowd in that pizzazz kind of way. 

 


I made mine with the smaller pocket, and it's perfect for my lip gloss, chilly hands, or keys - without looking bulky. 

The back has a lovely yoke, and throughout the pattern, all the seams are top stitched twice, giving it a professional look and stylish feel. 

It may take a bit more time than just regular seams, but it really does make the difference between a basic pattern and one that stands out from the crowd and makes people go, "Wow!"  

The armcycle is comfortable, and the arms are big enough that you can wear a light long sleeed shirt or sweater underneath without feeling tightness (an issue I tend to have due to my Hulk Rage arms). 

 


I paired mine with my Cross Hem Tee, and it's the perfect match whether my shirt is tucked in or out.  (And the Cross Hem is free with code from the WWD Facebook Group!)

You won't regret the sewing skills you will learn or hone in with the Fashionista (and other Winter Wear Designs Patterns). 

Be too sexy for your current fall jacket, and sew up the Fashionista 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!) 

You Get a Pattern! YOU Get a Pattern! Everybody Gets a FREE Pattern!

The Wolf and the Tree's first FREE pattern is finally here!  

FLAIR!

In celebration of 10,000 members, Saskia has created the most awesomely comfortable batwing top. 

It it loose on the top, but is graded in such a way to maintain my womanly shape, yet hiding those chocolate bars I ate last week when I had a sugar craving. 

 


There are a multitude of different options for this top/dress, which include:
- Above knee mini dress
- Tunic/Mini Tress
- Tunic
- Regular Length
- Crop Top
- Regular Bodice
- Short Bodice

I LOVE the ruching effect - essentially, it's the way the fabric sits and just bunches up at the waistband - no ruching is required for this effect!  The looser the fabric, the more stellar the slouchiness. 

I used a ReALLY light sweater knit from Water Tower Textiles, and love its breath-ability, warmth, and versatility. 

As a tester of this pattern, we were given no instructions. 

I finished my first top in half an hour. With NO instructions. 

 

So if you are an intermediate to advanced sewist, Flair will be a great way to expand your fashionable wardrobe.  

If you are a beginner or novice sewist, this is a great way to enter the knit sewing world. It's really not as scary as you think! 

And I betcha can't sew just One!

I sew all my clothes with *gasp* a plain Jane Viking Husqvarna Emerald Sewing Machine - their base model. There's 8 stitch options. 

No serger.

No Coverstitch machine. 

Just stretch stitches and zig zags to finish it off. 

Yes, I've heard Sergers are quicker, but this is what I have, and that's okay. She's a workhorse!

So here are the steps you're going to take next:
- Join The Wolf and the Tree
- Check out the Announcements section on how to get your Free Flair Pattern!
-  Enjoy this free pattern on Saskia! 

Try out her socks, ballerina top, or even the ballerina skirt - such lovely unique patterns that make you wonder why you haven't discovered them sooner. 

***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!) 

Every Woman Needs Good Basics - Rebecca Page's Strappy Cami Sewing Pattern and Monthly Subscription!

I'm nicer when I like my outfit!  

Whose kidding, I like all of my Rebecca Page outfits - I always get the right fit and the finished product is never a surprise. 

I'm excited to announce that Rebecca Page Patterns now has a pattern subscription with several amazing features:

-  special MEMBERS ONLY PATTERNS!
- 1, 6, or 12 month subscriptions
- 1 monthly credit - 1 credit = 1 pattern!
- Your choice of pattern for credit use
- Pause subscriptions when life happens
- Get 20% further discount off any additional patterns each month
- $8/month, $43/6 months, or $76/year

The first pattern for MEMBERS ONLY is the Strappy Camisole

We all wear Camisoles - as a top, to cover cleavage, or just underneath another top for layering. 

This has to be my favourite camisole pattern to date.  It looks and feels like a cami should. 

AND it has a few lovely options: 
- Gathered front (aka ruching!) option
- Smooth plain front option
- Fabric straps option
- Fold Over Elastic Straps option

For my Ruched camisole, I used Double Brushed polyester fabric, with spandex for the bands.

I paired it with the Peggy Pencil Skirt (mini skirt version).

The ruched version is a great solo wearing (no layering required!), and is the perfect length.  I generally prefer tops to hit mid to lower hip, and this cami hits that mark!

The straps do take a bit of time pinning to perfection, but are well worth it - making the camisole look crisp and professional. 

 

My smooth camisole was made from cotton lycra and double brushed polyester.  The DBP is SO soft against my skin, and this version sits mid hip as well.

The perfect layering cami, right?

And you can see it is flattering from the side view as well!

I've paired my smooth front version with my Pippa Pants!,

I graded from Small to Large to accommodate for my caboose, and it fits like a nice glove. 

I recommend this staple camisole for every woman's wardrobe. 

Won't You Be My Neighbour? 5 out of 4's Eleanor Cardigan Pattern

I love a cardigan that lets me move and groove.  Like this:

Let's make the most of this beautiful day...with 5 out of 4's Eleanor Cardigan Pattern!  

The options the Eleanor pattern includes are:

- Mid thigh, knee, or duster length

- Optional Hood

- Band hem

- Optional Tie belt

- Optional Elbow Cuff

- Optional Pockets

- Optional long sleeves

- Womens or Girls Sizing

It's meant for sweater knits with at least 15% stretch - but I kind of cheated, aka no fabric month September/October, as we have to pay for some advanced medical testing for my Vestibular Migraines that may help bring me back to working in the office and coming out of my dark cocoon of no/low-lighting Golem life.

So I opted for some very light sweater knit for the sleeves, pockets, and band; and double brushed polyester for the floral pattern.

And you can also see the difference of the fit between belted and unbelted. I'm all about wrapping myself further into comfort! 

You could easily add buttons to the front, but this pattern doesn't include them. It's meant to be super casual.

The pockets are perfect - my hands fit in them without being at an odd angle, and I can keep love notes and lipbalms in them.

And Take note: I've paired my Eleanor with my Gloria Peplum top - because they seemed to go together like magic!

   

I also opted for the elbow cuff option - it was easier to do than anticipated - and a first time for me to sew this style in a pattern.

My arms I thought were regular length, but I may have cut the long arms, as they were quite long - you definitely want to elbow cuff if you are sewing the longer arm length.

The arms aren't too tight or loose, and feel good overall. You could easily  wear a light sweater underneath if it's really chilly outside.

Overall, the Eleanor is a lovely sew, and I can't wait until I can afford more fabric to try out the sexy duster length! 

Come on, LottoMax or Fairy Fabric Mother!

Sew On!