It's Gonna be May! Days 1 & 2

There's a weird thing going on in the PDF sewing world - #MMMay2018 - Me Made May - to encourage us to:


- Start integrating not-as-often worn self-made clothes into our regular rotation


- Creating new garments to mix and match with older garments


- Figure out what we are missing from our wardrobes


- Finish off any unfinished projects


- Just be awesome!


Sign up here as a pledge to yourself!

Justin is joining us all month long...because I giggle everytime I think, "It's Gonna Be May"

I've started May off with a few outfits of lesser worn and newer clothes.


May 1st included
- The Open Back Pullover by Greenstyle Creations - with hoodie and open back options


- The Trendy Tank by Winter Wear Designs (my new crush designer!) - I colour blocked the top and bottom portions as I lacked full lengths of fabric for a full top or back as part of no-buying-fabric April.


- Not me-made Tardis joggers


I actually lack me-made joggers as I still have 3 pairs that aren't worn out and that I like. Weird liking store-bought clothes these days!  Next fall I'll be in the running for new joggers...although I do not some quick drying joggers for camp...hmmmm.

May 2nd included:


- The Apple Cardigan by Bella Sunshine Designs - I opted for the long version and it's super comfy and perfect for spring and summer evenings in this light cotton lycra fabric.


- The Bonnaroo Tank Top by George + Ginger Patterns - again, another mash up due to lack of fabric - with lace ribbon bows vs the sewn version of bows in the patterns - these are easier and I was lazy


- Not-Me-Made Lululemon pants that are going on 4 years strong. Actually my Pippa Pants by Rebecca Page Patterns are very similar. I love my Pippas too






I must be thinking of Justin in this picture. I blame the top.


So get ready for daily May pics!


See what's coming out of the closet!

Sewing Pattern Review: Rebecca Page's Berry Bubble Shorts

(PSST! Use code MAYPP20 for 20% off Berry Bubbles throughout May 2018!!)

I have knees that burn like watermelons in the sun.

My knee vs Watermelon 10 years ago...they've been super burnable since!

So having knee coverage and NOT short-shorts is a must.

I've been coveting Rebecca Page's Berry Bubble Shorts for some time, and caved in, grabbing the Add-On so I could make longer unlined shorts - they even hit my knees! 

I did a little dance once they were done.

 

Sewing timewise, they were a slow sew, but with all the details and end result - totally worth spending a few evenings on!

I used random Walmart cotton for the main portion of the shorts, and scraps of other cotton for the pockets.

I made my own binding as per Rebecca's online tutorial, and it was much easier than I anticipated - and great way to use more weird scraps of fabric.

The original Berry Bubble Shorts Pattern includes:
- Fully Lined Shorts
- Short, Mid Thigh, and Knee Length Options
- Leg Binding or Cuffs
- Straight or Bubble Leg Finish (great for all figures.
- Buttons at the front
- Bias edged pockets
- pretty pleats

I opted for the Mid Thigh length with cuffs and straight leg finish for mine from this portion of the pattern.

The Berry Unlined Pants Pattern Add-On includes:
- Unlined option
- Capris and ful length pants options!
- You require the original pattern to complete your pants or unlined shorts, or can grab the Bundle with the Ladies, Girls, AND Doll patterns (all the Berries!)

 

They aren't too wide legged, and I really like the fit and comfort level.

They are my new summer-must have - ALL THE BUBBLES!

Sewing Pattern Review: Twig + Tale Forester Coat

Twig + Tales patterns are full of Whimsy and Magic.

I fell in love this fall with their Pathfinder Vest with Animal Upgrade (because what 30 something year old doesn't want to have a funky animal inspired vest for running around the forest in??).

I was fortunate to be part of the background testing for their newest pattern - the Forester Coat - for Women, Men, and even babies with a Nestledown option.

Twig + Tale loves upcycling - and this jacket is perfect for old warm blankets that you have too many of, and is also a great scrapbuster for fabric that doesn't have large enough pieces to make a more traditional or basic coat.

Pixie Hood Version

Round Hood Version

There *are* a lot of pattern pieces, but that's part of the magic - the design is meant to loosley hug your curves in all the right spaces, with enough room for a sweater underneath in the fall or winter, and breathable enough on those cold spring or summer dewy morning.

And really, the instructions are stellar - and include video instruction for those of us who are more visual.

It leads to a coat that looks store bought made with your own chosen fabrics!

I made two versions, and each version has a different hood - typical Round hood AND a Pixie hood for when I'm feeling mischevious!

I didn't have to use my seam ripper during the production of either coat, so that means the instructions REALLY are user friendly, as I typically do one rip on longer sewing projects, as I try to get them done in one sew.

 

My Round Hood version is made from fleece for the exterior, and a mix of some scrappy thick satiny fabric and flanelette unicorn fabric. 

Because UNICORNS!

I added the outside pockets and back belt to this version.

