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!

Fabric was sponsored by Surge Fabric Shop and the pattern is a freebie from Mimi G Style! All sewing efforts and buttons were provided by myself. ;) 

Summer is scared of the PNW. It was 85 three weeks ago and now it's in the 50's. Make up your mind, Washington. I want to wear summer dresses. 

My first summer dress of the season came to fruition this week in the form of the new Jessica Dress pattern from Mimi G Style. Can you even believe this dress is FREE? Here's a link to the dress. You will have to sign up for the Mimi G Style mailing letter and you'll get the pattern in your inbox shortly afterwards. Be fast though, the link expires just 24 hours after you receive it!

If you're not a member already, the Surge Fabric Shop Facebook group features a new free pattern each Friday! It's a really fun way to showcase all the awesome free designs you can find and see them sewn as well as have someone who's made it make.

I sewed the free pattern this week and used some new rayon challis from the Surge Fabric shop. Kayla just got 10 new wovens into the shop and they're lovely. You can find them here. 

As for the pattern itself, it was pretty straight forward. I will say that Mimi G Style patterns don't have the typical "hand holding" instructions that a lot of PDF designers have. However, there is a video to accompany the pattern which is great for beginners and more visual learners. I confess, I just followed the instructions per usual so I could stream Survivor... #guiltypleasures

The bodice has a facing instead of a lining. It works well, keeps the entire dress really light. 

Two things. 

One: Make a muslin. This dress does NOT have a lot of ease. My measurements are 34" 27" and 36" and I sewed the straight size small. I could have blended the small at the waist and the XS at the chest, but with it being a paneled top I didn't want to take the edges in on the wrong panel. Now I see I could have just done the side seams. This is why you make a muslin. The waist in size small is designed for 28" and it still fits me snug. I am swimming in the 36" size small bust, though. Make. A. Muslin. It's worth it. 

Two: My buttons are 3/4" but you should choose smaller buttons than I did. The button panel hardly accommodated my buttons on the skirt portion. You should definitely choose 1/2" or smaller buttons if you want the dress to be perfect.

I tried really hard to channel my inner Mimi G, however I still look like I belong at a picnic in the park. LOL Mimi's "Jessica" makes her look fierce and high fashion. One day I'll get there. :*D

Check out Surge Fabric Shop for their new woven collection!

Join the Surge Facebook Group to see new releases and a new free pattern featured every Friday!

Follow this link to get your own copy of the Jessica dress for free!