Sewing Pattern Review: New Horizons Valencia Top

I love different clothes. And clothes that are flattering.


When the oportunity to test the Valencia Top by New Horizons came up, I was thrilled to be chosen.


It features:
- A Crew neck or Open V Back
- Straps for V Back (one or multiple for a criss cross effect)
- Crossover Back Option
- Standard or tunic length
- Straight or curved hem
- Short to long sleeve lengths


New Horizon Testing is like the Fast & the Furious - seriously. You have maybe 3-4 days for your muslin and final version with pictures.


Add in time to possibly write a blog (hence why I'm writing it now, not when I tested) and be the Grammar police for the instructions as part of testing, it's a ride for sure!


I work best under pressure.


I was part of the pre-testing, so this meant NO instructions.


I had to wing it. And I think I did a pretty good job!


With instructions, it was much easier to piece together the back criss-cross effect that I love.

I made the open V Back with curved hem, long sleeves, tunic length, and criss cross back for my first option.


And I LOVE it. It's perfect for layering with a nice lacy bra or plain tank top.


It *is* an easy sew, however, make sure to follow the strap placement or you can quickly get lost. 


As well, I recommend cutting only what you need for making the actual straps for the back, otherwise you may end up using a lot more scrap fabric than you really need to.

For my Cross over back - I LOVE it! 


I used some DBP for the first time, and paired it with a solid black light rayon knit fabric.


I feel so nice wearing this with a lace back bra or even the Marbella Tank (also New Horizons).


The Cross over back option is less time consuming than the strappy back option as you're not fiddling with little straps and pins.


Overall, compared to my first New Horizons pattern I sewed up (Tami Hoodie), I found the instructions have definitely improved and are less confusing than they used to be in the past.


And the fit is perfect every time.

Sew yourself some SExy tonight with the Valencia Top!

Me Made May - May 7th!

I'm working in style today!

Today I'm sporting an awesome outfit - all pieces from different pattern designers.

- The George + Ginger Bonnaroo Tank

Part of her new Music Festival collection, I LOVED the shape and cute bows on the straps immediately.

Music Festivals, not so much, due to lack of energy and funds to attend said festivals. If I were well off, I'd totally Music festival hop and make it my day job.

Until then, I'll whip up the occasional Bonnaroo Tank, colour blocked out of not-enough-fabric necessity.

I did sew up the bow pieces originally, but ripped them out, as the fabric was too thick (spandex), and the bows just looked silly.

I am opting now just for lace bows - they sit flat, and still look cute.

Plus, LACE = Pretty!

- The Rebecca Page Infiniti Scarf

I love infiniti scarves, and this pattern seemed to warm me up today!

While making it, the only part I had troubles with was the sewing the tube seam - so I winged it, and made it work for me.

I also cut the width to 10" due to lack of fabric, and I really wanted to use up the rest of my purple chiffony fabric.

It's perfect without being too bulky!

- New Horizons Pierside Pencil Skirt

I love the feel, length, and I can even wear this when it's really warm out thanks to the side slits.

Learn more about it in my previous post

- The Made for Mermaids Mama Victoria Thong (ooh-la-la)

I really need to add more to my wardrobe, but have lacked the time and energy.

Not that they are a difficult sew, I've had so many side projects and life on the go.

See my take on the Mama Victoria AND Bridgette on my most recent blog post

Sewing Pattern Review: Made for Mermaids Lounge & Lace Collection

Ooh La La!

When the Made for Mermaids Mama Bridgette Bralette and Mama Victoria came out, I was stoked to start making my own undergarments. And ones that Husband would like!

I don't hold the Mama part of the name against them, despite not being a mother - not having kids hasn't been made part of the inclusivity club yet - c'est la vie!

Finding lace fabric at a decent price as a bit of a task. For the metres required for each garment, and at anywhere from $5-$9 a metre, no wonder they charge so much in stores for lacey undergarments! 

I used my sleuthy skills and found a seller on Ebay.ca who had random packages of finished stretch lace in multiple metres at a steal of a price. 

I took the chance, spent $60 on 20 metres of lace, and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived. It was soft, nice enough colours, and enough for 1-2 panties and a bra per colour. Yay! 

The Mama Victoria - Cheekies and Thong:

You have two options:
- Cheekies
- Thongs

These honestly took less than half an hour a pair - including cutting -they are SO simple to sew up.

