I’m blogging up a storm over here and couldn’t leave out this little cutie!! Let me just start this one with FREE PATTERN!!! Now I’ll dive into the awesomeness of this little wristlet.
I’m not a huge purse carrier. I adore them. They’re so cute and have so many wonderful features. But I’m apt to leave them somewhere or either swing from carrying a basically empty bag, or one stuffed so full of random stuff that it is rendered useless. More often than not, you’ll see me with either an ID wallet on a keychain, attached to my keys, or a clutch/wristlet of some sort. Something that I hold in my hand and doesn’t take up a lot of space. I can throw it in a larger purse or bag when the occasion calls for it. Super easy.
So this is truly the perfect solution. It is just the right size to carry around in my hand, or throw on my wrist with the handy strap, which is basically what I do with the ID wallets. But this can also hold lip gloss and my phone!! And my keys can go inside!!! WHAT?!
So let’s touch on options real quick. You can add up to six card slots to the inside, which is more than enough for what I carry around from day to day. Then the outside pocket is wonderful for cash or lip gloss or that to do list I always carry with me, then lose. You can leave off the key loop or wrist strap if you want a super basic one to carry about. And it was super easy to put together!!
If you want a quick, FREE pattern, that let’s you carry around the essentials, this is perfect!! Grab your copy here and let me know what you think!!
Hell yeah! Swim!! I love sewing swim!! It astounds me every damn time just how simple the techniques are. To be fair, it also astounds me to have a suit that actually fits! One that isn’t too short so it pulls down for more cleavage than I expected or ride up for the terrible beach wedgie. Nobody wants that. So when this beauty came up for testing, it was irresistible!!
This pink version on me was an early version, so a few things changed before Virginia’s polka dot one. (That’s why the backs are slightly different.) I love the coverage this one provides. The ladies aren’t on display, though if you want them to be, there is an option for a lower neckline! The back also has two options! I didn’t have any clasps on hand, so went for the tie option. Plus there is a cute little button option if you want to add it!
I truly expected to be uncomfortable with such an open back. I almost always pick swim patterns with higher, less strappy backs. I’m pretty squishy and don’t typically feel comfortable with that squishiness strapped down and…well…squishing places. But some combination of this one having all the straps hit all the right places and finding myself surrounded by amazing, supportive, body positive people, has given me the confidence to just rock this!!
So glad there weren’t many changes to this one in testing (Rachelle just rocks), so I could make my final for Virginia!! She picked the same options in this lovely dot fabric! We used the reverse for the band and tie to give it a bit of contrast and fun pop of pink!
This was a surprisingly quick swim sew, especially the second one. I already have another one (or three) planned and can’t wait for some pool time!! Plus, as a bonus, when we were being tourists, we knew there was some fountain time in our day, so I wore this like a bodysuit with a circle skirt and was ready to get wet!! I was comfortable all day (even with the confetti) and my suit dried so conveniently quick after splashing in the fountain and having fun!
Grab your copy here and don’t forget to share in the 5oo4 fan group on facebook!!
I know you saw that fun summer set in every group on Facebook a few weeks ago. People asking for a pattern recommendation. People hacking it. So cute!!
Well, now you don’t have to hack it! Rebecca Page Sewing has the perfect patterns for you!! The Talia bundle is two patterns that are fantastic on their own. But together. Together, they are perfect. Let’s start with the tank.
The Talia Tunic and Dress is a lovely tank or above knee dress. Just enough gathers at center front and back to give some swish and flow around the hips, but still just perfectly fitted across the bust. The tutorial shows you how to use binding or fold over elastic to finish the top edges and create the straps. I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t have any on hand. But I did have this gorgeous stretch lace from Sincerely Riley. It is the perfect width and so, so soft. And it gives this tank and extra beautiful touch!
Another admission…I only had one yard of this lovely black fabric in my bundle. So, I didn’t grade for my hips or adjust for height. Which means this tunic is really just top length, and it is slightly less flowy than intended. Slightly. I also added a seam down the back. (It’s such a good thing I wasn’t actually testing. Breaking rules right and left!)
As designed, or with my limited fabric changes, this is a fantastic piece alone or layered. I’m definitely going to wear it with my Peggy Pencil skirts!! Obvs I love it with the Talia Twist, but it will be great under all my sweaters, cardigans, and jackets!
Now on to the Talia Twist. This tutorial is so fun because most the seams are completely hidden and it comes together so fast. Like, surprisingly fast. I did add height to this one! And I’m right on the cusp of *needing* a FBA, but I didn’t do it. (There is already a tutorial for it though!) The shoulders would def fit a bit better if I sized down and did one. Next time. But I adore this.
I went for 3/4 sleeves and in this Ponte from So Sew English, it is comfy as hell. Not too warm. Perfect stretch. And the sparkly gold in this makes me happy. It is perfect over the Talia Tunic, obvs. But it will also be a lovely layering pieces with so many other things in my closet!! And perfect for adding a bit of warmth to dresses so they are more wearable earlier in spring and later into autumn.
Overall, this entire set is fun and adds two very versatile pieces to my closet. Definitely need to make a few more!!
I am definitely not getting enough sewing time lately. This failure falls on me having too much on my plate and not prioritizing sewing projects over other stuff. Life, right? But I had some deadlines approaching, and some pretty hard excitement about an upcoming pattern, which means sewing finally made it to the top of my to do list!! (This is where Gus Gus has decided she needs to sleep in the sewing studio. The guilty face is because she KNOWS she isn’t allowed on the table. She was promptly removed. From the table, not the room.)
