You Are Magic - The Bella Sunshine Designs Monroe Wrap Pants Sewing Pattern

Every Girl is a Goddess, why not dress like one? 

Introducing the Bella Sunshine Designs Monroe Wrap Pants.  A goddess style faux wrap style pant sewing pattern that is flowy and luxury all at once. 

And they're a REALLY quick sew. 

There are several options for the Monroe Wrap Pants:
- No-Cross or Full Cross Front
-  Full Coverage or Faux High-lo bottom hem
- Elastic casing waist band
- Capris or Floor length.

 


For my first pair, I used a really lightweight flannel fabric (from Fabricland) for the main pants, and a cotton red fabric I had in my stash. 

The flow is perfect, and I love the look. 

This is the Floor length, Full Coverage, Cross Front version.


I'm 5'-2" and didn't remove any length, so maybe I just have long legs for BSD patterns. Normally I have to remove length.  Thus, remember to look at the finished measurements, measure yourself, repeat to make sure.  

 


The wrap part works well in wind (it was a windy photoshoot) and doesn't come up all the way, so you won't be pulling a Marilyn Monroe in these. 

They are SOOO comfy to lounge around the house in - I'm using these as PJ bottoms due to the fabric type.  

 


Next are my Non-Cross Over Faux High Low Floor Length pants. 

I have no idea where this fabric came from. It could be as old as I am. It's like a light suiting fabric in Christmas Tree green.  These were my test pair. 

As you can see, there's definitely a Marilyn Monroe oopsie happening here, so make sure you're okay with a bit more thigh showing with the Non Cross Over version!

And when the fabric is thicker, like this one is, it's more difficult to get the sides to sit flat, as you can see in the picture. 

So no suiting fabric, apparently. 

Something flowy works best, and you'll be happy with your Monroes. 

Get you Monroe pattern here now!

***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!) 

Twist and Shout with Rebecca Page's Talia Tunic & Twist Top Pattern

Some days I'm dark and Twisty like Meredith Grey.

Other days I want to Twist and Shout (before my back suddenly gives out).

Either way, I really enjoyed making the Talia Tunic and Twist Top patterns.  Together, they enhance what I've been blessed with. Apart...well...they have the same effect. 

The Twist top has multiple arm lengths, and hugs my bust in a lovely way!  

Sewing it up, DEFINITELY read the instructions AND watch the video.  The instructions are a bit confusing at first.  Sewing the second shoulder seam is definitely a lot more confusing than the first. 

That could also be migraine brain getting super confused lately. 

I only needed to take my seam ripper out once before I got the concept. 

I recommend a straight stitch the first time around sewing the shoulder seams...JUST in case. 

I've paired this Twist Top with my favourite pair of Pippa Pants. 

As you can see, the Talia Tunic is the perfect length. 

I'm 5'-2" and didn't hem it - the lovely wonders of soft knit fabrics that don't fray. 

I paired my Tunic above with my Mini Peggy Skirt and one of the last non-me-made leggings in my wardrobe.

This Talia Tunic is a lovely DBP - again, unhemmed and super flowy.  I just love the feel and the drape. 

The front and back gathers along with fabric choice bring this top together. 

The binding is MUCH easier to make than anticipated - the instructions are detailed verbally and with pictures, and you can find the perfect strap length for your body with one quick fit test. 

My final Twist top has 3/4 length sleeves, and is made of a lightweight stretch lace/velvet fabric. 

It has pretty Tardis blue within the black fabric.  

It has been paired with my hacked Slim Cargo Pants. 


Overall, this pattern can be as casual or fun as you like - and I definitely recommend lighter weight knits to keep with the flow. 

A boxier cotton lycra or scuba for the tunic would make it larger and not flow well - but may work well for the twist top. 

Enjoy these quick sews - they'll certainly become staples in your wardrobe in no time. 

Get your Talia Tunic here.

Get you Talia Twist Top Here


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!) 

It's Cozy Time - Rebecca Page's Family Bathrobe Review

I am cold all year round.


Might be sitting in a chilly basement office all day long, might be genetics, it might be my destiny to not live where it's below freezing half of the year.


The Rebecca Page Family Bathrobe is a really versatile robe/housecoat/bathrobe from newborn to unisex adult sizing.


It has several fun options:
- Pockets (YOU NEED POCKETS!)
- Belt
- Hanging Loop

I love that I was able to use both woven AND knits with mine - especially since the 2 metres of fabric I had ran out before I could cut my sleeves.  Comfy DBP (Double Brushed Poly) to the rescue!


