5oo4 Sherry Dress

I have been sewing and not sharing again. Sorry, not sorry. I am not purposely gatekeeping, I am just out living life and not playing online too much. I knew the Felicity was coming so I wanted to be able to share both of these dresses with you. I just blogged about the Felicity dress last night and I wanted to share the differences between these two patterns. Often times, when I quickly glance at a garment, I miss out on the details which make it extra special. I think this could happen with these dresses. Let’s start with a side by side view.

The Sherry is on the left and the Felicity is on the right.

Each of these patterns have a side tie focal point, but they are both assembled different and look different. The Sherry tie allows you to adjust the “gathered effect” side of the dress by knotting it tighter at the waist where as the Felicity Wrap isn’t adjustable in such a way. The Sherry gathers from the front and the back so the knot pieces looks the same from either side. The Felicity has one tie included as the top overwrap panel and meets a second sewn in tie at the hip. This is designed to fit smoothly across the front of your body. Both patterns include a selection of options including lengths and sleeve options. The Sherry Dress has a dolman sleeve while Felicity has a set in one.

Here is the view of the back of Sherry and you can see how the fabric created an interesting line at the side waist. I really love this detail. So many patterns just have the regular flat back and I appreciate this change. This is the only dress length option included with Sherry and it is actually my favorite length. The Sherry does include a top length, but your girl is sewing all the spring dresses right now.

This is the first time I have made the Sherry dress from 5 out of 4 and now I have a lot of regrets. I could have been wearing this dress for months! I purchased this pattern when it was released. I even printed and put the pattern together. At the time, I didn’t have a single cut of fabric that was the required size so I set it aside and didn’t get back to it. Then I changed sizes and was too lazy to reprint. This year I have been trying to step out of my comfort zone and do things that challenge me. One of the things on my bucket list is to wear clothes that show my legs in public. I know that will seem silly to a lot of folks, but I just don’t do that. I specifically said I would wear shorts in public this summer, but for now I am making all the knee length dresses.

In addition to showing the world I have legs, I am wearing yellow. Pale skin, graying hair, yellow dress, ehh why not? I have spent way too many years caring about the opinions of other people instead of living my best life. I am crushing so hard on this color. I have another top coming up in the blog que in a beautiful mustard shade and I have been wearing the heck out of it.

I have used a nice weight brushed poly for this dress. My fabric came from the Jessica Cee Collection and as usual I am absolutely in love with it. This design is drafted for a variety of light to midweight knits as long as there is a 30% stretch. How cozy would this be in French Terry? Yes, Please!!

So tell me which dress do you like best? Sherry or Felicity? I know it is a hard choice to make. If you would like to add either pattern to your spring wardrobe, I thank you for using my afflink.

Sherry Top and Dress Pattern

Felicity Tank, Top, Dress Pattern

Felicity Wrap Tank, Top, and Dress Pattern – 5oo4 New Release

Do you need a great Spring or Easter dress? Let me suggest the newest release from 5 out of 4. I really like this one! The Felicity includes a knee length and a maxi length dress. If dresses aren’t your thing, you can make the top length and pair if with your favorite pants. Have you seen the Midge pants? They are the latest pant pattern over at 5oo4 and I am still obsessed with them!

The Felicity Wrap Tank, Top and Dress pattern just released at 5 out of 4 and it is a hands down win for the Spring dress category. I can absolutely see adding a few of these to the Spring rotation. The addition of the overwrap layer on the skirt would be cute as a color-blocking option or even a lacy layer for fun. The Felicity has a side tie for extra cuteness.

 I sewed the knee length dress with the low front and the high back neckline. I love the options included with this pattern because it gives me the freedom to make exactly what I want. I have said it so many times in my blog posts involving 5 out of 4 patterns, but they never hold back on the options to make the patterns so versatile. 

• Neckline options: high and low scoop neck front and high and low scoop neck back
• Length options: shirt, knee-length dress, and maxi-length dress
• Sleeve options: tulip flutter sleeve, short sleeve, three-quarter length sleeves, and long sleeves
• Tank top option included.

I sewed the 2x with the included full bust adjustment bodice and graded to the 3x for the belly and hips. I shorted my pattern 5.5 inches overall as I am only 5’1. I removed all of the height from the skirt portion adjusting at 3 different points. I think I may have taken off about an inch too much from my skirt, but also I am embracing showing my legs in public this year so this is a great starting point!

