How many Camilla tops is too many? I don’t know, because I haven’t reached that number yet. But since I have a couple of them already, I figured Virginia needed one too. She has some important stuff coming up (cough, cough, grad school interviews, cough, cough) and this is the PERFECT top for looking professional and being comfortable. I think she’ll pair it with a little jacket or cardi, but however she decides to style Camilla, she won’t have to worry about looking the part!
This cowl neck is by far one of my favorite features on a shirt. It is cute and flattering on everyone. It takes a shirt up several notches from the a basic tee without taking a ton more fabric. And this one comes with some fantastic options! Shirt length, this tunic length, or even a dress option! Plus, Virginia chose sleeveless so she doesn’t get too warm with the layers, but add some sleeves you boom! A ton of variations to the same shirt.
This one is made of this gorgeous double brushed poly from Sly Fox Fabrics. I love the lightness and drape of it. Super easy to wear and she won’t be worrying about wrinkles! Plus, just look at how lovely these colors are. I am never disappointed when we order from Sly Fox. Except of course if I don’t order enough yards.
I’ve already blogged about Camilla in a solid DBP, and a lovely sweater knit. So far, I haven’t found a fabric I don’t like for this pattern! Grab your copy here, and have some fun adding this fun top to your closet!
I love a knit dress. They are comfy, easy to wear, and so much easier to fit than woven. A good woven dress is worth the time to fit, but we don’t all always have that extra time.
The new Meg Dress from 5 Out of 4 Patterns is a wonderful balance between the ease of knit and the fit of woven! Meg can be made out of so many different types of knits, which will give different looks and fits. Virginia was looking for something a little more structured, we chose a ponte knit in this gorgeous teal color! (We picked this up locally at Fine Fabrics.)
The darts on this thing are the real killer. Even with how well endowed she is, I only made small changes to the darts between our muslin and final dresses. I shortened her front waist darts slightly. I think the next one I’ll shorten another cm or so. Â
For her bust darts, I moved them down slightly and shortened them. But I also sewed them slightly curved rather than straight. This gives just a little more room where we found she needed it.
Those are all the changes! Zipper installation was straightforward and the beautiful metal zip gives it such a polished look. Add some statement jewelry and her favorite heels and she is ready to tackle grad school interviews or a boardroom!
There are some super cute sleeve options included too! Virginia just wanted to keep it simple. Grab your copy of Meg while the pattern is on sale and share how beautiful you feel in this pattern!
This is it! This is the last one of the year!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH! Ok, I’m too excited about the entire outfit to wait to share. This month is all about the party! Whether it is a Holiday party, a New Year’s party, or an “I don’t have to work all week” party, December is a month of celebrations! I wanted to go full bold for this one.
Since this GORGEOUS scuba from Sly Fox Fabrics is so, so bold, I wanted to break it up a little bit by adding a side stripe, but also keep it pretty simple. But first, let’s talk about these fabrics. I used leftover modal from Edition 11 for this stripe. I cut so the more stable direction is running the length of my leg to prevent the less stable fabric from sagging in between the scuba. So far, it is holding up very well! The scuba is vibrant and just lovely to work with and wear. I could not be happier with how the finished pants wear.
On to the hacks. As always, I started with the 5 Out of 4 Diane Joggers. For these, I cut 1/2 inch off each outside edge, so I could have a 1 inch stripe. I cut the stripe at 1.75 inches and just did width of fabric, then cut off the excess after attaching. I also cut the regular, hemmed pants length, and the high rise. The knit band is still my favorite, and I added 2 inches to the cutting height, so it is 1 inch taller than intended in the pattern. When sewing, I did slim the leg slightly on the inseam side. The only other change is the pocket. This isn’t my usual pocket hack! I wanted more of a slanted slat pocket. So, I redrew the shape and deepened the pocket slightly. Because the opening goes further down my leg, I wanted to make sure my phone wouldn’t fall out while I was walking.
That’s it. This one was a SUPER simple hack. I adore the stripe and chose to do the pocket facing in black as well, which I think adds another lovely touch. The pocket lining is out of the scuba, since I wasn’t sure if the black would show through or not. These are comfortable and fun. Plus, I can see so much fun with a solid fabric and a lace stripe or a faux leather stripe. Just so much fun to be had!
