Twist and Shout with Rebecca Page's Talia Tunic & Twist Top Pattern

Some days I'm dark and Twisty like Meredith Grey.

Other days I want to Twist and Shout (before my back suddenly gives out).

Either way, I really enjoyed making the Talia Tunic and Twist Top patterns.  Together, they enhance what I've been blessed with. Apart...well...they have the same effect. 

The Twist top has multiple arm lengths, and hugs my bust in a lovely way!  

Sewing it up, DEFINITELY read the instructions AND watch the video.  The instructions are a bit confusing at first.  Sewing the second shoulder seam is definitely a lot more confusing than the first. 

That could also be migraine brain getting super confused lately. 

I only needed to take my seam ripper out once before I got the concept. 

I recommend a straight stitch the first time around sewing the shoulder seams...JUST in case. 

I've paired this Twist Top with my favourite pair of Pippa Pants. 

As you can see, the Talia Tunic is the perfect length. 

I'm 5'-2" and didn't hem it - the lovely wonders of soft knit fabrics that don't fray. 

I paired my Tunic above with my Mini Peggy Skirt and one of the last non-me-made leggings in my wardrobe.

This Talia Tunic is a lovely DBP - again, unhemmed and super flowy.  I just love the feel and the drape. 

The front and back gathers along with fabric choice bring this top together. 

The binding is MUCH easier to make than anticipated - the instructions are detailed verbally and with pictures, and you can find the perfect strap length for your body with one quick fit test. 

My final Twist top has 3/4 length sleeves, and is made of a lightweight stretch lace/velvet fabric. 

It has pretty Tardis blue within the black fabric.  

It has been paired with my hacked Slim Cargo Pants. 


Overall, this pattern can be as casual or fun as you like - and I definitely recommend lighter weight knits to keep with the flow. 

A boxier cotton lycra or scuba for the tunic would make it larger and not flow well - but may work well for the twist top. 

Enjoy these quick sews - they'll certainly become staples in your wardrobe in no time. 

Get your Talia Tunic here.

Get you Talia Twist Top Here


Bundle it up 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!) 

Be a Flamingo in a Flock of Seagulls - 5 out of 4's Roxanne Tunic Sewing Pattern

Dare to be different - the world is already full of ordinary. 

5 out of 4 has done it again with their newest pattern, the Roxanne Tunic!

The Roxanne Tunic is Unicorn length approved (I'm 5'-2"), and can be easily sewn up for any season, depending on your flowy fabric and sleeve length.


It features:
- Straight or Curved hemline
- 4 Sleeve lengths - Short, 3/4, full, or extra long
- 2 sleeve styles (loose or more fitted)
- 4 Fabulous back styles - button up, faux button up, lace up with grommets, or lace up with loops


I do NOT recommend a normal cotton lycra or denser fabric, as it will make the top look quite boxy, and you will be sad.


My first top is the short loose sleeved, straight hemline, with lace up back (loops):

I used a drapey sweater knit (now sold out, thanks to me!) from Water Tower Textiles.  It's super soft, and I've pretty much ordered this fabric in the maroon and black colours until it has sold out throughout the year - perfect for drapey patterns and all year round wear.

Serious face while wearing it, but it was a really rough nauseous vertigo week.

So with my limited cognitive abilities, I tested out Roxanne, and succeeded with no seam ripper!  I deserve a Blue Ribbon for that, as my mind can't figure out simple concepts when I'm in full migraine mode.  But Rachelle's instructions are precise, give hints and tips to cover any potential issues, and the pictures are on par with Roxanne.

That being said, it took me some time to slowly pin the ribbons to the back facing and sew up the back facings, but that's me. I'm a slow sewist without a migraine!

I would use a denser ribbon next time - perhaps cording - so the corset back is a bit more defined, but some days you use what you have on hand! 



It pairs well with the Eleanor Cardigan! \

Next, I made the curved hem, long sleeved, faux button back version.

I really don't want to button up any shirt, and honestly didn't have the energy to make button holes, so sewing the buttons on through both layers made it SO simple to get the button up look!

This back version wasn't as lengthy as the corset back, and gives the top a totally different look! 

The fabric is a mishmash of fabric I won from Zenith and Quasar for a sew-a-long (my Doctor Who outfit!) and Water Tower textiles.

The purple is some sort of light supplex, and the grey is a dri-fit fabric - both from a random stash box I opted for from Z & Q.

The sleeves are remnants from some super soft DBP from Water Tower Textiles.

They work well for this top - which happens to be a good top for colour blocking due to lack of any appropriate length of fabric. 

When in doubt, colour block. I've become SO accustomed to that as I keep to my low fabric budget.

I love the sleeves lengths and the flow of the top - and the button back turned out quite well! 

I even paired it with my Aspen Fleece Vest, fresh out of the wash before being packed for camp this weekend.

So challenge yourself with a bit of a different top in Roxanne - experiment with a lace modesty panel in the back of your corset version to give it that va-va-voom appeal, colour block with smaller bits of fabric like I did, or just follow the pattern (which is also totally awesome to do), and be proud of your final product! 