My first pair I used stretch velvet and some random stretch frilly elastic I had on hand. They are a bit small, despite going by the measurements on the pattern. 

Still wearable, but I reprinted the pattern in the next size up for a more favourable size for my next 4 pairs.

I used scrap swimwear lining I had on hand for the lining part (no one wants lace in their nether regions!), and everything sewed together without any issues. 

The instructions were easy to follow, and I love the way both pairs fit.

The thong doesn't ride anywhere it ought not to, and I don't even remember I'm wearing them when they're on. They don't dig into my hips or belly either - yay!

I have no need to buy underwear again - when I can make them!  They don't cut in, and I can colour block and use scraps if need be.

From fabric vs lace, they feel equally divin.

Mama Bridgette Bralette & Nightie

I didn't splurge enough for a nightie, but I did for a matching bra for every two panties! 

There are 3 back options:
- Racerback
- Cross Back
- Full Back

I have a lot of neck and shoulder pain, so try to avoid anything that will put more pressure on that area.

That being said, I did make one of each back type to see how they felt.

The instructions are detailed and easy to follow - and the PDF even includes links to video instructions, which are SO helpful! 

Full Back

Racerback

The first two bras, I once again went by measurements taken that night, and the bra just felt too tight with a lot of pressure.

So I sized up for the third one for a comfortable fit.

My only issue (other than the sizing) is that there wasn't a tutorial for how to insert a bra cup. So I'll do that next time, as currently they just sit outside the bra so I don't show the world how cold it is.

Learning curves!

The Raceback and Cross Back options aren't too bad, but I can wear them for an hour before the pressure is too much - plus to wear clothes over them without anyone seeing the neck portion of the bras is pretty difficult.

So they are purely sexy-time bras.

The Full back is perfect. 

I can wear clothes over it without the straps showing, and it holds my decent busom without me falling out or feeling unsupported.

I really need to make more time to make more though, as Husband complains about my Lululemon Sports Bras (SOOOO comfy too). I only have the one Full Back Bridgette made so far that fits, so after a wear, in the wash it goes and out comes the sports bra! 

So it's comparably as comfy as my Lulu sports bras. That says a lot, as I love them.

So take the challenge and sew some undergarments. I recommend sizing up and using "not coveted" fabric for your first go to ensure the fit is proper before digging into fabric you would cry if it didn't work out.

Me Made May- May 6th

Today is starting out with some Yoga stretches for my neck, hips, and lower back. 

This calls for digging through my closet for a top I haven't worn in a while, and my new favourite pants!

- Halla's Stardust Tank Top

This was another fall-in-love-with-Halla pattern that tested my skills! 

The Star came out much better than I anticipated (I just took my time), and I adore the mix of fabrics (Black Rabbit Fabrics) that I used. 

It reminds me of the Geek I am.

The arm holes are perfect without gaping, and it was such an easy pattern to grade. 

You can also make the Stardust with just plain front and back, side blocking, and even sleeves with its recent updates. 

- Rebecca Page Pippa Pants

I'd had this pattern laying around since it came out last Fall (?), but hadn't attempted it yet.  

I am *so* glad I did though!  

Check out my Pippa Post here:

They are SUPER comfy for every day wear! 

So these are a great way to start the day and to get my ever sore body back on track. We should all do it in comfortable style that fits our bodies perfectly. 

Me Made May - May 5th!

So Me Made May continues (go here to find out more details - it's not too late to make yourself accountable for a me-made wardrobe!) with early morning fishing. 

We ended up not going up to camp this weekend, as there is 2 feet of water on the lowest part of the main road from the river, and it's apparently gone up another 6" overnight!  So glad we're not there, as with no Interweb and being totally off grid, we'd have no idea until we attempted to get home Sunday!  

Mind you, a Hovercraft could get us through without any issues. 

Today I woke up at normal work time (5am), and Husband was excited to go fishing. So we went fishing.  

But who says fishing has to be unstylish?  

I threw on some oldies but goodies in my wardrobe this morning:

- Halla Patterns Soho Top

This is one of the first patterns I sewed up last year (when I started sewing my wardrobe), and made me fall in love with Halla.  

I repurposed an old sweatshirt for the turquoise pocket and cuffs, the white is a cheap Fabricland fabric I'd meant for a work top, and the feathered fabric is from Black Rabbit Fabrics 

The only thing I would change, is using regular tunic version vs the tall version - it's a bit long, but still comfy.

