5oo4 Outfit – Gloria & Diane

I started the day with wanting to make my mom a new Gloria top. She has a few Gloria dresses already, so a top would make a nice change up. I added 1.5 inches to the length of the peplum top to make it a wee bit longer. It is an easy adjustment. You can either measure down the desired length from the bottom of your pattern piece or split the pattern thru the middle and add your length there. Either way works. Adding to the bottom will make your skirt slightly wider at the bottom and adding to the middle will maintain the same angle at the sides because you will just reblend the side seam to smooth out the extra length. 

I love the Gloria peplum myself and I have several in my own wardrobe. This pattern is well drafted and comes together easily. It is very straight forward! Actually, I think it took longer to cut the pattern and fabric than to make the top! I certainly call that a win! Momma Mia is wearing the FBA bodice with peplum skirt. Her sleeves are elbow length, and this is the high scoop neck.  Like so many other patterns from 5oo4, this pattern has several options. Here is the list.

• 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

Since the Gloria top is such a quick sew, Momma Mia needed a pair of pants! She gets an entire outfit this time. I made her the Diane joggers in a red scuba fabric. Everyone needs bold red statement pants, rights? The Diane Joggers were one of the first pants I ever sewed for myself so I was pretty familiar with the construction and knew these pants would be a good choice for the fabric. We wanted the straight hemmed legs as it would be the dressier option to look nice with the Gloria peplum. I also used the encased elastic waistband.

Here are all the options for the Diane joggers.

• 3 rise heights (low/maternity, mid, and high)
• Shorts, Capri, and Long cut lengths
• 4 leg finishes – cuffed, hemmed, drawstring, or elastic
• Information for both hemming and using bands (hello no hemming!)
• 6 waistband options – Encased elastic, drawstring, Knit, Yoga Foldover, Contour, Maternity (underbelly)

Ummm Pockets are essential, correct? This pattern has patch pockets which I love! I used my regular sewing machine and a zig zag stitch to sew them in place. As you can see, I use zig zag stitching for all my finishes. Also thrilled to FINALLY have my sewing machine sewing correctly!!

Momma Mia picked both of these fabrics up at Zinck’s in Berlin Ohio. The print is Liverpool and the red solid is Scuba. For her top I sewed an XL graded to a 2X and her pants are a Small Back/ Medium Front waist graded to a small in the legs. We have found this really gives her the best fit! If you love these patterns, considering picking them up through my afflinks. This costs nothing for you to use, but I receive a small commission from the designer for sharing my love of their product.

https://5outof4.com/product/diane-joggers/?affiliates=216

https://5outof4.com/product/gloria-peplum-and-dress/?affiliates=216

Love Notions -Whistler Updated

The Whistler Pattern is the coolest kid on the block and now I have two! First off, this isn’t a new pattern, but it is now available in the full size range offered from Love Notions. This pattern is XXS through 5X and includes a FBA. I have been admiring this one from on far, just waiting for it to come in the new size range! This pattern is intended for stable knits. This means heavier knits like Sweatshirt knits, Ponte, and Liverpool are perfect!! The Whistler was just re-released and you need it!  I love that this pattern has the option to either use a hood or have a shawl style detail at the neckline! I absolutely love that the pockets are placed vertically in the front of the bodice instead of the sides. I think this will be really nice when I am outside hiking because nothing will fall out of my pockets. (Spoiler Alert- IT IS PERFECT! I have now tried it out! Nothing falls out.)

First let’s talk about the design. This is a pull over style in the top, tunic or dress lengths. I love the versatility. I made 2 tunic lengths as I knew I would be wearing this when I am geocaching and hiking. I have now tried it out on two adventures and it is perfection! You can elect to make the pattern with a hood or the beautiful shawl option. Both designs have a button accent. You can make this functional or not. Mine is just sewn on, why make a buttonhole when you don’t need to? Dig deep into your button stash because you only need 1 large or 2 medium buttons for this look!

I made a new pair of Sabrina Slims in solid black ponte to wear with my new Whistlers. This time I made the seamed trousers since I didn’t have a pair of them yet. These pants are comfy as heck and I love them with boots and my pull over! Such an easy outfit. I have made several pair of Sabrina Slims at this point. You can check them out here.

The interested pocket design is really neat from the drafting process. There is an included video on how to put it together and makes it look so simple! I love the videos that show how to assemble potentially confusing steps! The link is in the pattern and you can just click to be taken right to it!

