5oo4 Sherry Dress

I have been sewing and not sharing again. Sorry, not sorry. I am not purposely gatekeeping, I am just out living life and not playing online too much. I knew the Felicity was coming so I wanted to be able to share both of these dresses with you. I just blogged about the Felicity dress last night and I wanted to share the differences between these two patterns. Often times, when I quickly glance at a garment, I miss out on the details which make it extra special. I think this could happen with these dresses. Let’s start with a side by side view.

The Sherry is on the left and the Felicity is on the right.

Each of these patterns have a side tie focal point, but they are both assembled different and look different. The Sherry tie allows you to adjust the “gathered effect” side of the dress by knotting it tighter at the waist where as the Felicity Wrap isn’t adjustable in such a way. The Sherry gathers from the front and the back so the knot pieces looks the same from either side. The Felicity has one tie included as the top overwrap panel and meets a second sewn in tie at the hip. This is designed to fit smoothly across the front of your body. Both patterns include a selection of options including lengths and sleeve options. The Sherry Dress has a dolman sleeve while Felicity has a set in one.

Here is the view of the back of Sherry and you can see how the fabric created an interesting line at the side waist. I really love this detail. So many patterns just have the regular flat back and I appreciate this change. This is the only dress length option included with Sherry and it is actually my favorite length. The Sherry does include a top length, but your girl is sewing all the spring dresses right now.

This is the first time I have made the Sherry dress from 5 out of 4 and now I have a lot of regrets. I could have been wearing this dress for months! I purchased this pattern when it was released. I even printed and put the pattern together. At the time, I didn’t have a single cut of fabric that was the required size so I set it aside and didn’t get back to it. Then I changed sizes and was too lazy to reprint. This year I have been trying to step out of my comfort zone and do things that challenge me. One of the things on my bucket list is to wear clothes that show my legs in public. I know that will seem silly to a lot of folks, but I just don’t do that. I specifically said I would wear shorts in public this summer, but for now I am making all the knee length dresses.

In addition to showing the world I have legs, I am wearing yellow. Pale skin, graying hair, yellow dress, ehh why not? I have spent way too many years caring about the opinions of other people instead of living my best life. I am crushing so hard on this color. I have another top coming up in the blog que in a beautiful mustard shade and I have been wearing the heck out of it.

I have used a nice weight brushed poly for this dress. My fabric came from the Jessica Cee Collection and as usual I am absolutely in love with it. This design is drafted for a variety of light to midweight knits as long as there is a 30% stretch. How cozy would this be in French Terry? Yes, Please!!

So tell me which dress do you like best? Sherry or Felicity? I know it is a hard choice to make. If you would like to add either pattern to your spring wardrobe, I thank you for using my afflink.

Sherry Top and Dress Pattern

Felicity Tank, Top, Dress Pattern

Felicity Wrap Tank, Top, and Dress Pattern – 5oo4 New Release

Do you need a great Spring or Easter dress? Let me suggest the newest release from 5 out of 4. I really like this one! The Felicity includes a knee length and a maxi length dress. If dresses aren’t your thing, you can make the top length and pair if with your favorite pants. Have you seen the Midge pants? They are the latest pant pattern over at 5oo4 and I am still obsessed with them!

The Felicity Wrap Tank, Top and Dress pattern just released at 5 out of 4 and it is a hands down win for the Spring dress category. I can absolutely see adding a few of these to the Spring rotation. The addition of the overwrap layer on the skirt would be cute as a color-blocking option or even a lacy layer for fun. The Felicity has a side tie for extra cuteness.

 I sewed the knee length dress with the low front and the high back neckline. I love the options included with this pattern because it gives me the freedom to make exactly what I want. I have said it so many times in my blog posts involving 5 out of 4 patterns, but they never hold back on the options to make the patterns so versatile. 

• Neckline options: high and low scoop neck front and high and low scoop neck back
• Length options: shirt, knee-length dress, and maxi-length dress
• Sleeve options: tulip flutter sleeve, short sleeve, three-quarter length sleeves, and long sleeves
• Tank top option included.

