My new bestie Olivia

Let me introduce you to Olivia! She is my latest make from Rebecca Page and I love her. RP Olivia 5x 1

I made the knit version and used both my serger and sewing machines. You also have the option of making your Olivia with woven fabrics and doing French Seams. 🙂 Up to you! The neckline is gathered with an elastic casing and I choose to do my sleeves the same way. The pattern has cut lines for both short and long sleeves so I split the difference and made mine around elbow length. I prefer this length come fall.

I did a 1 inch full bust adjustment on this pattern as I am just a bit outside of the size range. Since the pattern is similar to a very wide boat neck it was a little unusual, but it worked out well and I am happy with the outcome. Even though Olivia is a roomier fit I think it was the right choice because now I don’t have any weird pulling in the bust or under arm area. I also lengthened the bodice by 3 inches. I do this to almost everything I make because I will not wear tops that do not cover my stomach. One of the best things about sewing for yourself is making the adjustments which are needed. You shouldn’t apologize for it. I almost always add length even though I am only 5’1. I almost always have to adjust arms at the bicep and I almost always need a full bust adjustment. When I try on clothing in a store these are the areas that always annoy me. If you are going to the trouble of making your own clothes, you should feel good when wearing them.

This shirt is actually designed to sit on the outer shoulder. That would be awesome, but this girl needs a real bra with real straps. 🙂 I just cinched the elastic a little shorter and brought it all in.

RP Olivia 5x 6

Fabric Time:

This is another beauty from Sly Fox Fabrics. It is called Eminence Chevrons. Mary Beth, one of the owners, picked this out for me. She did a nice job! This isn’t my typical print and by that I mean it isn’t floral, but I love it anyhow. Chevron is always fun. I would have totally made it into pants if I had the patience to match  all the points. Speaking of matching, I can’t believe I didn’t get one single picture of my chevron matching on the sides. I honestly worked pretty hard to make that happen.

This is a DTY which is a little like ITY. I love the feel of it. Soft, silky, and cool. All good things in the summer. 🙂 I am linking you to everything that popped up with I searched Chevron over at Sly Fox Fabrics because there are a lot of really great options.

RP Olivia 5x 3

Pattern info time!

This is the women’s Olivia. Size range XXS-5X. Here is the Women’s Link Currently 25% off

There is a girl’s Olivia. Size range Newborn to girl size 12. Here is the Girl’s Link.  Currently 25% off.

Here is the Bundle Ladies and Girls Patterns  Save $7.60

Hope you pick up this pattern while it is on sale and match yourself a new bestie!

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Author: SequoiaLynnSews

I am a single dog mom of two and we happily reside in a small house in Ohio. We spend our days playing fetch, digging holes in the garden, and sewing, lots of sewing. We have high hopes of moving to the mountains someday. The dogs don’t really know that yet, but they will understand. I shamelessly hoard fabric and feel slightly sorry for whoever has to sort my stash when I am gone. I am employed full time in a industry that requires little of my creativity, but basically lets me wear whatever I want. So it works out. I can usually be found behind one of my sewing machine avoiding human contact. I test a lot of clothing patterns and therefore always have a new outfit to share. You have most likely found my blog through some sort of sewing outlet and will quickly realize that I am sewing for a plus size body. For reference, I am 5'1 and wear a range from a 2-5x. Sizes change with every designer and you can't trust ready to wear sizing when you are making your own clothing. Your tape measure will become one of your most used tools and if you misplace them like I do, you should pick up several. I will be sharing the good, the bad, and the A-MA-ZING with you… So stay tuned. I will also try to teach you a few of my tricks along the way. People always tells me they want to learn how to sew. My best advice is you have to start. Just do it! You are going to mess up, you will break needles, you will ruin the pretty fabric, you will stab your fingers, but you will learn. You will make something and you will wear it. Someone will say, “I like your shirt.” and you will smile and say, “Thanks, I made it.” You will race home and make something else. Pretty soon you have made more good things than bad and you will feel proud of yourself and you should. I will be proud of you too. :) Ok, that is enough rambling, I have sewing to do. :) SequoiaLynn

2 thoughts on “My new bestie Olivia”

    1. Hi Jennifer! Thanks for stopping by. When I add length to a top that flares out, I usually slash the paper pattern under the bust and add about 2 inches. I then tape in extra fabric and blend the sides. If the pattern doesn’t flare and is more straight on the sides, I can usually get away with just adding the the bottom of the bodice. I do this to both the front and back bodices in equal amounts. I will get a tutorial up on my blog within the next week or two for you.

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