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. !
Share this:
SequoiaLynn Sews 