I sewed the 2x with the included full bust adjustment bodice and graded to the 3x for the belly and hips. I shorted my pattern 5.5 inches overall as I am only 5’1. I removed all of the height from the skirt portion adjusting at 3 different points. I think I may have taken off about an inch too much from my skirt, but also I am embracing showing my legs in public this year so this is a great starting point!

This pattern is perfect for your lightweight knits in all your favorite prints or patterns. I used a cotton jersey from the Jessica Cee collection and this cute print is everything. I had a little extra fabric so I spent the time to match my stripes because it is worth the extra effort to do that. You could also use brushed poly or ITY. This pattern does use a larger amount of fabric, but it is so worth it to make the wrap and tie. Don’t let the 3-4 yards scare you off! You could also use a larger scrap for the top wrap portion. 🙂

This pattern sews together very quickly. I am super I spent more time assembling my pattern and adjusting for my height than it took me to sew this one. I have been using a three step zig zag stitch for my hemming and sewing has gotten so much easier. If you struggle with hemming neatly, I suggest giving it a try.

You can pick this pattern up while on sale for a few more days! I appreciate it if you are willing to hit my afflink.

5oo4 Midge Flare Pants and Leggings Release & a BOGO FREE event!

Holy Heck Friends! We have just unlocked something amazing! Flared pants that work for the shorties like me! So the biggest benefit of making your own clothes is you can make adjustments to fit your body exactly! I removed about 5 inches of length from these pants and half of it was from above the knee. Pants I would buy at a store, even those labeled “short,” are about 2 inches too long and the knee placement is always a little too low. Plus good luck finding cute floral pants that even have an option for us shorties! For reference, my inseam is 27 inches. Hello Height Adjustment! LOL

Before I do my rave review about these pants, let me also tell you that the pattern includes a leggings option as well. While the leggings include a bunch of length options, the flare pants are only pants length on the pattern. Here are the pattern details from the website.

The Midge Flare Pants and Leggings is a PDF sewing pattern that includes:

• Women’s sizes XXS – 5XL
• Flare Pants or Leggings
• Colorblocked for both pants and leggings
• Side pockets
• 7 Lengths: 2″, 5″ and 7″ shorts, pedal pusher, capri, ankle, and long
• 4 rises: High, Mid, Low, and Extra Low/Maternity
• Regular waistband options include regular knit, foldover yoga band, crossover, and contour
• Maternity waistband options include full over belly panel, contour, regular knit, and foldover yoga band
• Full, half, or no gusset options

I sewed up the flared pants with a high rise, regular knit waistband with added elastic, and I used the full gusset option. I did not color-block my yoke or pocket panel because I preferred the “dressier” pants look. My fabric is double brushed poly from the Jessica Cee collection. I am in love with the pretty romantic vibe of these pants! I am also loving that these don’t “pool” on the ground because they are too long for my short legs. 🙂 #seamstressishappy

I am so happy that this pattern released just in time for Spring because I am in dire need of pants that fit! Just a minute of self bragging, these are a straight 2x without any grading. When I began sewing 5oo4, I made a 4-5x at the waist and 2-3x at the hip. My waist measurement is down a full 10 inches in just shy of 2 years!! This pattern came together fairly quickly and has pockets so these earn major bonus points from me!

I am wearing this Easy Tee / Jessie Top mash up. I have blogged about it here. The Easy Tee is my go to T-shirt pattern and I have sewn at least 20 of them since the patterns debut. Momma Mia loves the Jessie Dress and is due for a new one. I am sure she will agree.

Both patterns are winners and you will be thrilled to make either of them. So that leads me into some extra exciting news!!!

5 out of 4 is giving away a copy of the Midge pattern with the purchase of any other 5 out of 4 patternon 2/28!! You can make your own sale this time!

No matter which 5004 pattern you pick today, the Midge will find its way into your cart for FREE!! Don’t miss out!

If you are inclined, please use my afflink to do your shopping. I great appreciate it!

