Paris Top and Arabella Maxi

So I have set a personal challenge for myself this year and I don’t think I have shared it with you guys. I have decided to challenge myself with sewing more difficult garments, with proper finishes, fancy techniques and making more than just knits. For anyone who makes clothes, this could be considered, “Stepping up my game!” I am actually getting prepared to make a coat. A real deal coat, with pockets, a hood, a yoke, and a lining! What am I thinking?? Anyhow before I get to that project, I decided I needed to make a few more Rebecca Page patterns.

So I sewed up the Arabella, a gorgeous voluminous skirt with side seam pockets, optional decorative sash, and an elastic back band for custom fit!

I choose to make the maxi length and I decided to this amazing vintage sheet for my skirt. This skirt comes with the options for above the knee, at the knee, midi as well as maxi lengths.

Do you need more options? How about these …

• 2 waistband heights (regular and tall)
• Optional sash
• Optional side seam pockets
• Suitable for woven or knit

I used the regular waistband height, added the sash and the pockets and used a woven fabric.

Ahh Top stitching looks lovely!

I knew I needed a top to wear with this skirt and wanted to make another Rebecca Page pattern. Stephanie, The Sarcastic Sewist suggested the Paris Party Top. I didn’t even realize it came with sleeves, but she assured me it did. She has all the intel! Because this top is more slim fitting than I am comfortable wearing and I am already at the top of the size chart, I knew I would have to do a bit of adjusting. So I began with a full bust adjustment. I added 1.5 inches to the bust. I smoothed out the hourglass look of the top because I am an Apple and don’t have an inward curve at my waist. I also added 3 inches to the length as this shirt is designed to me worn with the party dress. Then I adjusted the bicep. I added an inch to the bicep. This is a normal adjustment that I make when I am sewing, so it has really become second nature for me to do it.

Pocket’s are everything in a skirt.

Since I knew this would be a spring/summer outfit, I choose to go with this pretty orange color. It really is lovely, isn’t it? I picked this up from Sly Fox Fabrics. It is this coral Double Brushed Poly. I love sewing with DBP. I love how soft it feels and how nicely it drapes. Also Sly Fox Fabrics has flat rate shipping for $6.99, any size in the US.

Shirt options included in this pattern:

• scoop & boat neck options,
• crop or full length hem,
• short, ¾ or full length sleeves,

Skirt options included in the pattern

• large box pleats stitched down or open,
• high or regular waistband, and above knee,
• knee or tea length options
• center back zip closure with either buttons or snaps

If you are ready to sew either of these patterns up, Here are your links!

The Ladies Arabella

The Ladies Paris Party Dress and Top

As always you can purchase these patterns as singles or in Mommy and Me bundles. Also don’t forget, if you buy 2 patterns you save 10%.

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
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This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my blog links, I receive a small commission. This doesn’t change the price for you, but is a little Thank You to me! It also helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. So thank you!!

Virginia Tank 2.0

So yesterday I told you about my black and white striped DBP tank! Today I am talking about my second tank. I used the 1 yard cut of  this colorful Mandela type print. I like busy prints, obviously. I have been throwing prints in your face for weeks and preaching that you should be wearing them as well. I like prints because they hide a multitude of sins that usually come in the form of lumps and bumps and rolls on my body. I am all about you should love yourself and work with what you got, but I also don’t wish to draw attention to areas I want to minimize. Personally, that isn’t good for my self-esteem. This print is kinda amazing though. I love it, I am praying it restocks soon. I think this will make an amazing dress for spring.

When your print has all these amazing colors in it, you can pair it with anything! I am wearing a super bold teal beaded necklace in my pics! Sometimes, all you need are awesome accessories to go from casual to snazzy!

Today I am not breaking the prints rules, but I am working on an amazing pattern hack tutorial. I will be using some another amazing Sly Fox Print and it isn’t a stripe and it isn’t a floral! Trust me, it will be epic!

Again here are all the options for Virginia. 🙂

• Tank top with optional built-in bra
• Separate full bust adjustment (FBA) pattern pieces for the tank and bra
• Knee length or Maxi length skirt
• Skirt can be made from woven or knit fabric
• Tank top has two neckline options in the front and two neckline options in the back
• Dress can be made with knit waistband or elastic casing
• Maternity option
• Pockets!
• Sizes XXS-5XL
• Matching girls’ option! Check out the Girls’ Virginia Tank & Maxi and get 10% off when you buy both patterns at once!