This pattern is perfect for your lightweight knits in all your favorite prints or patterns. I used a cotton jersey from the Jessica Cee collection and this cute print is everything. I had a little extra fabric so I spent the time to match my stripes because it is worth the extra effort to do that. You could also use brushed poly or ITY. This pattern does use a larger amount of fabric, but it is so worth it to make the wrap and tie. Don’t let the 3-4 yards scare you off! You could also use a larger scrap for the top wrap portion. 🙂

This pattern sews together very quickly. I am super I spent more time assembling my pattern and adjusting for my height than it took me to sew this one. I have been using a three step zig zag stitch for my hemming and sewing has gotten so much easier. If you struggle with hemming neatly, I suggest giving it a try.

You can pick this pattern up while on sale for a few more days! I appreciate it if you are willing to hit my afflink.

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. !

Dear Fall Closet, I am working on you. Love, Me

Patchwork dreams coming true.

Insider tip: I am putting together a Fall Capsule project for a guest blog spot. I am really excited about it and can’t wait to share the entire collection, but not today! Normally, I don’t make a lot of things based on a certain color scheme or style because I like variety and prints and mixing a variety of prints. Your girl doesn’t have many items in her closet that she can wear. I am sorta doing a ‘sew as you go’ thing because as my body is changing, I am finding so are my style choices.

Refashioning Roots

I have been refashioning a ton of items from my old handmade closet! It is shocking how many dresses I have sewn in the last *almost* 5 years since beginning this blog. Even more shocking is that I haven’t worn most of them. Dresses sometimes take up several yards of fabric especially when you gather the skirt, so that gives me a ton of fabric to repurpose in creative ways. If you know me in my day to day life, you would know I never wore any of the dresses I made prior to the summer of 2020. 🙂 I began sewing clothing by refashioning thrift store finds. I didn’t know anything about sewing clothing and thought I could learn from taking apart already made items and creating new ones. It does work, but I have learned a lot of things in the last 5 years. I am loving my new perspective on sewing in general as well as my knowledge on doing said refashions. Progress is always good and my mind is always working. I *may* having a project coming up where I turned a beautiful full maxi dress into a great pair of pants. 🙂 Plus in October, I am participating in #sewupcycle22 and I am looking forward to creating something incredible for that. Now onto our regularly scheduled sewing.

I love Patchwork Prints. Most likely this is because I am a quilter at heart and love all things scrappy, vintage, and upcycled. I was most certainly born in the wrong decade.

Admittedly, I am not 100% sure this dress will make it in my capsule, but I have been crushing so hard on this patchwork DBP for a few months. I have been trying not to buy any fabrics, but I gave in here because…well, patchwork. Recently, The Fab Clique had a huge 40% off sale so I picked up a few things from it and then I ordered this bundle of fabric which was on sale from the recent Bundle Bonanza. If you haven’t checked those out, you are missing out on some deals! Side note: I have a curated bundle on the site too! This print is part of the Zayne Bundle. This double brushed poly is called Zara and it is so lovely. This brushed poly is my favorite since it feels buttery soft. I don’t know why all double brushed poly doesn’t feel the same, but this is the one I love. The bundle also includes 2 yards of rust colored rib knit which I also have plans for. If you pick these fabrics up from the bundles, you will save 14 bucks!! That will buy more fabric. 🙂

I can always count on Ellie and Mac to have a lovely dress pattern waiting to fit my needs. I wanted a simple pattern without excessive seams so as to really showcase this patchwork print. I decided on the To The Point Dress since it met my needs and had this really fun hem line! I think this is the first time I have used this pattern and I have no idea why. I am always a fan of garments which have extra belly coverage. The dress came together quickly with the same pattern piece used for the front and back. I decided to do the low scoop neck option and cut the sleeve around elbow length. I did a full bicep adjustment as usual.

Shopping

Fabric shopping with affiliate link.

Pattern Shopping with affiliate link.

What will you be adding to your Fall wardrobe? I can’t wait to add a few more items to my closet. I think I will work on a pair of pants next. I am also planning to make my first ever pair of jeans soon which she be really challenging, but in a good way. I have many plans for my sewing life and hope I can make them happen. Some days I just don’t feel like creating. Somedays I don’t feel like sharing. I know more folks are focused on making video content which I am not great at and I enjoy this blogging things. So many choices, for now, I will blog mainly with a few videos thrown in for fun.

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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.

