Is it freezing where you live? Well, it is where I am. I currently have a desperate cat curled up on my lap to keep warm, it's really a mutual agreement - we're both freezing animals.

So let me tell you about this bit of fantastic I'm twirling in today. I tested the Miriam Skirt from Reyna Lay Designs and it was an extra special test because it's Reyna's first pattern! Reyna boasts four years honors degree in Fashion Design, she also runs a successful podcast where she interviews pattern makers, bloggers, and other big names in sewing. Also, she sells her garments from Reyna Lay Designs for purchase if you don't sew! (But if you're here you probably sew, unless .... hi mom!) (I'm being hopeful, haha!)

(P.S. I traveled to the Amazon to take these photos, aka my parent's backyard with a crazy banana tree.)

The Miriam Skirt has several options, including a mini, 1 panel, 2 panels, 4 panels (what I sewed), as well as solid in tea length. All options are pleated and create a full stylized skirt that is perffffff for twirling. (I'm secretly still 7, btw.) The waistband is intentionally thin so you can pair it with a cute crop top (if you don't live in Antarctica Tennessee) but it's cooled off here, so I chose a midriff covering shirt... I really needed a parka. Legit - it's like 53 degrees.

The main fabric is from Joann's, it's a "linen-like" material that I had originally purchased for a dress without realizing how heavy it was. Turned out it was perfect for this skirt as it held the pleats. Plus it looks like a flower galaxy, win! The sheer is just a chiffon from Hobby Lobby, nothing fancy. I thought the weight contrast would make the skirt hang funny but the weight of the bottom strip holds everything in place nicely.

And here is ... this. I guess I was dropping the skirt. I don't know. Looks like I'm saying Psss'shaw... which is something I vaguely recall emo kids saying around high school age.

The actual pattern instructions were pretty straight forward. This is my second skirt ever and first pleats ever. 

-Reyna has a video tutorial to go along with the pattern when you purchase it that assists in the pleats if it's your first time. 

-The pattern also has a "layers option" to just print your size as well as cutting charts if you don't want to print out all the squares and just measure instead. 

-You can print a 4 page pleat chart and just measure the rest! Easy peesy! I chose to print all the pages cause my cutting mat isn't very big and I'm not very accurate with scissors (I use a rotary blade). 

-I sewed up a size 4 according to my measurements on the measuring chart and it fits fantastic! I would say this is my most favorite part of this skirt, sure you can find other pleated skirt patterns, but I don't really want to mess with all the extra ease and slimming it down.

-The instructions are all drawings, not pictures, which makes it a littler easier to see what's going on sometimes. ^^

When I attached the waistband and began to pick the basting stitches, I suppose I picked some of the actual stitches and trimmed too close ... so my skirt is detaching in some areas. (Silly mistakes!) So parts of my skirt/waistband area has a line of zigzag stitches holding them together. Yikes!

I only included this picture because I think humidity makes a cute lions main. <3

Can I include some real talk here, tell me if anyone can relate. When I signed up to test I chose the "mini" as my preferred and check yes that I would do the longer length if my first option was taken. So, long story short, I was picked for the paneled midi instead. At first I was a little disappointed and kept thinking, "ahhh, something I'll never wear!" Then I remembered, testing is to help the designer make an awesome product, not necessarily to get a perfect garment. So I sewed it up and GUESS WHAT? I LOVE IT! If I had been first and gotten the mini, well great, but I would never have made this skirt that makes me feel so elegant and fabulous. Lesson learned, sometimes it great to try something that may not be your "go to." Plus it pairs perfectly with this top. :) Take me on a fancy date, please. 

Reyna was very easy to work with really responsive to all of the testers feedback - I am so excited to see what she does with this new facet of the RLD brand. I think Reyna's first pattern the Miriam Skirt is a total success, it's simple, classic design that has definitely come back into style.

If you sign up for Reyna's newsletter, you get a 10% coupon on your purchase - plus awesome updates when she posts a new podcast!

