Dressing With Elegance - 5 out of 4 Patterns Mabel Ruffle Cowl Tunic

Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of every day life. 

That just about sums up my life. 

Sewing is my lifeline to fun, playfulness, and total utter creativity. 

It also makes me go outside of my comfort zone as far as fashion is concerned.

Ruffles? Me? Never...wait...Mabel changed my mind on that one. 

I created two  5 out of 4's Mabel Ruffle Cowl Tunic - each with a bit of adjustment or hack for the right fit. 

There are several options for this top:
- Regular or tunic length
- Short, 3/4, or full length sleeves
- Cowl or regular neckband
- Ruffled skirt bottom or plain skirted bottom

Mabel #1

I found My first Mabel to be a bit too roomy for my liking - the intent of the pattern *is* to have a bit more room in it - but this wasn't my style, but with assistance from Jessica (5 out of 4's Owner), I Graded Small on the entire front bodice, and graded from small to medium on the back piece to accommodate for my Caboose - and it worked!

I went from swayback to Sexy Back in a snap. 

Okay..in the time it took for me to rip out my stretch seam from both sides and the ruffle at the seams, cut the front bodice to the small sizing only, resew the side seams, and reruffle and sew the ruffle again. 

Left pictures = Before Alteration

Right pictures = After Alteration

I do have issues lately due to Chronic Vestibular Migraine Brain. The easiest tasks take me at least twice as long as normal. 

But sewing gives me the greatest joy, so I persevere. 

Look at that Sexy back!

I love the flow of the ruffle - fun in light

Feminine yet sassy

I really like the length of the sleeves (a bit long so I can totally cover my hands when they get cold), and the drop of the ruffle at the back. 

It doesn't make me feel hippier, and the cowl is SO comfy.  With Winter Coming, covering my neck is a must. 

The cowl was super simple to make, and doesn't bunch up a lot, so it's not suffocating for those who have anti-neck touching issues. 

My fabric is a lovely Rayon Spandex from Water Tower Textiles. It's so soft - and at the same time, it's not clingy. It had some "discolouration" on the roll, so I got it for a steal. The same with the Wine coloured light sweater knit - also from Water Tower Textiles - I've used this in so many different clothing items. I only needed a scrap of it for the cowl inside, and I used the floral for the exterior portion of the cowl. 

I try to be $$ smart with fabric, as my funds towards it are quite limited. If I could get more, I totally would! 

Me thinking about more fabric

Mabel #2

My second Mabel isn't Promo Approved, but I love the slimmer fit. 

I just went straight Small and took 1" off the shorten/lengthen line, and voila. 

The only unfortunate part (that probably only a sewist would notice) is the back at the high hip takes a bit of bunching on - that's easily fixed with the Mabel #1 alteration of grading to medium at the hips. It would then lay flat. 

I paired the Eleanor Cardigan with this Mabel - see the matching Wine coloured sweater knit? 

I also went purely Water Tower Textiles with this version, pairing the Rayon floral pattern with a comfy lightweight cotton lycra pink and ivory striped fabric. 

I also went with the regular band vs cowl on this version - I think it looks good either way, and makes it versatile for all seasons. 

Glasses to help my brain connect with my eyes properly - Husband finds them ultimately sexy, so this is apparently my favourite pose for him now. *sigh* MEN!

So you can alter the Mabel pattern to truly accentuate your body in a positive way. Even the ladies testing with me who weren't sure about ruffles were converted to the Ruffle Side. 

***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!