Love Notions Update – Luna

Another updated Love Notions pattern is on the site. More inclusive sizing for an old favorite. I had never made the Luna Loungewear Nighty because it wasn’t in my size range. Now it is and I am so excited to have this one to my closet and pattern library.  I love that it is sew versatile and includes 5 different options so you can make exactly what you need.

Here is the list. 🙂  

• Meant for knit and woven fabrics
• 5 pieces: Cami, knee-length nighty, shelf bra/bralette, shorts and capris
• Full bust option
• Optional shelf bra
• Optional side seam pockets

Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)

 I decided on making the nightie option of the pattern. I really didn’t need any pjs, but this is also the perfect summer sun dress. The easiest way to make that happen is fabric choice. If you don’t want something to look like pajamas, don’t use fabric that looks like pajamas. 🙂 Easy enough!  I picked this heavier weight double brushed poly from the Jessica Cee collection. 😉 If you know me at all, I love all the floral prints so this was an easy choice. The white background is a step out of my comfort zone, but it is perfect for summer. 

I used wide width fold over elastic for my binding. This way I can cover my bra straps. 🙂 I was able to find FOE at Hobby Lobby in the spool trim section half price a few weeks ago for 50% off so I stocked up. 🙂 I do love a bargain!

If you would like to give the Luna Pattern a try, it is on sale for only $5 today! That is basically 1 buck for each pattern piece. 🙂

Here is my afflink for the Luna Loungewear

Use code SEQUOIA10 for extra savings. 🙂

Love Notions – Breckenridge Henley

One of my favorite tops is tie dye printed Breckenridge Henley. I made it during the testing and it wasn’t 100% perfect, but totally wearable. I have worn it to death and now it has gotten a little too big so it just looks sloppy. I have been wearing it mostly to the gym these days because it is so comfy, but it is time to make a new one. So let’s do it!

When I ordered this awesome print from Stitchin’ Pretties was really excited. When it arrived, I immediately tossed it in the wash so it would be ready. If you haven’t worked with double brushed poly before, I encourage you to do it. It is super easy to wash and wear, you won’t need to iron it all the time, it feels like cozy pjs plus it comes in a million prints and colors. This is one of the newest releases from Stitchin’ Pretties and I think you should go get some ordered ASAP! Here is your link to get you directly to Nicole. While I am talking about SP have you followed their new Instagram page? #Stitchinprettiestrendyfabrics Go get them a follow and let’s get their account back on top!

I really like this pattern and the faux bucket placket. *Not a single button hole was sewn during the making of this tunic.* Basically I sewed the binding on and then overlapped the right and left sides and pinned those layers together. I dropped the feed dogs on my machine and did a quick zig zag over the button to sew it in place. I decided that the stark white buttons was actually a fun pop of color! (They were also in my stash, upstairs, and I didn’t have to search for them.) #Lazy #Makeitwork #Itdoeswork

Here are the options included with the pattern. I made a size 3x with the included FBA in the tunic length and short sleeves. I actually think I will remove another inch or so from the length. Sometimes I get very nervous about removing length from patterns even though I am shorter than the height it is drafted for. I have some insecurities and I like certain parts of me covered up. I am learning to work with what I currently have and as my body is changing I need to learn how to adjust that.

XS-5X

Meant for knit fabrics

Three lengths: shirt, tunic and dress

V-neck henley collar

3 sleeve styles: short, long with cuff and long with rolled tab

Full bust option

Subtle curved hem

Trimless pattern format

Layers

If you want to give this pattern a try, I invite you to try use my afflink which costs you nothing extra at all. PLUS Use my personal code to save 10% off.

Breckenridge Top, Tunic, Dress Pattern

Save 10% with code Sequoia10 at checkout.

Nicole – Double Brushed Poly

Breckenridge Dress – If you would like a look back at my blog post from October 2020

Easy Tee – Retro vibes!

If I had to pick one pattern to reach for when I need a sewing win, it is the Easy Tee from 5 out of 4. When I need a quick finish, to get out of a sewing funk, or just a super comfy top, I will always use the Easy Tee. I actually a few more version of this pattern coming up in the near future! This pattern is perfect for so many folks and I love it for myself or when I am sewing for Momma Mia. Today is was Momma Mia’s turn! Let’s Go!

This fabric is so GROOVY!

This is the first strike I have sewn for The Fab Clique, but I have used their fabric several times during the last year or two. I am really excited to add more of it into my closet! They have quick turn around times and a great selection!

