Hey Jessie, You're So Fine, You're So Fine, You Blow My Mind - 5 out of 4's Jessie Top and Dress Sewing Pattern

The 5 out of 4 Jessie Top, Tunic, and Dress Pattern is a beautiful form fitting pattern with some fun options. 

- Shirt, Tunic, or Dress Lengths
- Regular, FBA, or Maternity Bodices
- Regular, Low, Racerback, or Strappy Back Options
- Sleeveless, Short, Elbow, 3/4 length, or Long Sleeves

You really could have a different Jessie every day!

I used Rayon Floral fabric from Water Tower Textiles for my Jessie - definitely a cooler weather top, as I'm not sure if the Rayon would breathe enough in warmer climates with long sleeves. 

I opted for tunic length, and love it!  

It was super easy for me to sew up, and as usual, the instructions were on par. It hugs my curves where they need it, but doesn't show all my bumps and life - just the way I like a slimmer top to feel. The armcycle is perfect without being too tight (or loose) - sometimes an issue with me and tighter sleeves.  No bicep adjustment required = happy Unicorn.

 

I opted for the criss cross back, and everything lays flat and is perfection!  

I also used my new Panasonic Lumix DC TS7 for pictures - minimal editing required (for more of a colour pop), and the edges are just so crisp and clear. Despite not having the ability to use my normal wireless remote, I did find a timer option to take 3 pictures after 10 seconds in 2 second intervals. As long as I centered myself, they turned out fine.   

What do you think??

I paired my Jessie with Rebecca Page's modified Slim Cargo Pants (I added in a Moto pattern to the front thighs - here's my blog post with step-by-step instructions!), and they're the perfect duo. 

Overall, I can't wait to have time to make more Jessies - especially one from sweater knit for the upcoming cold Ottawa winter we're expecting. 

If you're a beginner or Advanced, you'll sew up the right Jessie for you 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!) 

Bring out your Inner Ballerina - The Rebecca Page Tulle Skirt Sewing Pattern Review

"I will never be the woman with the perfect hair, who can wear white and not spill on it"

- Carrie Bradshaw

That's Me!

Go twirly and glam with this gorgeous Sex & the City Reminiscent skirt - you know the one. The one in the opening credits worn by The Carrie Bradshaw. 

Options include:
- Full or super full (I went super full)
- Invisible zipper fastening 
- Tea length skirt (you can shorten/lengthen it if desired)
- Woven lining
- Lightweight outer fabric

 


I went with 3 layers of tulle purchased for a steal off Amazon.ca. I have so much tulle leftover, I can make ALL the skirts. And costumes. And everything tulle. 

I used a normal cotton fabric waistband purchased somewhere unknown. But it has a cute old fashioned sewing machine pattern throughout it. 

The lining is some sort of normal dress lining gifted to me by my aunt-in-law a few summers ago. 

 


Each tulle layer is sewn onto the waistband separately - this is the most time consuming part of the sewing with lots of gathers and pinning..but SO worth the pretty factor. 

 


The back zipper never seems to stay centred for me, but that's okay - it looks awesome regardless. 

The zipper was actually easy to sew in following the instructions.  I stays up, and the skirt sits at my natural waistline. 

I paired my Tulle Skirt with my Savannah Swimsuit - so I sense the Savannah being a great bodysuit too!  

So be a fashionista at home on the couch, out with the Ladies, attending your friends next wedding, or as a costume.  

Bring the Ballerina from within out with the Tulle Skirt!

***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 a Coat...It's a Cardigan...It's the Rebecca Page Carli Coatigan Sewing Pattern!

Everyone needs some comfort in their lives - why not spoil yourself with the Rebecca Page Carli Coatigan pattern?  

Make it as relaxed or fancy as you like.

Short or Long length, pockets or no pockets (WHY WOULDN'T YOU HAVE POCKETS??), Belted or not belted - the choice is yours. 

I like how the back looks either with the belt done up or undone. 

The shoulders sit nicely, and there's even a back seam.  

It is easily sewn together with very few seams - so perfect for the beginner sewist. 

I used this random sort of two way stretch super light fabric (it feels like baby fleece, but has stretch) from Fabricville. 

It is also VERY lightweight, therefore works. 

A bulkier fabric won't flow very well, and the drape at the front won't look as nice.  

Some of the testers used Double Brushed Poly, others used lightweight sweater knit - both fabric types looking stellar with the Coatigan. 

I LOVE the pockets. 

The placement line is perfect - not too low or high. 