This means I got to spend Friday evening and ALL AFTERNOON Saturday with my sewing machines. Just me, the cats, and the beautiful things that surround this hobby/life/skill. It was seriously amazing!! I had my priority list, a bunch of glue, patterns, and clean fabric, and I was ready to go to town. I gotta say, I made it to town. And really lived it up while I was there. 😀
I know I mentioned the priority list…I’ve got a lot of stuff coming up and I’m honestly really excited about all of it!! I’ve joined up with a couple ladies to sew up the Halla Agnes in our own ways (coming at you this week!) And I freaking love how mine turned out! A little sneak peek for you. I’m going to share how I created a quilted yoke!
Then a surprise delivery of some gorgeous strike fabric from Threaded Candy Customs! I had no idea this was on it’s way until I got the shipping email and, obviously had made no plans for what to sew with it! I am always blown away when I open packages from Threaded Candy. The fabric is inevitably more vibrant, lovely, and soft than I expected or remembered. This was no exception. The preorder round is open now and you need it!! This one is called Navy Daydreams, in cotton lycra. It is dreamy. I managed to make one really beautiful tank for me and one equally lovely tank for Virginia out of a two yard cut!! I’ll share the whole process and the patterns soon, but here’s a preview!!
I always want to sew up every Rebecca Page pattern that goes into testing. I rarely have (ok…make) time for this. But, I couldn’t wait for this! Now, I’m definitely going to blog about it, so you’ll see the whole thing (it is totally already written and waiting for photos and release). It finally inspired me to use this bundle from So Sew English that has been in my stash forever. (Virginia held onto her bundle of this stuff for a long time too! When we finally used it, it turned out sooooo pretty!!) This pattern is releasing this week, so I can’t sneak it for reals. But look at this fabric!!!
But wait, I’m not even done!! It was only 6:30 on Saturday. I paused for a shower and some food. But then dove into my outfit for this month’s Work It post!!! You’ll see the entire thing later this month, but look how gorgeous this Sly Fox Fabrics DBP is!!!! It is such a fun print and oh so soft to work with!! I’m completely in love with this shirt and can’t wait to share!! (Can you guess what it is? As always, it is something from a 5oo4 pattern.)
Sharing all the sneaks is really just my way of remembering how much I love these afternoons. (One of my Me Made May goals, if you remember.) The kind that stretch unrealized into evening and night. It feels like coming home after a long trip. The trip was great, but this is where I belong.
Can’t wait to share all the details of these lovely sews! So keep an eye out. And I hope you’re making time for your coming home moments as well.
Holy Moly. I wasn’t planning on testing this top/dress, but when they’re lacking testers in my size, I’m terrible at saying no. Plus, my new organization means I’m not drowning in deadlines and I actually had a little extra time the week of testing! Crazy talk… Plus, I am SO glad to have jumped in!! Deanna has some beautiful options and I just love the fit!
You can rock an asymmetrical off the shoulder look, perfect slouch on top, while being more fitted through the hips, or this gorgeously large cowl, which is off both shoulders and so, so comfy. There are three lengths to choose from, but you can further choose the split hem, which is banded as either all short bands, all tall bands, or, my personal favorite, one of each for a beautiful hi-lo look. I can’t wait to make a few more of these to add some zazziness to my wardrobe. (Zazziness is totes a word and very applicable to how I feel right now.)
I thought this would be a bit complicated, but was actually a SUPER fast sew! Definitely something to whip up as a pick-me-up or even just before heading out. I love a nice, simple sew for those days where I’m either lacking motivation or have failed at a thing or two and need a win. When that simple sew ends with this stunning piece, that’s an extra win! The only part that is a little sad is it is a bit of a fabric hog when you are adding this lovely cowl. The asymmetrical option uses way less fabric, but the cowl is so worth it!!
I think the top/sweater option is super versatile. Great for day-to-day wear, or a night out. Even a holiday sweater (next year’s comfy Christmas sweater maybe?). But the dress. Oh my, the dress. Made for Mermaids definitely has a history of assigning me dresses that I would never choose for myself and me immediately realizing I freaking love it. This is another instant win for me.
I always start these dress tests thinking, eh, if I don’t like it, I can shorten it or add some elastic to the side seams for some beautiful, easy ruching. But no need with this one! Worn just as the dress, it is screaming for a date night. But, add some tights and booties and it is super cute to wear for just about anything.
Or you can try it tied or scrunched up to tunic length with some leggings or jeans for a more comfy/casual look. This will definitely get a ton of shirt wear for me, as I am lacking date nights in my life right now. But I love having a piece that can be just what I need for any occasion, should my social life pick up. 😉
Let’s talk fabric for a minute though. I used this gorgeous Sly Fox Fabrics double brushed poly for mine. I initially picked it because I was lacking long enough cuts of fabric and I grabbed the max four yards of this when it was a Sly Buy. I’m so glad I did!! I super love it! But, I definitely need to use some sweater knit for the PERFECT sweater …and sweater dress. Also, I’m thinking some ITY would be delightful as a top!
Whatever options you choose, I know you can feel gorgeous and just the right kind of fancy in the new Made for Mermaids Deanna.
Don’t forget to share yours in their Facebook group so I can check it out!! <3