***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 - Mother Grimm's Beltaine Tunic

I absolutely adore Jodi from Mother Grimm Patterns - her designs are whimsy and unique. 

And she encourages my habit of colour blocking. 

The Beltaine Tunic is a diverse pattern, which even flatters those of us with hips!

There are a zillion options, so you can get away with wearing the same top over and over again. 

And it's the perfect length for those of us who insist on wearing leggings as pants (yes, I've been converted despite digging my heels in for years...pending the top is long enough to cover my caboose). 

The options included are:
- Round or Hanky Hem

- POCKETS

- Banded Bodice (great for colour blocking due to lack of full fabric!)

- Plain front (no colour blocking or pockets)

- Trim (lace, ribbon, or even DIY!)

- Colour Blocking

For my test muslin version, I used a REALLY thin sweater knit for the main portion, the last scraps of my Llama fabric for the pockets, and spandex for the band and pocket binding. 

The spandex was too thick (I feel), and I wouldn't use such a thin heavy sweater knit again (not flattering on my booty), but that's why we test with a variety of fabrics. 

So, I graded the pattern for my larger waist/hips from where I normally do on patterns - from between the armcycle and waist - which didn't turn out perfect - hence why we use scrappy fabrics for our first version during testing.

There were enough modifications made during testing, that the kinks were worked out, and it fits like a nice glove now!  

For my final version, I was *supposed* to do a plain version with ruffle, but needed to colour block due to a raging pounding migraine and lack of fabric. 

So I used the remainder of this black & white silky rayon fabric from when a local Fabricland closed 3 or 4 years ago, a lighter spandex for the band, and a super light sweater knit ($3 a metre Fabricland special) for the skirt and ruffle portion. 

I didn't have enough fabric for the full ruffle length (maybe 1 metre less), but I really like the drape it gives with a smaller ruffle. 

The ruffle isn't hemmed, so make sure to either use a fabric that doesn't get ratty over time and washes, or hem/zig zag stitch it to keep it pretty. 

I also didn't grade my final version either - I went straight Emerald sizing, with the smaller back option (to prevent sway back), and it's perfect! 

I'm 5'2" and didn't shorten the pattern anywhere, and with the right fabric (not slightly see through like my sweater knit), will make a cute flirty dress!  With leggings underneath, it's perfect legging length. 

It was a quick sew, and Jodi's instructions are clear and concise. 

If you like a little bit of flirty flare, sew for it!  

The Beltaine Tunic is on sale for 25% off with code BELTAINE25 under May 12th (Saturday) - Grab it now!

Bella Sunshine Designs - The Maggie Top

I adore the Classic yet Modern style of Bella Sunshine Designs.

Melissa has done it again with the simple yet flattering Maggie Top, tunic, and Dress! 

I tested for the Tunic length, and even had to take a few inches off, as it is drafted for a 5'-5" height.

I'm a measly 5'-2", however, prefer tunics that I can wear leggings under, and to cover up (aka accentuate) my caboose.

The size assigned to me was again on par - grading from just under my chest to my waist and hips for a perfect flattering (aka not clingy) fit. 

Due to a migraine that lasted a week during testing, I was only able to make my fit test top and my final top - although I will cut a few more up for my fall wardrobe. 

I mean the dress length with leggings - how cute would that be? Throw a vest over top, and - I can't contain my excitement! 

I used Water Tower Textiles fabrics that just make me squeal inside - my favourite colour of light cotton spandex (turquoise/aqua) with total awesomeness - Storm Trooper fabric that is all the rage, but rarely available in Canada.  Patty randomly surprises her customers with character print fabrics (giving us a day or so notice) that her husband and daughter pick up during their trips to the States.  When I saw Star Wars - I HAD to have it. 

Star Wars knit is unheard up in Canada (unless we pick it up at a ridiculous cost from the States), and I really appreciate that Patty limits us to 1 metre maximum per print.  This allows all the crazy seamstresses sitting up waiting for midnight to start to each have the opportunity to order these coveted fabrics.

Decorative Weapons and Pattern Testing = Awesomeness!

Beyond that, the feel is so soft and comfortable, I can easily wear this working up at the camp, at work, or just hanging out at home.

There are 3 necklines, 3 sleeve lengths, 3 hem lengths, and even a bust adjustment for those of us who are larger chested (aka the shirt won't look too big because of sizing up). I find very few pattern makers offer this option, making fits for larger tatas difficult if it's an unknown pattern type.  Grading is an art when it comes to sewing - any help with special pattern adjustments that take out the guesswork is truly appreciated!

I'm looking forward to playing around and hacking this pattern with my own personal touches - such as side ruching (I LOVE ruching), pockets in the dress, a Kangaroo pocket at the front, peek-a-boo hole in the back, lace sleeves with a silkier rayon for a beautiful night-on-the town shirt...and you get the picture.

I have a small pile of Bella Sunshine Design patterns waiting to be created, and know that I'll be able to follow each and every pattern, and trust Melissa's sizing to the "T."

Oh, and you can totally Twirl in this shirt too - I twirl for everything these days. It really is quite the epidemic! 

Grab your copy of The Maggie, and sew away - you can whip out a few in an afternoon...but really - why stop at 2?