Pattern Links

Here is the link to the Women’s pattern.

Here is the link to the Girl’s pattern.

So since this is a House of Curve #Breakallthedamnrules post I must remind you to hurry and sign up to win a $25 shop credit to Sly Fox Fabrics! You too can wear these amazingly versatile stripes!! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and Facebook!! Use the code #Breakallthedamnrules Today is the last day to sign into the raffle to win from Sly Fox Fabrics! Click Below!

Here is the post where you will find the raffle link! 

• 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.

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my blog links, I receive a small commission. This doesn’t change the price for you, but is a little Thank You to me! It also helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. So thank you!!

HOC Virginia Tank

So this is my second show and share from Sly Fox Fabrics week! I purposely ordered 2 different 1 yard cuts with the plan to make some great tank tops! I love wearing tank tops around the house, under shirts when it is freezing cold out, and of course, when I am mixing up my prints! I spent some time recently perusing Pinterest to come up with some trendy fashion ideas for my plus size self. If I am super honest with all of you, I spend a lot of time perusing Pinterest for sewing ideas. I have been making an effort to pin more and screenshot less. Do you follow me on Pinterest? Here is my link. While there, I discovered I really needed a black and white horizontal striped shirt. I wear stripes…a lot of stripes, but I didn’t have one single shirt that was all stripes. I ordered this amazing black and white double brushed poly print from Sly Fox Fabrics. I  knew it would be perfect for my plan!

I paired my Black and White tank with the super sassy, super girly, super shortie short skirt. I have had this skirt in my drawer for no less than five years. I picked it up at the Goodwill because I loved the print. I have not worn it one time. Not one single time. As a matter of fact, I had to cut that plastic pricing marker off to take pics. Someday, I hope to wear super pretty skirts for more than photos but the truth is, I don’t know how to sit like a lady. 🙂 I also wore this black belt that I have had for years and black suede boots with this outfit.

Puppy Playtime!

Why it works: Black and White small scale stripes with the graphic print of the skirt which also contains black and white. I love how the black boots and belt don’t compete with the fabrics instead they compliment.

I used the Virginia pattern from 5 out of 4. I have also made myself and Momma Mia matching Virginia maxis from this pattern. She also has a few knee length tank dresses in her stash from this pattern. You can see those dresses here. It is a great pattern to meet some needs in the ‘basics’ sections of my closet.

All the options for Virginia 🙂

• Tank top with optional built-in bra
• Separate full bust adjustment (FBA) pattern pieces for the tank and bra
• Knee length or Maxi length skirt
• Skirt can be made from woven or knit fabric
• Tank top has two neckline options in the front and two neckline options in the back
• Dress can be made with knit waistband or elastic casing
• Maternity option
• Pockets!
• Sizes XXS-5XL
• Matching girls’ option! Check out the Girls’ Virginia Tank & Maxi and get 10% off when you buy both patterns at once!

Pattern Links

Here is the link to the Women’s pattern.

Here is the link to the Girl’s pattern.

So since this is a House of Curve #Breakallthedamnrules post I must remind you to hurry and sign up to win a $25 shop credit to Sly Fox Fabrics! You too can wear these amazingly versatile stripes!! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and Facebook!! Use the code #Breakallthedamnrules

Here is the post where you will find the raffle link! 

 

• 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.

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my blog links, I receive a small commission. This doesn’t change the price for you, but is a little Thank You to me! It also helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. So thank you!!

Jenny Cross Front Tunic

When the tester call came out for a cross front tunic, I was skeptical. I have made several wrap tops, most weren’t wearable. I prefer a little more coverage than most wrap tops provide. So like any good tester, I signed up. 🙂 I believe my response was something like, “I will trust 5oo4. Rachelle won’t let me down.” She didn’t! I love this top. I want to make more!

The banded cross front panel has clear elastic sewn in the band to keep it in place and held snug. This keeps the band snug against my body. In addition to the banded cross over, the shirt also creates a tulip front bottom hem. Another nice feature is the dolman sleeve in two lengths. I choose to make the curved back hem, but the pattern includes a straight hem options as well.

Along with this cross front top, this pattern includes a slim fit tank top with two different necklines. I sewed the lower neckline option and it still provides enough coverage to keep my shirt plenty modest. The 5oo4 website describes Jenny with these bullets.

