Life is too short to wear boring clothes.
That's why Layla is the perfect party, office, or doing-the-laundry dress!
The Layla Dress has several options and features:
- Fully lined
- Princess seamed bodice
- 4 Sleeve lengths
- Button up back
- A-line box pleated skirt
- Pockets option
- Sash option
- Knit or woven fabric skirt option
The layla was a relatively easy sew - just follow the straight forward instructions, and voila!
The pleats were a nice sew, and the seam ripper did not come out! I didn't have quite enough fabric for the entire front skirt with pleats, so I did make them a bit smaller than the pattern itself, ensuring that the front was the same size with less fabric than it would of been as per the original pattern piece.
I used some Scuba fabric from Water Tower Textiles - and the scuba was light enough that making the sleeves didn't leave me feeling squished in, thus it has a great bicep circumference (mine tend to be large for more form fitted sleeves).
The skirt is cotton fabric from Fabricland, and of course, I opted for the side pockets!
Overall, it's a fun dress for work or a party, and I love that I can use woven or knit for the skirt part without needing to alter any of the pattern piece sizes.
Get your Layla 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!)
Being a sleepy girl with a busy life is hard.
The new Rebecca Page Sleep Mask certainly helps me zonk out easier at night though!
Make it as simple or as Intricate as you like!
With templates for eye lashes and your imagination - the sleepy sky's the limit.
I added pom pom trim and fluffy feathery trim to mine - the fluffy trim definitely tells people you are sleeping though (it moves as you exhale - ha ha). I took out my glue gun for these trims, although they could easily be sewed on. With minimal wear and tear, I feel my Dewalt glue gun's power will hold on these trims for many years.
I used iron on fabric for the eyelashes, but you can embroidery them on or even sew them on if you're so inclined.
I used elastic for my nieces masks, and ribbon for the adult masks (for my friend and I for Girls weekend at the cabin).
The main fabric is just plain woven cotton fabric scraps I was gifted.
The backing is a nice satin lining scrap - red to be scandalous! It's SUPER soft on my skin.
As long as you use lots of pins before sewing, satin is relatively easy to sew with, and leaves a comfortable finishing touch.
I was really tired on Girls weekend after Mimosas, so the Sleep Mask really helped me sleep in the middle of the day with no curtains up in the cabin.
Great gifts or for yourself - betcha can't just make one!
Get your own Sleep Mask pattern 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!)
When in doubt, wear Denim.
And that's just what you'll want to do once you sew up your very own pair of Jo Jeans!
There's one size for all
- Joey Jeans - 12 months to 12 years old
- Jo Jeans XXS to 5XL Ladies
- Joe Jeans XXS to 4XL Mens
With pockets, shorts or pants options, and more, top stitch to look like a pro, and learn how to sew in a zipper! There are even tips on how to get the perfect size for your shape.
I took 4" off the length (I'm 5'-2", and was able to finally sew in a zipper without ripping it out part way through. With loads of pictures and instructions, patience and a bit of TLC meant I was finally able to sew up a zip-up pair of comfy jeans.
They're a bit more relaxed than skinny jeans, but I don't really need a belt for them (unless accessorizing).
I used a stretch jeans fabric from Fabricland (my normal place didn't have any available quick enough during pre-testing!), and even splurged on top stitch thread.
What a different top stitching makes! It definitely gives them a professional look.
I can bend over and don't have plumber's behind, squat, sit, walk, and everything without feeling discomfort or wedgies happening - this is always a good thing.
So if you want a bit of a challenge (in comparison with a basic knit top or joggers), definitely sew up the Jo, Joe, or Joey Jeans for yourself and your family!
You can even grab the bundle 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!)
Never underestimate the power of a woman with a sewing machine.
There's always sew much fabric and sew little time...but there should be time to sew up the new 5 out of 4 Sandra Dolman Tunic (or Dress)!
The new Sandra Dolman Tunic/Dress pattern has several fun options:
- Tunic or Dress length
- Short or long bottom split bands
- Short or long sleeves
- Optional hood
- V Neck or Crew Neck
- Optional Thumbhole Cuffs
I sewed up my Sandra with some random waffle knit from Water Tower Textiles, and beautiful Double Brushed Polyester (DBP) from Libelle Sewing.
They mesh together so beautifully, and go well with my 5 out of 4 Zen Pants (also Libelle Sewing fabric - Scuba!).
This top was easy to sew up, and I love the options and oversized fit. It definitely makes me feel better about the lumps and bumps I don't like about myself.
And I love that it covers my behind - it's always cold!