Whistler Sweater and Hoodie Features:

• Meant for knit fabrics
• Shawl collar or hood options
• In-seam pockets
• Banded bottom, curved and straight hem options
• Maternity and nursing friendly
• Video: Whistler collar and unique pocket construction video
• Gathered or Flat front

Fabrics

Purple Camo Ponte – Stitchin’ Pretties

Solid Black Ponte (Pants) – Stitchin’ Pretties

Black and White Print- Zincks

Black Crepe (Shawl and Hood)- Walmart

If you love this pattern too and want to take advantage of the re release sale, here is my afflink. You can save $3 by shopping today!

The Sabrina Slims are also available here.

EAM – Go Exploring Cardigan

Hi Friends! I have been lazy about blogging lately. I sewed this one up months ago actually. Ugg I have been a bum, but trying to motivate myself. I have several really great things to share actually. So with this first picture, you will see that I am not the one wearing my lovely new cardigan…Momma Mia is. Huummm….Keep Reading.

I received this amazing stretch velvet from Stitchin’ Pretties for my monthly promo fabric and then used some pretty SP scraps I had in my bin for the accents. Floral and Stripes will always be amazing together, you will never convince me otherwise. You can find this lovely fabric listed as Jocelyn here. I thought it would make a beautiful cardigan and I wasn’t wrong. Let’s start with talking about velvet a bit.

When working with any sort of velvet you have to keep in mind it has a nap. This just means that the fabric lays one way and and you want it to all match. Usually if you brush your hand down the garment it will be smooth, if you pull your hand up along the fabric it will be rougher. Another thing with velvet, it you won’t iron it like normal cotton fabric. Again this is because of the nap. If you lay it on your ironing board and press the heck out of it, you will crush your pretty nap. If you have to iron it, you can use a velvet board or have two besties help you hold your fabric up in the iron and iron the back side. Note to readers, I didn’t iron this at all. 🙂 Also check your stretch percentage when making a a garment. This is should be a given, but sometimes I don’t do it. This is why Momma Mia now has a pretty new cardigan and I don’t. I sewed the 5x to give myself some extra wiggle room, but it was still too tight. Momma Mia is 3 sizes smaller and it fits her well. She is so happy with it.

I decided pretty quickly that I wanted to use this lush fabric for a cardigan. After looking at several, I decided to try out the Go Exploring Cardigan from Ellie and Mac. I had not made this one yet, but really liked the look of it. All of the models on the website looked super stylish. So I quickly printed and assembled my pattern. I really like that EAM patterns are pretty straight forward and I have made enough of them to have the routine down.

My pockets flapped open a bit more than I liked, so I dug into my button stash and produced these lovelies. Momma Mia sewed them on herself! Another change I would have made was actually adjusting for height. I normally don’t height adjust on anything that is shirt or cardigan because my side waist measurement is normal even though I am short. This cardigan is on the longer length so was too long for my taste. Note to self for the next time.

The Go Exploring Cardigan is now on sale for $4. Here is my afflink. Using my link doesn’t change anything for you, but I receive a small commission from the designer as a thank you.

Beautiful Stretch Velvet fabric is here.

Ellie and Mac – Cuddle Tunic

This is a fun one! I love this fabric and the pattern that I used with it. First, let’s talk about this fabric. Of course it came from Stitchin’ Pretties. The owner, Laura shared it in the Facebook group and I immediately received a text from my mom that said as soon as it is on the website she needs me to order it. Umm Ok, Calm Down Momma Mia. She asked twice more if it was on the website before it finally released. 🙂 So I ordered Freida, the epic paint splatters on the charcoal background. I also ordered Francis which is on a lighter blue background. These fabrics are French Terry which is a dream to sew with. I love the weight of it too. Not bulky or overly hot. It breathes well and it is cozy. The royal blue was from my stash and is scuba which snagged way to easily even on my cutting mat.

Happy Birthday Momma Mia!

The pattern I used this time around was the Cuddle Tunic from Ellie and Mac. I really liked the style of this shirt and the way it looked when color blocked. I wanted Momma Mia to have a fun long sleeve shirt with a giant pocket for her Birthday, so this one fit the bill perfectly. I paired it with some royal blue scuba fabric I had on hand. I wanted this one to have a little bit of weight to it so it would be warm for winter. I made the tunic length with regular long sleeves. I added the cowl neck to this pattern too. I sewed an XXL for the entire pattern.

Options for the Cuddle Tunic

Short, long, and bishop sleeve options

Bubble, loose-fit style

Tunic & Dress length

Large front pocket

Momma Mia’s Birthday outfit wouldn’t be complete without matching pants.

