Steeeeellaaaaaa! The Rebecca Page Patterns Stella Coat Review

As soon as I saw Stella, I know it was over. 

My love affair with flair and coats had meshed together into one - to create the Stella Coat.

Rebecca Page has done it again - and I'm SO glad!

Stella is available in newborn to 12 years old or adult XS to 5XL sizing - or get both sizing in a Bundle. 

 What are her features?
-Funnel neckline
- Hidden button placket
- Princess seams
- High-low full skirt
- close-fitting sleeves with mock buttons
- Optional mock back belt
- Optional welt pockets

I had a few different fabrics to choose from, and opted for this Alice in Wonderland themed quilting cotton from Fabricland, part of some random quilting cotton I had already from some gifted fabric, and ran out to Walmart to find out they sold small bolts of quilting cotton - an chose a grey and turquoise butterfly fabric.  

It was that or sloths. 

I was squeeeeeeeing while sewing up Stella and putting her together piece by piece. 

I chose all the available options, and graded from a Medium bust to XL for the waist and hips.  

I took 3" off the length of the pattern - so this means all the pattern pieces had length taken off.  Definitely worthwhile, and it's the perfect hi-low length for me. 

The belt sits at the perfect area (natural waist), and I only had to take in the seam at the side underneath the armcycle to where the front pockets hit.  This tucked in the front a bit more for me, as I have a caboose, but not so much up front.  Next time I could definitely opt for Large front pieces, and XL back pieces to accommodate for this small adjustment. 

You can see the hi-low here in my side view. Isn't the drape lovely??

The sleeves were the perfect length for me (although to some, they would take length off - I'm in Canada and always have cold hands - longer sleeve = happy Crystal). I also have enough room for a thin sweater underneath without feeling constricted in the armcycle.

The buttons were from a shop on Etsy that I'd had for some time - brushed silver buttons that look like blooming flowers. The sleeve and back buttons are a smaller button from the same Etsy shop. 

I felt like a flasher opening up the coat to reveal the beautiful inside, but c'est la vie of a pattern tester!  

I paired Stella with my Chrissy Top and altered Slim Cargo Pants. 

A few tips I want to pass around:

- Take your time - sewing Stella isn't a race - follow ALL instructions and don't assume, or else the seam ripper will be your frienemie. 

- I sewed a stitch between every front button on the placket in order for the placket to stay flat

- I sewed snaps on the top welt pocket to help it stay shut (the fabric weight definitely played a part in this!)

So get your Ladies pattern here, newborn to 12 years old pattern here, and Bundle it up 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!) 

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Mambo Number Five! The Skirt Collection from 5 out of 4 Patterns

A little bit of Monica in my life.

A little bit of Erica by my side. 

A little bit of Rita is all I need.

A little bit of Tina is what I see...

5 out of 4 patterns has blown it out of the sewing park again with this Mambo #5 Line of skirts.  

What's great about them?  You can get the set in a bundle, or just one (or two, or three), and combine the skirts with the different bands and features.  

What options are there?
- Thin Band
- Thick Band
- Scooped Band
- Lace Up Band
- Tie Up Band
- Straps
- Mini, Knee, or Midi length Skirts
- Pockets
- and more!  

 

Monica is a pleated skirt with 3 length options, and several options: pockets, regular band, tie up band, or Encased Elastic band.

I loved sewing her up - and the pleats were SUPER simple to sew up and laid perfectly the first time around. 

I sewed up the mini version with regular band and waist ties.  The fabric was some sort of stretch suiting fabric from Fabricland, so the skirt cost me about $5 to make. Woot!  

I paired Monica up with the Virginia Tank (including a cut file also on the 5 out of 4 site) for a more casual look.

 

 

Erica is possibly my fave out of the four skirts. She was an easy sew, and I LOVE the options included: Suspenders, lace up or regular waistbands, pockets, and all 3 skirt lengths. 

I opted for the Knee length with Lace Up Waistband - made with a maroon pleather from Water Tower Textiles via a mystery bundle I took a chance on.  This fabric called out Erica's name!

Lesson learned with Pleather - put a piece of paper on top of the fabric while sewing, and tear it off once done sewing.  Otherwise, the needle does NOT like to sew through just the pleather.  

The lace up band instructions were super simple to follow, and I just used lace I had on hand for the tie.  

I paired up Erica with my Laura Tankini - what a perfect colour match and va-voom look!

 

Rita is the fitted skirt, with options: one or two piece back (aka with a seam or without), solid or colour blocked front and/or back, back vent, Basic or encased elastic waistbands.

I opted for the knee length back seam plain waistband version.  And va-voom!  It was both an easy sew and flattering for my figure. 

