5 out of 4 Resolution Tank

5 out of 4 has so many great patterns that I have never tried. One of those is the Resolution Bra and Tank. Looking at the listing, it really didn't grab my attention. Then I noticed the line drawing for the contrast option and it looked  like my kind of tank.

It's hard to see with this fabric, but I did the contrast option. The contrast option has a wider back piece that wraps around to the front. I only had a remnant of this confetti supplex from Zenith & Quasar, but I was able to get the tank out of it using the front cross grain and love the subtle contrast it gives.

I am not a fan of sports bras, so couldn't convince myself to make one. So ignore my ugly grey sports bra underneath.

But seeing the grey sports bra underneath really tells me I do need to make a few cute sports bras. sigh

I paired my Resolution Tank with the Zen pants I made a few years ago. These are made with a teal supplex from Zenith & Quasar.

I really love the Zen pants. They make a great casual outfit with the resolution tank.

Plus - they have pockets!

All patterns at 5 out of 4 are on sale for Labor Day weekend and are 30% off! Sale ends Monday, September 2nd!

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Greenstyle Creations No Show Briefs

I recently tested the No Show Briefs for Greenstyle Creations. I debated on whether or not I should post my photos on my blog or not. I decided to cast my fears aside and just do it!

I held off taking photos of me in the No Show Briefs for a while now. I started going to physical therapy and going for acupuncture treatments to help with the hip pain I have from severe bursitis caused by my rheumatoid arthritis. Don't feel sorry for me - it's not that bad. It hurts the most when I'm lying down trying to sleep. I could take pain pills, but I hate taking medicine. But my legs are bruised up.

This pair of No Show Briefs is my favorite. I used YSS from Zenith & Quasar and they are the most comfortable! There are several YSS prints on sale for 50% off right now.

I made this pair of No Show Briefs with Tactel from Zenith & Quasar and love these, but this pair was an earlier test and my butt wants to eat them.

At physical therapy, I get a lot of manipulative therapy. I'm told that the rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation and Sjogren's causes a shortening of my muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The combination of the two results in bursitis which is inflammation of the bursae which are fluid filled sacs which cushion all those parts & pieces.

This pair of No Show Briefs is made with mesh from Zenith & Quasar. I've worn these a lot as this pair is super comfortable and feels so cool on. This mesh is on sale for $5 a yard!

So all that PT causes bruises all up and down my leg. When I go to acupuncture, they do cupping on my hips. Cupping is a round glass that they put a flame in then quickly put it against my skin. The heat causes a suction that draws my skin into the cup. It's left there for 30 minute. It feels so good, but it leaves me with round marks that often leave a bruise.

The No Show Briefs pattern is on sale for $5!  It has options for different rises, full  coverage or cheeky bum, optional waistband, and has an optional full belly adjustment in the pattern. This pattern also include the new extended sizing. These go together really quick and are a satisfying sew.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Bella Sunshine Designs Emmaline Dress

Bella Sunshine Designs is having a Back to School Sale. Each week two different patterns are on sale. This week the Emmaline and Clementine are on sale for $7 each. I've been on a maxi dress kick and decided to make the Emmaline for fall.

The pink fabric I used is a Cupro from Sly Fox Fabrics. The print is a rayon spandex from Super Textiles, and the brown is a rayon spandex and I probably got it at the fabric district in Dallas as well.

This was my first time using Cupro and I loved it! It is so soft, has great drape, and just 2 way stretch. I hope that Sly Fox Fabrics decides to stock more colors.

 I am not going to lie to you. The Emmaline dress takes a boat load of fabric! I used 2 yards for the bodice, sleeves, and top section of the skirt. Printed section took an entire yard, and the bottom section takes 2 yards! 

The pattern does have a sleeveless option, and multiple skirt options. There is a knee length skirt with the color blocking, and you can also make it with a plain solid skirt. But this color blocking is so fun!

 What's really fun - is twirling around in a dress this full. I took so many photos twirling, but look like a bit silly in most as I'm making the weirdest faces while I twirl.

Before I cut into the lovely Cupro Sly Fox Fabrics sent me to promote, I did a trial run in some other fabric. I am so glad that I did! I screwed up and took too much length out of the pattern and made my skirt midi length. Yikes!

This is not the length I was going for, but you better believe I'll still wear it. 

 I used a mustard cotton lycra from Made Whimsy, the print is one of my designs from Spoonflower on Modern Jersey, and the brown is a poly jersey from the Dallas fabric district.

I plan to wear this dress with some knee high boots this fall. I put my boots away for the summer or I would have worn them for photos. 

 And here is one more photo of me twirling.