The hood is held on with snaps, so doesn't always have to be attached. I like the side blinders and hood coverage it gives me on car rides so I can close my eyes and the drive doesn't bug my Migraine as much (the side visuals are too fast for me right now).

 

 

INSIDE POCKETS!

The second is made from coat fabric I got for $4 a metre for another coat project that I ended up using a different fabric for. I knew as soon as I saw the Forester pattern testing come up that it was meant to be! 

Inside I used a few different silky linings and some of the leftover fleece from my round hooded version, as I didn't have enough one one lining fabric for the entire inside, but that's ok, as it's the inside, and they're complimentary colours!

I added both inside AND outside pockets, because one can never have too many pockets. And it has the back belt and sleeve tabs as well.

I'm 5'2", and both coats cover my caboose, which is great, as that area tends to get cold quickly.

I can wear a fleecy underneath, and am very tempted to make another Pathfinder Animal vest to go on underneath  and remove my removable hood on the occasions I pair both coat and vest together.

Actually....I could probably just hack an animal hood ONTO it - OMG - epiphany moment!  I'm totally doing that after work today!

 I can never be warm enough these days, so layering is extremely important.

Overall, the Forester Coat pattern is relatively easy despite the number of pattern pieces - challenge yourself and make yourself the perfect fitting coat today!  You'll be proud of yourself and look fabulous with the end results! 

Join the Twig + Tale Facebook group for any questions or to be inspired by others Forester coats (and beyond) - you'll love the whimsical feeling it will give you!

Sewing Pattern Review: Bella Sunshine Designs Emmaline Top and Dress

I love colour blocking (aka using as much of my different fabrics in as many clothing articles as possible).

Bella Sunshine Designs Emmaline instantly drew me in with the awesome Chevron Skirt!

I have sewn up both a dress and a top, and can't wait to hack the top version with Chevrons as well!  Why? Because it's fun, a challenge, and because it's a test of skill.

The Emmaline pattern has a multitude of options, including:

- An unlined bodice\
- Banded flattering neckline
- Full Bust Adjustment pattern pieces if you upper and full bust have more than a 3" difference
- 2 A-line skirt options - simple (plain) or Chevron
- Top, Dress, or Maxi dress lengths
- From girls to ladies sizing

For the Ladies sizing, it goes:

- Up to 59.75" overbust
- Up to 53.5" Waist
- Up to 59.75 Hips
- Up to 22.6" Bicep (Melissa has awesome directions if you require a larger bicep adjustment)

The bodice is knit (4 way stretch) - a more stable cotton lycra is preferred to avoid sagging with the skirt weight.

Same pattern - different looks!

The skirt can be any knit fabric with good draping - the drapier, the more whimsical the skirt is!

It's about an hour or two from cutting to finished, depending on which style you take on.

The instructions are clear, and walk you through each step with drawings and easy to understand verbiage.

If you are so inclined, try mashing Emmaline up with the Clementine, Amelia, or Sahara skirts or bodices for a different look! 

Grab your Emmaline now and Sew On!

Sewing Pattern Review: Rebecca Page Meghan Wrap Dress

Rebecca Page Patterns has done it again - another lovely design that's a bit different from the others!

The Meghan Wrap Dress can be as casual or dressy as you like! 

The pattern design includes:
- 3 lengths - slim knee length, midi flared length, or maxi super full length

- Crossed bodice

- Sleeveless, Short, 3/4 length, or Long Sleeve Lengths

It comes out and was named for Meghan Markle - the newest member of the Royal Family! 

And *I* suggested the name first, so am totally taking credit for that :)  I think she's a stunning fashionable woman, and the Meghan Dress reflects her style in every way.

The front facing for lighter fabrics is best completed with interfacing inside the bodice facing, and make sure to measure your torso for the best bodice fit and coverage.

The sleeves aren't too tight, and the skirt bottom is quite flattering in both my mid section and behind, which I was a bit concerned about when choosing the fabric I did (it tends to show lumps and bumps). But the Meghan is flattering on me and the other ladies who tested - we give it a Royal Wave! 

I can't wait to hack into this and make a tunic lengthed version! 

Sew On!

Sewing Pattern Review: Winter Wear Designs Outer Banks Boat Neck Tee and Tunic

I've wanted to pattern test for Suzanne from Winter Wear Designs for eons now, and finally had the opportunity to quickly sew up the long sleeved version of the newly released Outer Banks Boat Neck Tee and Tunic! 

I responded to a request Wednesday morning, and by mid afternoon te sameday, I had the top sewed up with proper photographs for a last minute pattern addition! 

So not a true pattern test, it let me email back and forth qith Suzanne, and she seems quite friendly and down to earth - like her Winter Wear Designs patterns.

It's a semi-loose fit knit top that offers several options:
- Boat neck with 3 different finishes - Suzanne will guide you through to get you the perfect flat fit!

- Sleeves: short, 3/4, long, or 3/4 length bishop sleeves (so pretty!)

- Top or tunic length (with RUCHING option!)