The seam in the back is recommended for those of us with big cabooses, and it definitely helped me with this second version of the skirt I sewed up. 

I used a waffle suiting fabric from...either Fabricland or Water Tower Textiles - I can't recall. It has just enough stretch, but doesn't put tension on my poor hips - so I can move and not feel suffocated in a traditional fitted skirt. 

This will be fun to wear at the office! 

I paired up Rita with one of my Calypso Tops for a more casual feel.

 

Tina is the final skirt in this collection - and includes: basic, scoop, or cross front waistband; suspenders, hem ruffle, or patch pocket options.

I opted for the cross front waistband, suspenders, knee length skirt. 

I wore this out for my 10th wedding anniversary with Husband a few weeks ago, and he was impressed!  

It was a quick sew to which I loved all the available options, fit, and lasting factor. I paired Tina with my Shiela Top, and it's a match made in heaven.

So get your groove on and collect all 4 skirts (and the FREE Luna skirt pattern) and mix & match Monica, Erica, Rita, and Tina with all the features to your sewing heart's desire.

Share your pictures on the 5 out of 4 Facebook group once done with your favourite Mambo Pose! Why? Why Not!

***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!) 

Let the Sew Set You Free - 5 out of 4's Calypso Top & Dress Sewing Pattern Review

Aye Calypso, the places you've been to, the things you have shown us. 

5 out of 4 must be dreaming of either the Pirates of the Caribbean or Ottawa (where Calypso Water Park is).  Either way, the Calypso top reminds me of waves of warm water and the tropics - even though fall is here, frost warnings and all. 

Calypso has several options:
- Top or dress length
- Short, 3/4, or long sleeves with a cute bow detail
- XXS to 5XL sizing

 

The first top I made was my test version. 

I had a, "moment," and didn't realize the sleeve binding should of been doubled, so my short sleeves version lacks the bow feature - but it's still cute and works!  

I also didn't shorten any of the tiers, as this was my fit version to ensure everything worked as it ought to.  

 



I used a DBP from Water Tower Textiles, and it's so soft and flowy - definitely the type of fabric this top desires. 

The gathers were the most time consuming part of making this top, but well worth the end result. 

For my second top, I opted for long sleeves, and used DBP and some sort of really light Sweater knit from a mystery box (also Water Tower Textiles) - and everything came together well. 

I love the flow and look of the top, and the long sleeves are different and feminine. 

 


Originally during testing, we'd used clear elastic in the gathers, but it didn't work well for flowiness, so I originally made this top as the dress version (I'm not normally a dress girl), and had to unpick the seams between all the tiers to get the elastic out, and resewed it back together in a top version for finals.  

I did learn that unpicking clear elastic made it easier than just through the fabric, and none of the fabric was torn during the process. 

The final version has NO clear elastic, so you shant suffer this two Netflix episode unpicking adventure!

I did take 3/4" off each tier, but next time I won't, as I prefer a longer length. 

Overall, it's a fun sew, and these are already in my closet ready to wear. 

If you want a fun sewing adventure, take the ride down the Calypso 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!) 

Octopus, Octopus, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp! The Rebecca Page FREE Octopus Sewing Pattern

Octopus, Octopus Squiggling in the Water, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!

Bring your sea squabbling adventures to life with Rebecca Page's adorable and FREE Octopus Sewing Pattern!

She includes several options:
- Embroidered legs
- Add weighted beads to the legs to make her legs poseable
- Sew, Iron, or paint on her eyes and mouth
- Octopus or Spider (or something else?) 

I used some of my felt stash for a nice purple and yellow blend of bright colours. 

Everything is hand sewn, which I find therapeutic and quite enjoy. 

The most tedious part is cutting out the fabric, and then it's clear sailing from that point onwards!

Look how cute her eyes are!  I opted to be lazy and used my glue gun to glue on the felt circles, but you can use iron on fabric, embroider them, use buttons or Googly Eyes, sew the felt on - whichever method you prefer!

The same goes with her mouth, which I opted to embroider on, topping off with some adorable cheek circles. 

I embroidered her legs as per the instructions, and once I did one leg, I just flew through my straight stitches!  It makes a neat effect.  

I think buttons underneath would make them look like suckers and more authentic. Okay, as authentic as a felt octopus is going to be...

Ahol Hoy!  She's ready for adventures in the great sea!

I think she'll just love her enemies until they give in, and bring goodness to all with that big smile!  Kindness can certainly scare the evil away!

Overall, you can't go wrong with this FREE Pattern - get her here now!

The Unfortunate Sewing Pattern - Itch to Stitch's Brasov Wrap Top

I don't recall the last time I truly didn't enjoy sewing up something new. 

Or trying a new designer. 

The Brasov Wrap Top was my first, and unfortunately last, Itch to stitch Sewing pattern. 