So let’s talk about this top. Oh boy! This is the 5oo4 Stella and she is a beaut!! The flounce is what drew me in and adds that party vibe. I chose not to add the optional straps because I have cute bralettes to show off but love the bare shoulder if I feel like donning the strapless bra. This pattern is super versatile though! It has a plain tank, a strappy tank, and shorts! Plus, all of those can mix and match to make a romper! Definitely a great pattern to fill different needs in your wardrobe! Plus, it was a really quick sew.
I considered doing the bra length option only (forgot to list that one!), but opted for the more versatile tank. Mostly because this tank has just enough ease to tie it up and wear it a couple different ways!! If you want to do this, make sure to choose a fabric with great recovery! Something like rayon spandex is going to show that knot after it is untied until you wash it again.
I adore Stella in this SFF DBP. I picked one of the coordinates listed on the scuba. This magenta is currently sold out, but the orchid was my next choice and is still in stock! I can’t wait to make Stella in other colors and dive into some beautiful prints. I think this would be lovely in a lace or mesh as a swim cover!
That’s the whole outfit! It was simple and easy to make and wear! So comfortable and lovely. It also makes me think of spring, while everything around me is brown and a little sad, so double happy! I hope you enjoyed this month’s edition of Work It and be sure to share if you try it!!
Don’t forget to enter to win 5oo4 pattern credit right here (click this link! Really!! Prizes!!! Who doesn’t love winning prizes?!)
Holy shit, y’all! I’m doing a craft market!! I’m equal parts excited and nervous, but I could not be happier to be diving in at Tucker Brewing! They have such a fun beer garden, great beer, and I love how important supporting local is to them. Because they are a local, family based business!
This has definitely been a process! Less than a month ago, Virginia sent me the info and I decided to jump in to see how it goes. I made a list of things I wanted to sew, approximate quantities, and how I wanted to display stuff on my table.
Of course, as soon as I signed up, I got sick. Was down for a damn week. That definitely put a hitch in my sewing schedule. But, with a few long nights, and Virginia jumping in to help at the last minute, I have inventory!!!
I so enjoyed the entire process of picking fabric and matching outers to linings to zippers. I love each of the pieces I made and hope Tucker does too!
I also love that I was able to use some of my favorite patterns!! I knew I needed to make up some of the Rebecca Page Zoe Zip Pouches because everyone needs those. They’re so versatile and make great gifts!
Then I added in some of the key fobs I shared a while back. These are one of my favorite things, so I’m hoping Tucker thinks so too! I also made just a couple lanyards to go with them. These were surprisingly fun to make and I need to remember to blog how I make them for you!
5 Out of 4 released their scrunchie pattern while I was prepping so I made up a handful of those! They were fun and I was able to do the hand sewn finishing on my lunch break! So convenient!!
I made a few items I can’t share just yet! So enjoy the stickers on a few pics and keep and eye out for when I can share the fun!
I definitely wanted one type of larger item on my table. Something that draws the eye and is a little luxurious. Immediately the Rebecca Page Cora popped in my head. Probably because I was wearing one of mine! It is my favorite cardigan. So comfy and easy to wear. It feels like jim jams!! But every time I wear mine, I get tons of compliments! That’s a win!
So if you’re in the Tucker area, and want to shop small tomorrow (30 November), stop by Tucker Brewing to support local crafters! Mention this post at my table and I’ll give you a subscriber discount. 😉
It is cliched, but I am SHOCKED it is November!! This year has flown by and I can’t believe I am almost done with the first year of this series!! But it isn’t done yet and I can’t wait to share another edition of Work It: 12 Months, 1 Pattern, No Repeats with you!
This month, I wanted to use the 5 Out of 4 Diane Joggers to be prepared for all the holiday stuff. Shopping for presents, decorating the house, basking in the crisp air, holiday get togethers with friends and family. All the fun stuff that the season brings!! To do that, I wanted fancy joggers!! To start, I needed the perfect fabric. Something with a little structure and some body, so it doesn’t drape too much. Something a little bold, with a lovely print, because everyone needs more patterned pants! Myself included. Structure and body means a nice double knit for me, so I perused the selection of liverpool fabrics from Sly Fox Fabrics. I love liverpool. It is lightweight enough that I can wear it all year in Atlanta and not be a puddle of sweat.
This GORGEOUS dusty mauve immediately jumped out at me. It has lovely fall vibes while still being fun and exciting! Plus, I am completely loving the pinks and burgundy tones this season. I want to wear them EVERY DAY!!!! Now I have the perfect fabric and am ready to tackle the hacks!
