It's Getting Hot in Here - The Rebecca Page Vintage Savannah Bathing Suit Sewing Pattern Review

Surround yourself with inspiring things. 

Like the Rebecca Page Patterns Savannah Swimsuit!

With a sultry Vintage feel, the Savannah swim suit is flattering and form fitting.  Options include:

- Fully Lined
- One Piece
- Optional Back Straps
- Optional Skirt

I learnt the hard way (aka trusty seam ripper) to use 4 way stretch for both the exterior and lining fabrics. 

A 2 way stretch leads to an ill fitted suit that doesn't let you inside it easily. 

My fabric is the same inside and out - a cute Gingham Swim Suit fabric from Fabricville that was on sale a month or so ago. 

The waistline sits at my natural waist, and I wasn't sure how good my big thighs would look, but the rise of the bottoms is perfect coverage - not too high or too low. 

I LOVE the cut of the front bodice and bust - there are detailed instructions on how to modify the bust to fit yours properly.  If you normally do a bust adjustment on clothing, there is an extra full bust adjustment tutorial that you can download to help you get that perfect bust fit. 

For elastic (there's lots of it), I scored a great deal on amazon, making it about $0.50 a yard for a 75 foot roll vs the normal $4-5 for 2 yards!

Honestly, I'm using this elastic for non-swim garments too, as it's only about $0.05 more expensive than the non-swim elastic. 

Just remember to hold the elastic taut - don't pull it around the bodice or strap areas, as the suit won't fit quite right. 

And DO measure your low bust to natural waist to ensure you don't have to lengthen the front bodice pieces. 

I find the side even flattering - even with my little migraine-induced ponch. It hides the rolls in all the right places!  

The leg holes are the areas where you actually pull the elastic a bit more, as it's measured there. 

But only a little bit!  Too much pull will lead to weirdness. 

Next time I would make the back straps a bit longer so they sit higher up and are spaced out more evenly. They don't dig in, they just have a tendency to move towards the bodice band. 

Overall, it's a great swim suit that brings me back to a simpler time.  

And as per my first photo - it doubles as a bodysuit!  

Sew your swim up with Savannah today!

***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!) 

Be Yourself - 5 out of 4's Taylor Racerback Tank Top, Tunic, and Dress Sewing Pattern Review

Just be yourself.  

There is no one better. 

What better way to express yourself thank sewing your own clothing?  

The 5 out of 4 Taylor Racerback Tank Top, Tunic, and Dress Sewing Pattern definitely helps me sew up some flattering tops in a jiffy, so I can feel free to be me!

 

This top comes with a few options:
- One piece back
- Gathered back option
- Top, Tunic, or Dress Lengths

I LOVE the look of the gathered back, and will definitely be adding more to my summer wardrobe!

I graded as normal, from Small to Large with 5 out of 4 Patterns, and the fit is perfect. 

I am always concerned about racerbacks, as they tend to pull on my neck and shoulders, causing more than my normal daily pain. 

With this racerback, I can wear it all day long and honestly not know I'm wearing it. The armcycle is comfortable and doesn't dig in, and the tunic length is perfect for pairing with leggings. 

 

The flowier the fabric, the happier you will be with this top - a denser or stiffer fabric definitely won't have the same flow and would look quite boxy.  So avoid liverpools, medium density Cotton Lycra, and similar feeling fabrics. 

Sewing wise,  the instructions are easy to follow, and perfect for beginners. 

I've worn both my workout bra and regular fancy bras underneath, and they haven't shown outside of the racerback straps, so you shouldn't have to wear a special bra to prevent it from showing underneath the top. 

I'd definitely add this to your wardrobe and sew it up immediately - you won't regret the Taylor Racerback!

***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!) 

X Marks the Spot - 5 out of 4's X-Factor Tank

The first reason I was attracted to 5 out of 4 patterns a few years ago was the versatility of their patterns, unique design features, and swim separates that were actually flattering. 

I've been wanting to make the X Factor Tankini for eons, and finally got around to making not just one, but two!  

The different options the X Factor entails are:
- Bikini (or Bra) top
- Straight, gathered, or maternity tankini
- Nursing options
- Bust ruching
- Built in bra cups (removable or sewn in)

I sewed up a Small bust Graded to large waist & hips - for the perfect fit.

My first version can be worn for either swim, working out, or play.  And I LOVE it!  

It's taken me a few years, but I can finally scrap bust in a colour co-ordinating way!  