I *do* need more pullovers/hoodies though - I lack this in my wardrobe and will make one this month, especially since I'm currently working at home full time. The basement is cold, and I've become a hoodie hog. 

- More 2 Hug's Cozy Sunday Pants

I do have a complimentary Sunday Top with a front wrap and hood that goes perfectly with these pants too!  

I did add a cuff to the bottom, have side pockets, and tie front.  

They are SUPER comfy and I wear them often at home and at camp.

The fabric is from Black Rabbit Fabrics again, and very Canadian, eh!  

I don't lack pants, so this is something I certainly don't need to focus on in my current wardrobe. 

Anyhow, back to sewing up a new Rebecca Page Pattern (it's adorable!!!) that I feel everyone will love and be inspired by!  

And remember:  It's Gonna Be May!

Justin Does not appear impressed by Fishing 

Me Made May - May the 4th Be With You!

May the 4th Be With You! 

I am A Star Wars, Geekery, and Sci Fi Fan.

This includes Star Wars - to which May the 4th has to be one of my favourite days of the year!

Even Merlin joined me for this photoshoot!

Today for Me Made May, I'm sporting:

-The Wolf and the Tree's Ballerina Tie Top - with a mash up of sweater knit and cotton Lycra fabric, it makes me feel whimsy each time I wear it.

Plus Storm Troopers make it that much more awesome!  

- Bella Sunshine Design's Eden Leggings - full length

I colour blocked (due to lack of fabric) Dri-Fit Fabric for the back of the leggings and cotton lycra Storm Troopers for the front. The Band is another Cotton Lycra with an old school Princess Leia print. 

I feel pretty bad ass-today! 

You can see all my Eden Leggings and my experience sewing them up on a previous Blog Post

Rock your Star Wars wardrobe today with Pride!

Me Made May - May 3rd!

Welcome Back!

It's Gonna Be May continues with my unintentional (yet intended) co-ordinating outfit - I even made my pants today.

Sorry to those who wanted a no-pants-party - not happening, even while I'm working from home.

Today's me-made attire consists of:

- Bella Sunshine Designs Maggie Top - long sleeves, tunic length, with scoop neck

I also repurposed a stupid small t-shirt I got from Wish.com (everything is too small there, even when you think you order the right size!), hence the square unicorn.

But see what I did there?  I am a Unicorn amongst a field of Deer - I'm hilarious! Right?!?

- Bella Sunshine Designs Eden Leggings - capris length mid rise band.

I'll show you a picture of my band from my original photos, but it sparkles, and everyone needs a bit of sparkle in their life. And unicorns.

I'm 5'-2", and took 2-3" off my leggings to obtain the capris length (otherwise they would look like short full length leggings, and that's just insanity!), AND I won this fabric through a fast finger Auction with Okee Dokee Fabrics.

And the fabric length really only went the length of my leggings. And it worked out for me! 

I'm good at improvising!

Alternatively, with short fabric lengths, I colour block - both for fun and to use up scrap fabrics, but also because of fabric length or width limitations. This happens way too often to me.

I need a sewing fabric Sugar Momma. I'd totally promote all the fabric in such a fabulous way that everyone would want it!

That will happen as likely as me winning the LottoMax.

- Twig + Tales' new Forester Coat - Round hood (HOODS!), welt pockets, back belt, and Unicorn Fabric as part of the lining!!

The lining in the coat has 3 different fabrics, as I lacked one solid lining colour. AND I really wanted to use my fleecette unicorn fabric in a coat. Twig + Tale screams whimsy, thus this was the perfect coat for it.

The outside is a slightly stretchy fleece - not recommended for the coat, however, I sized down and the width has the no-stretch fleece fabric, and the length has the under 20% stretch portion of the fabric (I can't think of the correct terminology right now - thank you Vestibular Migraine Brain Fog!), so it worked out well.

And of course, Justin joined me to sing out, "It's Gonna Be May," with me again - our daily ritual this month!

I'm sporting my new TheraSpecs (anti-migraine glasses) so I can look like a cool singer like Justin or Bono. Maybe they have migraines too? Cool!

Try out one or all of these patterns - the leggings and top will take you less than a few hours, and the coat will be a bit more of an adventure for a few afternoons - but well worth the labour of love!

Sew On!