I really love the end result, but sewing it up was truly a test of my patient patience. 

The first few pages of instructions were great - with respect to sizing, fabric type, and measurements. 

Then it took me almost 4 hours to sew the darn top up - with only 3.5 pages of instructions and 20 steps. 

I used my seam ripper too many times to count, and almost gave up. 

But I couldn't waste my beautiful Cotton Lycra fabric from Libelle Sewing.

And let's just say, the Zappa pants pictured above only took me an hour to sew, and I feel are a more complicated pattern design overall. 

 

 I love the drape and flow of the fabric for this pattern.  

And the top looks rather good on me (especially with a proper bra on). 

Grading it was easy, and the fit is perfect. 

But the overall sewing experience, and misunderstandings with most of the steps as to what to do, left me to never wanting to sew an Itch to Stitch Pattern again. 

I think I have their Free skirt pattern, but I'll just recycle that. 

I would rather sew a coat with buttons, zippers, a hood, pockets, and frills. Whose kidding - I really would love to sew a jacket with all of those things!  

Be Zen with 5 out of 4's Zen Pants Pattern

6 Rules to be Happy in Life:

1. Never hate
2. Live Simple
3. Don't worry
4. Expect a little
5. Give a lot
6. Sew lots of Zen pants

Okay, so I threw that last one in there, but sewing is my zen, and 5 out of 4's Zen pants make me feel bootylicious. 

 


The Zen pants come with a few fun features - ones that make you feel like undercover Yoga pants (even when you're in the office!):
- Shorts, Capris, or Pants length
- 3 rise options
- Faux fly  option
- Rivets or drawstring (options)
- Patch Pockets on the front, back, and cargo pocket on the side (optional...but POCKETS!)
- Maternity options

I sewed this amazing floral pair with Scuba fabric from Libelle sewing.  It has the perfect amount of stretch and stability, and is soooooo comfy.  Perfect for fall throughout spring here in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada!  

I opted for a midrise waistband, front and back pockets, and it was a relatively quick & easy sew.  The instructions are straight forward, and the fit is perfect for me. 

I took 3" off the height - after measuring my inseam and comparing it to the finished length.  I didn't alter anything else. 

The view from the side is just as Epic.  

As you can see, the bottoms aren't too big or small, but just right, and there is no gaping from the waist band.  

I honestly thing a lack of proper fabric on my end has stopped me from making more Zen pants for my office attire and just for fun!  

A less colourful pair of Zens I made last year were made from not as stretchy as I'd like suiting fabric from Fabricland.

I made the same style with pockets and mid rise, and love these ones just as much (they're also easier to match with my usually colourful and colour blocked tops). 

So whether it's for serious work or play, the Zen pants are sooooooo comfy, you can't go wrong. 

Get your Zen on 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!) 

Always Be Yourself Unless You Can Be a Unicorn. Then Be a Unicorn via Rebecca Page's Unicorn Cape Sewing Pattern

Life's all about Rainbows, Glitter, and Unicorns. 

Sparkle a little more each day with Rebecca Page's Unicorn Cap Sewing Pattern. 

It's a beautifully designed costume, play, or "keep me warm" cape with several options:
- Main Cape with lining
- Eyes
- Ears
- Optional Mane (this is a MUST!)
- Optional Velcro neck closure
- Optional Wrist elastics

 

So I actually sewed this up for one of my nieces for Christmas...but you know...had to test it out. 

This is size 7-8.

I LOVED every aspect of sewing up this Unicorn Cape. 

From the cute felt heart adorning the front corner, the eyes with pretty lashes, Heart Nostrils, fun horn, and the mane...it's just stinking adorable!

The mane and horn are my faves!

I used this ribbon gem strand I've been hoarding for several years to wrap around the horn (hand stitched in place every inch or two in order to prevent movement), and it was meant to be a unicorn. 

For the mane, I used a plethora of different styles of yarn and ribbon that I've just had stashed away - and the colours and different textures worked out beautifully. 

The most tedious part of the cape *is* the mane. It took me two episodes of Lucifer to cut through all of the different ribbons, lace, and yarn that I chose, but it was SO worth the effort in the end. 

I made the longest length mane - you can certainly make yours as long or as short as you like. 

Again, keep in mind, I'm 5'-2", and this cape was made for a 7 year old, not a $)#$*& year old. 

I'd totally wear this all day, and can't wait to make one for me for those days I'm working from my home office and need some sparkle and magic. 

I've needed a lot of sparkle and magic this year. Maybe a cape would help it stick. 

So me wearing the cape...this is our secret, right?

Grab the cape bundle here now to bring a bit of magic into your home or someone who really needs it. 

xoxo

***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!)