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. !

#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!

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.

T-Shirt Super Sale at Sly Fox Fabrics

Hi Friends, Welcome back! Two days in a row on my blog is sorta crazy, isn’t it? Make sure you hit subscribe and stop back daily because I am about to hit you with 7 days of fun!

The Deets

I want to start by giving you a quick intro into what will be happening over the next few days. Sly Fox Fabrics is having a huge sale on all their “T-shirt” fabrics. This 40% off sale includes DTY, Modal, Double Brushed Poly, Triblend, French Terry and Knub Jersey. This sale will happen now through next Friday. You have an entire week to pick all your favorites. My blog posts will reflect the DTY fabrics as this was the base I was given to sew. All of these fabrics are perfect for T shirts and can help you achieve whatever look you are going for. DTY fabric, to me, feels and looks a little more dressier than a Triblend and French Terry feels more snuggly than DBP.  The best part of sewing is being able to create whatever look you want through pattern and fabric selections. Even though I am sharing these fabrics as T-shirts, please realize you can use them for so much more. You can make everything from skirts, pants, and dresses to cardigans and so much more. My favorite joggers are made from French Terry and my DBP leggings are so perfect for “pajama day” in public.

Today I am going to show you each of my fabrics and hook you up with the links to get those fabrics. One of my fabrics (The Zebra print) has already sold out, but there are a total of 9 different prints on the website in DTY alone! Over the next few days I will focus on each pattern with the specific fabric. After our 4th day pattern review, I have a bonus refashion for you using a SFF DTY dress I made a few years ago! I am really excited about sharing my new garment. I really do love it, even more than my original maxi. I have already worn it at least 4 times.

What is DTY?

Glad you asked. 🙂 DTY is a polyester knit fabric that has been drawn and twisted with heat. It is brushed on both sides to give it the smooth silky texture that feels and wears so nicely. I personally love that it doesn’t wrinkle much and I can leave it in the dryer for days and not need to fluff it. I also love that it feels cool to the touch when I am wearing it.

The Rules

For the fabric comparisons, each sewist was asked to select one each Fitted, Classic, and Relaxed style t shirt patterns. Then we were given the option to sew anything else we wanted. 🙂 Each of my tops turned out great and I wear them often. They are easy to dress up or down depending on my days activities. I have paired all three of my tops with basic jeans so as to not distract from the lovely fabrics.

Floral Glen Plaid

Vibrant in Navy

Daisy Dot

Azalea in Navy

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%

Tomorrow

I will be back here tomorrow on the blog sharing my first T-shirt pattern. I hope you stick around to see all the pattern info! Be sure to subscribe to SequoiaLynn Sews on my social medias so you don’t miss out!

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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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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. 🙂

My First Custom Bundle! #TFC

This is a really exciting deal, my friends. The Fab Clique had the awesome idea to let their promo teams create fabric bundles to be listed on the site! We all searched the site for our favorite fabric choices and then had the opportunity to sew something to share with you! I knew I wanted a summer two piece set that I would be able to wear as the days get hotter.

Pink dress for the win!

I scrolled my favorite places for some style inspo and settled on a design which was a dress and a long flowy duster length cardigan over a simple T-shirt Dress. I needed one lovely print fabric that would be light weight and flowy for a cardigan. Then I needed a matching fabric to make my dress. I was quickly drawn to the lovely floral print called Gianna. I really enjoy large, boldly colored flowers and this one called to me. It was a bonus that the base is ITY (interlock twist yarn) since that tends to be airy and cool to wear.

Windy day showing off the lovely drape…sorta. 🙂

My pink dress fabric is a slub knit modal jersey which I had never sewn before. I was a little nervous when I selected it because I was concerned that it would be overly thin, but trust me, it is perfect! It is lightweight and cool and seems to breath easy. While taking my final photos there was a storm rolling in as you can tell by the wind blowing my cardigan around, but I think this will be 100% wearable in the heat of summer. I love that the pink has various shades of pink, peach, and white running through it. So it appears solid, but isn’t. Now I am one outfit closer to being ready. PS: I was super stoked to wear my cool owl necklace with this set!

Let’s talk patterns.

I started with the Made for Mermaids pattern called Lola. I asked several sewing friends for recommendations to help me with my designed look. I needed a long length cardigan with Dolman sleeves to achieve the look. The Lola was closest to what I wanted so I went with it. I was a bit hesitant to buy the pattern because it isn’t in their new chart so it is not as size inclusive as their current patterns, but with the loose oversized fit, it worked out well. Thankfully! This pattern also has the option for a gathering drawstring to bring in the waist and I am still debating if I want it or not. I am kinda leaning towards adding it.

What do you think??

I also changed the front lower half of the cardigan. The pattern is drafted to be straight down, but I gently curved the bottom corners. This was a simple change and took bout 2 seconds with my French Curve. Here is a small picture to show you how I cut it. I also shortened the pattern by about 5 inches.

