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

Relaxed T-Shirt – Rebecca Page Toronto Tee

The Sly Fox T shirt fabric sale is still going strong, but we are running out of time to place orders! (I know my blogs have been slower than planned) Have you ordered something amazing yet? I can’t wait to see what starts popping up in the FB group! Don’t forget you can use code PerfectT to save 40% off of any of these fabrics …. DTY, Modal, Double Brushed Poly, Triblend, French Terry and Knub Jersey.

The Toronto Tee is a FREE pattern from Rebecca Page so there is no excuse not to give it a try. This is a sized through 5x. The Toronto Tee is a great boxy fit top and could also be extended into a longer length comfy T-shirt dress. I had never sewn this top before this time and was pleased to find when I checked out and got the pattern emailed to me, I was given a discount code for another purchase! That was a nice added bonus for sure! If you weren’t aware, Rebecca Page has a ton of free patterns (especially amazing holiday dresses) and you should get on their mailing list to stay in the loop.

Today’s Fabric is another amazing one! I love solid Navy as a background and it really makes all the bright colors in this top pop!! This DTY print is called Vibrant on Navy and that name basically says it all! I think that even though Fall is coming to my neck of the woods, the navy background makes it perfect to wear all year.

You should hurry and get your shopping done, so you won’t miss out on this great fabrics!

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Classic T-shirt – Sinclair Bondi

Hi Gang! I am here with my first fabric share for Sly Fox Fabrics. This is my classic fit t-shirt that I mentioned on Saturday. I decided to go with the Sinclair Bondi classic fit T shirt pattern. This is the first time I have sewn a Sinclair pattern and I was very happy with it.

The directions were easy to follow and the sizing great. I loved the final fit of the shirt and have sewed up another one already. I love when I find basic patterns that really fit well and give me the option for future makes or hacks.

Let’s take an inside look at the DTY fabrics that are on sale at Sly Fox Fabrics! This gorgeous print is called Floral Glen Plaid and I absolutely adore it. I love how the plaid makes the background softly printed while the black floral print is the star. This fabric is so easily wore for many occasions. You could dress it up or dress is casual. I paired my look with fitted jeans and black booties for a simple casual look.

If you haven’t used DTY before, I suggest you give it a try. It quickly became a person favorite for me! I love the cool smooth hand, the drape is exceptional and the print colors remain bold and vibrant! I love these things.

Fabric details from the Sly Fox website.

• Color Scheme: Black, Gray, and Red
• Content: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
• Weight: 180 grams per square meter (GSM)
• Width: 58/60″
• Stretch: 50% Horizontal  / 25% Vertical

DTY – Floral Glen Plaid

The pattern offers the following options:

View A – Banded hip length with V neckline and sporty short sleeves
View B – Hemmed longline length with wide scoop neckline and short sleeves
View C – Hemmed hip length with scoop neckline and 3/4 sleeves
View D – Hemmed longline length with crew neckline and long sleeves

Compatible with Add-on Puffed sleeves pack (opens in a new window). 

Sinclair Bondi Classic Fit T-shirt

I made View B. I hemmed the longer length on this version and used the wider scoop neck. I appreciate that the “wide” scoop isn’t so wide it shows my bra straps and it doesn’t gape open when I bend!

Options

I loved that this pattern offered several necklines in addition to the length and sleeve options. I think in the future I will take a look at the add on sleeve pack because I really like the fit of the pattern base and different sleeves will really add a new feel to the shirt. 

So what have you picked up in the T shirt fabric at Sly Fox? Which fabrics do you want? I have my eye on a few of the Tri-blend colors for the gym! Let me know in the comments which fabrics you want!

Floral Glen Plaid – Used for my classic pattern.

Vibrant in Navy – Used for my relaxed pattern.

Daisy Dots – Used for my fitted pattern.

Zebra Print – Used for my bonus make. Fabric has sold out.

Azalea in Navy – Used in my bonus refashion.

DON’T FORGET TO USE CODE PerfectT TO SAVE 40%

Stop back tomorrow to check out my next top using the Vibrant in Navy DTY.