Sewing Pattern Review: Bella Sunshine is Back with Primrose Panties & Coraline Camisole!

After a new member was introduced to the Bella Sunshine Designs family, Melissa is back in full force pattern designing!  

She has created the most comfortable daily wear panties and layering camisole - for 15-18|" dolls, newborns through teen sizing, and ladies up to 5XL.

The Coraline Camisole is an easy sew - and uses Fold Over Elastic.  The instructions are clear on how to sew the elastic on - it really isn't as scary as you think it is if you have never sewn with it before. 

 

The camisole is a loose, yet curve appealing fit - and doesn't cling onto your skin, hence covering up some lumps and bumps.  

Remember to grade to your size if your bust differs from your hips/waist. It truly does make for the glove fit. 

I used a lightweight Cotton Lycra from Water Tower Textiles for my Camisole

The Primrose Panties are another easy to sew garment - perfect for larger scraps.  You can also colour block scraps together to make a fun pair of panties. 

What do I love most about these panties?

- The gusset has hidden seams - thus no scratching where you don't want uncomfortable feels
- There are several rises - from low to high depending on your preference
- Bands, Elastic, or Fold Over Elastic binding options
- Regular or Boyshort options
- You feel like you aren't wearing panties!  No adjustments required throughout the day - something I haven't found with other panties I have made to date!

The cute organs fabric is from Zenith & Quasar Fabric.  The Unicorns and Panda Fabric are from Okee Dokee Fabrics

 

 

And finally, I whipped up some super scrap busters for Chloe, the 18" Doll.  

She looks super stylish in both her bra and panties set and dress length camisole!

Another easy sew - and the binding is sewn in prior to making those tiny circle seams, so you won't be swearing because you missed fabric in the seam, or sewed up your finger again.  

Dolls really ought not to be naked underneath their clothing, and this is the perfect easy solution!


The Doctor Who Fabric was a special order through Water Tower Textiles, and the Owl Fabric was from Okee Dokee Fabrics.

 

 

Camisole and Panties patterns can be purchased separately, or in several different Bundle packages:

- Newborns to size 12 Girls - Camisole or Panties
- Ladies - Camisole or Panties
- Dolls - Camisole or Panties

- Ladies AND Girls Bundle - Camisole or Panties
- Girls and Doll Bundle - Camisole
- Doll, Girls, AND Ladies Bundle - Camisole

Until next sew!

***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!) 

You are Gone But Never Forgotten: Gideon's Last Day

 


Yesterday was your last day with us. 

You were sad for three days where your ears were down, and you could barely put pressure on your tumour leg. 

We promised you would not be in pain. That our last memories together would not be carrying you outside and you whining in pain because your breathing was drowning you or your leg had been broken by the evil tumour. 

We put Fynn in the bedroom, and he howled. And howled. I don't know how long he howled for, as we needed to get to our appointment.

On our final car ride, you did as you always did - you sat up, looked at me in the rear view mirror, and happily smiled, knowing we were taking you to some place good. 

You got out of the car, and did something you never did.  You said "F" you to that cancer, and peed on the wheel of a Chevy Volt. 

We don't like Chevy's either, pup. 

You kissed two ladies in the waiting room - one lady, we found out right before we took you in, was also putting her beloved family member down - a daschund who was not able to walk in.

You hopped and wagged your tail, sniffed the food bags, and made people smile. 

You did what you did normally. And it made me both full and empty within my heart. 

The vet took care to listen to our last wishes - and will take many paw prints from your no-longer sore feet - we tried so many times, but it hurt you, and we couldn't get the perfect Gideon prints so we can have you walk with us always in memorial. 

We brought in your sunshine pillow so you were able to comfortably lay down your last few moments. 

Husband sat behind you, holding your head and body close - I looked into your eyes, and sat by your side - stroking your ridge.  

Even your normal vet came in to say goodbye - he knew you were an amazing dog and so loved. 

You were not alone. 

 The nice vet techs put your catheter in once your Ketamine set in - you were as high as F*#@.

You kissed both of us - a sign that you were ready to leave us in body. 

Then so quickly you were gone. It happened so fast.

I cried in the corner - I couldn help but to sob - and stroked your back. 

I went into Husband's arms and we cried together. 

Gideon - you looked at peace, and were no longer in pain. And you have left us loving you forever. 

A piece of my life is missing today.

It's you. And will always be you. 

I am so missing you. 

