Sewing Pattern Review - George + Ginger Mood Dress

Scraps - every sewists bane of existence. 　

What do we do with scraps? 　

With knits, depending on the stretch, they can be useful for colour blocking, undergarments, bands, and other little projects. 　

With non-stretch wovens - it's more difficult to use up the smaller pieces. I use them for small projects like toys...but that is a rarity. 　

 

Full Billy Book Case of colour organized scraps!

Scraps before I labeled colours on each bin

 

The George + Ginger Pattern collection came out with the "Mood Dress," which immediately inspired me! 　

I am short at 5'-2", however, thus the initial length of the dress was daunting. So what did I do? I cut each of the mood strip pieces in half lengthwise in hopes that I'd have a knee length (or close to) dress. 　

What I ended up with was a dress just below mid calf that is full of awesomeness and fun! 　

With a fitted bodice, that fits perfectly with my G + G measurements (size 8 bust graded down to size 14 waist), and was a delight to sew.

 　

Maybe not such a delight to cut, as each strip is individually cut x 4 pieces to create the chevron look. 　

 

Some pieces near the bottom, like the Star Wars fabric (sorry, Husband, I had to have something with Star Wars in my wardrobe, even though I bought the fabric for you!). So I blocked a few pieces together on the bottom strips to make it work, and sewed a pretty line of lace and ribbon for any pieces I did this for. 　

 

With the number of different complimentary patterns used in my dress, this is noticeable to me only - it looks funky and is definitely original! 　

 

The Star Wars blends in, so I am able to actually wear my Mood Dress to my Business Casual office! 　

 

Although I wish it were shorter (I'll add one less layer next time - maybe half the strips again for less length an add nice ribbon or lace to the bottom edging), I love it. 　

It's flattering, sassy, and fun!　

 

it would make a great prom or fancy dress with the right fabrics - think draped silk or the fabric you see bridesmaids dresses made from! 　

 

There is also an option for a gathered knee length skirt (no chevron colour blocking involved)....although I could attempt this dress again with the gathered skirt and chevron or make just plain strips length or width wise to still make this an awesome woven scrap-busting dress option for my closet! 　

 

I love the sass and style of George + Ginger Patterns - the Mood Dress is no exception.  They put me out of my comfort zone at times, but make me feel beautiful once I adorn on of her designs!

Sewing Pattern Review - Rebecca Page Circle Cardie

The Circle Cardie is an amazingly quick sew with a multitude of looks from casual to fancy! 

It's best to be sewn with drapey fabrics for the perfect waterfall drape, but other comfy fabrics can be used as well.　

 
I used a cheap lavender Fabricland random drapey fabric for my muslin version, and a random loose sweater knit from Okee Dokee Canadian Fabrics.　

Both fabrics give a different flow and feel, and both are just lovely. 　

The first version took me just over an hour to finish from cut to wearing, and the second took me just under and hour. 　

 

Version 1 - long length

I couldn't wait to wear my short final version to work the day after making it!

 

The pattern takes less fabric than other cardigans I have sewn, and there are options for if you don't have quite enough fabric on the stretch and don't mind a middle back seam. 　

The different options include:　

- 2 length options (short or long)　

- 3 hem options (Plain, band, or ruffle)　

- 3 sleeve options (sleeveless, 3/4, and full length)　

- Doll, Child, and Ladies versions available up to 5XL!　

As I work in a cold office where I feel like I'm going through hot flashes for 5 minutes and need a parka the remainder of the day, this is the perfect office casual cardigan for me. 　

I opted for both of my versions to be long sleeved, but my lavender version is long length, the black and white sweater knit version is short length. I didn't have enough fabric for the ruffle on my black and white knit, and didn't want to get too fancy with my lavender version, but I can't wait to sew the ruffled version when I make my next flowy fabric order!　

The arm width is perfect - not too loose, and not tight. This can be an issue sometimes as I have a wider bicep than some designers use with their bust measurements and it's a hit or miss whether or not I need to due a bicep adjustment. 　

 

 

I blame Beachbody, yoga, and throwing wood into one of our fire pits for 2+ hours a day at our camp for my pipes. 　

The length is perfect - I'm 5'-2" but have a longer torso, so no adjustments were made. I do prefer covering my behind, so that's another reason I don't really adjust top or sweater lengths.　

 

 

Overall, I wear my cardis every week at work and really need more - because they are perfect for the office, but also on the go for pub night or games with friends. 　

So if you're a bit afraid to sew your own cardigan sweater, don't be - Rebecca's instructions and photographs are on par and she guides you with every step. 　

There is also a Cole's notes version of instructions for those of us who don't require pictures and more direction with our sewing projects. This saves a tree if you prefer printed patterns vs having the pattern on your computer or tablet while sewing. 　

Another winner in my closet - I highly recommend the Circle Cardie!