Quinn Cardigan from 5 out of 4

Yes! The perfect cardigan to wear with all of my favorite outfits. I love being able to layer my clothes. I am always either too hot or too cold. Sweater on, sweater off, I can’t help it. Maybe I am “at that age.” The Quinn Cardigan from 5 out of 4 Patterns is perfect for when my body doesn’t know how to feel. To show you just how versatile this cardigan is, I put together 4 looks with the same sweater. Here is a short video so you can check it out. 

I am going to talk about the current pattern, Quinn and then I will remind you of all the patterns you see in this video!

5 out of 4 easily makes up the majority of my clothing so this was fun to put together.

When I was planning to make my Quinn, I wanted a “solid-ish” color so I could wear it frequently and with a variety of garments I’ve already made. When I opened a box from the Jessica Cee Collection and it had this gorgeous dusty mauve, double knit fabric inside, I knew it would be perfection! I don’t mean to brag, but I was correct! This fabric is such a compliment to my newly made (and blogged about) Balance dress and this would now be perfect to wear on chilly mornings through the Spring months.

Let’s Take a Look at the Pattern Details

The Quinn Cardigan is a relaxed fit ‘grandpa-style’ cardigan. Quinn can be hemmed or finished with a hem band, and has three different neckline finishes available: Collar, shawl collar band, or regular band. Short and long sleeves are available, finished with either a hem or a cuff. A FBA bodice is included and optional front patch pockets. You can even add elbow patches (ovals or hearts)!

The Quinn Cardigan features:

• PDF pattern and separate tutorial for knit fabrics with 25% horizontal stretch
• XXS – 5XL sizing based on our women’s size chart (see last image)
• FBA (full bust adjustment) bodice included
• 3 Necklines: Collar, shawl collar band, or regular band
• Bodice can be hemmed or banded
• Short or long sleeves, hemmed or cuffed
• Optional front patch pockets
• Optional elbow patches: oval or hearts

I sewed a size 2x FBA graded to a 3x. I removed 2 inches of length from the sleeves. I used the Shawl Collar Band and hemmed the bottom. These simple patch pockets are my favorite things! My next one will absolutely have heart shaped patches on the elbows!

Keep in mind, this pattern only requires a 25% stretch fabric so it will work for so many of your heavier knit fabrics. I think a Liverpool with the snaps and a bottom band for more of a Bomber jacket vibe. I love when I make an article of clothing and can think of more possibilities for the pattern right away!

Patterns from the above video with links

Disclaimer some of these are different versions of the patterns. A few of these items haven’t been photographed yet. 🙂

Patterns used

Quinn Cardigan

The Balance Top and Dress Pattern

The Knot Your Average Top and Dress

The Easy Tee

The Virginia Tank and Dress

Candy Pants Leggings

I encourage you to check out the Quinn Cardigan while it is on sale this week.

This blog contains afflinks which is a commission paid from the host company.

Note to self: You have made it 7 weeks into growing out your gray hair. Don’t not give up or give in! 🙂

Balance from 5 out of 4 – New release!

New Pattern Release

I recently tested the Balance pattern from 5 out of 4. This was a fun one! This pattern has many included options with is pretty normal for 5oo4. Sports Bra, Crop, Top, Tunic (slim or A-line), Mini Dress (slim or A-line), and Knee Length Dress (slim or A-line) Plus 4 neckline options for added fun. Since this pattern has so many options included you won’t even think about hacking it. 5 out of 4 is always generous with their pattern options. Even with one pattern you can make multiple garments and not repeat! I love that. I love that this one pattern can be a lovely spring dress, summer swim top, or crop for layering in cooler weather.

The Balance includes options for

A Sports Bra, Crop Top, Regular Top

PLUS

Tunic, Mini Dress, and Knee length dress with Slim and Aline fit options.  

All of these options include 3 scoop neckline options – High, Mid, and Low Plus a V-neck option.

Don’t forget sizing through 5x and an included FBA.