When we got home last night, Fynn was released from the bedroom. He ran downstairs in a frenzy, grabbed two stuffies, and wanted to play tug of war. 

You looked around a bit, but were still wagging your tail. 

You had dinner, and settled down. 

You looked a bit sad and confused.

But you held your head up high when we pet you - something you never did before - always lacking the confidence. 

But we think you knew. You knew before we knew Gideon was sick. You knew to be by your brother his last few days. You knew he couldn't play with you.

Maybe you know he is gone. 

Love your dogs every day. Take a minute to pet them when they come over for love. Play tug of war. Give them extra belly scratches. Give into their love and love as they do. 

You never know when their last day will be. 

There is no love like the love of your loyal hound. 

Sewing Pattern Review: 5 out of 4's Jenny Cross Front Tunic

Don't be fooled by the patterns that I got

I'm still, I'm still Jenny from the sewing block. 

Ok. I'm really bad at writing lyrics - especially remaking existing lyrics (aka Jenny from the Block). 

Don't hold that against me. 

My name's not Jenny, but I really do have the hottest pattern around! 

I recently sewed up the Jenny Cross Front Tunic by 5 out of 4 patterns, and it's love. 

Jenny's features include:

- Dolman sleeves (without batwing action)

- FBA pattern pieces included

- Short or long sleeves

- Curved or straight back hem

- Modesty tank with two hemlines (that is a GREAT layering or solo tank too!)

- Sizes XXS to 5XL

 My long sleeved version has a straight hem - and it looks fab paired with my office-professional styled Zen Pants 

 The cross at the front is flattering - and easy to fit to perfection by following the detailed instructions - baste your side seams, try on the top, and adjust as required for the most flattering fit for your body. 

There is an option to baste the front where the bust is, but apparently I like to let it all out. 

 I blended together a Sweater Knit and Double Brushed Poly Fabrics from Water Tower Textiles - and despite the fabric weight difference, as they are both looser fabrics, they meshed quite well.  

 The side is just awesome and flattering! 

Although I am 5'-2", I did not alter the height - the only alteration I did was make the front piece straight Small and the back graded to Large - I seem to have to do this with the last few 5 out of 4 patterns thanks to my atrophied caboose. 

Here's hoping my Vestibular Therapist can help me enough that I can get back into Cycling and get my behind into gear and proper shape!  Until then, my Beachbody on Demand and Yin yoga (with the Yoga Ranger) will help me with my strength and balance. 

 My second top was the short sleeved version.

I took these pictures while it was -25 Celsius outside (-13 Fahrenheit) 

 I did the curved hem on this version - you can see it covers my entire caboose.

 I just love how this sits.  Again, I only adjusted at the side seams as I did with the previous long sleeved top. I like tops to sit at or below my low hips. 

 The fabrics used were also from Water Tower Textiles - a really light sweater knit (that I've made a gazillion garments from as it's been on super sale for months), and a lightweight 2-way stretch cotton knit of sorts. 

 The sweater knit does poof up a bit at the back due to the new wonder tape I used for hemming (it is that plasticy kind - not the normal wash away tape I use). Apparently Amazon's descriptions of things has changed on their sewing bits & bobs lately. 

Finally - I made the tanks - I did make two, but my tangerine one from DBP (with fleece back!) was in the wash. 

 This top is pretty amazing. And super quick to sew up. 

No adjustments were made - I used my normal grading for both the front and back- Small bust to Large Hips. 

This top stays down, and doesn't ride up throughout the day..and I tested it out working out last night, and it was perfect!

 The armcycle is comfortable (even for my "larger" for my bust size biceps), and my boobage doesn't seep out.  

I used a DBP from Water Tower Textiles as the fabric - how cute are these Cacti?

This is the low neck line - so you can see, it's not super low, and would be perfect for those with larger bobs!

Overall, I'm quite happy with the design and fit of this new tunic and tank. 

Both are included with the Jenny pattern 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: Winter Wear Design's Crossover Series Starting Point Tank

The Starting Point Tank is part of Winter Wear Designs' newest collection.

To date, it includes the Starting Point Tank and Crossroads Sweater - both year round wears.

The Starting Point Tank is a fitted tank top with several features:
- Bands or Bindings for the neck and armhole finishings
- Scoop Neck or Deep Scoop Neck options
- Petite and Regular Length Cut Lines

It is a "slim fitting" tank - but has enough ease that it's not showing every lump and bump.

