Today I am doing a little experiment. I recently had the opportunity to sew up my first rapport, which happened to be from George and Ginger. I wanted to know if they were usable for a garment for a plus size body and I am now here to share it with you.
Additionally my video will show you exactly how to install the twist neck detail and facing! Trust me, it is very easy.
I put together a video to give you the deets and show you what I came up with.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na Batwing! For those keeping track that is the second time I have began a post here by saying that. I hope that is now stuck in your head because it has been stuck in mine for a few days now.
Bat Wings!!
I think it’s time to kick off Fall sewing season! I love fall and I love layers. I have written about that so many times here on the blog. Plus, this fall I am planning a geocaching road trip so that warrants a new wardrobe right? Even though it is still August and nearly 100* F outside, I am already wearing long sleeves to work so I don’t freeze to death!
This is the George and Ginger Batwing tunic. While this tunic is pretty awesome on its own, it also has a cardigan included in the pattern. It is like a 2 for 1 deal! This time, I only sewed the straight hem tunic version, but that cardigan is coming up soon so stay tuned! You could also make the included hi lo hem option! I really love pattern options!!
I have to admit, I have only sewn a few Batwing tops, but I feel like this one is my favorite. I really love that it has an overly slouchy fit and I already want another one. As I was figuring out which pattern I planned to use for this fabric, I knew I wanted something I could wear with jeans or dress pants, a skirt or even over a dress to mix up the look a little bit! I have been mentally thinking of garments which will be more versatile in my wardrobe. I have a lot of single purpose garments that don’t mix and match well with what I already have and I need to fix that. Which patterns are your favorites? LMK.
I used this midweight Black French Terry from Stitchin’ Pretties. It is fantastic, Friends! I love the weight and feel of it. I kinda need it in all the colors. I had a two yard cut of this and even though the Batwing Tunic directions said I would need 2.5 yards, it worked with my 2 yard cut! Success!!! In case you have been out of the loop for a long long time, SP still has their buy 2 continuous yards and get a surprise yard of fabric free! BONUS!
I made a few minor tweaks to my pattern. I am at the tippy top of George and Ginger’s “Old School” size chart so I added a little additional width across the belly and hip area. I didn’t want it to be fitted here since that was not the intended fit. For my next one, I will also add about .5 inch additional width around the cuff so it is slightly less snug on my forearms. The best part of sewing my own clothing is that I can made these adjustments and then the fit is spot on!
When I first became a tester at George and Ginger, I know I was going to have to expand my closet colors and prints because I am a floral girl at all times, so here we go…black. LOL I think the Batwing pairs perfectly with my Snakeskin pants! I made the pants too and they were actually the first episode of Refashion your Closet on my Youtube channel. You can watch as I make them here. (Please go show me some love, Friends!) That was a really fun make and I love the concept of the series. My plans for that series has been derailed by medical issues, but stay tuned! It is back in September!
With Spooky Season approaching now (It is Septemeber 1st, after all) is the time to get your fall sewing underway. I do suggest the George and Ginger Batwing pattern for you! Are you interested in a video on assembling this top or cardigan? I think that could be fun plus some plus size styling tips all in one video. Let me know as always. You can pick up the pattern here using my affiliate link. I can’t wait to see what you make!
Summer is winding down, but I still need all the dresses. Dresses will transition to fall if you add layers, correct? Yes! Tights, jacket, cardigan, long sleeve crop, boots… so many options my friends. It is currently too hot for layers, so you are going to have to trust me. I decided to sew up my first ever Lively dress and I am happy I did for several reasons.
I adore the gathering at the shoulder and yoke detailing.
I love a flirty twirly skirt.
Stripes and Floral colorblocking potentional.
The pattern has both a tunic and a dress option.
Today it is on sale!
Yesss, I love full skirts so much.
Let’s talk about the pattern.
This is the Lively from George and Ginger. It is a great pattern and on their old school size chart. The pattern is sized through 5x which is a 55.5 inch bust and a 59 inch hip. I did a 1 inch full bust adjustment so I could have a little extra room in the bust and belly. Yes, a bust adjustment will add room in the belly which I need in GG patterns. As it turned out, I didn’t need the additional room in the bust, but I am so pleased with my first Lively.