I made the A-line knee length dress with the built in shelf bra. I have the pattern printed to make a tank option also. I used brushed poly for my dress, but you could use most knits that have a decent recovery. For the bra, I used a heavy weight athletic knit. You want to use something that has good recovery especially if you plan to not wear an actual bra. Also consider using power net for additional support. I am wearing a bra in all those photos because I just feel more supported that way. I love that this dress has strap width and placement for covering bra straps. All fabric is from the Jessica Cee collection. I sewed a 2x FBA graded to a 3x. I removed 3 inches total for height.

You may be wondering why go through making a built-in bra if you are going to wear one anyhow. The reason is so you will have the clean edge finish. I love that there aren’t any bands of binding and it is just a smooth edge. You will need to burrito roll the arm seams which is super easy following the directions in the pattern. You could also just cut a lining at the cropped pattern length and skip the elastic under bust and still finish with clean edges.

Over all this pattern came together quickly and neatly. I love the burrito roll method since you are basically guaranteed a clean finish after some simple under stitching! The Balance pattern is perfect for so many looks, which options do you like best.

Currently on sale, but it won’t last much longer! Thanks for shopping by afflink!  

Not sewing related

What do you think of my new hair cut?? I assume most of my readers don’t know I am hoping to grow my hair out in it’s natural color…silver/white/gray… who knows, we will find out together. I have been coloring my hair since I was 15. I went through many years as a blonde, then blonde with copper highlights, then the brown phase too over. Now I am honestly just tired of the maintenance and I am really trying to be happy with who and how I am as a person. I figured when I had some major growth, I would do a cut to blend things a bit, but my friend surprised me with Birthday haircut this year! Even though I didn’t plan on cutting my hair yet, but who the heck turns that down?! Anyhow, what do you think? 6-7 inches gone! It feels a heck ton more healthy and I don’t miss the length as much as I expected. I honestly wish I would have gone shorter on the top layers, but there is always next time. My hair hasn’t felt this thick and healthy in years. !

5oo4 Candy Pants and Leggings ON SALE

Welcome back friends! Let’s continue to work our way through this outfit while all the patterns are on sale!! Today only the Candy pants for big kids and small kids are on sale HALF PRICE!!

I am sorta obsessed with these rainbow striped leggings! The fabric is awesome and so it this pattern. I have sewn a lot of the colored blocked version of the Candy Pants, but this was my first time with the solid version. I decided to go with the solid option because matching all the stripes along the sides would made me so crazy. I decided to sacrifice the pockets for sanity and I am not mad about it.

I decided to go with the ankle length leggings. This worked out perfectly because I had exactly one yard of these rainbow stripes. I used the size 2X for the from belly and XL for the back. I cut the high rise because I like my leggings pulled up to hold everything in place. I added the full gusset. Additionally, I removed 1 inch from the length at the thigh just above the knee to account for my lack of height. 🙂 I used a black scrap of athletic fabric for the waistband and sewed elastic in to add more security for gym day!

Please notice I wore my black rainbow glasses here. 🙂

The Candy Yoga Pants and Leggings is a PDF sewing pattern that includes:

Women’s sizes XXS – 5XL

• Yoga Pants or Leggings
• Solid or Colorblocked versions for both yoga pants and leggings
• Optional side pockets (to be used with the colorblocked version)
• 7 Lengths: 2″, 5″ and 7″ shorts, pedal pusher, capri, ankle and long
• 4 rises: High, Mid, Low and Extra Low/Maternity
• Regular waistband options include exposed elastic, regular knit, foldover yoga band and contour
• Maternity waistband options include full overbelly panel, contour, regular knit and foldover yoga band
• Full, half or no gusset options
• Check out this YouTube video of all of our testers’ versions!

As if I would wear these pants and not smile…

I have sewn a lot of Candy pants and these are the most like compression leggings I buy. This fabric was a fair bit heavier and thicker than ones I have made before so I absolutely will get more. I suggest selecting a higher weight fabric is you want more of a compression fit. Plus like any pants, I suggest making a mock up so you know which person adjustments you need to make before using the “good” fabric. Just make a mock up with a similar weight.

