Sewing Pattern Review: Bella Sunshine is Back with Primrose Panties & Coraline Camisole!

After a new member was introduced to the Bella Sunshine Designs family, Melissa is back in full force pattern designing!  

She has created the most comfortable daily wear panties and layering camisole - for 15-18|" dolls, newborns through teen sizing, and ladies up to 5XL.

The Coraline Camisole is an easy sew - and uses Fold Over Elastic.  The instructions are clear on how to sew the elastic on - it really isn't as scary as you think it is if you have never sewn with it before. 

 

The camisole is a loose, yet curve appealing fit - and doesn't cling onto your skin, hence covering up some lumps and bumps.  

Remember to grade to your size if your bust differs from your hips/waist. It truly does make for the glove fit. 

I used a lightweight Cotton Lycra from Water Tower Textiles for my Camisole

The Primrose Panties are another easy to sew garment - perfect for larger scraps.  You can also colour block scraps together to make a fun pair of panties. 

What do I love most about these panties?

- The gusset has hidden seams - thus no scratching where you don't want uncomfortable feels
- There are several rises - from low to high depending on your preference
- Bands, Elastic, or Fold Over Elastic binding options
- Regular or Boyshort options
- You feel like you aren't wearing panties!  No adjustments required throughout the day - something I haven't found with other panties I have made to date!

The cute organs fabric is from Zenith & Quasar Fabric.  The Unicorns and Panda Fabric are from Okee Dokee Fabrics

 

 

And finally, I whipped up some super scrap busters for Chloe, the 18" Doll.  

She looks super stylish in both her bra and panties set and dress length camisole!

Another easy sew - and the binding is sewn in prior to making those tiny circle seams, so you won't be swearing because you missed fabric in the seam, or sewed up your finger again.  

Dolls really ought not to be naked underneath their clothing, and this is the perfect easy solution!


The Doctor Who Fabric was a special order through Water Tower Textiles, and the Owl Fabric was from Okee Dokee Fabrics.

 

 

Camisole and Panties patterns can be purchased separately, or in several different Bundle packages:

- Newborns to size 12 Girls - Camisole or Panties
- Ladies - Camisole or Panties
- Dolls - Camisole or Panties

- Ladies AND Girls Bundle - Camisole or Panties
- Girls and Doll Bundle - Camisole
- Doll, Girls, AND Ladies Bundle - Camisole

Until next sew!

***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!) 

Class. Elegance. Style. The Tara Tailored Jacket by Rebecca Page Patterns

You know when it's love at first sight, and you MUST HAVE THAT PATTERN?  

That was my first instinct when I saw draft pictures of the Tara Tailored Jacket by Rebecca Page Patterns. 

What did I learn while sewing her up (the jacket, not the gal)?  

Print instructions in colour. Read directions 3 times. Don't sew while having a major Triple Threat Migraine attack (Vertigo, Nausea, AND headache all at once - not fun - that's my tap out point). 

So kind of like love, I still love Tara, but it was a roller coaster ride to get her down the aisle and presentable in her final form. 

 



Tara's features include:
- Frill on front lapel
- Lined interior  - all hidden seams
- Full or half lined back
- POCKETS!

I used random suiting fabric lightweight, some lining I had, and the lapel strip is just regular quilting cotton that matched the purple lining.

 

I love the cascade of the front lapel - it's unique and feminine.  This makes it the perfect jacket for the office or a night on the town.

The lining options (for full or partial) give it another unique touch, and is pretty easy to sew in.

The armcycle is comfortable - and I can have issues with my arms fitting as apparently my biceps are bigger than what my bust size should be with other pattern makers.

The pockets are small, so could fit maybe a lip balm, change, or something else small - but at least they are functional.  



 


My difficulties included using the wrong type of interfacing.  I have one that's much stiffer, and not really meant for draping clothing. Tara still drapes on me, just not to the extent that I would like it to.

The cuff slit also got me - I don't feel I did it right, but it was the same issue of understanding that I didn't have with my Paige Pencil skirt.  It was a common issue with a lot of the testers - which the final instructions included a much more broken down version with lots of pictures.

I will definitely make another Tara again -I love it compared to other business jackets, and I can easily make it out of a funky fabric for an every day jacket! 

How fun is that?? 

I added my own label, and the end result of my jacket: Love.

***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!) 

Bananas in Pajamas! The 5 out of 4 Molly & Desmond Pajama Pattern

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? 

I think you are...

It's Pajama time!  