I chose to leave out the lining because I am way too hot for lined shirts. LOL I just added a simple neckband by smoothing the curves at the neckline a bit and moved on with my less overheated life. I also left off the sleeve ruffle because I want to wear a denim jacket over this dress come fall. Plus my fabric isn’t navy on the inside and I hate seeing white fabric inside a sleeve when it billows around.
Back yoke in contract fabric really makes the gathering stand out!
I believe my floral fabric came from The Fab Fabric Clique and the stripes were from an online auction. I adore them both separately, but they worked so well together because the navy blue is consistent and the scale is different. Yes, folks you should totally wear your stipes and your florals together!!! This pattern has a lot of gathering at the back and a=near the front shoulders. I use my serger to gather and I have a video on my YT channel to teach you how. Stop by and check it out. Gathering Video
Like I mentioned above today is the LAST DAY for the Lively being on sale. I know, I know, the month got away from me.
Hi Gang! I shared a new video this morning over on my Youtube channel and I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss out!
I have sewn up several versions of the Sloane Sweater now, but this time I did a video of nearly the entire process! If you want to check it out and show me some love, here is the link.
My fabrics for this top (and the pants) are from Stitchin’ Pretties.
Stitchin’ Pretties has continued their “Buy 2 continuous yards and get 1 bonus coordinate for free” deal! I really hope you have taken advantage of this deal!
I am kicking off a new series on my Youtube channel today. My goal for 2021 is to upcycle more and to use more scraps! This month I am refashioning a pair of Lola Bottoms from 5 out of 4. While these pants were exactly as expected, turns out that they really just weren’t my style. I tripped over the wide legs because I am not cool enough to walk in them! So time to drag them out of the closet and give them a make over!
The Original Pant – Lola
I am slimming these pants wayyyy down and making them into Candy pants! I have made several pair of the 5oo4 Candy Pants at this point. They are really comfy and I want them in all the prints! As an added bonus I can walk in them!
These pant patterns are both included in the 30% off sale at 5oo4. This sale is RARE so take advantage!!! Afflinks below
Yep, I am making Momma Mia stand outside in the snow to take dress pics! Covid- I hate you!
Jessie Dress – Momma Mia’s Favorite Dress pattern. Sigh. How many Jessie’s do we have… Let’s take a look!
I actually think Momma Mia has a few others 🙂
AND NOW — TWO MORE
Momma Mia got two new Jessie Dresses for Christmas. Both of these fabrics are double brushed poly from Zinck’s in Berlin that she had previously picked out. Since it is clearly winter, I knew we were going with longer lengths. Long Dress- Long sleeves. For fun I used different back bodice cut lines. The blue dress features a high neckline and the green is the low line with the racerback cutout. On the green dress, I finished all of the edges with picot elastic for some pretty detailing.
If you aren’t sure how to sew picot, I have done it in a few of my Youtube videos.
You may notice this green version is longer than the longest length of the pattern skirt, I did a small hack of coarse! I added a 6 inch ruffle to the bottom length. It was easy to do! Cut 2 strip of fabric the entire width of the fabric by 6 inches (or however long you want your ruffle.) I gathered both pieces separately and then sewed the short sides together. Pull the basting threads to make the ruffle the same length as the bottom of your dress. Next just quarter the ruffle, quarter the skirt and match up the points. Sew and you are all set! I did a rolled hem on the bottom of the ruffle to finish the edge. Folded hems would be ok, but would likely change the lovely drape of the ruffle.
OPTIONS INCLUDE:
3 bodices: Regular, FBA and Maternity
4 hem lengths: Top, Tunic, Short Dress, and Knee Length Dress Lengths
5 Sleeve Lengths: Sleeveless, Short, Elbow, 3/4, and Long
Multiple Back Options: High, Low Ballerina, Racerback Insert, and Strappy Back where your imagination is your only limitation!
