Refashion Your Closet – Jan. 2021

Hi Sewing Friends!

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

Lola Pants Link

Candy Pants Link

Here is the Video Link – Refashion My Closet Jan. 21

I invite you to watch on Youtube where you can give me a like and hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss anything in this series!

The Results- Candy Pants

Love Notions – Sonata Dress

Hi gang! Another pattern has been updated over at Love Notions and it happened to be on $5 Friday Feature today only!! That is a savings of 7 bucks. This time it is the Sonata Dress and it is now upgraded to the 5x size chart with 4 cup sizes included. I was able to pretest this one to get a great time and share it with my readers.

This pattern is drafted for woven fabrics or stable knits and it is super comfy. This pattern has pockets, a perfect neck facing to add a pop of color as well and no buttons or zips! Here is the website description list.

  • Meant for woven fabrics
  • Notched v-neckline
  • Faced or lined bodice options
  • 4 cup sizes: A, B, C, D
  • Bust and waist darts for feminine shaping
  • Elastic casing at the back
  • A-line skirt
  • Optional in-seam pockets

I am the guest blogger at Love Notions today and I am discussing different fabric options and how they work with this pattern. Here is the link if you would like to check it out.

I shortened this magenta version by 7 inches and lengthened the sleeves by 3 inches. It is now a perfect compliment to my Sabrina Slims.

Don’t forget this pattern will only be $5 TODAY!!! That is a savings of 7 bucks!!

Here is my afflink and more pics!

Me Made May – Day 7

Hey Gang! welcome back to another Friday Installment of

HACKING THE EAM CURVED HEM TANK!

Same pattern as last week, new hack this week!

Today I am guest blogging over at Ellie and Mac so come visit me!

Ruffle Hem Tank Step 8

Has everyone been entering to win free stuff? Click here!

Shop Credits to

Ellie and Mac

Love Notions

5oo4 Patterns 

Stitchin’ Pretties!

Me Made May Day 5

So I have just came to terms with being a day late nearly everyday so far, but life…

Anyhow, just one photo today. Scrappy little quilt blocks using up left over cotton bits of “stuffs.” These are end cuts and off cuts and miscuts. 🙂 I am making these blocks for a scrappy quilt in between sewing other things. They will all be trimmed to a standard size when I have “a ton” of them!

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Now click here to enter my

Me Made May Give Away Raffle!!

Sydney Peplum and how to piece a lining

Welcome to the 5 dollar weekend deal at 5 out of 4!! Today is Easter Sunday and we are still in quarantine due to Covid 19. Please stay in, maybe video chat with friends and family, hug your pets, wash your hands…and go buy this pattern!!

Sequoia 5oo4 Sydney 4x fba promo (2)

I have shared the Sydney, one other time, and it was for Momma Mia. This time, I needed a new spring shirt and thought the Sydney would be a great choice. I knew I was making a top length, but you can choose from 5 other skirts!!

Sequoia 5oo4 Sydney 4x fba promo (3)

I also knew I only had 2 yards of this lovely fabric from Stitchin’ Pretties. This print is called Jade and it is Double Brushed Poly. INSIDER TIP: This fabric is only $4.50 a yard in the clearance section!! Don’t wait, you need it now! I really do think this fabric is so pretty and the huge floral print is A-MAZ-ING! This print would be so lovely in a maxi dress! I would I had more yardage for sure!

Sydney 4x FBA (2)

So speaking of not enough fabric for a maxi, I also didn’t really have enough for for a peplum. I am a thrifty gal, so let’s hope for the best!

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As the pattern says, 2 yards is not enough…. unless you get creative! So here we go. Let’s piecing the lining fabric.

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Now you have a piece large enough to cut the back bodice. 🙂 Since it is the lining, no one will even know. 🙂 SO the reason for having a lining is so that you have a clean neckline without a band. Notice in the next photo. 🙂

5oo4 Sydney

So here is all the pattern info 🙂

The Women’s Sydney Peplum and Dress PDF sewing pattern includes the following:

  • Regular and Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) pattern pieces are both included
  • Lift Up nursing option included
  • Multiple neckline options!
    • The front neckline can be Jewel, Scoop, or V-neck.
    • The back neckline can be High, Low scoop, or V-neck.
  • Fully Lined Bodice
  • Short, Elbow, Three-quarter, and Long sleeves
  • Multiple Skirt Options!
    • Half Circle – Peplum, Knee, Tea, and Maxi Lengths
    • Full Circle – Peplum and Knee Lengths
  • Sizes XXS-5XL
  • See the last image for yardage and notions required.  This pattern requires clear elastic in the neckline.