The lengthen/shorten line is essentially the bottom hem - I took 4" off mine, as I'm only 5'-2", and the pattern is drafted for someone who is 5'-6".

You can see the nice flow in these pictures - it's just old school glam. 

Try out a new easy pattern with the Coatigan, and tell me how it goes!

***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!) 

I Have a Confession. I Have a Coat Fetish. Here's My Latest Sewing Pattern Review: The Rebecca Page Andie Anorak

Friend: I LOVE your coat!

Me: Thanks!  IT HAS POCKETS!

That's pretty much my attitude about coats. Pants. Tops. Life.

Pockets make things better - especially on the Rebecca Page Andie Anorak Sewing Pattern!

Andie is a nice coat for layering layers of clothes underneath - but being an A-Line jacket means it doesn't look boxy or bulky.

Options include:
- Detachable hood
- Epilates Optional
- Optional Sleeve buckles
- Optional Oversized Pocks
- Optional Hood Belt  & Buckle
- Hip or Knee Length

I LOVE the inside lining. It's so easy, and everything just pulls through one small side seam, thus minimal hand sewing required to completed this fully lined jacket.

See the pocket!  You can opt to have the pocket cover or not (brain fog - whatever that part is called where the buttons above are - you know the word - welcome to my brain/life).

I did originally order buttons from a new Etsy store, however, the buttons arrived yesterday.  The coat was finished a week and a half ago!  I did manage to find some cute black with gold fleck buttons at Walmart - 3/$1.  I did have to use a few snaps for the hood, as there were only 12 available buttons at Walmart when I went in.

I needed the gold sparkle. You'll find out why soon!

See - I told you - you'd find out soon! 

I've been hoarding this Wizard of Oz cotton fabric for about a year now.  I purchased it at $2.50/metre for a different pattern test final that never continued on beyond the version 1 test phase.  So it's been sitting. And waiting. And Andie came around. 

The turquoise-hunter green cotton fabric is another long time hoard that thankfully goes with the Wizard of Oz emerald/magical feel, and gave me enough fabric for the front panels.

Both were from Fabricland, a local Canadian store that is slowly being weaned out by the online fabric industry.

If you look closely at the top picture, you can see a me-made tag (I printed reversed onto fabric paper, and then ironed it onto twill tape, cutting out each tag - so much cheaper than ordering custom tags online!). 

Also, there is a hanging loop - because every coat needs a hanging loop!

Look at that hood!  And the back yoke!  And that lovely back pleat! 

Honestly, this has to be my best coat ever. And yes, I'm tooting my own horn!  The yoke just brings the A-line framing together.

And my lining and main fabrics are perfectly aligned with no bagginess than I've encountered with my first few coats last year.

Oh - the main fabric - that's also from Fabricland. Purchased for office pants I never made.  And now that our office has become casual dress (except if we're meeting up with our clients/partners), and I work from home 4.5 days of the week - Andie screamed to use up this lovely lightweight suiting fabric.

You can see the shoulder tabs - aren't they cute? 

I was going to do buckles, but for the life of me couldn't find buckles down the street, or online that would ship quickly enough. And to drag my behind to one of the fabric stores that also likely wouldn't have buckles -meh.  Next time I can plan ahead to have everything I need before I need to start the project.

I'd love a longer waterproof version of the Anorak - and walk around with a fascinator on my head, because I feel that's what would really bring this coat all together.

Who doesn't like a good fascinator?

Get your Andie Anorak here, take your time sewing, and make yourself a coat you'll be proud to call your own!

***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!) 

I'm Just a Vintage Soul - The Rebecca Page Vintage Blouse Pattern Review

Get your happy on with Rebecca Page's Very Vintage Blouse!

It's the modern twist on a vintage vibe blouse.

Options include:
- Billowy or straight sleeves
- Gathered or darted bust
- Plain or pintucked bodice
- Short or long cuffs
- Round or Pointed collar

It is also part of The Blouse Collection - 4 patterns for one price (40% off regular price!!) - click on the blouse to bring up my blog posts for each blouse!
- Very Vintage Blouse
- Madison Blouse
- Brielle Blouse
- Riviera Ruffle Blouse

It can be worn alone as above - I paired it with my hacked Slim Cargo pants - to show all the proud sewing you have completed.

Since making Rebecca Page clothing, I have gotten really good at plackets, hidden seams, and all the professional touches each pattern teaches me.

I opted for the gathered bust, plain front, regular collar, and normal sleeves as I was running low on time and wanted to ensure my blouse making skills were still intact.