I would love to tell you where this rainbow fabric is from, but I received it from the Jessica Cee collection so the world may never really know. 🙂

Do you need some Candy Pants or Leggings in your life? I know I always turn to this pattern when I need a super quick make! I suggest grabbing it NOW before the sale ends tonight!

Candy Pants and Leggings AffLink

Be sure you stop back on Friday for the Big Birthday Celebration Sale and read about the black top that balances gym fit.

You are going to love it! It is one of my top 3 favorite 5oo4 patterns! Can you guess which one it is?

See ya Friday!

#5oo4 Alpha Bra, Tank, Dress On sale

Let’s make an outfit this week! Day one – Alpha Bra!

Hi friends! You know that saying “New Year, New Me”? Well it is a new year and I did set a few new rules for myself this year. One of the biggest ones I added to my list was to step out of my comfort zone. This top has me right there! Let’s talk about it! The Alpha Dress is a really great pattern from 5oo4 and it is only $6 today!

I have been sewing 5 out of 4 patterns for 5 years and I truly love them. I tend to lean towards the more modest looks, but today I am stepping out of my comfort zone with the Alpha bra. My biggest concern was how can I make this sports bra hold everything in place. A little jog in place and jump test confirmed I achieved the impossible!

DDD, IYKYK. 😉

Let’s talk about it. The first thing I did was use a heavier weight athletic fabric. This is how to get a better compression. I have used athletic fabrics in the past that haven’t held anything in place so just splurge for the good stuff! I also added a layer of power net between my main fabric and lining. I just serged the mesh layer to my lining and rolled with it. Plus understand power mesh/net is NOT the same as swim suit lining mesh. I also sewed clear elastic in all my seams like the directions say. 🙂 The Alpha bra comes with excellent directions and I was able to easily follow along. I used wide (thick) fold over elastic for my bands. This isn’t the same stuff we make hair bands out of. I got it at Joann’s and it is about 16 bucks for a couple yards. Use a coupon, it is worth it for this project. I had some scrap ends left over from another project which worked out perfectly. I just ran a zig zag stich down the side when it was folded over to hold the layers together. This worked out really well. I think I will even make the dress option this spring/summer. It has the built in bra which will be nice since it would be impossible to find a cute bra to wear with these straps!

The Alpha Bra, Tank, and Dress includes:

• Women’s sizes XXS – 5XL
• No binding finish – hidden seams for less chafing
• Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) front bodice piece
• High or low neckline
• Bra, tank, and a knee-length dress in either an A-line or swing silhouette
• Optional pockets on the swing dress
• Tank and dress have built-in shelf bra
• Check out this YouTube video of all of our testers’ versions! (Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel while you’re there!)

I made the size XL with the included FBA. I decided on the lower neckline in the front. I would have liked to have an extra 1.5 inches of length in the under bust because my elastic seemed a like too big, but it was what I had one hand so I rolled with it. 🙂 I really liked the fit of this bra otherwise and plan to give it a trial run at the gym this week. What do you think?

This pattern is on sale today only for half price which is only $6. I can assure you, this bra fit better than the $40 one I recently bought! This sale ends at midnight! Don’t miss out! Tomorrow, we will talk about my pants. Go ahead click on my afflink and check out the 5004 Alpha Bra!

5oo4 Annabeth Sweatshirt – one day sale

If you ask me what my most used 5oo4 sweatshirt pattern is, I will immediately tell you that it is the Annabeth. This raglan is hands down a fave. I love the way it fits and how quickly I can sew one together. TODAY ONLY this pattern is on sale for half price which is only $6.00. Click my afflink, grab the pattern no FOMO!

Let’s start with this fabulous penguin print French Terry version! This came from the Jessica Cee collection and I adored it immediately. I made myself one which I will share soon, but I will let you enjoy Momma Mia’s version first! Isn’t it the best?? Sew Cute!

I made this next outfit for her Birthday in November. Let’s start with the top. The Annabeth was an easy choice. Her pants are Diane joggers because we are both obsessed with how amazing the Diane’s are! I think I have made about 15 pair of them!