I tested this top out as a layer while closing up our trailer, and the hood made it nice, as the back of my neck didn't get cold, and I looked fashionable while sweeping snow off the trailer roof.
As you can see, it's not a slim fit top, but has a nice drapey feel to it. With that in mind, I definitely recommend a lightweight fabric such as the Waffle KNit or light Sweater knit to prevent a weird boxy feel.
Get your pattern here, and sew it up for all seasons!
**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!)
Dear Weekender,
I like you.
Love, Me.
I've had 5 out of 4's Weekender Tunic pattern in my to-make stash for eons, just waiting for the right fabric.
When I met Libelle Sewing's Denim Cable Knit Fabric, the Weekender was ready.
With a lovely light drape, but warm enough to keep me cozy in the house that manages to continually drop to 18 degrees Celsius (64 Fahrenheit).
The Weekender pattern has a plethora of options:
- Short or long sleeves
- Loose or skinny sleeves
- Thumb hole cuffs, hemmed, or rolled sleeves
- Hood, funnel neck, crew neck or scoop neck
- Placket with lace up detail option
- Regular, high-low, or banded hem
I opted for long loose sleeves, hemmed sleeves, hood, and regular hem. And it's perfect!
I didn't shorten the length, and LOVE that it covers my behind - my hips and bum always get cold, so longer length is the perfect solution.
Even Husband commented on how good this sweater looks on me and says I need to make more - so that says volumes!
Now I need to stock up on more cable knit and make myself every variation of the Weekender to keep me toasty and fashionable this long Canadian Winter.
Grab your Weekender Pattern 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!)
Rebecca Page has created a new line of Felt Foods AND a FREE tea set to help hone in your hand sewing skills and your little ones' imaginative play time!
The two sets included are:
- Felt Foods
- Tea Time
The FElt Foods set includes enough fixings for your sandwich AND dessert!
Create your own plate (and hone in your embroidery skills) to hold your sandwich on, and sew up some soft bread, lettuch, tomatoes, cheese, and ham! Vegetarian - leave out the ham!
You'll learn the blanket stitch, ladder stitch, and more with these fun afternoon sewing jobs that even the kiddos can join in with.
I really like the embroidery details in the tomatoes and lettuce leaves.
The fruit portion includes a tart, pineapple, strawberry, kiwi, apple, banana, and tangerine slices. The cute whipped piping bits are a quick sew and can go on your fruit or custard tart.
Again, I'm loving the French knots and straight stitches on the fruit, particularly the kiwi and strawberry. Make more than one of each of the fruits for a fruit salad!
The FREE tea set includes: Tea pot, lid, tea cup, cookie, biscuit, tea bag. I included the plate from the Felt Foods pattern as I felt the tea set needed a plate!
The lid includes a braided top piece and you can also embroider on the lid pieces if you so desire.
The teapot can hold all your tea accessories when not in play.
The cookie reminds me of an oreo and was another quick sew.
I love the tea bags - and can see a different tea bag for different teas - this would make a cute bookmark for a tea lover!
I used iron on fabric for the llama picture on my tea cup - I then embroidered on his ears, eyes, and mouth. He's too cute!
Be creative and encourage imaginative play with these felt play sets. Fun for you and the little ones.
***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!)
Purses are like friends - you can never have too many!
Just like the Rebecca Page Patterns Zoe Zip Pouches - betcha can't have just one!
The Zoe Zip Pouch sewing pattern includes:
- patterns for all 5 sizes of pouches
- Fully lined interior
- Zip tab & pull options
The smallest sizes are perfect for lip balms, gift cards, and little treasures.
I made all of mine with the optional zip tabs & pulls - and they are definitely a great finishing touch. It was also a nice way to use some fun scraps and odd coloured zippers I had in my stash.
Once I made my first Zoe, it was pretty easy to make the other 4 sizes!
I added an interior pocket into one of my Zoes - by sewing the pocket onto the lining piece before sewing the lining and main fabrics together.
I got the pocket pattern from the Rebecca Page Ultimate Patch Pockets Pattern here. I did intend to sew a few more pockets on my Zoes, and totally zoned out and forgot! Next time!
To the larger sizes, I added suspender clips to each tab, and sewed a long piece of ribbon onto each clip. Therefore the clips are removeable, or can be colour co-ordinated with my nieces outfits (Merry Christmas gifts for them!).
Overall, I am giving so many Zoes as gifts for Christmas - particularly as Gift Card holders - as no one ever knows how to wrap a gift card. This pouch has a purpose and can be reused after gifting it.
So get your Zoe pattern here and learn some easy zipper skills to make a professional looking purse.
***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!)