• Semi-fitted dolman style sleeves WITHOUT the big batwing!  This drop shoulder style is comfortable and stylish!
• Both regular and full bust adjustment (FBA) pattern piece included
• Short sleeves or long sleeves
• Back hem can be curved or straight
• Modesty tank with two necklines included

Since we are still celebrating #Breakallthedamnrules around here, I threw on my plaid jacket in perfect complimenting colors! Color and pattern scale make this look work here. I choose matching boots and earrings as well. Tonight is the last night to sign up for the week 3 drawing for a $20 shop credit to Bella Sunshine Designs! Did you sign up yet? What are you waiting for? Here is the link to the give away.

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

This fun print is from Sly Fox Fabrics. It is a double brushed poly called Saucy. Here is the link. It is currently on sale for 20% off, but only until midnight tonight EST! Also don’t forget Sly Fox Fabrics has flat rate shipping for $6.99 on any order in the US.

Sly Fox Fabric is sponsoring the next week here at my blog and Trust me, you don’t want to miss a minute of the fun!

Pick up the Jenny Crop Front Tunic with included Modesty Tank pattern here.

It is currently on sale for $6.95 for the Women’s Version. Size range from XXS-5X.

• 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.

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my blog links, I receive a small commission. This doesn’t change the price for you, but is a little Thank You to me! It also helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. So thank you!!

Delicious Dress

The Delicious Dress is kinda Delicious actually. This is the first dress released from Red Apple Sewing and is the follow up to the Apple Core Tee. This is a custom Made to Measurements Pattern!

So what makes this dress special? It is drafted to your exact measurements.

Do you typically make a full bust adjustment? Not with this pattern! Do you need a bicep adjustment? Not with this pattern! Are you shorter or taller? This pattern will be made to your exact numbers. I save precious time since it is drafted just for me!

So let’s talk about the pattern. Bust darts have been places to cinch in your curves just enough. I whine about sewing darts on any pattern, but honestly they go in quickly and easily and there are only 2 so it doesn’t take long at all. It is worth it in the end when they perfectly hug my curves. The back bodice and A line skirt features a seam down the back for additional contouring. You can choose to sew without the seam if you like.

This fabric is Double Brushed Poly that I think I got from Sew Blessed Fabrics. Last year I got this exact print and made another garment. I loved it so much, I needed more! I used about 2 yards for this dress.

In the spirit of #Breakallthedamnrules I added a multi colored scarf. Have you played along with me? I am really having a lot of fun mixing up my closet to make some great stuff! I stole this scarf from Momma Mia’s. Accessories are a great way to add some color and interest to any outfit. Make sure you tag me on Facebook and Instagram so I can see your makes! #Sequoialynnsews and #Breakallthedamnrules. Did you see my current raffle? Here is the link to join!

So if you love this pattern, want a perfect custom fit, or need and easy to sew girlie dress- head over to Red Apple Sewing and pick it up while it is on sale for $5.00. This is half price folks!!

Here is the link

Did you join in on the $20 shop credit from Bella Sunshine Designs yet? Don’t forget to go back to this post and click the raffle!

 

• 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.

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my blog links, I receive a small commission. This doesn’t change the price for you, but is a little Thank You to me! It also helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. So thank you!!

 

HOC Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of the House of Curves #Breakallthedamnrules series. Have you made yourself something amazing to wear yet? I hope so! Make sure you are tagging me on Facebook and on Instagram. You can use #sequoialynnsews and #Houseofcurves or #Breakallthedamnrules so I can see you amazing outfits!

OK This week we have another shop credit to give away! This time Bella Sunshine Designs has donated a $20 shop credit!! I wear a lot of great items from Bella Sunshine Designs. Their size range is from doll size through size 30. For reference in BSD patterns, I wear a 24 bust, which is about a 3x in RTW.

One of my favorite color blocked BSD patterns is this Amelia! You can read about my original Amelia here.

I made this dress last spring and I still adore these prints today! The lined bodice keeps everything in place and makes it comfortable to wear anywhere. Plus, I do love anything with an Empire Waist.

So why does this work? The black in the floral and the polka dots bring the two different prints together. Again, we have to look at the scale here. Large random floral design, smaller organized polka dots.

This dress is sized from 00-30 and it comes with an included Full Bust Adjustment!

Get your patterns here!

Ladies Pattern

Another one of my absolute favorite Bella Sunshine Designs patterns is this one…

The Apple Cardigan. This was actually my second ever blog post! You can read about it here. 

