South Shore Romper and Be Breezy Mash Up – Take 2

Hey gang! I know so many of you have commented and shared heart eyes over the Ellie and Mac South Shore Romper and Be Breezy mash up I recently did. I loved it too, but every time I sat down the cross front style of the top exposed a bit more than I preferred to the world, if you know what I mean. I loved the style so much, I planned to make it a little more modest AKA work place appropriate.  If you are worried about the same thing just follow along with my directions below to create a more modest look.

First, Print your pattern pieces according to your size. You will need the front and back bodice pieces, sleeves, and neckband of the South Shore Romper and the Be Breezy skirt cut at the length of your preference.

Next, we need to adjust your bodice at the front diagonal slope.  I added 1.5 inches to my bodice about midway through the pattern slope all the way to the side seam. I was careful not to change the width of the shoulder as that would create some issues with the front and back bodice shoulders matching up and sleeve fitting. Just redraw a line allowing for more coverage. Blend to give it a nice slope. The next modification I made to the bodice was the band. I cut the band at 6 inches wide instead of the narrow width in the pattern. I didn’t change the length at all. I used my 24 inch quilting ruler to make this easier.

I made no other adjustments to the bodice top, so cut your remaining pieces. You need 1 back, 2 newly adjusted mirrored fronts, 2 sleeves and the newly widened band. You will also need a skirt of your choosing.

Attach the shoulder seams per the original directions. I did NOT gather the side seams between the circles on the pattern. I left them straight on my dress. I think it would have been fine to gather them to create more interesting detail at the sides. Next, I attached the neckband. It should be folded in half, wrong sides together and just under 3 inches wide. I clipped at the middle, and both ends. I then added several clips between the ends and middle. This will help things line up neatly and prevent any slipping from happening while sewing down. Sew the band on. I didn’t top stitch because it fits snug enough to the body to not require it and I knew as the fabric stretched across by bust, the top stitching would likely pop. Next, I sewed in my sleeves. I like to sew sleeves in flat. I find it so much easier. Now it is time to sew your bodice. I clipped everything together. I began with the side seams and was careful to line up all three layers of fabric neatly. I sewed along the sleeve and down the side seam to the bottom of the bodice. Do this for both sides. You will assemble you skirt as directed in the pattern and attach it to the bodice. If you are using a longer length or heavier fabric, consider using clear elastic for additional support.  Now you can do your hemming and you are ready to wear your pretty new dress!

I love the new neckline of my dress. I can wear it without revealing too much and still feel pretty nice. If you decide to make a dress following my hack, I would love to see it. You can always find me on Facebook or tag me on Instagram!

This fabric is called Paradise and I picked it up from Amelia Lane Designs.

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South Shore Romper

Be Breezy

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Sleeve Hack Series #1 – Gathered Sleeves

Maggie has gotten a lot of love on my blog, but Melissa, the designer has been off living her best life for awhile. Good news though, she is back and drafting up a storm. I pulled out one of my most used Bella Sunshine Designs patterns for this series. A few months ago, I discovered that I really like tops with interesting sleeve details. I am working on putting together a series of shirt sleeve hacks to run right here, on my blog. Today, I am introducing you to my first one.

Let’s start with a reminder of the Maggie pattern. Maggie comes in a top, tunic, and dress lengths. I typically cut the tunic length as I prefer my shirts a little big longer. It comes with an included Full Bust Adjustment. There are 3 neckline options as well as 3 sleeve lengths! This version is a tunic, adjusted sleeves with a scoop neckline and pairs perfectly with leggings. I sewed a 24 bust graded to a 28 waist. Bella Sunshine Designs includes sizing up to 30.

Here are some of my previous Maggies.

Maggie Changed My Sewing Game

Filling my Spring Closet with Maggie

This fabric is a beautiful new release from Amelia Lane Designs. It is called Dulce and is on new sale as it debuts. It is a double brushed poly and the colors are absolutely beautiful. You can pick the fabric up here. ALD has great quality fabrics and a wide variety of fabric bases. Also, super fast shipping, which is what is very important to me as a customer.