So don’t forget the sales!

The Sydney Peplum and Dress is only $5.00, but the sale ends tonight!!!

The beautiful Jade fabric is only $4.50 until it is gone, so DO NOT WAIT!

 

 

 

Regular and Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) pattern pieces are both included

  • Lift Up nursing option included
  • Multiple neckline options!
    • The front neckline can be Jewel, Scoop, or V-neck.
    • The back neckline can be High, Low scoop, or V-neck.
  • Fully Lined Bodice
  • Short, Elbow, Three-quarter, and Long sleeves
  • Multiple Skirt Options!
    • Half Circle – Peplum, Knee, Tea, and Maxi Lengths
    • Full Circle – Peplum and Knee Lengths
  • Sizes XXS-5XL

38 Trips Around the Sun

Instead of being like a thousand other bloggers, I decided to write my New Years Blog Post for my Birthday! Yep, today I am 38. I am not usually one who gets crazy about turning a year older, except when I turned 25…”It was dark times Harry, Dark Times…” That was a rough one! When I think about the things I have done in the last year, I am pretty happy. I switched positions at my job, I bought my first brand new car, I realized it is ok to do fun things alone, upgraded to a new DSLR camera, took my first photography class and I even had time to sew some awesome clothes. I rediscovered my love for geocaching and hiking as well. Overall it was a good year, but I want to make this year even better.

I have spent several weeks/months really thinking of the direction I want to take my blog. I am just like every other blogger, I want to grow my audience and reach more people. I have noticed a lot of new faces following my social media accounts and for that, I am so grateful. It feels good to be noticed. I don’t know if the average person realizes how much work goes into being a sewing blogger. Pick a pattern, sew it up at least once (typically more), photos, photo edits, write blog posts, then share. 🙂 I do enjoy it though. I like knowing there is a record of my progress. I often look back at blog posts to remind myself of the changes I made to a garment and if I liked the fit or not. I love that other people will randomly find a blog post and leave me a message or pick up a pattern I haven’t mentioned in months. It makes me feel good knowing someone saw the joy in my blog. It also makes makes me feel good when I see kind comments from someone I don’t know.
Being a sewing blogger isn’t all sunshine and flowers though. Every single post is a risk. That seems a little odd, but it is true. Every post we make, every share we do, puts us up for being judged. Readers, I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t feel good to me. The comments people make shock me sometimes. For the dozens of good comments, there are always some bad ones. “Your shirt is too tight.” “You would look better with heels.” “You would look slimmer if…” “That color was a bold choice.” “Prints make you look bigger.” “Plus size can’t wear stripes.” and the list goes on…it is a long list. Note to crabby readers…your comments about me will never be harsher than my own thoughts. Why do people do this? Golden Rule, Folks. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. As a sewing blogger, I have gained some confidence though. Sometime,s I even dare to say my outfit looks cute or nice. Baby Steps.
So let’s talk about goals for the next 365 days.
*Do more quality sewing. I do a lot of quick sews, well in the past I did a lot. I have greatly reduced the number of tests I am doing. I want to sew things on my schedule for what I want to sew.
*Learn new things. Master my fit issues ehm… pants, bras, etc. Somethings scare me to sew…Bras…tried it once and quit! Pants are a work in progress. For me, I need to realize my body isn’t a normal feminine shape. Most patterns account for hips and booty and I lack in both. But I am making huge strides in preparing to sew my own jeans!!
*Write at least 5 blog posts for designers or for blog tours. Always on the look out for blog tours!! Tag me if you start one. I want in!
*Test less, Upcycle more. I have seen several mentions lately that plus size upcycling isn’t as popular as smaller sizes. I do agree with this in a way, but I have been upcycling for YEARS! When I began sewing, I started by thrifting for anything with great fabrics! I made some cool stuff, now I have more sewing skills I should be putting to use! As a bonus, we are saving a little space in the landfills!
*Continue to be a positive influence online. I shouldn’t need to explain this one.
*Learn to say No!