 As you can see from the front view, it makes me look like a fashion star (or just silly - it was -20 Celsius outside during this photo shoot!) You wouldn't tell that I have a few little bumps and lumps. .

 The pattern is designed for an hour glass shape - which is perfect for me! 

During testing, it looked great on all the ladies once their sizing was perfected.

I graded from an 8 bust to 12 waist/hips.  It lays just at my hips and doesn't ride up - even while working out.

 Construction is easy to follow and you can make it in half the time as a load of wash takes.  Who needs clean clothes when they have a sewing machine??

The recommended fabrics are lightweight knits with 30% stretch or more - if you use a medium or heavy weight stretch, your top will look boxy and cling oddly. 

I opted for a slub Jersey fabric from Water Tower Textiles and Cotton Lycra scraps for the bands. The jersey is a 2-way stretch lightweight fabric - kind of like lightweight t-shirt fabric.  It feels soft and comfortable, and is a great fit for this tank pattern. 

 I decided to layer the tank with the new Crossroads Sweater - it's a different take on a cross-over top, and includes:

- Short or Long Sleeves
- Bottom Band or No Band
- Short or Long Length

I grade from Small to Large on this top, and definitely recommend basting the sides before using your knit stitch in order to ensure the cross over fits your body properly.  I did a bit of tweaking for the right fit!  

I used a Melange Sweater Knit from Water Tower Textiles (and the same Jersey Slub fabric as the tank) for a nice complimentary look. 

....and I still have the tendency to order 1 metre of fabric so I can have a variety, hence most of my clothing ends up with multiple types/colours of fabrics instead of a solid colour/pattern.

Again - a nice light to medium sweater knit is perfect for this pattern - and with the sleeve options, can be worn year round!

Overall, I'm happy with these patterns to help me layer year round - I'm always cold, and tanks and tops with some sort of collar help keep me warm. 

Being easy sews also helps make these great patterns to try your sewing skills on!

Grab Both Patterns in a super savings Bundle!

***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: Halla's Comfy Cozy Wrap & Essie Cardigans

I love being warm and cozy - and being able to layer up is important to keep me from freezing in my basement office!

With our shocking news about Gideon's Osteosarcoma last month, my sewjo has been reduced to a trickle.  Providing hospice care for an 80lb lapdog Rhodesian Ridgeback takes priority. 

Once the initial shock wore off, and I wasn't crying every few hours, I finally made myself a Comfy Cozy Wrap Cardigan

I love the options available for this cardigan - but my favourite is the cross over cardigan top - I can pair it with a tank top underneath (or not, as it covers my bust area perfectly). 

It is warm enough that I can wear it on its own, or layer it if I'm going out in the deep cold. 

The options include:

- Cross front cardigan

- Cross front sweater

- Midline button up cardigan

- Half or long sleeves

- Cuff option for sleeves

It was an easy sew, and I made another one this past weekend - It's love!  

It covers my hips, the sleeves are perfect, and the instructions are easy to follow - no seam ripper needed!

I used Cotton Lycra for the sleeves and Star Wars Cotton Lycra for the main bodice - both from Water Tower Textiles. 

The Bands are actually from an old Le Chateau top that was just too small and weird - I wore the top twice, so the fabric is pretty new.  Upcycling at its best!!

The Essie Cardigan goes in line with my current adoration for Peplums. 

I am HIPPY. I have an hourglass shape. But after making my first Peplum last summer, I'm hooked. 

I got Essie on its release, but with no pattern testing going on during the holidays, I actually had time to make one of my non test patterns.  

This is my first project from 2019, and I love it! 

 

This isn't going to be my first Essie either - I love the fit, the flow, and diversity of the options, which include:
- Half & Long sleeves
- Short or Tall Cuffs; Bands
- Circle or Handkerchief Peplums, or Straight Cardigan
- Regular or Wide Shawl Collar
- Waistband with Waist Tie
- In Seam or Patch Pockets. 

Of course I love pockets, so mine has POCKETS!

 

Another easy to follow sew with the perfect fit as usual - this is why Halla is one of my main go-to patterns. I know it won't take me half a day to sew up a garment, and the fit will always be perfect based on measurements. 

My Fabric includes funky Canadian wild Cotton Lycra from Okee Dokee Fabrics, and Cotton Lycra Scraps for the band & waist tie along with lightweight sweater knit - both from Water Tower Textiles.

I think I will make the straight cardigan next - I lack a normal cardigan!  

Thank you, Halla, for your fabulous patterns xoxo

***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!)