SO excited about my Cardie!

 

 

Sewing Pattern Review - Bella Sunshine Design's Alice Pleated Dress

I love a bit of vintage flair and the little touches with my sew-me-clothing - and the Alice definitely brings both into to ball park.

It is elegant, reminds me of Alice in Wonderland, and I made mine...with a sheet we didn't use! 

Seriously! 

Although it lacks options (hint hint for a tie belt, full sleeves, or even a top option), these are things that at this point I can hack, and many new sewists appreciate not having too many options.  Options lead to confusion while sewing, and losing your spot in the pages.

Right now with the deep freeze winter we've had, and lack of snow like we used to get back in "my day," Alice remind me of Spring and summer Garden Parties.  And would be perfect for an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party or even Murder Mystery game

Freezing Rain during photo shoot

Sewing wise, I took my time to ensure I didn't miss any steps (one must not miss steps or assume, as that leads to seam ripping and alcohol), and it went together perfectly.  I wasn't confused during any of the steps, and it took me an afternoon to sew up. 

The sizing is right on, and I took a leap of faith and went without a muslin version (yay!) - Melissa and Danielle at Bella Sunshine Designs know their patterns and I learnt not to deviate from their sizing recommendations, pending *I* measured myself properly right before sewing.

I am hippy and have a booty, and this dress surprisingly doesn't make my booty look big or my hips look wider, so I'm quite impressed, considering some pleated dresses in the past have gone to the "not happening" pile as they enhanced what I try to not enhance.

My booty

So size and style = happy Unicorn!

The features included are:
- Pleated skirt
- Back zipper
- Fully lined
- Options for bias trim collar
- Cap sleeves (lined)
- POCKETS!!!
- Patterns for each cup size (= perfect fit)

Features I'd like to try hacking:
- 3/4 length sleeves (or knit sleeve underneath the cap sleeve)
- Sash or belt
- Slimmed down skirt so I can attempt to wear this pattern at work
- Shirt Length

Overall, it's a great pattern for those looking to enhance their sewing skills and sashay their vintage flair!

Awesomeness!

Try out Alice today and be impressed with the end result!  There is even a Girl's version for your little ones if you want a matching outfit!

Pattern Review - New Horizons Tami Revolution Double Hoodie

Back in April 2017, I didn't have a lot of true sewing experience, but sew-a-longs and pattern testing have changed that - the challenge in my mind vs reality were totally different.

Last year I participated in my first sew-a-long with New Horizons, and won a lovely bundle of fabric for my completed hoodies! 

Thank goodness for the sew-a-long though, as it included a useful link for how to make thumb hole cuffs (which I ADORE thanks to my past life love of Lululemon clothing).

The Tami Revolution Double Hoodie had my interest at the Thumbhole Cuffs, hood, pockets, and a new sewing challenge - a full zipper (or any zipper).

THUMBHOLE CUFFS!!

The only zipper issue I had was user error when I was too tired, and accidentally cut into the zipper nubs mid-way completing my hoodie, and had to go out and get a replacement zipper. The sewing part was super simple, and I was able to follow directions as a person who had put in maybe 2 zippers into anything over my lifetime.

Zipper (and more thumbhole cuffs - can you tell I'm excited?)

As a more beginner PDF sewist, understanding directions for a multi-option pattern were confusing - but today I can use multi-option patterns like it's nobody's business.  Why?  For example, the pages zip from page 5 to skipping over to page 15 then back to 11, depending on your options - making the sew-a-long steps easier to follow than the actual pattern at the time.

*But* Terra has been working hard with her pattern testers for more fluid patterns, including You Tube video links for more difficult to understand concepts.  I continually use the thumbhole cuff tutorial every time I make them, as I can't understand the instructions written, no matter HOW they are written - I'm visual like that). The New Horizons Group is also helpful for any inquiries or how-to's.

The end result of creating my first hoodie was a proud achievement. And MUCH easier than I expected.

Wearing it in OUR forest!

The options for the Hoodie include:
- Double Hood
- Crossover Hood
- Standard Hood
- Front zip
- Thumbhole Cuffs
- Standard Cuffs
- Shoulder Zip Accent
- Drawstring
- Kangaroo Pockets
- Side Pockets (POCKETS!!!)

Probably not the right inner fabric (thick silky retro fabric), but I love the hood!

And sizes range from XX Small to 26.  What does this mean?
- Bust - 29" to 51.5"
- Waist - 23" to 47"
- Hips - 31" to 53.5"

I wore mine almost every weekend at camp - and it kept me plenty warm - and I admit is quite cute - I know I was hoarding that beautiful teal cherry blossom stretch fleece for a reason! 

I still wear it while working from home Fridays, as it's cold in the basement!

