Happy Friday, Friends! It's not my Friday, it's my Wednesday but I'm happy for those of you who get to experience the weekend! :)

I whipped up some Ninja Pants from 5 Out of 4 Patterns this week because frankly, I'm growing out of all of my "skinnies." I mean, they "fit" but that pressure on the little growing lemon is just too much. She's 10" now and growing like crazy. The new addition doesn't leave much for me to wear, unfortunately. 

This amazing black fabric is circular knit from Surge Fabric Shop and these Ninja Pants are for the weekly "Free Pattern Friday!" We all know of a few free leggings patterns, but this was one I haven't heard a lot about so I decided to give them a shot. Let's take a peek at the pattern and fit.

This Pattern comes with several great options.

#1 on my list was a super low rise for maternity wear. It's so great to not have anything putting pressure on my lower stomach. 

-Sizes XXS-5XL

-Layered pages

-No side seams

-Seven inseam lengths

-Four rise options

-Full gusset

Even though this pattern is free with a code in the 5 out of 4 Patterns group, there was no skimping on quality! I own other 5oo4 patterns and this one is identical in the drafting, sizing, and quality. 

I did feel that there could have been more markings on this pattern of where to align things, waistband notches, etc. but over all it was super easy to construct. It's 3 pattern pieces, legs, waistband, and gusset. They also fit very snug and comfy just as you'd hope leggings would! :)

The fabric I used is an absolute dream! I grabbed the Matte Circular Knit from Surge Fabric Shop and it's so nice! I love Kayla's selection of athletic fabric. This is cozy and fits tighter than a DBP or CL would in these leggings. If you haven't tried circular knit, please do! It's a great fabric to use.

 

Make sure to join the 5 Out of 4 Pattern group on Facebook for the exclusive code to get this versatile leggings pattern for free! 

Pro Tip: Sign up for the 5 out of 4 Patterns newsletter for an awesome discount code, too!

Check out Surge Fabric Shop for amazing athletic fabrics at great prices and follow along in the Surge Facebook Group for a new Free Pattern Friday featured each week!

Hello August! My tomatoes are growing nicely in the garden, the cherry variation are plenty and I can see one red one outside right now! The heirloom are growing big too, but not any hint of red yet. Unfortunately, the gigantic orange jungle slugs got our peppers, but it's the first year with any plants, so we're still learning. 

Two more non-sewing related updates, one, I'm over 4 months pregnant! We should meet our sweet little lemon early next year. Two, I dropped my beloved camera of 12 years. It made a great excuse to get a new one and I picked up a new Nifty Fifty lens to go with it. It is true love. So you can look forward to seeing more pictures on the blog!

Onto the sewing! This is probably my favorite thing I have ever made. I seriously love this dress. I wore it to Seattle with friend the yesterday and received SO MANY COMPLIMENTS from absolute strangers. I wanted to shout, "I made it!" to everyone, however, as to not embarrass my friends, I just kept it cool and breathily said "hhaaaaa, thankssss." I am as awkward as I possibly can be most of the time.   

This is the famous Miss Ruby Tuesday from 1 Puddle Lane. I have owned this patter for over two years and this is the first time I've made it. It is not the first time I've printed and taped the pattern though. I procrastinate and then I lose pieces. I actually sewed it because I need maternity clothing. It doesn't look like it, but my belly is starting to poke out and I don't have clothing to fit the impending bump. MRT to the rescue! (So far, we'll see how it fits in a few months.)

I fit squarely into the size XS and I sewed it with no modifications. I do own both add on packs for the MRT (Bodice and Skirt). This dress is add on bodice "D" and the original circle skirt. I think for the next one I'll chose the skirt with the side seam pockets. I miss pockets for my phone. This is the circle skirt with one center back seam instead of the side seams. 

By this point you're probably screaming at your screen saying "WHERE DID YOU GET THAT LOVELY FABRIC?!" It's the ever trendy double brushed poly and I got it at So Sew English. That store has such a cult following and I can kind of see why. They stock very cute prints! I actually believe they're stocking more lemon fabric today! 8.2.18 but don't quote me. I think I saw an announcement on Facebook.

The whole dress would have come together (cutting fabric to hemming) in about two quick hours but I was fighting a migraine and I COULD NOT figure out the pleats. Honest, it took me and hour and forty minutes just to do 6 pleats. It was terrible. I have no idea why I struggle so much with the direction of pleats, but it was a puzzle I just couldn't crack.

FYI, this pattern and it's additions looks super expensive, but it's so affordable if you realize how well drafted the pattern is and how many options are included! I wouldn't say it's 100% beginner friendly, she does assume some sewing knowledge but overall they directions are good and the pattern fits beautifully.

Details:

Pattern: Miss Ruby Tuesday by 1 Puddle Lane

Bodice D with cap sleeves and original circle skirt with center back seam 

Size: XS

Fabric: Double brushed poly from So Sew English Fabrics

Photo cred to my amazing firecracker best friend, Katherine Davis.