I sewed up the Good Vibes Joggers. I hadn’t sewn this pattern before either. I read through the directions and fit chart. Momma Mia has one of those shapes that drop several sizes between natural waist and hips which makes things a little difficult to fit, so this was really a test run. This round I sewed the XXL front waist graded to a large. The back was a straight large. Note to self: the front waist/belly area is a little large so next time, maybe a large front and medium back. The length is ok, but maybe I will remove 3/4 inch of length from the hip to knee area which will help with the baggy knees and eliminate the saggy ankle area. Since this was a test run, I didn’t add pockets or the contrast stripe. I used the elastic waist and the ankle cuffed pants length.

The pattern includes these options.

Zipper welt pocket option

Side stripe option

No trim pattern pages

Five length options noted in description

Two waistband options

Pattern Afflinks cost you nothing to use, but I receive a small commission for sharing my feelings on the pattern.

The Cuddle Tunic On Sale for $4.97

The Good Vibe Joggers On Sale for $4.97

Fabric

Stitchin’ Pretties where the fabric is quickly shipping and the customer service is awesome! They still have the buy 2 yards get one free deal happening!

Guest Blogging and some pocket hacking

Hi Friends! I am late to let you in on a little info. I was the guest blogger at Ellie and Mac last week. If you are a regular reader of my blog then you know how much I love pockets! I want pockets in every possible pattern! When the Not so Basic pants came out I adored them and everyone was super cute in them, but no side seam… no pocket.

Fear Not, Friends! I have a hack for you. Just give this photo a click and you will be transported to my post!

Nancy Raglan – Again!

This is one of Momma Mia’s favorite patterns. This pattern is the Nancy Raglan and it has loads of options! She has several already, I have a couple and now I am adding two more to her closet.

Today I am sharing a dress and another tunic with you. She is super excited about these as she “needed” some more pretty things in the closet.

Let’s start with the dress. I used double brushed poly for this one and these colors are so her. She wanted longer sleeves and a longer length. She frequently tells me how often she wears her dresses and I am 100% certain she is dropping hints for more. I am just glad she likes them. I ordered this fabric from fabric.com before Mother’s Day. I am not sure where the brown is from, it was just in my stash and a perfect match.

I sewed up a 1x graded to a 2x and then back to a 1x. I used 3/4 sleeves and the crew neck option. I think she is going to get a ton of wear out of this dress!

Because she is a little spoiled, I also made her a new tunic. This time I made the split side hem, long sleeves, and a crew neck. She needs to be covered up from the sun so this one is perfect for that!

This fabric is cotton lycra from Stitchin’ Pretties.  The reason I love CL is that it doesn’t make me feel hot. I wear it year round and it is just comfortable. I love it.

You can totally find this print in the clearance tab! CL for $5.99 a yard is a steal, just saying! 

Hope you have enjoyed my most recent 5oo4 Nancy Raglans!This tops really are quick to make, perfect for using up scraps and mixing prints!

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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 – Ravinia Skirt Updated

Hi Friends! Can you believe I have managed three blog posts this week? Seems excessive after being MIA for a bit, huh? The truth is, I have been making some super cool things! This skirt is no exception. I sewed it up a few weeks ago and finally it has rereleased and it is the Feature Friday pattern which means it is ONLY $5!! Yep, $7 bucks work of savings on this deal! Today only though, don’t waste time.

This is the Ravinia from Love Notions and it was just updated in their new, more inclusive sizing. The size chart now includes a 59.5 inch hip measurement. I made a 5x waist band, added an encased elastic in the contour waistband, and graded down to a 4x hip. I then height adjusted for my 5’1 self. Then I sewed up the Maxi length and added an extra band of color at the bottom. I did this because my fabric was JUST short of the needed length and it is really easy. If you need details, just let me know in the comments and I would be happy to make you a step by step tutorial of it.

This pattern is rated for confident beginners.

• 3 lengths: maxi, calf & knee
• Gathered pockets
• 3 waistband options: yoga, contoured & maternity
• Print at home
• Large format file for copy shop printing
• No-trim pages + layers

Do you know what my favorite part of this pattern is? These pockets? How amazing are they especially when assembled with contrasting fabric! I adore them! They really take this basic skirt to the next level! I love the binding on the pocket edge and am strongly thinking about how fab it would be in a striped fabric.

My beautiful fabric is double brushed poly and is from Stitchin’ Pretties, but sadly this colorway was such a hot seller, it is already gone. Zoe, is the same print in a darker colorway and is gorgeous as well!  There are tons of great options at Stitchin’ Pretties, and you can still take advantage of the buy 2 continuous yards, get a bonus cut free” deal.