My Dress is my all time favorite T Shirt Dress pattern. The Easy Tee from 5 out of 4 is my most used pattern to date! I love it, Momma Mia loves it. It is just perfect and loaded with options. For my dress, I used the scoop neck and short sleeves then I stole the curved hem from the tunic and adjusted it to fit the width of the dress length! I am really obsessed with curved hems lately. I keep telling myself they make my legs look longer. 🙂 At 5’1, I will work with illusions anytime I can! I just sewed an Easy Tee for Momma Mia not too long ago, here is that blog post.

In the words of my friend, Jess W. #ExtraSlitty.

Styling Options

I am loving the high slit on the cardigan! It compliments the curved dress hem line very well. I am already thinking of more creative ways to style these pieces. I was able to simply tie the two front pieces and it looks cute that way as well. I love this look also. I think this cardigan will also look great over a stripped tank with jeans. My pink dress looks really cute with a denim jacket! I think it is important to mix it up with versatile garments. That is one of the reasons I am so thrilled with the bundle I put together! It is cute and mixes well with several other things. 🙂

The Fabric Bundle

Are you into this bundle? You can pick it up for yourself using my link here. It is called Sequoia. 🙂 It is 4 yards of high quality beautiful fabric for only $22! Here is my direct link to the fabric. Thank you so much if you choose to shop with my link!

Support my Youtube channel with some Love 🙂

Here is my unboxing and reveal video. 🙂 If you visit my Youtube channel, I would appreciate some Love.

#TFCMAYFLOWERS and a sale!

Long time, no sew! My sew-jo has been so low lately. However, I did go on a fun vacation and now I am back with a few new sewing projects on deck! First off, This Dress! I feel like I write this line a lot * This wasn’t what I had planned when I was working on this pattern, but I really love how it turned out* but here we are. 🙂 Keep reading, we are going to talk about it.

The Pattern Details

This is Melanie from 5 out of 4. Melanie isn’t a new pattern, but it is less than a year old and deserves some love. I didn’t even have the pleasure of testing it because I was recovering from knee surgery and sewing was pretty limited. Since I am catching up on all the things the cool kids do, I tackled Melanie!

The pattern has several options

Sizing XXS-5XL * Crew or Scoop Necklines * Sleeveless, Short, 3/4, or long sleeved * Top, Knee, or Tea Length * Side Ruching * Designed for Knits

What I Made

I made size 3x with the included FBA and graded to a 4x from the waist down. I did the scoop neck with short sleeves. Here is the part about things not turning out as intended. 🙂 I removed a couple of inches length from the knee length option because I thought I would wear this as a tunic length top over leggings, but ended up loving it as a shorter dress!  Since the side ruching is just drawstring style ties, I can easily shorten the dress to a different length by pulling the drawstrings tighter on the sides. I just used a coordinating fabric scrap to make my ties. You all know how I love to mix prints. In the situation, I didn’t have any scraps from my dress fabric that were long enough to make the ties, so polka dots scraps for the win! I also made the back opening slightly shorter since I didn’t want to have a visible bra band. I wish I would have brought it up an additional .75 inches. That is a tricky measurement on yourself. 🙂 So this is a note for me, the next time I make this dress and I promise, there will be another one!

Back slit. I don’t own cute bras I would want to display. 🙂

My Fabric Choice

This lovely poly rayon spandex fabric is from The Fab Clique and as soon as I opened my mystery package I was thrilled! This print is called Penelope’s Garden. These are my colors! While I do love girlie prints, I don’t like froo froo colors! This print is lovely and I adore the colorway. I don’t order many mystery packs of fabric, but this is my second one from TFC and they have both been exceptional.  This was a two yard cut and I was able to Jenga the pattern a bit to make it work. Thank goodness for back seams! My leftover scraps were too small to even bother saving and trust me, I don’t throw away usable fabrics!  I am so glad I was able to make this dress work with the fabric I had!

Notice my cute little polka dot side ties!

#TFCMAYFLOWERS

Remember the hashtag I mentioned? #TFCMAYFLOWERS ?? Want to join the fun? All you need to do is 1. Use fabric from The Fab Clique. 2. Make something lovely related to flowers- (floral print, pattern named after a flower, umm photo staged in a flower garden -ok, I made this one up, but TFC is pretty open to interpretations so it may work, ETC. ) 3. Share your make on all your socials using the #TFCMAYFLOWERS. I can’t wait to see what you come up it!

I do love when I can wear normal shoes with my dresses!

All Affiliate – Linked Up because your girl needs to buy fabric!

Melanie Pattern from 5 out of 4 is currently on sale for 30% off – Hurry before the sale ends!

Penelope’s Garden – Gorgeous Rayon Spandex blend knit fabric from The Fab Clique