Maggie sews up quickly, but since this is the kick off to my Sleeve Hack Series, we are switching it up a bit. For starters, we are creating a gathered sleeve. Basically, I am going to show you how to use elastic to draw your sleeve up and create a new look. Sometimes, even simple changes make for a big impact.  For this top, I printed the 3/4 sleeve length even though I only planned to do about an elbow length sleeve. The reason I went ahead and printed the extra length is so I didn’t have to redraft any of the arm even though I wanted a longer than short length. I measured about 2.5 inches down from the length of the short sleeve. I knew that adding the elastic would draw the sleeve up a bit and I didn’t want the sleeves to be too short.  As always with Bella Sunshine Designs, I needed a Full Bicep Adjustment. I have talked about them many times on my blog and have a little video here if you aren’t sure how to do them.

Another new thing I am trying for my blog is more videos!! I am by no means a professional, but I think this gives you a better idea of what you should do. I think a lot of the time just seeing what is happening is helpful. I have recently created a Youtube Channel for my sewing stuff so feel free to like and follow it so you don’t miss any uploads.

Here is the embedded video from my YouTube Channel. Please feel free to give me a follow and a share!

 

Easy enough, correct? I love the slightly gathered sleeve and hope you do also!

Do you need to add the Maggie top to your collection? Here are some links for ya!

• Ladies pattern. Sizes 0-30. Click here 
• Bundle includes ladies and women’s pattern. Click here
• Girls pattern. Sizes 6m – 12. Click here.

You can follow all of my sewing adventures through the links below!

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.
• You can follow me on YouTube by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Pinterest by clicking here.

This blog contains Affiliate Links.

Mandy Tank and Tunic

As promised, I am back with item number two from 5oo4 this week. The entire point of the Basics line is to give people who are either new to sewing or like really fast sewing projects something new to make. Even though I am an experienced sewist, I enjoy quick, instant gratification projects. Did you pick up Sara when I shared it on Tuesday? Here is the link to that post! 

Mandy is like the slim fitting little sister to Sara. Mandy is fitted through the bust, waist and hip. Because of this, it is the perfect tank for wearing to the gym, layering under your Eleanor cardigan, or wearing to bed. You could even use a rib knit fabric to make your own comfy muscle shirt. I used a pretty floral print I picked up from Sew Blessed Fabrics a while ago. It is most likely an ITY, but sometimes I am unsure what a fabric really is.  It sewed up nicely even though it was a little silky.

I sewed up the 4x bodice with the full bust adjustment which I graded to a 5x waist and hip. This is the same size I always sew for 5oo4. I love that their size chart remains consistent so I know how garments will fit before I even sew them.  I choose the tunic length with the scoop neck as my options. Since this is a pattern in the basic line these are the included options.

The Mandy Fitted Tank includes:

• Regular front bodice OR FBA (Full Bust Adjustment) front bodice
• Two front necklines: high scoop or low scoop
• Two hem lengths: top or tunic
• Sizes XXS – 5X

Here is the link to pick up Mandy while it is on sale!

Here is the link to pick up Sara while it is on sale!

It is currently only priced at $6.36. Don’t forget to stop back on Thursday for my tank on the new Many Tank!

Here I paired my new tank with a Circle  Cardigan hack I blogged about.

You can follow all of my sewing adventures through the links below!

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.
• You can follow me on YouTube by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Pinterest by clicking here.

Sara Everyday Tank and Dress

So 5oo4 is doing a few closet “basics” and I am here to share my first one of two this week. I can see this pattern being a closet staple for me this summer. This is Sara. Sara is a tank top with the option of knee length dress as well as a maxi dress. Tank tops come together so quickly. This was is no different. With only a front and back panel and 3 bands, it is so easy…basic. I sewed up the knee length dress length.

I ended up wearing it out immediately and taking photos at my mom’s. While there I also wore it to mow the grass. I guess that just proves it is pretty and pretty functionally. I love that about my clothing. I never really know what my day will entail, so I like that so many of my clothes can be wore for anything.

I sewed the 4x with a FBA graded to a 5x. The FBA is included with the pattern and it really does make a difference in the overall look and feel of patterns. If you need the FBA, you should use it. Since this is a basics pattern it doesn’t come with the typically options that 5 out of 4 is known for.