This pattern plus the rest of the 5oo4 line up is on sale for 30% off. The only exclusion in the new Valerie/Val patterns that came out yesterday. Did you catch my blog post?
This outfit began because Laura at Stitchin’ Pretties shared a flat photo of this gorgeous rib knit and then tempted me by saying the plaid DBP is the free coordinate if you buy two yards of the rib knit. I swooped in on that deal.
I knew I wanted a tunic length sweater and comfy pants so I set my sights on the Annabeth and the Candy pants. I have made both of these patterns multiple times and knew they were quick sews, are comfortable to wear and look great.
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
Tess is the name of the mustard rib knit. The texture is lovely as it has both smaller and wider ribs. I actually like this more than the solid narrow ribs as it adds interest. I appreciate that it is more gold than bold. The weight and texture of this fabric really is perfect. It sewed up so easily and really looks lovely. I am planning to spend a lot of time in this one during winter!
I was sure to get an extra yard of the plaid because I needed pants! Has anyone else noticed how many great plaids I have sewn from Stitchin’ Pretties? Let me remind you really quick!
OK Back to my new Candy Pants! This is the yoga style pants in the pattern with an encased elastic band. I shortened the overall length by 2 inches and will most likely hem this one more inch. I removed length from the thigh as well and the calf area. I even made a fair effort line up my plaid prints to avoid the dreaded “Ready to Wear” look. Since I have been sewing I can’t stand to have my plaids and stripes super off alignment.
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
I even used my scraps to make a matching pair of RAD lucky undies! Did you check out my video on how to make them? Just click on the photo below to check it out!!
My mission for the perfect fitting panties continues and I am super happy with this round! I used the RAD Lucky Undies pattern, made a few personal fit tweaks and am sewing up a storm now!
I made a new Youtube video with a review, general fit information especially if you have more belly than booty and finally a sew a long!
Come check out my latest video and show me some love! Please also share, like and subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss any of the fun stuff I have planned.
A few weeks ago, I made Momma Mia a beautiful green Calypso dress and I was a little jealous and wanted my own. I have a lot of dresses in my closet so I knew this time I wanted a tunic. The Calypso actually comes as a top or a dress which means I was going to have to make a few adjustments to get exactly what I wanted.
I printed my pattern as usual. I used the 4x FBA for the shoulders and bust then graded out to the 5x. Since I wasn’t going for the dress version I planned to not use the bottom layer. In order for my top to be a tunic, I need to lengthen the second ruffled layer. I split the pattern piece in half near the middle. I added paper to the opening and expanded the pattern by 10 inches. This will give me an appropriate tunic length. I regraded the sides so they were even. Now it is business as usual. Cut the fabric, change serger threads and get to work.
My fabric is from Stitchin’ Pretties and it is a pretty Navy background with a mix of golds, tans, creams and white floral print. The base is double brushed poly. This fabric is called Hailey and it is currently in stock so you can order yourself some! I knew I wanted to wear this top with dark skinny jeans and felt this fabric was a perfect accompaniment. Also it sewed up sooo nicely!
I mentioned on Momma Mia’s Calypso, I was making a video of how I quickly gathered all the layers of this tunic/dress. As promised, here it is! Be sure to give it a like and hit subscribe to keep up to date on all my videos.
So I am sure you already know that 5 out of 4 has tons of options with all their patterns. So here is the list of included awesomeness with the Calypso. I used the 3/4 length sleeves with the key hole cut out.
Short, 3/4, or long sleeves with a cute bow detail.
Top or Knee-length skirt length for the dress
Sizes XXS – 5X (see the last image for yardage and size chart)
 As always this blog contains affiliate links, which is a small commission I earn when you make a purchase from my blog links. Thank you for helping to support my sewing.
Did you know You can also follow along with the Sew Along and enter the raffles for a chance to win a free copy of the pattern! Just read to the bottom of this page and enter the rafflecopter. I have 3 PDF patterns to give away to my readers.
Now sign up to win a free pattern by clicking below!
SequoiaLynn Sews 