I had to add the same pocket I’ve been adding almost every month. I just love these pockets. Everything needs them! I also slimmed down the leg slightly, as I did here, so I wouldn’t end up with too much drape over my cuff, since liverpool won’t drape because of that body. I also chose the high rise cut line and added 2 inches to the short, knit waistband. This combo really gives me the exact high waisted look I was going for.
But the real hack to this one is in the cuffs. I cut the pants at the cuffed capri cutline. Then I made an entirely new cuff piece. I measured the height I needed from ankle to where the capri hits. I also measured my ankle and calf to make sure the cuff would fit as I wanted. Then I created this hourglass shape piece…
Then folded it with that angled edge matching. Then folding again, with the top and bottom raw edge matching. Sew along just the angled line and the cuff is made!! I tried it on to make sure the fit was alright and was ready to go!! For my next one, I’ll curve that angled edge just a little, so it stays a little more fitted in that weird area between calf and ankle, but I am super happy with how this cuff turned out!!
I knew when I planned this that I wanted to go bold this month. I wanted that look that makes you feel put together and fabulous, no matter what you’re doing! So, I went for it. All in. And sharing on the internet. After the bikini earlier this year, I didn’t think I’d struggle with a simple crop top! I surely did. I’m also sure I annoyed a few friends while asking for opinions. Love y’all!
The Lakeshore Tank was the perfect starting point for this top. It was so dang cute on Virginia as a full tank earlier this year and I’ve wanted one since I made hers. to make it a crop, I initially cut it a few inches above the banded cut line. Really wanted to give myself wiggle room for whatever length I actually wanted. Then I finished everything except the hem and tried it on. I clipped a few places around the front and lived with it a little bit. Sent a few pics off to get opinions on where it should hit. Then shortened it even more. If I’m doing it, might as well do it big, right?! I freaking love the end result. It is so comfortable and will be ridiculously versatile in my closet!
Part of that comfort is the fabric. I used modal jersey for this one and it is freaking perfect. It is soft and flowy. Has amazing drape and doesn’t stick to itself like DBP. So it sits exactly where I want it to without adjustments. I went for the nice basic black, but will definitely be making more out of ALL THE COLORS!!! Then, as I get even more comfortable with crops, I can venture into the knub jersey and brushed poly fabrics!
Since it is November, I can’t just live in a tank, and a crop at that. Clearly need a cardi to go with that! I knew exactly the pattern and fabric I wanted for this! I wanted the drama of a long Eleanor! Knee length was perfect (maybe I’ll try duster next!) And the ribbed knit was exactly the sparkle I needed. The flow of this in the wind gets me every time. I often leave pockets off cardigans if the fabric is light or fiddly (I tend to forget and just throw my hands in them pretty roughly), but I think I’ll go back and add them on this one. The fabric can definitely handle it and I think they’ll bring this one up a notch from outstanding to PERFECT!!! The burgundy was exactly the right color to compliment these pants. Sly Fox just released mustard though, and I need that in my life.
Basically, I am completely in love with each piece this month. They come together with just a little drama and are quite versatile on their own. I’ve already worn each of them separately and together!! Be sure to check out all the gorgeous fabrics over at Sly Fox Fabrics and all the fantastic new releases and wonderful patterns from 5 Out of 4 Patterns (keep an eye here too, as I’m in a test right now that I can’t wait to share! Shhhhh!!!) And don’t forget to enter to win free pattern credit from 5oo4 right here!
Stephanie xx
PS – My neighborhood has kitties. Apparently years ago, before we moved in, some asshole decided they didn’t want the kitten they adopted, so they just put it outside. Of course it wasn’t spayed/neutered, so now there are kittens. Always. The neighborhood takes care of them, feeding, capturing to spay/neuter, making sure they’re safe and warm, etc. There are three black kitties from the same litter who all hang out, so we named them Tall, Grande, and Venti. This is Tall. She is super sweet and loving. If I didn’t have four cats already, and she really needs a home with her sister, Grande (their brother is much more independent, but still sweet!), she’d already have moved right in. She decided to photo bomb this entire shoot and be adorable. Don’t worry, she got pets and food. But, if anyone wants to add some really sweet kittens to their lives, let me know! <3
PPS – Spay and neuter your damn animals. Seriously. The health benefits are ridiculous and not adopting these cats breaks my heart.