This fabric is from Stitchin’ Pretties and I love it. It is so pretty and soft and floral. This one is called Courtney and you can see it here. I love really do love the color purple and have added a fair amount of it to my wardrobe this summer. Remember my purple Easy Tee from 5oo4 back in June? I love it, I think I will wear it to work tomorrow.

The Sara Everyday Tank and Dress includes:

• Regular front bodice OR FBA (Full Bust Adjustment) front bodice
• Scooped neckline
• Three A-line hem lengths: top, dress or maxi
• Sizes XXS – 5XL

Here is the link to pick Sara up while it is on sale for its release! 

It is currently only priced at $6.36. Don’t forget to stop back on Thursday for my tank on the new Many Tank!

You can follow all of my sewing adventures through the links below!

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.
• You can follow me on YouTube by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Pinterest by clicking here.

Momma Mia is all 5oo4

Just sharing a new outfit I made Momma Mia. A few weeks ago she was heading south and knew it was going to be super hot! She wanted a couple of tank tops to keep her cool and a new pair of comfy pants to wear on the trip! Digging into her fabric stash, I keep it with mine, I found this pretty pink plaid and floral combo. We had ordered in late last year and only one yard. I knew it would be prefect for her new top!

This tank is Virginia, I know that it is shocking to my readers, but it really is my favorite tank top! I have a secret though, something new is coming to the mix really soon! This time I added 2 inches to the overall length to provide the coverage she wants! She is wearing an XL graded to XXL. This is the higher neckline option and this double brushed poly is from Sly Fox Fabrics. This pattern sews so easily and quickly! I really to love it. I can’t stress it enough. If you don’t have it in your 5oo4 library, why the heck not?

 Did you realize this Tank top with optional built-in bra pattern also has an included skirt?!

• Separate full bust adjustment (FBA) pattern pieces for the tank and bra
• Knee length or Maxi length skirt
• Skirt can be made from woven or knit fabric
• Tank top has two neckline options in the front and two neckline options in the back
• Dress can be made with knit waistband or elastic casing
• Maternity option
• Pockets!
• Sizes XXS-5XL
• Matching girls’ option! Check out the Girls’ Virginia Tank & Maxi and get 10% off when you buy both patterns at once!

Today is the last day of the 30% off Summer Sale at 5 out of 4 patterns!!

When my hair is wind blown, it stands straight up! Why can’t I have this look?

Time for the pants! For these pants I used the Molly PJs as a base. Since I made them back in the late fall, I knew how they fit and she knew what she wanted to adjust so they were a little less “Pajama” like. First, we slimmed down the legs to a small from a medium waist. I also used the cut line for the size small for the front crotch curve to reduce a little bit of fabric excess there. I used the elastic waist option here and I removed several inches of length as well. Not to self: A little too much. In fitting pants, Momma Mia wants them high rise and not too tight on her belly. When you make your own clothing (or your daughter makes them :)) you can get exactly what you want.

Here are the pattern options that come with Molly PJ set! Yes there is also a shirt!

The Molly Women’s Pajama Set PDF sewing pattern includes the following:

• Short or Long Sleeve Top lengths
• Optional Long Sleeve Cuffs
• Shorts or Pants Lengths
• Knit Waistband or Elastic Waistband
• Optional Pants Cuffs
• Optional Bum Panel to show off your creativeness

Don’t forget!!! This is the LAST DAY for 30% off at 5 out of 4 patterns!!!

The solid DBP is also from Sly Fox Fabrics and it is called slate.

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You can follow all of my sewing adventures through the links below!

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.
• You can follow me on YouTube by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Pinterest by clicking here.

This blog contains affiliate links. This doesn’t change any pricing for you, it allows me to receive a small commission on any patterns you may purchase. Thank you.

DIBY- Stevie Jumpsuit / Romper

I know it was just a few days ago when I said I don’t wear rompers. Has it even been a week? At the last minute, Jessica at the DIBY club asked me to join in for a romper test. I agreed because she works very hard to be super inclusive for the plus size body. Her sizes go up to a DIBY size 36 which is several sizes past me. In most sewing groups, I do sew near or at the top of their size charts. Companies all have different size ranges and and none of them compare to clothing you buy at the store. 

So let’s talk about the Stevie Jumpsuit! I planned to make the most basic jumpsuit. I made the shorts pattern for the pants. Again because it was so last minute, I omitted the pockets and the waist tie sash. When I tried on my suit and it fit so well, I was immediately annoyed at my own laziness and wished I would have done both!

