Put a Twist on It - 5 out of 4's Sally Skirt

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. 

The new 5 out of 4 Sally Skirt Pattern is just that. 

It includes several fashionista options:
- Knee length or Maxi length skirt
- Regular or knot twist band
- POCKETS

 

 The front is pretty sweet with the easy-to-follow instructions for the front knot option - I used a black cotton lycra (Water Tower Textiles) for the base band, and added some funky stretch lace (Libelle Sewing) for the knot part. 

I didn't need my seam ripper once!

The pockets are the perfect height for my hands to just happen to fall into. Because POCKETS!

The side view is also quite nice - you can see with my Gloria Peplum top that there is no evidence of a fabric knot underneath, and it works well with my Sheila Top (tank to long sleeved, top to dress length!) tucked inside to really show the band off. 

And the back - I like it, and I love the flare at my knees. 

So if you love a quick sew, Sally is the Skirt for you (and Sheila is a super quick top sew up too!). Get Sally 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!)  

Sewing Pattern Review: 5 out of 4's Virginia Tank, Skirt, and Dress!

This is one of 5 out of 4's simpler patterns I've sewn up, but it's classic and sassy all in one. 

With options for:
- Classic Tank Top (with 2 neckline options) 
- Knee or Maxi length skirt (with band height options)
- Dress option with either knee or maxi length, elastic casing or knit band waistband
- Skirts can be either knit or woven!
- Built in Bra options
- Full Bust Adjustment Options 
- Maternity option
- Pockets!!!
- Girls and Ladies Sizes

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The tank top is the perfect length with a comfortable armcycle. 

It took me about half an hour from cut to done - and I'm a slow sewer!  

I love the smaller bands, and I didn't have any issues. 

What else can I say?

I LOVE the skirt - it sits just below my waist, and has the option to have pockets (oops - I forgot them in this version!). 

I made the knee length from a very light woven denim fabric, and the last of my fun lightweight cotton lycra cottage fabric for the band. 

Another 30 minute sew from cut to done. 

So essentially, an outfit in less than the time it takes to do laundry. 

Efficiencies!

Ok, I have to toot my own horn here. 

I LOVE this combo!  I created the knee length dress from 4 different fabrics.
- The top of the bodice is the last of my black Dri Fit fabric
- The Middle (above band) portion of the bodice is cotton lycra BATMAN fabric
- The band is Cotton Lycra Bird flying fabric
- The skirt/pockets are from a lightweight dress pants fabric that I won't be using since my office has gone totally casual dress (from business casual) since I've been working from home (March 2018) with my Chronic Vestibular Migraines. 

It's just lovely. 

I was so excited, I wore it out the same day I made it and got compliments from everyone - my parents, Husband...probably the parrot and dogs too. 

It's fun, sassy, and looks a bit classy if I don't say so myself! 

Sewing Wise, it took about an hour, but well worth it. 

I didn't actually have to gather the skirt too much to fit the band, and I pulled the knit band as I was sewing in order to obtain the ultimate fit. 

So go outside your comfort level, and mix and match fabrics to make an awesome fancy dinner dress for yourself, and go out that night to celebrate life! 

Or at least the fact that you have clean clothes on. 

And look Fab. 

You can even match your little one with both patterns!  

Sew On!

Sewing Pattern Review: Rebecca Page's Peggy Pencil Skirt

The Peggy Pencil Skirt is a SUPER quick and easy ladies knit pencil skirt pattern that is both elegant and sleek. 

It's now part of the Rebecca Page Office Collection - a 5 Pattern Bundle for 40% off!

It honestly takes less time to cut and sew up this skirt than it does for the wash cycle to complete in your laundry room. 

Mini Length with the Chloe Cami

Midi Length with the Monte Carlo

I made my two skirts while watching one episode of "The 100." 

That was a good episode!

The skirt comes with 3 different length options: Mini, Knee, and Midi - and a walking vent or straight seam. 

This is a great introduction to sewing with knits (and Rebecca Page!), and can be sewn with fun or serious fabric for both play and the office. 

The mini is the perfect length on it's own for a fun night on the town or over leggings to cover your caboose!

Paired with my Paris Party Dress Top!

The Midi length is a nice summer length for those cool nights where you want some leg coverage, or the office where it's always too cold. 

It ranges from sizes XXS to 5XL and is flattering for the behind in a good way!

I used my trusty sewing machine (no serger here), as the instructions are for both serger and "plain jane" machines.  And as usual, the instructions are detailed both in verbiage AND photographs. 

I didn't even have to use my seam ripper (always calls for a round of applause)!

So try out the cute simple Peggy Pencil Skirt today - you won't be disappointed! 

Sewing Pattern Review: Wardrobe By Me's Summer Skirt and Classic T-Shirt

Wardrobe By Me's, Christina, creates wardrobe staples that are fashionable, yet can be worn for longer than one season.

Her newest pattern releases are both trendy and classic, and pair well with each other or as separates. 

The Summer Skirt

This skirt has a few key features, leaving us with a pretty and flirty faux wrap skirt look. 

- 3 lengths (above knee, knee, and below knee)
- 2 ruffle widths (3" or 5")
- Back elasticized waist band

Sewing the skirt went quicker than anticipated for both of mine, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow.  

I do recommend marking your left front edge and right front edges, as they can appear similar to the sides (which are sewn to the back skirt piece). 

So remember to always place your pieces with pins before sewing to ensure you are following the instructions and pictures provided. 

I had to look a few times with my first skirt to ensure proper placement, but that's my brain fog and migraines at work. 

The band was easy to sew up, and even with the elasticized back band, it doesn't make my behind look larger - rather gives it a cute flirty look!  

The ruffles took the longest - so I just Netflix and Chilled while slowly pulling the gathering threads, and then pinning the ruffles onto the skirt edge. 

Personally, as there were several sections of fabric I sewed up to make the entire length of the ruffles, I made one sew of gathering stitches per section of ruffles - as close to the seams in-between. Then, if one of the threads broke while pulling, it was only a small section that had to be re-gathered vs the whole length. This tactic seems to work well for me while gathering, and I haven't had any gathers break since I started sewing smaller lengths of thread for gathering. 

I'm sure there's proper terminology for the above, but my brain can't think of it. 

I raised my foot level up slightly to allow for the extra fabric underneath the foot while sewing, and didn't have any issues. 

The end result are two great Summer Skirts for me to wear at play and in the office.

The Classic T-Shirt

This t-shirt is a quick and easy sew - and perfect for a less-fitted t-shirt. 

It pairs quite well with the Summer Skirt, a pair of Urban Sweatpants, or the Frida Shorts.

It's simple, yet comfortable and classic with a Crew Neckline and relaxed fit. It's long enough to tuck into pants or skirts, but also short enough to be worn freely too!

It took me about half an hour from cut to finish to complete my t-shirt - much quicker than a load of laundry!  

The instructions are easy to follow and a great basic staple for any woman's wardrobe. 

The arms aren't too tight, and it's just really comfortable to wear. 

I like that it uses a low 2-way stretch knit - so those cheaper knits at the local Fabricland are perfect, as they have minimal stretch, but are also economical to purchase. 

Thank you Christina for increasing my Wardrobe yet again!

Sew On!