Keep Calm and Love Laura - The Rebecca Page Laura Top and Dress Sewing Pattern

The Rebecca Page Laura Top (and dress) pattern is a lovely sew and the perfect pattern for your lightweight fabrics!

It includes the following options:
- Sizing from XXS to 5Xl
- Top or short Dress length
- Knits or woven fabrics can be used
- dropped shoulders
- High low hem
- Optional pockets

 

I am not normally one to wear higher cut tops, but the high front is on par, and the lower back covers my caboose, so I'm happy with the overall fit. 

The armcycle is very comfortable and not tight in any way - either on the shoulder or around the arm itself.  

The neck facing offers many options - I opted for the interfacing version with overstitching, and it was easy to follow the instructions.   

 


Lots of pictures and verbiage definitely will help the beginner sewist gain more confidence while sewing and learning new skills - new skills are one of the reasons I keep sewing with Rebecca Page!

I used a light viscose/woven rayon type fabric from Fabricland for my Laura and can't wait to sew more up (can someone give me more time in the day!?!). 

I paired my Laura with my altered Slim Fit Cargo Pants for a nice untucked look:

 

And with my slimmed down Posy Pants (4" off the side seams) as a tucked in top for the office:

 

So many ways to encorporate Laura into your wardrobe whether you are an experienced or new sewist. 

Follow the instructions, grade the pattern (after measuring yourself!) and have fun with Laura!  

***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 Clover Dress - George + Ginger Sewing Pattern Review

When The George + Ginger Clover Dress pattern was released, it reminded me of my old worn out Modcloth Coach dresses.  

The vintage flare, neckline, buttons...I just lacked the fabric that screamed, "MAKE ME."

That is, until I met Libelle Sewing's Black Polka Dot Scuba fabric. 

I immediately cut out the pattern - like cutting through nice butter - and sewed up Clover within a few days of the fabric arriving. 

The fabric gives some structure without being TOO structured - it has a relaxing factor to it, and can become skirts, pants, dresses, and more. 

It does breath, pending the garment isn't too tight on your skin - so these sleeves will likely come off and I'll go sleeveless as the sleeves are tight (maybe a bicep adjustment would of helped) and just wear a cute cardigan over it instead. 

The sewing itself was easy to follow as usual for a G + G pattern, and I love the ease of construction and the fact that I lacked requiring a seam ripper. 

It took me maybe an hour to sew up Clover, and I'm so glad I did - the end result is divine.  

Perfect for visits with customers outside the office, or a fun gathering on the weekend. 

This fabric was meant for this dress. 

What do YOU think?

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!) 

Pretty in Pink - Libelle Sewing Fabrics Bring together the Zappa and Sienna

I went outside the box with Libelle Fabrics and went bright and cheery with their new Hot Pink Cotton Lycra and Mauve Floral Scuba fabrics. 

The Cotton lycra is like a dream - it feels thick, but still drapes well and sews up SO easily.  The recovery (way it goes back after stretching) is pretty sleek and consistent.  It hasn't pilled after several washes, and has retained its brightness.

I'll definitely be back for more - in every. Single. Colour. 

The Scuba cuts like a nice butter, but sew so nicely without snagging.  It's pretty lightweight, and perfect for pants, coats, and anything really needing a little bit of form.  I'd highly recommend trying it out

The patterns I used for this ensemble are the George + Ginger Zappa pants and my first Sinclair Pattern - The Sienna Knit Drawstring top.

I got the Zappa pattern on its release in 2018, but just haven't had the fabric for them. These pants were definitely calling for this lovely floral scuba - and I wasn't sure at first.  Would flowers be too overpowering? WOuld scuba be breathable?  No and yes. 

I used a few slivers of Libelle Cotton Lycra in black for the front fun bits, and that helped bring everything all together. 

As usual, my G + G pattern was simple to follow and quick. Even though they look complicated, they're usually simple to me.  





The Sienna top got compliments from Husband immediately - he loves the ruching and was actually happy with the colour.  

I need some happy colours in my life right now. And this Hot Pink did the job. 

The instructions were easy to follow (minus a bit of ruching confusion, but I figured it out), and I like that there are height size options - I did opt for the regular instead of petite (I'm 5'-2", but I usually prefer a longer top. 

I'll definitely be back to Sinclair to sew up more of their patterns in the future. 

Overall, new fabric and new patterns = Happy Unicorn. 

Libelle ships to Canada and USA, so stock up on ALL the fabrics and lace you can - the quality is above and beyond, and certainly doesn't disappoint.