The Emmaline is on sale through August 29th.


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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Ellie & Mac To the Point Tunic & Dress

It's Wacky Wednesday at Ellie & Mac! This week I'm sharing the To the Point Tunic & Dress.

I've made this pattern only one time before and have intended to make another. The first one I made was a tad too tight across my belly, so I graded out one size for this To the Point Tunic.

Last time I really thought there was going to be enough ease that I wouldn't need to grade for my waist or hips. I was wrong. It wasn't a horrible fit on me, but I felt self conscious in it.

This one has the perfect amount of ease and I'm ready to make another!

I paired my To the Point Tunic with a pair of Greenstyle Creations Everyday Yoga Pants that I made with a reverse french terry  distressed knit.

Wacky Wednesday patterns are on sale for only $1 though midnight on August 28th. Find all the Wacky Wednesday patterns on sale HERE.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Ellie & Mas Tres Belle Dress

I recently shared my Ellie & Mac South Shore Romper. I love it and now I've tried the dress version - the Tres Belle Wrap Tunic & Dress. The Tres Belle has three skirt options. The bodice is slightly different in length than the bodice for the South Shore Romper.

For some reason the Tres Belle Bodice seems to give a lower v at the crossover than what I had with the South Shore Romper. I will likely wear a cami under this Tres Belle Dress.

I used a gorgeous Knub Jersey from Sly Fox Fabrics. It is a poly linen blend - 85% polyester, 15% linen. It is a lightweight and ended up being too light for this dress. I am wearing a black skirt under this dress and a nude colored bra. I took photos initially with a hot pink bra and it was clearly visible through the knit.

This fabric is fairly soft. I've purchased linen blend knits before that were scratchy and took several washes to get them to soften up. This starts out soft and I anticipate it will get even softer as I was it.

I used the gathered maxi skirt for my Tres Belle Dress. I also added pockets - because pockets make everything better.

Since this Knub Jersey ended up being a little too light for this dress, I am debating something. Do I make myself a slip to wear under it or do I cut it to be a tunic length and wear it with leggings?

The Knub Jersey I used is the Charcoal color. It is also available in a gorgeous Deep Red. Even though it is too light for a dress, it is perfect for tops.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Ellie & Mac South Shore Romper

I have made an item I never thought I would make - a Romper. I always hated the idea of getting nearly naked to go pee when wearing a romper. Then Ellie & Mac had to go and release the South Shore Romper. Every single tester looked great in it. Then House of Curves did a month of rompers. The only romper that I loved on each curvy blogger was the South Shore Romper. Everyone looked amazing in it. I have to say, they convinced me. And I think I look pretty good in it too!

One other thing that had kept me from sewing a Romper was my belly. I have a medical condition that often makes my stomach swell and I look like I'm about 5 months pregnant. I worried a romper would accentuate that and the last thing I want is people asking me when I'm due. I think the wide legs that gather at the waist along with the wrap style top really help minimize the belly and bring attention up to your face.

The crossover wrap top covers great with no fear of being exposed. I really thought I would need to wear a tank under it to keep from showing too much of my chest. I did originally think about wearing a tank just so I wouldn't feel so bare when I did go to the bathroom. But it's summer in Texas and I like to avoid extra layers if at all possible.

The one thing I had issues with when sewing the South Shore Romper was adding elastic to the waist seam. I could not get it to look decent. I seam ripped once and retried with different elastic. I then cut it off and redid it without elastic. Didn't like it without elastic. Cut it off again and redid it yet again with elastic. Still wasn't crazy about it, but figured it would be covered by my sash and finished it.

I am 5' tall and did make a few adjustments. I had to remove 2” from the length of the bodice so that it would end at my natural waist. I then measured my crotch from my natural waist in front to my natural waist in the back. I found that I needed to add 1” to the front and back rises to ensure I had enough room to prevent the crotch seam to ride up uncomfortably - I probably lost most of that inch redoing that waist seam so many times. I also shortened the legs by 2” then took another 2 inches off before I hemmed them.

I really love my South Shore Romper and have plans to make another. I'm thinking I will add a waist band to my next one and widen the legs to give a fuller look like a maxi dress. I think adding elastic into a waistband will work out a lot better for me. I'm severely allergic to latex and cant have it touching my skin. I will have to be certain to wear high waisted underwear or a long tank under this to keep the elastic away from my skin.

If you have been hesitant to try a romper, I would suggest giving the South Shore Romper a try. I think you will be as pleasantly surprised as I was. All patterns are on sale for 50% off for the month of August. No code needed.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Greenstyle Creations Cross Back Top

I love trying new to me patterns from Greenstyle Creations. I just tried the Cross Back Top and love it! Plus it looks really great with my Chelsea Pants I wore for these photos.