It's a great Wardrobe builder top, and can be as fancy or casual as your fabric allows. 

I opted for a medium weight C/L trailer pattern and lightweight C/L Royal Blue for the perfect mashup.

I love the ruching, and it is always my go to (along with pockets, hoods, and thumbhole cuffs), hence why the pattern instantly grabbed my attention.

The boatneck instructions were detailed for all levels of sewing, and led to a flat lay and an awesome new neckline sewing skill checked off on my skills list.

And for $5, you can't really go wrong with this pattern! 

I look forward to adding some thumbhole cuffs and doing a bit more colour blocking to sew up some of my odd width fabric scraps to my next boatneck tops!

Sew On!

Sewing Pattern Review: Rebecca Page Pippa Pants & Ultimate Patch Pocket Hack!

I love comfy pants. 

And pockets.

And ruching. 

And Rebecca Page Patterns. From the beginning of my "Sew-My-Wardrobe" adventures, I was drawn in by the Madison top, and then she took a chance on me when I applied for (and got into!) my first sewing pattern testing group!  

I've had the Pippa Pants pattern for a few months now, but had other projects and testing on the go.  But with cabin season coming up, and a lovely fleece lined Cotton Lycra sitting around for months from Water Tower Textiles , the Pippa pattern finally called out to me to just get'r done. 

Love the look of the Pippas!  

Front with 5 out of 4's Escapade Top!

Side view and the Circle Cardie!

Other side and Migraine face

But Pippa Pants lack what I love in me-made pants (because stores generally sew in fake pockets for ladies pants to tease them when they get home. Poor unused fake pockets).

*BUT* Rebecca Page also has the Ultimate Patch Pocket Pattern that I've used a few times to add pockets to existing clothing...so I figured I'd see how the Pippas fit before adding the pockets on. 

POCKETS!

First off, I'm 5'2", and the patterns are drafted for a 5'6" tall woman. I measured my inseam, and compared it to the pattern, deciding 4" off the length would be okay.  

Now I was a bit hesitant, as I have another pair of comfy pants made from similar fleece lined fabric, and I cut too much off the hem initially and have added two cuffs to it since, as the fabric does ride up over time.  I wanted to ensure the Pippas were a bit long to take the "sticking" factor of the fabric into consideration. They are about 1/4"-1/2" long, but for the sake of not looking like I hemmed my pants too short again, that's okay. I'm also a *LOT* more experienced at hemming and sewing with knits now vs last spring when I sewed my other pair of (I have no idea what pattern) comfy pants. 

So once the length was decided, the pattern happily ran the length of the fabric wonderfully - I was able to use my 1 meter of fabric and have some left over for some more Winter Wear Designs Alpine Fingerless gloves - a necessity in life since I lost finger circulation. And maybe a pair of comfy socks too. I can do a *LOT* with a meter of fabric!  

The ease of instructions made the Pippa pants a quick sew - and in about an hour and a half, my Pippas were complete.

I opted for:
- Full Length
- Ruched Side Ties
- My "Hack" of adding the Classic Patch Pocket 

The Ruching is awesome for anyone looking for this style of pants, but really just wants to be comfortable and feel awesome without feeling self conscious about their mid section. 

Look at the Ruching and POCKET!

I feel the flat front is best for anyone who has less confidence issues about their mid-section. 

That's why we sew, right? To make clothes that make us feel our most beautiful and confidant.  Clothes that fit properly. And really, it's a great stress reliever and way to be creative. 

And the pockets. 

I put on my finished pants, and pinned the pockets where I felt they looked best.  

The top side I matched up with the bottom of the band seam, and it is 1.5" away from the centre seam on either side. 

I sewed the pocket on in two steps - the side section (furthest away from the centre), and then from the top (and the band seam), and 90 degrees angle turn to finish off the curved edge down and towards the side section.  

Make sure to use a lot of pins, and hold the fabric tight (but not TOO tight) while pinning to ensure it sews on smoothly.  Sew slowly to avoid any weirdness in the fabric (pocket or pants), and voila!  

Instant pockets!  

Next pair I may put back pockets too, but I do think that my behind does look rather nice in the Pippa Pants...so I'll ask Husband's opinion about that first.  He REALLY loves the Pippa look on me. 

And for me, I have lunge and squat thighs, so finding a pair of loose but not-too-loose pant patterns isn't always easy. I either look like I'm floating in big pants, or like I have sausage legs. But the Pippa Pants fit my thighs perfectly - I can see many more in my future.  

Yay flattering for my Booty!

And with the right fabric, as I did with my Bella Sunshine Designs Sansa Pants , I'll be wearing my Pippas to the office whenever I am well enough to work in the brightly lit office environment again. Until then, Pippas and I will work from my home office in style.  

Because one should always dress stylish but comfortable for a productive day at the office!  

And all April the Pippa Pants are on sale - they come in Ladies, Girls, or a Bundle Package (Ladies, Girls, AND cute doll version).