So grab your Tami Hoodie pattern today and experience the satisfaction of a useful and versatile pattern for cozy nights and brisk mornings!

The Perfect River Float Combo - G + G's Daybreak Rashguard & 5oo4's Ninjas + Shenanigans Skort

We purchased river land (6 acres) Spring 2017, and my knees (and everything) burn quickly under the sun. 　

There is also a "whenever you want" floating on the river opportunity, to which I knew I needed to protect my precious watermelon knees from burning away.

I decided my 10km river float outfit would include George + Ginger's Daybreak Rashguard and 5 out of 4's Shenanigans Skorts mashed with the Ninja Leggings and Escapade bikini top 　

For the G + G Daybreak Rashguard, I opted for 3/4 length sleeves and length - I'd go full length with closed back option next time for the bodice - the sleeve lengths were perfect. 

For the Rashguard, I used a mix of spandex scraps (purple), men's swim fabric (back black band), and Pirate Swim fabric from Okee Dokee Fabrics.


Love my Daybreak - great protection from the sun while still being breathable!

For the Escapade Bikini top, The bands are comfortable enough for me to wear this all day long (usually an issue with bathing suits and me), and to be honest, it makes my boobs look magical!

For the bikini top, I used Swim fabric from Fabricland (flower pattern) and Spandex Scraps for the straps and front ruching ties.  The bands are comfortable enough for me to wear this all day long (usually an issue with bathing suits and me), and to be honest

It = perfect epic combination for safe river floating and fun in the water!



Back - turned out great with a few tweaks!

For the Ninja Leggings addition to the Shenanigans Skort, I love the idea of the Skort as it allows me to jump on the ATV on the way back from dropping the car off at our exit point from the river (this is pre-planning, as I'm not walking 10km back to camp!); It's more of an outfit vs just a bathing suit, but waterproof to boot!

As the leggings waist diameter is the same as the skort's normal shorts diameter, the Ninja's were the perfect compromise.

I used men's swimsuit fabric (black portion of skirt) & ladies' flowered swim fabric from Fabricland, and the same pirate fabric for the leggings part. 



Merlin and I are pirates - ARRR!







Floating with my Unicorn!!

 

The Sansa Pants - Bella Sunshine Designs Pattern Testing

I have SO many issues buying pants in store, it's part of the reason I started sewing my wardrobe this year.

One of my favourite designers, Bella Sunshine Designs, finally has their own pants party with the Sansa Pants! 

With a band or elastic waistband option, two points where they can be shortened or lengthened, and a cute retro flare on the bottom....if I add pockets to the front/back, they'd pass for pants I can wear at my casual office attire! 

If you can sew straight lines, you can cut and sew these pants in under an hour - for seriousness! 

As usual, I tend to use large scraps sewn together for my muslin (test product) phase of pattern testing - mine turned out perfectly first go with only 2" taken off underneath the knee to fit my 5'-2" frame.

 

 

Sewing up my final pair, I opted for 2 way stretch medium weight Scuba Knit - which although the pattern calls for 4 way stretch, this worked for me! 

I broke my NEW double needle, and my replacement is still in the mail after 2 weeks, so I opted for normal topstitching and hem stitching instead. 

Be a Unicorn Amongst Deer!

 

 

I really like the way my caboose looks in these pants too - flattering - not bulky.  The high rise band is perfect for preventing muffin top and keeping everything in place. And finally  - I don't have sausage thighs!  My thighs have a nice layer of muscle, which have caused issues with fitting into mainstream pants for years - and they're not even that large in diameter!  BSD made the perfect fit for NORMAL bodies.

Shake what your mom gave you!

As always, I had fun testing with the BSD team, and making yet another amazing outfit.

I paired my Sansa Pants with my latest Maggie Top - so grab both patterns for a flattering look and have a new outfit in under 2 hours!

The Maggie - Bella Sunshine Designs Top, Tunic, Dress Pattern

The Maggie pattern from Bella Sunshine Designs is a simple, yet flattering pattern that can be made into top, tunic, or dress length.

The tunic length is long enough to cover my behind, making it the perfect pairing with leggings or tighter pants I may not necessarily wear otherwise.

This pattern is efficient and easy to follow – I love the sleeve & length options – and the different looks different fabrics give to enhance the pattern and the fit.

I have curves, and the perfect sizing Melissa provides makes this another easy-to-grade pattern for my hourglass shape (aka hippy) that I feel confidant and sassy in my Maggies.

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

I recently repurposed a t-shirt that came in too small from Wish.com, and it's amazing - I was just waiting for the perfect fabric.  I couldn't resist Okee Dokee Canadian Fabrics Interlock Knit Deer Fabric.  It pairs ironically with my repurposed, "I am Unicorn," logo. 

If you are new or advanced to sewing, grab the Maggie Pattern for a staple in your wardrobe.

Betcha can’t just make one!