The fabrics used for this amazing X-Factor Tankini (yes, I'm tooting my own horn) include:

- Random dance fabric from my sister's old stash from her dance clothes making days - the floral, red, and striped fabrics

- Athletic fabric - thinner than normal dri-fit - for the cool circuit fabric - from a mystery pack I received from Zenith & Quasar Fabrics thanks to a sew-along I won last year for my new Doctor Who outfit. If I could get their fabric ALWAYS, I would. I just need to win Lotto Max first (ha ha)

- A lightweight spandex, also from Zenith & Quasar fabrics.  It's super soft and blends perfectly with this colour combo.

I LOVE the way this fits me - like a nice glove!  

I paired it with the Tidal Wave Swim Shorts - another super easy pattern that can easily be workout or swim shorts.  

Sewing the X Factor itself, wasn't actually as time consuming as I thought it would be.  It required minimal elastic, clear instructions, and the sizing was right on.

Although the "X" part looks complicated - it really isn't.  

The binding is wide enough that it's simpler than a camisole binding, and not a lot of stretching is required while sewing it up, thus, minimal room for weird stretching errors from occurring (ripples, creases, etc.). 

My second version is more geared towards summer fun.  

The purple and bicycle fabrics are from Water Towel Textiles - swim/spandex fabrics.  The purple is super soft, and the bicycle fabric I hoarded over the last few years (purchasing it 3 times!), as I loved it so much!

The Black binding is from my scrap bin, and likely remnants of sister's dance fabric stash. 

And finally, the meshy mermaid fabric is from the same mystery pack from Zenith and Quasar.  I could of sized out a bit more for this due to its lack of full stretch, but that's ok with me as-is

I've paired it with my first 5 out of 4 swim shorts pattern - the Reversible Riptides.

I did the front bust ruching in this version, and it looks pretty amazing!  

With the exception of the meshy fabric not being quite stretchy enough, the fit is perfect!  

So, I'd definitely recommend this flattering pattern. Both to challenge your sewing skills with something new, and a versatile pattern that's more than just a bathing suit. 

Grab the X-Factor 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!) 

Bottoms Up! 5 out of 4's Alice Swim Bottoms Sewing Pattern Review

5 out of 4 patterns honestly hasn't made a swim suit bottom or top that I haven't liked myself in. 

And I really don't like my thighs or behind.  

Alice is the perfect solution to distracting the eyes in a simple way. 

The Alice bottoms come with the following options:
- High rise waistline
- Medium rise legs
- Lined (aka no seams inside!) 
- Flat front option
- Tie front option
- Flounce option
- Maternity ruching option

Side note: These pictures were taken when it was -3 degrees Celsius outside.  My neighbours across the street much think I'm a whack job.  Someone driving by stopped, stared, then started driving again. 

These are things that happen while pattern testing and taking pictures of outfits before the proper season hits, so you lovelies have the opportunity to sew them up in time for the proper season. 

The flounce is SUPER simple, and comes in a high or low flounce option depending how long you want the skirt to be. I found the high flounce was flattering, and I'm almost out of my Bicycle print swim fabric I've been hoarding (and using) for a few years. 

I love the tie front option. It's flattering from the front and side. 

I used swim fabric from Water Tower Textiles and random white spandex from sister's lost stash of fabrics. 

 


I paired my Alice bottoms with the Escapade Bikini top on the left and the Stella bikini top on the right. 

Although different fabric prints, I feel they work well together.  It helps that I tend to stay with the same colour palette for the most part. 

Add some fun to your summer swimwear by sewing up Alice today!

***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 on the Waves! Rebecca Page Patterns Riviera Ruffle Blouse Review

Just another day on the Riviera where every hour is happy.


One of my goals this year is to sew up the patterns I have now and cave into only the best of the best mid way. I'll be happy with a 2-1 ratio (sew 2 I own, obtain 1 new trend to sew).

Rebecca Page's Riviera Ruffle Blouse pattern sat in my to-do bin for a good year before I decided to sew her up (FINALLY) last week.


The Riviera features:
- Sleeveless or Flutter Sleeves
- Beautiful cascading front ruffle option (or ruffleless!)
- Side cut bias panel options
- Sizes XXS to 5XL
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

I opted for the flutter sleeve, full ruffle, side bias panels.

The main fabric is a sheer random fabric that was in my stash  already - which paired with a tank top year round or bikini top in the summer, makes this pattern even more elegant.

Honestly, the flutter sleeves are repurposed from one of the last remnants of my clubbing days in Toronto - a La Senza skin hugging, mid-thigh "nightie" that I will never fit into again (goodbye size 2 days). But the pretty meshy overlay was too pretty to dispose of. It seems to pair well with the black sheer fabric I used!

I also paired the top with my hacked Slim Fit Cargos (tutorial to come soon!). 

