Useful Sewing Tool: The Rebecca Page Pattern Weights

I love my rotary cutter and cutting mat. 

I don't love my pattern pieces moving while I'm cutting. 

And I certainly don't love pinning patterns to fabric so I can use my efficient rotary cutter. 

I tried out the new Rebecca Page Pattern Weights, and they are a sewing game changer!

They are perfect for scrap pieces of woven fabric that you still covet (and can now covet in your regular sewing routine!). 

You can use a plethora of different "weight" material. 

I've tried a few different types, and here is my take:

1) Rice: lightweight and not the heaviest for actually weighing down the pattern paper. 

Really annoying to stuff the 1/2" border with.  

I did use a piece of paper formed into a cone shape to help make filling easier for both the rice and stone bead gems. It really makes it easier!

2) Little stone bead gems meant for a fairy garden (a la Dollarama): Husband weighed them out at 1 oz - I thought it was a decent weight, but then he  suggested #3. 

They were a bit tedious to fill with the paper cone, but easier than the rice. 

3) BB Pellets: Husband has a BB Pellet Gun and used it twice. It has been sitting in our trailer for the last 2 years unused, and he gave his blessing for me to use them for the weights.  

They are Ama-y-zing. 2 ounces of weight, and by far my favourite to use.

I just poured them into a shallow container, and just placed them in 5-6 at a time, pushed them through the border, and they were almost the quickest weight material to use. 

4) Old washers from Husband's unorganized collection of nuts/bolts/screws/etc.  He came upstairs while I used these and got mad. Apparently the rusty washers were still useful.  He even tried to show me they paired up with screws in the same container, but failed miserably.  

That's when he suggested the BB Pellets. 

These were the quickest weight material to use.

Stuffing the 1/2" border is the longest part of making these weights, but you only have to do it once, and that's it. 

I just Netflix binged a few shows while stuffing the borders - it was relaxing doing that and I didn't really have to pay attention to what I was doing once the sewing machine part was done. 

Try to make your own Pattern Weights with this FREE pattern (yay FREE!), and let me know how it goes. 

***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!) 

It's Getting Hot in Here - The Rebecca Page Vintage Savannah Bathing Suit Sewing Pattern Review

Surround yourself with inspiring things. 

Like the Rebecca Page Patterns Savannah Swimsuit!

With a sultry Vintage feel, the Savannah swim suit is flattering and form fitting.  Options include:

- Fully Lined
- One Piece
- Optional Back Straps
- Optional Skirt

I learnt the hard way (aka trusty seam ripper) to use 4 way stretch for both the exterior and lining fabrics. 

A 2 way stretch leads to an ill fitted suit that doesn't let you inside it easily. 

My fabric is the same inside and out - a cute Gingham Swim Suit fabric from Fabricville that was on sale a month or so ago. 

The waistline sits at my natural waist, and I wasn't sure how good my big thighs would look, but the rise of the bottoms is perfect coverage - not too high or too low. 

I LOVE the cut of the front bodice and bust - there are detailed instructions on how to modify the bust to fit yours properly.  If you normally do a bust adjustment on clothing, there is an extra full bust adjustment tutorial that you can download to help you get that perfect bust fit. 

For elastic (there's lots of it), I scored a great deal on amazon, making it about $0.50 a yard for a 75 foot roll vs the normal $4-5 for 2 yards!

Honestly, I'm using this elastic for non-swim garments too, as it's only about $0.05 more expensive than the non-swim elastic. 

Just remember to hold the elastic taut - don't pull it around the bodice or strap areas, as the suit won't fit quite right. 

And DO measure your low bust to natural waist to ensure you don't have to lengthen the front bodice pieces. 

I find the side even flattering - even with my little migraine-induced ponch. It hides the rolls in all the right places!  

The leg holes are the areas where you actually pull the elastic a bit more, as it's measured there. 

But only a little bit!  Too much pull will lead to weirdness. 

Next time I would make the back straps a bit longer so they sit higher up and are spaced out more evenly. They don't dig in, they just have a tendency to move towards the bodice band. 

Overall, it's a great swim suit that brings me back to a simpler time.  

And as per my first photo - it doubles as a bodysuit!  

Sew your swim up with Savannah 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!) 

Bring out your Inner Ballerina - The Rebecca Page Tulle Skirt Sewing Pattern Review

"I will never be the woman with the perfect hair, who can wear white and not spill on it"

- Carrie Bradshaw

That's Me!

Go twirly and glam with this gorgeous Sex & the City Reminiscent skirt - you know the one. The one in the opening credits worn by The Carrie Bradshaw. 