In addition to the shorts, there is an option to do a loose fit pant or a slimmed leg that gathers at an ankle cuff. Honestly, I love that look and am thinking of making those pants!   Actually, I am already thinking of making them as pants and not attached to the jumpsuit!

 This is the only style for the bodice, but it is so cute, I am ok with it. The loose V shaped neck line is easy to achieve! My sleeves required a 1.5 inch bicep adjustment. I think a 2 inch adjustment would have made this a little easier to slip on and off. I will remember for the next time. I also added 2 inches to the bodice length to get some more room. I would I would have added maybe 2 more and removed a bit from the height of the shorts. It is very important when making a romper that you measure and account for the trunk measurement. No one wants a wedgie! I like to let my readers know how I adjust the patterns to fit me. It is normal to make adjustments, that is why our clothes fit so well. A good reason I began blogging is so I would have a personal journal of what I am making, how I am adjusting, and what I should do for the next time I make a pattern.

This fabric is double brushed poly and I picked it up at a fabric warehouse in Amish Country. I do happen to know that Stitchin’ Pretties carries this same print in an Aqua and orange colorway that is absolutely amazing. The print is called Annella and you can pick it up here! I have some of it in my stash already and may use some of it on a test that I just joined! Stitchin’ Pretties always has amazing sales and super fast deliveries! I highly recommend them!

When I took my new Stevie over to my mom’s to get some pictures for you, I realized I had forgotten my swim suit at home. No worries, into the pool I went! PSA: I don’t suggest using double brushed poly for normal swimming as it has zero support, clingy as heck and honestly, I am not sure how well it will hold up to Chlorine! Do as I say, not as I do. I would be 100% ok with slimming these shorts down and making a body swimsuit!! I can see vintage style bathing suits in my future!

Are you ready to pick up this pattern? I thank you for using my affiliate link. This just means I receive a small commission from the designer for testing and sharing.

Shop Here while the pattern is on sale for it’s debut release!

Easy Tee – Momma Mia and Me version

Have you made the Easy Tee yet? This pattern comes jam packed with options! I am not kidding. These are the 7th and 8th ones I have made and I still haven’t made any repeats. This pattern really is a whole lotta bang for your pattern buck! Here is a link if that is all you need to know. Keep reading if you want all the details.

The Easy Tee is one of my favorite and most used patterns. Most recently, I made a Momma Mia and Me set. She wanted a dress and I wanted a tunic. Since both lengths, as well as two others, are included with this pattern. We have already established #Whatmommawantsmommagets so I made the matching pair!

I used a summery print that is coming soon to Stitchin’ Pretties to make our garments. It is a lightweight and drapey knit and oh so pretty for summer. We have both worn our items since taking these photos and received compliments. It always feels good when someone compliments what you are wearing when you have made it. Even though this is a sneak peek at some upcoming Stitchin’ Pretties fabric, they have loads of beautiful prints right now! Laura is a speed racer when it comes to packing and shipping boxes. I love that she always gets them out the door for next day shipping! Shop here.

Now let’s talk about this tunic! I choose the tunic length and graded a 4x to a 5x. I love having comfy shirts around so I can just toss them over leggings and go on with my day. This is basically my go to wardrobe on the weekends and evenings. At home, I love to relax. I chose the scoop neck with the short sleeve option. I did a 1.5 inch bicep adjustment.

Momma Mia wanted a summer dress, Momma Mia always wants a dress. She opted for the shorter of the 2 dress lengths. She wanted 3/4 sleeves, pockets and the crew neck line. She also likes to have the extra fullness at the bottom so I rarely grade back in for her smaller hips. This dress is a XL graded to a XXl back in to a XL. The best part of sewing custom clothing is you always get exactly what you want!

While I have your attention here, I want to share with you my collection of Easy Tees! Here is a mini collage of pretty things! I wear at least one Easy Tee per week. If you aren’t, what the heck are you waiting for?? Dang I almost forgot to mention the $th of July sale is happening right now and will save you an extra 30% on all 5oo4 patterns! Hurry up and check them out!

Here is my affiliate link and I thank you for clicking it!