The Riviera fits perfectly, and grading from Medium bust to XL for my hips makes this top hug my torso in all the right ways.

The only thing I would change for next time, is to lengthen the top to at least mid-behind - I prefer longer length tops.

But seeing as it's really a layering top due to my fabric choice, it's not a huge deal for my first Rivera.

 The side panels are beautiful - like princess seams - and I like that it's an added option. 

All the steps were well laid out in the instructions, and I didn't have to take out my seam ripper once.

The front ruffle cascades beautifully as well - giving the top a nice feminine touch.  Without the ruffle, it would be a more neutral look.

Tip: DEFINITELY use light fabric - anything that doesn't cascade will leave the ruffle looking boxy and forced, and won't be as light and delicate as mine is.

Just a head's up for those wanting to use quilting cotton or similar stiffer fabrics. For the main portion of the top, those choices are fine, but you'll want to use a complimentary light fabric for the ruffle.

Overall, I'm happy with my Riviera, and it's the perfect addition to my summer attire - hopefully yours 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!) 

Sewing Pattern Review: Rebecca Page Family Passport Wallet

Travel? 

Have lots of important paperwork you need to have in your purse regularly?

Love your make up brushes to be organized?

What about your art supplies?

The Rebecca Page Family Passport Wallet is a simple sew, and a great way to use up scrappy fabrics, and fulfill the above needs!

I like that there are options for the closure - magnetic, button, snaps, or ribbon (and beyond!), and that it's large enough to hold all of our essential paperwork all in one handy personalized location.

The instructions are simple and easy to follow - but make sure you use the proper interfacing and fabric as per instructions!  

For my first wallet attempt, I had just inherited a Rubbermaid container (one of those big blue bins) FULL of fleece fabric from my mother-in-law's sister.  

Yay for her downgrading her house and sewing supplies!  

Boo for me using fleece instead of the instructed interfacing as the interfacing inside the lining and fabric pieces. 

This made for a much thicker than intended wallet - definitely not suitable for passports. 

But perfect for holding my paint brushes - or make up brushes, crayons - you get the picture. 

I used a normal cotton for the exterior, and the lining is a soft silky lining fabric that I only had scrappy bits of.

You can also hack the wallet and shorten the length to make it into a wallet, or just keep important papers, like insurance documents or receipts!  

It's a quick and easy sew with a bit of ironing and interfacing for a clean crisp finish. 

The pockets are easy to make, and keep everyone's paperwork separate and easy access.

I especially like the use of scraps to create this pattern.

For my passport wallet, I used all cotton - a striped blue print, owl print, and a Caique parrot tropical print from a dress I bought on impulse several years ago, but could never wear as it looked like a moo moo sack on me. 

Caique fabric makes a great tropical passport wallet though!

Overall, it's a quick sew and one more way to help get your life more organized!

And really - you'll be the most stylish traveller in the airport!

Get your free Passport pattern here, and whether it's for passports, crayons, make up brushes, paint brushes (or more!), it's an easy scrap buster sew with a well finished end result. 

Sewing Pattern Review: Mamma Can Do It Classy Woven Tank

We all have woven fabric that just sits waiting to be used in a pattern. 

With so many pattern makers creating designs with knit fabric, it means our woven fabric just waits. And waits. And waits.

There are so many great woven designs at a fraction of the cost of knit fabrics. 

Thankfully a few designers recognize this niche, such as Mamma Can Do It!

She has designed a simple tank top pattern that fits well...real ladies - the Classy Woven Tank

It hides tummy confidence issues while showing off my curves in a flattering way.

Heck - the first time I wore it in public, my friend complimented me 3 times that day on my new top!  What a confidence booster :).

The back covers just enough of my behind, and it was easy to grade between sizes to fit my waist and hips properly (between 6 sizes from bust to waist/hip).

  

The curved hem is super flattering all around

And look how great it looks with my Eden Leggings!

And of course, Husband tries to make me laugh while taking photos in our forest (we own 6 acres of Land in Quebec, Canada, which we frolic in on weekends).

Overall, the sewing took less than an hour, and the end result was surprisingly perfect. The darts for the bust are perfectly placed and easy to sew, and the binding instructions were quite detailed.  This pattern is perfect for the beginner sewist looking to sew up their beautiful woven fabrics, or the expert looking to add a few more simple tank tops to their wardrobe this summer.

I used a light woven linen random fabric obtained from my mother-in-law's sister (just in case it was a flop), and the pattern just makes the fabric pop. Like they were made for each other.

Seriously!

Grab your Classy Woven Tank Pattern here for only $7 -and remember to Sew On!