I used the navy-blue sweatshirt knit from my stash because it is so very comfy cozy. I was sorely tempted to use it for my own shirt because it was so amazing, but I try to share the good things in life. Actually that isn’t true. She bought this fabric so I could make her an outfit. 🙂 She picked it out a few months ago, but I have been an uber slacker when it comes to sewing as all of my readers know. I have sewn the most basic version of this top for you so let me run down all the pattern options.

• Raglan style sleeves
• Solid or color-blocked options
• Hidden front pocket or kangaroo pocket
• Short or long sleeves that can be hemmed or finished with a band
• Regular sweatshirt top length or tunic length with a lower hem in the back
• Hem is finished with a band
• Standard cuffs or a NEW thumbhole cuff option
• Crewneck or cross over hood
• Regular bodice or full bust adjustment (FBA) bodice
• Sizes XXS – 5X (see the last image for yardage and size chart)

Like I said at the top of the post, this pattern will only be half price today so don’t miss out. Annabeth is one pattern you will never regret making!

https://5outof4.com/ref/sequoialynnsews/

If you want to see a few more of my Annabeth, Here ya go!

#Sewupcycle22

Hi Friends! Today was my chance to kick off #SewUpcycle22 over on Youtube! I ran through all the rules and guidelines. I then shared my plans for possible refashions, rambled a bit, and got really excited about starting my project!

If you follow me on social media, you have seen lots of refashions from me so this will be another fun one! I hope you stop by my video and share some love.

Here are the rules-

Here are the prizes –

Here is my video –

Let’s recap everything –

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Love Notions Annual 40% off sale and Huge Giveaway

Welcome back to the 40% off sale at Love Notions. You can take your pick of all the amazing patterns on the website and create your own perfectly fitting wardrobe. If you have been around the sewing community, you will also know this sale also has some extra perks. 

Breckinridge Tunic

 Perk #1 You can be entered to win a free pattern from each of the brand ambassadors. Just visit them on social media to enter. This year each ambassador is giving away a specific pattern so you want to visit everyone. You can comment here or on my Instagram to be entered into my giveaway. On the last day, I will pick a winner! Here is the link to my instagram. I am giving away a copy of the Tranquil Nightwear pattern. This pattern is intended for comfy sleep, but I would wear it anywhere! I love the wrap look of the tops! Fabric choice is what will take this one from PJs to day time!

Perk #2 Love Notions is also giving away a Babylock Serger! This is a big deal, because this machine is amazing! To be entered to win the serger, all you need to do is complete an order on the Love Notions website. This even includes checking out with one of the free patterns!! Any order will give you a chance to win!

I have made a lot of the LN patterns especially as they started increasing their size range and updating older patterns to include a full bust adjustment. I have so many favorites that it would be difficult for me to suggest just one favorite so I am going to remind you of a couple patterns that I absolutely love!

Please shop with my afflink to help me out! Use Code Sequoia10 for some extra love.

Fraser Cardigan – I adore this one! This is my favorite cardigan. I am still loving this pattern with the huge pockets. I am thrilled it is fall again and I am back to wearing it all the time! It pairs so well with m Vivace dress!

Sloane Sweater – I have made several versions of this top and I wear them all! My favorite has a hem band and cuffs and is this brown burn out velvet from TFC.

Arlington Dress – Super cute, fun and flirty! I love this one with its mock turtle neck, but don’t forget it also includes an amazing cowl neck style.

Tessa Sheath Dress – No way I could leave this one off the list. Tessa will mash with all the skirts from the Sybil pattern collection and fill your wardrobe in no time! I will forever love anything will a color blocked yoke! Momma Mia also has several of these in her closet. 

Tessa #2 with the Sybil skirt portion.

OK Friends! Now it is your turn, go comment on my instagram post where I am wearing the brown Sloane top.

The visit the Love Notions page and run anything through check out for a chance to win an amazing Babylock serger!

https://www.lovenotions.com/?affiliates=429