So why does the floral work with the pink stripes? It all comes down to the color and scale. More than a year later I am still wearing it! Sometimes I wear it with my favorite camo slim fit pants “because camo is basically a solid.” 🙂 We will talk about that in a few days. 🙂

Here is another Apple Cardigan I have made. Again, mixing up my prints. 🙂 My original post can be seen here. 

 Here is the link to the Women’s Pattern.  

Have you joined the House of Curves Facebook group yet? Have you added us on Instagram? Are you following my blog??

Now take a minute and Enter this week’s giveaway by clicking below!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

 

Autumn Spice — HOC style

Sometimes when mixing prints, you will have to get a little creative on how you will split up a pattern for perfect colorblocking and sometimes a pattern is already perfect for it. That is 100% the case with the Autumn Spice top. This pattern already comes split for 3 different colors.

This is the Autumn Spice with the above the bust color blocking. You also get a pattern for the color blocking to begin below the bust. It’s a 2 for 1 pattern. 🙂 I knew right away I wanted to use stripes across my shoulders and work my way down. Another awesome thing about color blocking is you can usually use scraps!! All 3 of my pieces of fabric were scraps that wouldn’t be large enough for a garment itself. Plus it feels good to have 3 more scraps out of my stash.

I love that this top wears comfortably like a regular T-shirt, but is a little fancier. Curved hi lo hemming is a nice detail on any top, and I prefer the hi lo at my hips. Even though I didn’t test this pattern for Ellie and Mac, I didn’t hesitant to purchase it.

I love that this top definitely meets the requirements for #Breakallthedamnrules. But Why does it work?

This combo is working mostly off of the color. Black is in the stripes and the flowers, red is in the floral print and the bottom solid. Also in my book, stripes and floral will always look good when the scale is right. The small stripes with mid size flowers looks good. What if I had used a large stripe? I feel they would overpower the mid size floral print and create a different look all together. Are you playing along with the House of Curves #Breakallthedamnrules series? Are you tagging me on Instagram and in Facebook? I would LOVE to see what you’re making! Also did you join in the raffle to win a store credit of $25 dollars at Ellie and Mac? The raffle is on the post. Hurry!! Today is the last day on this one!

Let’s Talk about the fabrics!

The top stripe and the bottom red are both DBP. The black and white stripes are from Stitchin’ Pretties. Stitchin’ Pretties donated a prize to my week 1 giveaway as well as my New Year’s Eve party! Only 2 more days are left in the huge blowout sale over there so get to moving! The red solid is from Sly Fox Fabrics. They are our week four giveaway sponsor and are running an awesome deal of $6.99 flat rate shipping in the US! My middle floral print is a rayon spandex that I picked up from Sew Blessed. They sponsored a give away for my New Year’s Eve party and always has great deals. These are the 3 companies I shop at. I would say 95% of my garment fabrics come from one of them.

Let’s Talk about the Pattern!

Here are your options:

Curved hem

Above and below bust color block bodice options

Relaxed fit

Three sleeve length options

No trim pattern pages for quick and easy assembly

Layers printing feature is included for this pattern for your convenience.

Here is the link!

Women’s Autumn Spice It is currently 40% off along with all the patterns at Ellie and Mac in celebration of the New Year!! 

So go get the pattern, go enter my drawing for a store credit, and GO GET TO SEWING!

• 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.

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my blog, I receive a small commission. This doesn’t change the price for you, but is a little Thank You to me! It also helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. So thank you!!

Dashing Dress

I sewed this up a few months ago, then took a brief hiatus from blogville. I am back and feeling rejuvenated! This is the Dashing Dress from Ellie and Mac and it updated when I was taking pics! It has now expanded into the 5x size range which is wonderful! I sewed the 4x bust graded to a 5x waist. I did a full bicep adjustment as well. You can view my recent blog post at Ellie and Mac blog to see a Step by Step tutorial of how to do this or watch my video here.

 

I am wearing the square collar, knee length dress with long sleeves. This is the circle skirt option, not the gathered option. The next time I make this dress, I will raise my waistline up a bit so that it hits at a more flattering spot. I am only 5’1 so this would be a typical height adjustment to make. Ellie and Mac drafts for 5’5′, I believe. This dress has a major twirl factor if you are a twirling kind of gal!