My polka dot DBP was from Water Tower Textiles, and the fun Canadian outdoors baby fleece was from Okee Dokee Fabrics.

I really like how the collar drapes - and you can hide the seam either by top stitching on the outside (with seam pressed towards the inside), or add some fun decorative trim. 



It's not fitted, so I just went with my bust measurement, despite my bust and waist/hips with Rebecca Page patterns going from a Medium to X-Large grading typically.


I had no issues sewing it up quickly, and really like length - I took 4" off the length as I'm only 5'-2" and didn't want it too much past my knees. It's designed for a height of 5'-8" - not the typical height design for RP patterns - so do check this before cutting.


It gives me just enough wrap without feeling like I'm in a Snuggie (adult blanket that has arms in it).


I paired my robe with my altered Pippa Pants and my Strappy Cami - a good bedtime combo, if I don't say so myself.

Overall, I love that it's a bundled pack - where one pattern fits all! 

Get your own Bundled Bathrobe pattern here! Or just the Adult version here.

***I sew for the passion, fun, and confidence it gives me. Affiliate links have been used, but I only promote what I believe in and adore ***

Sewing Pattern Review: 5 out of 4's Jenny Cross Front Tunic

Don't be fooled by the patterns that I got

I'm still, I'm still Jenny from the sewing block. 

Ok. I'm really bad at writing lyrics - especially remaking existing lyrics (aka Jenny from the Block). 

Don't hold that against me. 

My name's not Jenny, but I really do have the hottest pattern around! 

I recently sewed up the Jenny Cross Front Tunic by 5 out of 4 patterns, and it's love. 

Jenny's features include:

- Dolman sleeves (without batwing action)

- FBA pattern pieces included

- Short or long sleeves

- Curved or straight back hem

- Modesty tank with two hemlines (that is a GREAT layering or solo tank too!)

- Sizes XXS to 5XL

 My long sleeved version has a straight hem - and it looks fab paired with my office-professional styled Zen Pants 

 The cross at the front is flattering - and easy to fit to perfection by following the detailed instructions - baste your side seams, try on the top, and adjust as required for the most flattering fit for your body. 

There is an option to baste the front where the bust is, but apparently I like to let it all out. 

 I blended together a Sweater Knit and Double Brushed Poly Fabrics from Water Tower Textiles - and despite the fabric weight difference, as they are both looser fabrics, they meshed quite well.  

 The side is just awesome and flattering! 

Although I am 5'-2", I did not alter the height - the only alteration I did was make the front piece straight Small and the back graded to Large - I seem to have to do this with the last few 5 out of 4 patterns thanks to my atrophied caboose. 

Here's hoping my Vestibular Therapist can help me enough that I can get back into Cycling and get my behind into gear and proper shape!  Until then, my Beachbody on Demand and Yin yoga (with the Yoga Ranger) will help me with my strength and balance. 

 My second top was the short sleeved version.

I took these pictures while it was -25 Celsius outside (-13 Fahrenheit) 

 I did the curved hem on this version - you can see it covers my entire caboose.

 I just love how this sits.  Again, I only adjusted at the side seams as I did with the previous long sleeved top. I like tops to sit at or below my low hips. 

 The fabrics used were also from Water Tower Textiles - a really light sweater knit (that I've made a gazillion garments from as it's been on super sale for months), and a lightweight 2-way stretch cotton knit of sorts. 

 The sweater knit does poof up a bit at the back due to the new wonder tape I used for hemming (it is that plasticy kind - not the normal wash away tape I use). Apparently Amazon's descriptions of things has changed on their sewing bits & bobs lately. 

Finally - I made the tanks - I did make two, but my tangerine one from DBP (with fleece back!) was in the wash. 

 This top is pretty amazing. And super quick to sew up. 

No adjustments were made - I used my normal grading for both the front and back- Small bust to Large Hips. 

This top stays down, and doesn't ride up throughout the day..and I tested it out working out last night, and it was perfect!

 The armcycle is comfortable (even for my "larger" for my bust size biceps), and my boobage doesn't seep out.  

I used a DBP from Water Tower Textiles as the fabric - how cute are these Cacti?

This is the low neck line - so you can see, it's not super low, and would be perfect for those with larger bobs!

Overall, I'm quite happy with the design and fit of this new tunic and tank. 

Both are included with the Jenny pattern too!  

***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!)