I lack comfy pajamas - they're old, tattered, or just don't fit.

5 out of 4 has designed the perfect fit pajamas which sew up in a jiff and have multiple options and sizing for the whole fam jam! 

Options include:

- Long or short sleeves

- Optional long sleeve cuffs

- Shorts or Pants length

- Knit or elastic waistbands

- Optional Pants cuffs

- Optional Bum panel

- Newborn to Tween, Ladies, and Mens sizing! 

We opted for ALL the options!

For the Molly, I opted for:

- Long Sleeves & Pants

- Yoga Waistband

- No Bum Panel (boo!)

I used some "faulty" lightweight cotton lycra from Water Tower Textiles for the bottoms. Apparently the lines are supposed to run horizontally, not vertically, so because of the misprint, I was able to snag this fabric at a steal (and they always have awesome clearance fabric!).

The band was a tighter cotton lycra, which is SO comfy without putting pressure on my belly.

The top is another clearance snag from Water Tower Textiles - lightweight cotton lycra - It came in at a different weight than they expected.  Due to their meticulous standards, Clearance away! 

I did use a fun Panel from the Freebies section for my top (Eat, Sleep, Sew).  As I lack a Cricut or cutting machine, I printed both of the panels onto printable fabric paper, ironed it onto white cotton lycra, and sewed it on with a zig zag stitch.

I know from the past, that this paper doesn't have longevity, so will replace it in about half a dozen washes with another cut out. I'm going to try tinkering with heat transfer vinyl sheets and cutting out cute cut files by hand and see how durable it is. Another machine isn't in the budget, so I'll experiment, as there are so many fun Cut Files from 5 out of 4 (and everywhere) that I'd like to try out.

Onto the sewing, the instructions were clear, easy to follow, and the pictures showed me what to do - perfect for those of us who are visual or have brain injuries/issues where the words sometimes don't compute (hello migraine brain 24 hours a day!).

The fit is medium loose fitting - and doesn't billow out anywhere.  I feel it's flattering...and really I could make these into regular day wear pants and they'd be perfectly comfortable and suitable.

Sweet!  Pajamas for ALL day pants!

The Desmond for Husband included:

- Shorts

- Bum Panel (because his bum is really cute!)

- Short Sleeves

Again, I used the same lightweight Black Cotton Lycra and a cute Doodles Print from Water Tower Textiles for his outfit.

Now, for the top, I did modify it to compensate for Husband's front girth (he's "normal" everywhere else).

How, you ask?

I cut the back panel at an XL shape.

THEN I cut the front panel to grade from XL at the chest up to 3XL for the waist and hips.

This led to the perfect fitting top for him without looking all billowed out. The chest fit well, but it also isn't too tight around the belly area.

I used this same method on the Rocky Tee, and it's his favourite T-shirt pattern

So, if the man in your life has essentially a beer belly, use the method above to grade JUST the front panel, and you should have the perfect fit.  Make sure to do a muslin first to ensure the fit is proper, and the length is sufficient.

If the length is still too short at the front, you can always lower the front hem with a deeper curve (so add paper to your pattern, and draw a curve from side to side). Make sure it's gradual so it doesn't look apparent, and your man will be asking you to sew clothes for him too!

And because Husband gave me a hard time about pictures, it was difficult to keep him sort of serious.

Grab your partner's behind and these patterns for the whole family and get sewing - these will make awesome Christmas gifts or everyday gifts.

And you'll have troubles getting everyone out of their pajamas!

Babies & Kids

Ladies

Mens

Until next time! 

***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: 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!

Me Made May - Day 9 - Halla's Hey Babie and Patterns for Pirates Peg Legs

Today it's a bit chilly, so that warrants a hood. And full coverage for me Me Made May rotation. 

So out come a few of the first garments I sewed up last year when I started Sewing My Wardrobe.

Halla Patterns Hey Babie Top

This is one of the first tops I made - and I guess I started colour blocking here, as I used 4 different fabrics (and fabric types).

- Some flowery sort of stretchy fabric for the sleeves
- Black Rabbit custom Geeky Math print for the front - More Black Rabbit Cotton Lycra (sporty as it's sleek feeling) for part o the back
- Random Fabricland thin not so stretchy fabric for the hood, ties, and part of the back blocking

I LOVE ruching - it's flattering, and leaves any lumps and bumps of the body behind. 

And I LOVE hoods, hence the hood - it also keeps my neck warm. 

Patterns for Pirates Peg Legs

These were my first leggings - the reason I started sewing my wardrobe.