Options include:
- Full or super full (I went super full)
- Invisible zipper fastening 
- Tea length skirt (you can shorten/lengthen it if desired)
- Woven lining
- Lightweight outer fabric

 


I went with 3 layers of tulle purchased for a steal off Amazon.ca. I have so much tulle leftover, I can make ALL the skirts. And costumes. And everything tulle. 

I used a normal cotton fabric waistband purchased somewhere unknown. But it has a cute old fashioned sewing machine pattern throughout it. 

The lining is some sort of normal dress lining gifted to me by my aunt-in-law a few summers ago. 

 


Each tulle layer is sewn onto the waistband separately - this is the most time consuming part of the sewing with lots of gathers and pinning..but SO worth the pretty factor. 

 


The back zipper never seems to stay centred for me, but that's okay - it looks awesome regardless. 

The zipper was actually easy to sew in following the instructions.  I stays up, and the skirt sits at my natural waistline. 

I paired my Tulle Skirt with my Savannah Swimsuit - so I sense the Savannah being a great bodysuit too!  

So be a fashionista at home on the couch, out with the Ladies, attending your friends next wedding, or as a costume.  

Bring the Ballerina from within out with the Tulle Skirt!

***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!) 

Unicorns, Unicorns, EVERYWHERE! Rebecca Page Patterns Unicorn Doll Sewing Pattern

Always be yourself, unless you can be a Unicorn.  

Then always be a Unicorn. 

Rebecca Page Patterns has a lovely new handsewn Unicorn Doll Pattern.  

The pattern includes:
- A whimsical and magical unicorn pattern

- No machine required - can be stitched completely by hand (hello, camping project!) 

- Beautiful mane (with as few or many hair wisps as you'd like!)

- Button or doll joints for the legs

I am a bit of a Unicorn fan, so jumped at the chance to create my very own Unicorn!  

Hand Cutting out all of the pieces deems a netflix episode (or  two) - and I know a few testers used their Cricut machines to cut out their pieces even quicker (don't ask me how  - I don't own such Wizardry!). 

Then the stitching begins. 

The tail is first - and can be plain, fully stuffed, or partially stuffed and embroidered.  I opted to match my felt fabric colours with some embroidery thread.  

Make sure to stuff the tail VERY lightly in order for this to work.  

The horn is super cute - and you can be as creative or basic as you like.  I glued some pink string beads onto it in a circular motion for a blast of colour. 

And look at those eyes!  I used iron on fabric for the eye, and embroidery thread for the lashes.

And THAT MANE.

It's pretty gorgeous! I think I used about 40 pieces of hair wisp to create this, and I love the way it looks. 

I did just sew the legs on - no buttons, no doll joints...just plain. Sure they don't move, but he's okay not moving. 

Why move when people will move you instead? 

Sparkle Fancy Feet is smart. 

Play with Fairies. 

Ride a Unicorn.

Swim with Mermaids. 

Chase Rainbows. 

Give your try at creating this gorgeous Unicorn toy - and give old-fashioned hand sewing a go. 

You and any kiddos you can safely round up will enjoy this as a great summer project!



***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!)  

Vintage Swim Wear - The Rebecca Page Bondi Bikini Sewing Pattern Review

Summer Lovin' Having a Blast!  

Get your Bikini Sew Jo on with the Rebecca Page Bondi Bikini.

With several options, you'll sew up this suit in no time. 

- Fully Lined

- Totally Flattering

- Halter Neck

- Diamond Shaped cut out and Front Bow detailing

- Optional Tankini or Bikini Length Tops

- Optional Regular or High Waisted Shorts

 

 

It's a fun suit, and stays on while you play in the water!

 

I especially like the shorts on it - just enough to cover up my big hips and thighs, making me feel my best. 

The back is one piece, and ties up at the neck into a comfortable halter style top

 


The front was actually pretty simple to sew up - but be warned, it does require a lot of swim elastic!  I found a huge roll of 1/4" swim elastic on Amazon for about 80% less than I'd spend on swim elastic by the 2-3 yards in store (at $0.50 a yard!), so it will do me some time for suits and even non-swim suits. 

The fabric was a special from Fabricland (sorry - it's sold out clearance now!), and sewed up amazingly. 

From the side, it's flattering with the high waisted bottoms and normal banded bikini top - the tankini version brings the top band down to meet the shorts 

If you haven't sewn swim fabric before, this is a lovely first time sew - and very forgiving.  

Just remember to use the proper stretch stitch, and take your time.  Don't actively pull the elastic (hold it tight - but don't tug) and the suit will sit on your body properly. 

Grab your Bondi Bikini Pattern Here, and start your summer right!

***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!)