Let's get to the fun part - this crossover back. It adds an interesting detail without showing a lot of skin. 

This pattern is one of the older Greenstyle Patterns and doesn't have as great of instructions as most of them do. The drafting also doesn't seem to be on par with the newer patterns.

This pattern is drafted for wovens and knits. I feel like the "knit" option was added later on and that the pattern was specifically drafted for wovens. 

The shoulder width was the same for all sizes and my measured size neckline was way too big for my frame. I used the smallest drafted neckline and merged it with the armholes for my measured bust size. I then graded from the armholes down to my measured hip size.

This gave me the fit  I felt like I needed. I hemmed my top and finished the armholes and neckline with a binding. The pattern also has an option to finish with a facing.

The Chelsea Pants are some of my favorite pants to wear. I wear this pair made with a knit jeggings all the time. I also have a pair in black supplex, and a pair in black ponte de roma that has silver dots, and a few other pairs that I made during testing.

Greenstyle Creations is having a Labor Day Sale. Buy 4 yards of fabric and get 1 pattern free, buy 8 yards of fabric and get 2 patterns free. Use the code LDFree19. Or get a flat 15% off any pattern using the code LD1519. Only one code can be used per order.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Greenstyle Creations Fabrics

Have you heard the news? Greenstyle Creations now sells fabric that is perfect for their patterns. Angelyn, the designer, sent me a box of the new offerings to try out. My sweet friend Sharon (Sweet Mama Life), also sent me home with several fabrics when I visited her recently. I finally finished sewing it all up and plan to give it all a test in the gym.

I love green - it's my favorite color. I received this Jade Tricot and loved the color. Angelyn sent me a few fabrics that I probably would have never considered buying. One of those being this Powerflex Highlighter Explosion.

It is so loud and bright! Now I know some of you are thinking - Aimee, you love loud & bright prints. Yes I do, but this is a bit on the pastel side and just not something I would have been drawn to.

That said - I absolutely love this base! It feels so good on. And I have to say this print looks great as leggings to work out in.

I made the Express Tank and Stride Leggings. The Express Tank lives up to its name. You can make one from printing to wearing in 10 minutes - probably less. You only need to sew the shoulder seams - hemming is completely optional when using a knit like this.

I used the Jade Tricot for my Express Tank. Which you might be wondering - what is Tricot. Tricot is just a fancy name for a swim knit. Swim knits are great for so many things other than swimsuits. Giving it a name like Tricot helps people see past swim and consider using the fabric for other uses.

Angelyn also sent me this Blue Grey Abstract print. It is on a Yoga Flex base. If you are familiar with Zenith & Quasar YSS - this is very similar.

I love this base and again - not a print I would typically pick. Only because it has pink and has a camo feel. And again - I think it looks great for workout leggings.

I needed a tank to match my new leggings, so I grabbed the silver light ABP from Zenith & Quasar to whip up another Express Tank. Don't look too close - I put the Express Tank on inside out!

I did a reverse coverstitch on my Strides with Navy thread and love how it looks!

Sharon gave me this Pink Vibrations print on the Dritex base. I personally am not a fan of this base. I love the print, but this base feels so tight and compressive on.

This base also shows a bit of white when stretched as evidenced by my behind. I am still committed to wear these for a workout. I might have to put them in timeout though until I lose a bit of weight.

I did reverse coverstitch on this pair of strides as well and used a bright pink.

I love that the Jade Tricot Express Tank matches this print too.

I also got a few different colors and types of supplex. Since I already have a few pairs of supplex leggings, I decided to make a Lille Tank and the Chelsea Pants with the red and black deluxe supplex.

My Chelsea Pants can out a tiny bit too long. Since we are heading into fall, I think I'll leave the extra length since I'll probably wear these with boots and shoes with a thicker sole. My flip flops are pretty flat and not something I'd typically wear with them.

I love the Lille Tank. I can wear it to work out in, and it also looks great under a jacket or cardigan to wear to work. I might actually wear this outfit to work with a denim blazer thrown on top - and wear some boots.

This red color was so hard to capture. The red sensor on my camera was blown out from it's brightness in these photos. It took some photoshop magic to calm it down.

I love the Everyday Yoga Pants! I have already made probably a dozen pairs and am sure to make a dozen more. I couldn't resist making a pair with this bold blue deluxe supplex.

These look so good with my Lille Tank I made last month.

I love this bold blue color and will be wearing these Everyday Yoga Pants a lot.

Be sure to check out the new fabrics at Greenstyle Creations!

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.