OK Time to Shop!

Here is the Ravinia updated pattern for only $5 today only!

Stitchin’ Pretties has all your fabric needs covered!

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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.

Camilla – My Dear Friend

Last week, 5 out of 4 hosted a Sew Along on their website/Facebook group/Youtube Channel for the Camilla Top. I usually don’t get super amped up about Sew Alongs because I don’t like to drag a project out for days. However, if I love the project as much as I love Camilla…Game On!

I have made several Camilla tops and you can view them by clicking the link. Camilla is a fairly quick sew especially when you have made it  few times! Give it a try!!

Let’s talk about fabric. I want to start by saying I am 100% in love with the feel of this fabric! Hello cool drapy goodness…I need you in my life! This fabric is Cameron ITY and it is from Stitchin’ Pretties. I love ITY. This one was easy to sew, cool to the touch, and has the best drape EVER! The Camilla top really needs a fabric with amazing drape to make the best of the front cowl neckline.

I just ordered another ITY print from Stitchin’ Pretties. Don’t forget that during this whole Covid Crisis, Stitchin’ Pretties is offering to throw in an extra 1 yard of fabric for each 2 yard cut you order! Psst… for the record, a medium box will hold 12 yards…. that may or may not  be just what I ordered. I should have my fabric in hand by Saturday! Laura is a shipping ninja! #SupportSmallBusiness

The Camilla pattern

OPTIONS INCLUDE:

• Sleeveless, Short, Elbow, 3/4, Long, and Extra Long Sleeves;
• Shirt, Tunic, A-line Dress, and Swing Dress;
• Maternity option;
• Band option for each sleeve length, including thumbhole cuffs;
• Hem Band Option;
• Optional Pockets for Swing Dress; and
• Optional ruched sides of bodice

This time I decided to do a straight 5x to have a little more room through the bust area. Since this is an older 5oo4 pattern, it doesn’t include the FBA which is now included with their patterns. I also graded out to the A-line dress lines, but cut it at a tunic length. This allowed me to have a little more room overall. My sleeves are elbow length.

Are you ready to start shopping now?

Here is the Cameron Fabric.  Don’t forget, order 2 yards, Laura will throw in a bonus yard of her choice!

Here is the Camilla Pattern.

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This blog contains affiliate links.

The Fitting Experiment – Sabrina Slims

The Fitting Experiment – Episode 1

 

Background: I am hanging out with some new bloggers friends and we are calling our adventure, The Fitting Experiment. Our goal is to test out patterns that are drafted with a large size range to determine if the pattern has a great fit across the board. We are looking at comparing the fit across the size chart, construction techniques and directions, included options, and anything else the bloggers want to chat about. With some friends, we began this group because there is so much talk about size inclusiveness and why it is important. I was getting some strong feelings towards the entire topic and as a larger size person, I know it is more difficult for me to find a pattern drafted in my size compared to someone who is a size medium, but honestly everyone struggles. If a pattern companies “Block” isn’t suited to your body it won’t matter what size it comes in.  Through this experiment, maybe you will learn a little bit about fitting patterns to your shape. One of the best things about sewing is knowing how to correct these issues and get a great fit. Our hope is that you can see and maybe learn how to better fit your handmade clothing.

 

The Mission: This is our first run, a test drive if you will. we have been delayed for a knee injury and the flu so far, but we made it! I suggested the Love Notions Sabrina Slims while it was still in the size expansion phase. Since the re release, it has become a great seller and loads of folks are sewing up some awesome pants! First off, I want to mention we have 8 bloggers who have sewn and reviewed the Sabrina Slims and we are all different sizes and shapes! The fun thing about that we are all so different- short, tall, thick, thin, and we are doing exactly what we love! The only rule for the experiment is to sew the pattern up and blog about it. We quickly had our bloggers on deck. Love Notions was super generous and provided all the bloggers with the pattern, plus two extras to give away to our readers. As an extra bonus, they gave us a discount code to share with our readers to get the pattern for themselves!

 

The Experiment: I keep talking about my mission to get great fitting pants and I am soooo close! So I am sharing my 3rd pair of Sabrina Sleeves with you today. I made two pair in testing and improved on the fit with each try out. I will tell you a secret, LN’s wrote a pants fitting guide that is truly amazing! Even the seasoned sewists have commented on how extensive it is. This pair of trousers is made with Liverpool. I love Liverpool fabric for my “dressier” garments. I like that they hold their shape and is so comfortable. So between my first 2 pair, both made in Ponte, and my third pair in Liverpool I am loving the process. Here are those 3 photos side by side.