They have since added an "add on" to this FREE pattern, which includes side ruching (I have a pair with mario and sparkly fabric - awesome!), colour blocking, pockets, and then some. 

But for a beginner, normal leggings were what I was looking for, and they're still going strong after over a year! 

Comfy style today, and I even matched pants and top. 

Life Goals. 

Me Made May - May 3rd!

Welcome Back!

It's Gonna Be May continues with my unintentional (yet intended) co-ordinating outfit - I even made my pants today.

Sorry to those who wanted a no-pants-party - not happening, even while I'm working from home.

Today's me-made attire consists of:

- Bella Sunshine Designs Maggie Top - long sleeves, tunic length, with scoop neck

I also repurposed a stupid small t-shirt I got from Wish.com (everything is too small there, even when you think you order the right size!), hence the square unicorn.

But see what I did there?  I am a Unicorn amongst a field of Deer - I'm hilarious! Right?!?

- Bella Sunshine Designs Eden Leggings - capris length mid rise band.

I'll show you a picture of my band from my original photos, but it sparkles, and everyone needs a bit of sparkle in their life. And unicorns.

I'm 5'-2", and took 2-3" off my leggings to obtain the capris length (otherwise they would look like short full length leggings, and that's just insanity!), AND I won this fabric through a fast finger Auction with Okee Dokee Fabrics.

And the fabric length really only went the length of my leggings. And it worked out for me! 

I'm good at improvising!

Alternatively, with short fabric lengths, I colour block - both for fun and to use up scrap fabrics, but also because of fabric length or width limitations. This happens way too often to me.

I need a sewing fabric Sugar Momma. I'd totally promote all the fabric in such a fabulous way that everyone would want it!

That will happen as likely as me winning the LottoMax.

- Twig + Tales' new Forester Coat - Round hood (HOODS!), welt pockets, back belt, and Unicorn Fabric as part of the lining!!

The lining in the coat has 3 different fabrics, as I lacked one solid lining colour. AND I really wanted to use my fleecette unicorn fabric in a coat. Twig + Tale screams whimsy, thus this was the perfect coat for it.

The outside is a slightly stretchy fleece - not recommended for the coat, however, I sized down and the width has the no-stretch fleece fabric, and the length has the under 20% stretch portion of the fabric (I can't think of the correct terminology right now - thank you Vestibular Migraine Brain Fog!), so it worked out well.

And of course, Justin joined me to sing out, "It's Gonna Be May," with me again - our daily ritual this month!

I'm sporting my new TheraSpecs (anti-migraine glasses) so I can look like a cool singer like Justin or Bono. Maybe they have migraines too? Cool!

Try out one or all of these patterns - the leggings and top will take you less than a few hours, and the coat will be a bit more of an adventure for a few afternoons - but well worth the labour of love!

Sew On!

Sewing Pattern Review: Rebecca Page's Berry Bubble Shorts

(PSST! Use code MAYPP20 for 20% off Berry Bubbles throughout May 2018!!)

I have knees that burn like watermelons in the sun.

My knee vs Watermelon 10 years ago...they've been super burnable since!

So having knee coverage and NOT short-shorts is a must.

I've been coveting Rebecca Page's Berry Bubble Shorts for some time, and caved in, grabbing the Add-On so I could make longer unlined shorts - they even hit my knees! 

I did a little dance once they were done.

 

Sewing timewise, they were a slow sew, but with all the details and end result - totally worth spending a few evenings on!

I used random Walmart cotton for the main portion of the shorts, and scraps of other cotton for the pockets.

I made my own binding as per Rebecca's online tutorial, and it was much easier than I anticipated - and great way to use more weird scraps of fabric.

The original Berry Bubble Shorts Pattern includes:
- Fully Lined Shorts
- Short, Mid Thigh, and Knee Length Options
- Leg Binding or Cuffs
- Straight or Bubble Leg Finish (great for all figures.
- Buttons at the front
- Bias edged pockets
- pretty pleats

I opted for the Mid Thigh length with cuffs and straight leg finish for mine from this portion of the pattern.

The Berry Unlined Pants Pattern Add-On includes:
- Unlined option
- Capris and ful length pants options!
- You require the original pattern to complete your pants or unlined shorts, or can grab the Bundle with the Ladies, Girls, AND Doll patterns (all the Berries!)

 

They aren't too wide legged, and I really like the fit and comfort level.

They are my new summer-must have - ALL THE BUBBLES!