I really love the gathered bust, as it showcases such a feminine vintage flair within the blouse.



You can also office it up by adding a sweater vest - yes, I just said sweater vest.


I've given up being freezing when I'm in the office. And I felt my hacked Vivianne Sweater from Halla Patterns was appropriate.

The back is a bit wonky - I actually made a centre seam and took it in 1" on either side as the top was too billowy at the back for my liking. I should of stopped just below my waist, as you can see, my hips aren't too keen on keeping the back down.  Meh - it still looks good and is SO comfy.

Fabric - some random shirting fabric I got for making a shirt for Husband - but he dug his feet in (he's SO picky with clothes and is a weird shape), so I am just using his fabric.

Fair is fair.

See the side view where the gathered bust area is - LOVE! 

And the armcycle is comfy and not too tight - my biceps seem to be hulk like with some patterns (bust size doesn't always equate to proper bicep circumference with slimmer fitting sleeves).

Oh Rebecca, you certainly do know how to woo a woman!

I really do wish my life had background music so I could tell what the heck is going on - but until that technology happens, I'll sew on - will you sew your Vintage Blouse on 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!) 

The New Zealand Leaf Pattern Blanket and Rug Review - Twig + Tale Patterns

Twig + Tale Patterns are whimsical and magical.  

As an adult, they bring me to a more innocent time - with classic soft touches to each pattern, and a multitude of options - meaning one pattern = a zillion options and designs.

Lisa and the team from Twig + Tale has done it again - with a collection of New Zealand Leaf patterns inspired by Lisa's daughter after watching a David Attenborough documentary.  

Her daughter was inspired to make a difference to animals - by helping to restore their habitat by planting trees - and a portion of sales will go towards her dream! 

I had the fortunate opportunity to test with Lisa and her lovely testers again - and this one means the world to me and someone very special to us.

There are 5 leaf options and 3 size options, including:
- Rangiora
- Puka
- Kawakawa
- Kowhai
- Makomako

The leaves can be used as a travel mat, outside blanket, dress up cape, pet rug, play mat, and so much more. 

As soon as I heard about the pattern...I know it was meant to be. 

We lost our Gideon on January 18, 2019 from an aggressive osteosarcoma (cancer in his leg that was in his lungs by the time we discovered it in Early December 2018). 

All of us had been sleeping in the living room on the main floor for almost a month - all of our pillows and comforters splayed through the room - in order to prevent Gideon from suddenly and painfully breaking his leg where the tumour was (a high possibility) and to give him the comfiest last days we could. 

After his passing, we slowly started taking away pillows and comforters - a few at a time - off the ground to be washed and to gain some normalcy back to our house. 

Fynn, our youngest Ridgeback, loved laying on the comforters that were on the ground at this point. 

And then the pattern testing came out. This would be a good tribute to Gideon, leaving Fynn with the comfort he had grown accustomed to. 

This is the small rug - it's pretty teeny, but makes a great throw rug, or even wall hanging!  

You can sew the leaf veins in by machine, embroider them, use iron on fabric, and whatever your imagination desires. 

I opted to sew felt veins and made some cute dragonfly accents (self drafted pattern). 

The fabric is an old curtain we replaced a few years back when it got colour stained from the sun. 

The next is the medium sized leaf - I used a fleece fabric for the main layer, and an old sheet the dogs had torn with their claws for the bottom.  

A piece of Gideon with each of these rugs. 

I made a self-drafter felt ladybug thanks to my handy glue gun, and sewed the veins into this one. 

Fynn lays on this rug in my sewing room. 

The large rugs are amazing - they take up the majority of our living room, but are well worth it. 

Again, I used the old blanket as the backing, and used some old fuzzy warm blankets given to us from Husband's Aunt for the main surface. 

Fynn Did NOT want to leave the blankets as I was taking photographs - I mean, look how cute he is! 

The paw prints are hand drafted from felt - from the numerous ink prints I took of Gideon's paw pads over the last few weeks he was with us. 

There are 4 paws per rug. This is my tribute to him, and for Fynn to know his brother is still with him. 

Fynn LOVES these rugs - even I get down on the ground with him for a snuggle!

They were an easy sew - with a couple layers of quilt fleece lining inside.  The most tedious part would be the creative part - the veins and any add ons. 

You can be as creative or follow the pattern to the T - and as you can see, they are a great use for old torn blankets.  

Share your love for the environment, a little girl's dream, and a puppy who is just darn stinking cute by purchasing the Leaf Blanket Pattern!

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 ***