Round 3

Round 2

Round 1

 

As you can see each pair has been slimmed down slightly through the seat, hip and thigh areas and the fit is getting better. I think my next pair I will add about 1/2 inch to the calf area to reduce the pull lines I am seeing there. Other adjustments I made –

Full Belly Adjustment 100% needed as my belly size doesn’t match my booty size.

Smoothed down the curve of the hip. I don’t have womanly hip curves at all.

Shorted length above the knee and below the knee. Removed 1 inch from the rise.

The Results:

These pants are about to become a staple in my wardrobe! They are so comfy! I even added butt pockets! For me, pockets are life. If I love a pattern, I will sew all the pockets.  I paired my Sabrina Slims with a Love Notions Laundry Day Tee…in the tank version! I blogged about it here.

 

 

A special thank you to Love Notions for sponsoring The Fitting Experiment bloggers with patterns so that we can share our thoughts with you. Love Notions has kindly provided a 20% off shop discount code for all our readers. Please use this code at checkout: FittingEXPSabrinas

In addition, Love Notions has given us TWO copies of Sabrina Slims to giveaway. For a chance to win, comment below. For more chances to win, comment on the other blogs too! You can check out their posts below:

 

• bigflynotions
• Diskordia’s Curvy Sewing
• SequoiaLynn Sews
• Petite Font
• Liviality
• Jong Design
• Jot Designs
• Stitched by Jennie

If you love the Sabrina Slims pattern and can’t wait to see if you are a winner, Use the code above and click here.

Here are all the options that come with the pattern!

• Cigarette slims pants pattern
• Pattern pieces for 2 different pant styles: solid front and back or seamed front and back as well as 2 maternity waistband options and three hem styles: plain, zippered and split hem
• 2 pages of slims pants inspiration photos from pattern testers.
• Cutting guide and the ability to print just your desired size(s) with the Adobe layers feature and a print chart to print the needed pattern pieces.
• 14 pages of bright and clear step by step color illustrations and photos.
• Downloadable fitting workbook designed specifically for the Sabrina Slims
• Large format file for copy shop printing
• Projector file for those using a projector in their sewing
• Glossary of needed sewing terms.
• Troubleshooting guide.

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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.

Ascent Pull Over – On Sale

The background of these photos are the exact reason this pull over is awesome! The snow means it is cold in Ohio! Not fun! Momma Mia really doesn’t like the cold or the snow, but she loves warm fuzzy clothes! I decided to make the Ascent pull over for her because I hadn’t made the pattern yet, it hasn’t been released in the larger size range, and I knew she would wear it.

I picked out this super fun print while at Joanns. This is Blizzard Fleece and is frequently on sale. Fleece has a bit of stretch for comfort when wearing and turned out to be a perfect fabric for this jacket. The pattern absolutely said to use a thinner knit fabric for the zipper plackets and pockets… I didn’t….I should have. They were difficult to sew because of the thickness of the layers of fleece. Please follow directions…they are written for a reason. I decided to do the solid bodice instead of the color blocked version. Usually when I haven’t sewn a pattern before I go with the most simple version of the pattern. That way I have the least amount of time invested in the project in case it needs some adjustment.

If I make this pattern again I will make a few changes. I will either raise the side pockets up another inch or lengthen the bodice by 2 inches. When the pockets are weighted down, they hang a little below the hem line. I am not sure if this was an error on my part or something else. I guess if I would have top stitched them in place, this wouldn’t have happened. Either way, I am able to remove some of the length from the pocket bag to make them smaller which in turns means they won’t show. Win-Win! The pattern includes a color block options with side panels on the bodice and the sleeves. I choose to add the optional side pockets because all jackets need pocket! Actually, all clothing needs pockets! PS. I used regular zips because I didn’t have invisible zippers on hand in a color that matched.

Included in the pattern are:

• -Sizes XS-XXXL
• -Solid Pullover
• -Optional contrast panels and sleeves
  -Two zipper lengths (9″ or 12″) – 9″ is traditional length, but the 12″ can give you a little bit more room!
  -Optional on-seam pockets with invisible zippers.
  -Breastfeeding option!!! Invisible zippers in the seams for the contrast panels make breastfeeding access quick and easy.

If you like this pattern, you can pick it up while it is on sale for 30% off for 5 out of 4’s anniversary sale! Here is the pattern link for you. 

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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.