If I haven’t lost ya yet, thanks for sticking around! This is going to be an awesome year and I can’t wait to update this post on my next Birthday.  Don’t forget to give my blog a follow and leave me a comment! 🙂
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 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.

Dotty Mini Purse – Last Day!

World’s Longest Sew Along!

Holy Cow, Gang! I have been sick. Day after day in bed, A few doctor visits, a couple medications, an allergic reaction to said medication, Ugg The cycle is never ending! Before this post was even posted I was blind sided by an awesome migraine in the middle of grocery shopping.

Anyhow, enough whining and back to our regularly scheduled sewing!

Video number 3. Let’s learn how to shorten a zipper, create and install the zipper placket and race towards a finish!

 

 I did figure out how to merge the two videos into one video and after doing so, the program wanted to charge me 50 bucks… ummm not today buddy!

Let’s bind those raw edges for a finish!

Be sure to check out my last two posts for info on picking up the pattern.

LET’S ANNOUNCE WINNER’S

Marie Biswell

Ashwini

Sobana

I will be emailing all three of our winner’s and getting them set up with their free pattern!! Thank you so much for everyone who hung in there while I was unable to sit up and sew. I will be back soon with another sew along in the not too distant future!

I hope you are all in great health and sewing along. Please share your makes with me!

Dotty Mini Purse Day 3

How are your purses coming along? They are pretty fun aren’t there?

Today’s video will show you how to finish up your outer bag assemble and basting in your lining! It is finally taking shape!

I have our third video up and running and you will want to check it out!

 

Have you picked up the pattern yet?

Here are those links. You can use either one.

Etsy Shop Link

Website Link

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!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

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

Dotty Mini Purse Sew Along Day 2

Welcome Back!

Today is the second day of sewing along with me. I will show you how to quilt your outer panels for your bag and attach the side panels. I also assembled the bag lining and cut bias binding for the finished top edge. Here is the video of today’s progress.

 

Here are those links. You can use either one.

Etsy Shop Link

Website Link

If you still need the day one video… Here is a link!

____________________________________________________________________________________________
And the RAFFLE— Keep Reading!

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. If you already own the pattern and you become the winner, You can select any pattern from the Chezvies shop!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

  • 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.

 

 

A little bit of Luna… Mambo Style!

Surprise! Did you think we were finished with Mambo No. 5 out of 4 style? Nope, we have one more to go! The Luna… I know. I know. Luna wasn’t one of Mambo’s girls, but she plays nice with the Mambo girls! Also she is free and fast! Momma Mia got in on the Luna action and got her very first full circle skirt!
5oo4 Luna 2x (3) - Copy
Since I have just made Momma Mia a Royal Blue double brushed poly Jessie dress, I knew we were about to take advantage of it! The DBP is a perfect match for the blue in the Chevron Liverpool I had on hand. Both fabrics are from Stitchin’ Pretties. The amazing Black and Blue Chevron isn’t in stock right now, but they have tons of other great things! Plus, today is new release day, so who knows what will stock! Stitchin’ Pretties has a one day turn around time and you will have your amazing fabric in no time flat! I love the quality of the fabric I have always gotten there!
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I sewed the knee length skirt for Momma Mia and cut on the double fold so there are no side seams. I used the Liverpool fabric to make her waistband as well. For the edge finish…miles of hemming. That is how it is with circle skirts. I don’t mind hemming Liverpool fabric though as it has a nice weight and doesn’t fight me! Here is the full info on the options.
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The included options:
  • 2 lengths – “mini” (mid-thigh) and knee length
  • Fabric waistband that can be made with or without elastic.
  • Option for exposed elastic waistband
  • 3 cutting options – double fold, single fold (give two side seams), single layer (perfect for colorblocking!)
  • Finishing options – hem, bias tape, or FOE
5oo4 Luna 2x (1) - Copy
But WAIT!!
You may be confused as to why I am sharing the Luna during Mambo week, but it is for good reason! Luna fits all the mix and match options from the Mambo skirts. The pockets, the waistbands, and the suspenders! Yes, You have endless possibilities in the skirt world!
5oo4 Luna 2x (2) - Copy

Are you ready to shop now? Don’t forget the epic skirt bundle deal for major savings and 20% off site wide! It is almost over, so don’t miss out!!

Here is the link to buy the pattern for only $25 bucks for the entire collection! 

Download the FREE Luna Circle Skirt Here