I am obsessed with the colors of the fabric! So many options for coordinates!

I love the retro feel of this print and so did my mom. She claimed dibs as soon as I showed her. She immediately wanted a new Easy Tee dress which I was happy to make for her. She is totally working that 70’s vibe, complete with the short dress length and stacked bracelets! This pattern is perfect for so many different knits, but I love when its made from double brushed poly. It makes it an easy sew with a serger or sewing machine!

This fabric is called Living Colors and is a new release from The Fab Clique. You can check it out with my afflink here. Yep, an afflink because I am new to TFC team! I can’t wait to show you some fun makes! They have loads of great items including loads of fabric in the clearance tab!!

Pockets are a must-have!

Now let’s take a minute to discuss the pattern details.

Designed for: Light to Medium weight knits

• Women’s Sizes XXS-5XL
• Regular, FBA (full bust adjustment) or Maternity bodices
• Top, Tunic, Short dress, and Knee Length Dress options
• Hemmed or Band hem options for the shirt and tunic
• Curved hem option that is in between the shirt and tunic lengths
• Pockets for the dress options
• Optional breast pocket
• Crew neck, scoop neck, or v-neck
• Hoods for both the crew and the scoop neck versions

I sewed the short dress length with elbow sleeves and a crew neck. Of course, I added the pockets. Momma Mia will be cruising in style in her new dress as we are looking forward to warmer weather!

Are you ready to shop now?

The Easy Tee, Tunic, and Dress Pattern

Living Colors fabric from The Fab Clique

Pj Party -5 out of 4 style

Who is still sewing Christmas gifts in the 11th hour? Me! I am so far behind on sewing in general and am just struggling with the motivation to sew at all. I guess sewing with deadlines is a true motivator though because here I am making Momma Mia a new PJ house dress in time to share for the #5oo4pajamaparty. This is also 100% supportive of my motto which is “Pants are dumb.'”

I made Momma Mia a pajama dress so she can feel extra comfy while lounging around this winter. I love wearing new clothing no matter where I am actually wearing them. This is the 5 out of 4 Easy Tee that you have seen me use so many times. This is one of my favorite patterns ever and I have likely sewn it in every combination at this point. Just like almost all of the other 5oo4 patterns, this one comes loaded with options.

• Women’s Sizes XXS-5XL
• Regular, FBA (full bust adjustment) or Maternity bodices
• Top, Tunic, Short dress, and Knee Length Dress options
• Hemmed or Band hem options for the shirt and tunic
• Curved hem option that is in between the shirt and tunic lengths
• Pockets for the dress options
• Optional breast pocket
• Crew neck, scoop neck, or v-neck
• Hoods for both the crew and the scoop neck versions
• Cuffs for all sleeve lengths (sleeveless, short, 3/4, and long), including thumbhole cuffs if you want them!

I sewed the knee length dress with a few extra inches added to make it a bit longer. I used the crew neck line and the 3/4 sleeves. Plus we can’t forget the pockets for snacks. She was a bit shocked and asked if I really put pockets in her PJs. I couldn’t come up with a single reason NOT to put pockets in her PJs, so yes she has pockets in her new jams! lol

My fabric is a festive double brushed poly that was sent to me by the lovely Jessica Cee of JOT designs. When I grabbed it off the shelf, I thought it was horizontal stripes, but was kinda excited that they turned out to be vertical. PS: Horizontal stipes can be worn my any BODY!

So who else is still sewing Christmas or Holiday gifts? I know I am not alone!

If you would like to add the Easy Tee to your collection for either yourself or someone else, here is my afflink.

Easy Tee Pattern

Love Notions 40% off sale and BabyLock Giveaway!

Have you all seen the excitement over at Love Notions? The entire website (with the exception of the Arlington) is 40% off! This is a HUGE sale folks! This will be their last sitewide sale of the year and a rare sale at that! I hope you have a few minutes to go check out the site, but let me show you a few favorites.

Please consider my afflink to do your shopping. This costs you nothing, but I receive a small commission from the designer.

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Now let’s talk about the Babylock giveaway! If you are the winner, you can choose between a Babylock Brillant or a Babylock Victory. All you need to do is comment on THIS Youtube video for an entry from my site!

Here is a link to all the rules.

Afflink here. https://www.lovenotions.com/?affiliates=429

George and Ginger – Batwing Tunic

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!

Batwing Tunic and Cardigan