This pattern features:

**Fitted Bodice ** Two Collar Styles ** Two Sleeve Options Sleeveless Option ** Circle Skirt or Gathered Skirt Options ** Tunic, Mid-Thigh, or Knee Length Options**

I picked this print up at Sly Fox Fabrics and I love the wild funky color and print combo. This print is called Charisma and it is Rayon Spandex. This print is no longer listed, but they have a ton of other amazing prints! I love that they ship within 24 hours! Not too many companies have that short of a turn around time. Also flat rate shipping!!! $6.99 for any order in the US!!

You can pick up your copy of the Dashing Dress via my link here. Don’t forget it comes in sizes XXS-5X!

 

Also did you sign up for the House of Curves #Breakallthedamnrules raffle??? Click here the scroll to the bottom of my post to join!! There is a $25.00 shop credit to Ellie and Mac on the line!

Stay tuned right here, I am about to hack this dress and mix it up with another print!!! SAY WHAT?

• 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.

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. So thank you!!

 

HOC #Breakallthedamrules Week 2

First off, Congrats to Laurie Roberts! She was the winner of the $20 credit to Stitchin’ Pretties and has already contacted me. Thank you again, Stitchin’ Pretties for donating our first prize!

WEEK TWO

$25 Store Credit to Ellie and Mac! 

You will find the raffle at the bottom of this post, but first, enjoy my third post from the #breakallthedamrules series! Are you joining in? What have you made??

How fun is this combo? This is one of those outfits where my mom said, “It looks ok, for you.” 🙂 So first off, this shirt! This gorgeous peplum is my absolute fabric pattern when I make it in Liverpool! I love the structured look of it. This Liverpool print is from Stitchin’ Pretties! There big sale is still going on for about one more week. I have made several other Gloria Tops and you can see them here.

This is Gloria from 5oo4. You can pick up the pattern here! 

This is loaded with options!

• Regular Bodice and 1″ FBA Bodice pieces.
• Peplum, Short or Long Skater Skirt Lengths
• Peplum, Short or Long Hi Lo Skirt Lengths (with instructions on how to combine for a more dramatic Hi Lo effect)
• Traditional Sleeve with 5 Lengths: Sleeveless, Short, Elbow, 3/4 and Long
• Split Sleeve with 4 Lengths: Short, Elbow, 3/4 and Long
• 2 Neckline Options: High or Low Scoop
• Full Bust Adjustment Tutorial section
• Instructions on making the Gloria skirts without the bodice or adding a Circle Skirt to the Gloria bodice

This amazing cardigan is the Ladies Circle Cardi from Rebecca Page. Here is the link. First off, don’t let the looks of this pattern laid out on paper freak you out when you see it. It looks a little weird, but it works out. Because I sew in the largest size offered, I wasn’t able to cut my pattern on the fold. If you look super close, you can see I have a seam down the back. I worked hard to match it up! Anyhow, I love this. I actually wore it twice in the last couple days. This fabric is a Hacci from Fabric Mart. I picked it up months ago at a super discount price! I have made the short length, hemmed, and 3/4 sleeves. Here are all the pattern options:

• 2 length options (short or long),
• 3 hem options (plain, band or ruffle)
• 3 sleeve options (sleeveless, ¾ and full length).

So let’s talk about why the prints work:

They are both super fun prints. Even though the both have crazy zig-zag stripes they are just different enough to stand apart. The common color between them, Black, helps pull them together. Imagine if the blue and black remained the same color, but the cardigan changes to white and green. This would give it a totally different look and throws off the color balance. Three’s company, Four’s a crowd. 🙂

So give it a try folks!

Don’t forget to to share your makes on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #Breakallthedamnrules

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A huge thank you for those who are following my blog, Instagram, and my Facebook! If you haven’t done so yet, here are some links!

• 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.

An even bigger thank you to those who are  supporting me by buying patterns using my affiliate links! There is a good deal of expense in fabric, paper, ink and tape for tests and time in blogging. I get so excited each time I get an email saying someone got the pattern!

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. 🙂 So thank you!!

 

 

Guest Blogger – Full Bicep Adjustment

If you are a regular reader of the Ellie and Mac blog, you already know I was today’s guest blogger. If you aren’t a regular reader, why the heck not? There is a lot of good info there from pattern hacks to personal adjustments to Pinspirations!

Today, I walked you through, step by step, how to do a full bicep adjustment. I do this adjustment on 99% of the tops I sew for myself. Here is the link to check out my blog post.  

Also use code EAM15DEC when you spend $25.00 to save an extra 15% off already discounted prices!! Here is my aff link to use!