Mandy Tank and Tunic

As promised, I am back with item number two from 5oo4 this week. The entire point of the Basics line is to give people who are either new to sewing or like really fast sewing projects something new to make. Even though I am an experienced sewist, I enjoy quick, instant gratification projects. Did you pick up Sara when I shared it on Tuesday? Here is the link to that post! 

Mandy is like the slim fitting little sister to Sara. Mandy is fitted through the bust, waist and hip. Because of this, it is the perfect tank for wearing to the gym, layering under your Eleanor cardigan, or wearing to bed. You could even use a rib knit fabric to make your own comfy muscle shirt. I used a pretty floral print I picked up from Sew Blessed Fabrics a while ago. It is most likely an ITY, but sometimes I am unsure what a fabric really is.  It sewed up nicely even though it was a little silky.

I sewed up the 4x bodice with the full bust adjustment which I graded to a 5x waist and hip. This is the same size I always sew for 5oo4. I love that their size chart remains consistent so I know how garments will fit before I even sew them.  I choose the tunic length with the scoop neck as my options. Since this is a pattern in the basic line these are the included options.

The Mandy Fitted Tank includes:

• Regular front bodice OR FBA (Full Bust Adjustment) front bodice
• Two front necklines: high scoop or low scoop
• Two hem lengths: top or tunic
• Sizes XXS – 5X

Here is the link to pick up Mandy while it is on sale!

Here is the link to pick up Sara while it is on sale!

It is currently only priced at $6.36. Don’t forget to stop back on Thursday for my tank on the new Many Tank!

Here I paired my new tank with a Circle  Cardigan hack I blogged about.

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St. Tropez Swing

Another make for Momma Mia! We are so ready for warmer weather and sunshine. Winter has been long here in Ohio. At least the sun is peeking out a little now, and the daffodils are climbing back to the surface of the ground. We are on our way. This is why we need to start our spring and summer sewing. This year, Momma Mia got the first dress of the season.

I love the look of this one, I love the little peek-a-boo cut out in the back. The way all the seams are neatly enclosed inside French Seams, really does make me happy. I wanted to do a quick test run of this dress before using an expensive print or even a chiffon. I had this wild, neon print in my stash for a long time. Years at least. I am sure it came in a yard sale find somewhere. I actually like the way it looks, but sadly, there wasn’t enough to make my top. Momma Mia lucked out on this one for sure! I also used vintage bias tape. I say vintage because it was like 15 cents or something crazy. I used 2 packs. I am sure these came from a yard sale at some point as well. I gave it a few stretches and it seemed to hold up fine. I used it confidently.

According to the size chart she would need a XXL bust, XXXL Waist, and a L in the hips. I ended up only grading back to an XXL at the hips. I should have gone farther in, but this is why we make a muslin. To see what works, what doesn’t, and how we can make it better. I also think I can shorten her back straps just a bit as they tend to gape slightly. Overall, she is happy with the look and feel of this top and that makes me very happy. Now that I have her muslin worked out, I would love to make her the sleeved version so she can wear it everywhere!

This is cut at the dress length, which make be a bit short for some folks preference. I agree, I couldn’t wear it out in public. As I have mentioned before, I just don’t know how to sit like a lady. J This would be a super easy adjustment to make though. You can simply add all the length you need at the Lengthen/ Shorten line which is marked on the pattern. Just slice along that line and insert some extra inches.

A helpful tip I have for you – This pattern calls for bias tape. I believe it is ¼ inch. I *may* have began with 1/8 inch around the back opening. This was a slight nightmare to sew and I suggest you follow the directions on this one! Notice the arms are a wider bias tape. This pattern wasn’t going to get me twice! Another tip- The pattern walks you through sewing French Seams for the sides of the woven version. Rebecca tells you to trim that seam allowance down after sewing right sides together. Again, Don’t ask questions and just do what she says. You will be thankful. Those little threads really do peek out and they really are annoying. No one wants hairy looking seams on their beautiful clothing.

So are you going to add the St. Tropez to your warm weather wardrobe?

Here is my Aff. Link. Please give it a click to visit the Rebecca Page website.

From the Rebecca Page Website

• A chic ladies swing top pattern
• Option of top or dress length
• Cute cut out in the back
• Optional sleeves and belt
• Suitable for woven or knit fabrics
• Perfect for beginner to intermediate sewistas
• Pattern pieces and full tutorial with step-by-step instructions
• Instant download PDF pattern
• Ladies sizes XXS to 5XL

Reversible Dress- EAM

One Dress – Two Looks

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REVERSIBLE DRESS

As I was sewing this dress up, I was trying to coming up with reasons why I needed a reversible dress. We know I NEEDED it! I decided it would make the perfect day to night outfit. You can use bright cheery colors on one side and darker sexier colors on the other. Maybe you need it for travel. One garment in your bag, but two outfits. Lastly, I thought if you were like me and a messy eater…drip your soup at lunch…no problem. Just turn your dress inside out and you’re good to go! Ok, that was in a stretch, but it is so my life!

 

This is one side of my dress. I choose to make the mini version which is a actually a knee length. The midi version is several inches longer. I chose to color block my front bodice here.

The hot pink fabric is DBP from Sly Fox Fabrics and the floral print is from Sew Blessed Fabrics.

On the flip side…

 

I have to confess that this is a mistake. My skirt is attached incorrectly. It should have been split with black in the front or back and the blue as the opposite. It works out well though and it just looks colorblocked. This blue BP is also from Sly Fox and the watercolor looking print is from… gasp….Joann’s. I picked it up last Black Friday.

Ok Let’s talk pattern features…

Solid and color block options

Mini and midi length options

Reversible

Excellent twirl factor

No trim pattern pages for quick assembly

Layers printing feature is included for this pattern for your convenience

Sizes XXS-4X. I sewed the 4X.

The Women’s Reversible Dress is available here. It is currently on sale for $3.85.

While at Ellie and Mac check out all the other patterns which are also only sale for 25% off.

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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!!