I had so much fun with the first I did a second, less successful twirling shot. There will be more folks, never enough spinning. :)

Details 

Fabric - Joann's Linen Rayon $10ish/yard for 2 yards = $20

Purple Chiffon $3.00 for 1/2/yard = $1.5

Notions -  Invisible Zipper - 2.99

Thread - $.50

Interfacing - $.50
Approximate Cost: $25.49 (that is super high... I really don't think the fabric was that much, but I bought it months ago and that's what it is now.)

P.S. I really do realize I included 8 pictures (11 if you include each of the spinning shots) of the same thing. I really need to take some detail shots lol. Where is the sewing?! This isn't a look at my face blog, Jesus. But thank you to my favorite sister for being my photographer today. :)

The days are slipping away! Summer is over and I haven't been swimming ONE TIME. I feel like I can't breathe. /anxiety attack. We're on the verge of a huge move. Huge. Like cross country huge. Just so much everything! The feels. 

Ok. I got to this point because I was going to explain why my pictures are so dark. I have always come home from work and snapped a few pics for the blog if I wasn't able to do it on the weekend, but now I'm getting home and the light is like this. : / 

Bye Summer, you were hot in your prime but your really becoming cold, dark, and bitter; I'll be honest, it's just not attractive.  

So - on to the reason you're here. The sewing, the pattern, the goods. :) This is my latest test and from a new-to-me designer Wardrobe By Me. Behind the brand is a Denmark born gal Christina Albeck who boasts more than 20 years pattern drafting experience for Denmark clothing lines. Christina is a complete gem to work with (I can say that since I'm southern right?) Anywho darlins', she's wonderful.

P.S. I shamefully had to google where Denmark was. Way to make me feel like a dumb American "United States-ian," me! It's above Germany, but I know you already knew that. If map drafting were up to me, we'd probably all die.

Christina came out with this little stunner, a skin tight skinny skirt. Lemme tell ya, they call these wiggle skirts for a reason! Slow down long stride, you ain't gettin' nowhere. 

The skirt features paneled sides, a side leg slit and an invisible zipper. 

^This picture^ is for science (sewing) purpose, because this looks seriously weird. I promise my butt doesn't always look like this, this is just awk and long and lumpy. 

 

That thread is driving me nuts^ Let's pretend we don't see it. ;)

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Something I want to mention as someone who is still newer to sewing - these are not beginner patterns. Christina said that she writes the patterns that treat sewers like they know what their doing. There is no hand holding and I struggled with a few parts but I was able to persevere and complete the skirt. :) (Honestly, it wasn't that hard, but a few things were confusing to me that I think someone with slightly more experience wouldn't have thought twice about) I think this is actually a huge selling point for her patterns. So many people write patterns that "teach sewing" and I've heard people complain that it's gets boring and they'd just like some instructions that are for people who know how to sew. THESE PATTERNS ARE FOR YOU! If you're a confident intermediate sewer, I think you'll be fine with them as well. :) 

I made a size 4 graded to 6 in the hip area and it fits! Next time I believe I will use a fabric with more than 3% Lycra for some additional stretch which I also believe will help eliminate some of the drag-lines. Some of the testers used Ponte knit and their skirts look great and comfy! (Hello work skirt!) So I'll probably try that next time, too. (I sit at work and cannot have a waistband in my stomach for 8.5 hours so a knit skirt would be amaze.) 

Check out Christina's other patterns on Etsy here - Wardrobe by Me.  I think she has some unique designs that I'm excited to try like the Akinori dress. I have her new Mikki Dress and can't wait to make it. It will be a stunner for work. Maybe I can't stop violating dress code with my scandalous 2.1" above the knee dresses.

Details

Black fabric from Joann's - Sateen with 3% lycra. $4.99 with 50% coupon for 3/4 yard = $3.75

Floral bottomweight from Joann's - 3% lycra. On clearance for $1.50/yard for 1.5 yards = $3.75 (I only used less than .75/yard.)

Notions - Thread $.50, zipper $2.99, interfacing $.50

Total estimated cost = $11.49  

I tested this pattern and was given the final draft of the pattern for free as well as a pattern of choice from Wardrobe By Me. (I chose the Mikki Dress!) However all opinions still remain my own. Can't buy me ;) Well.... maybe for enough fabric... but still probably not. ;)

*Do you like the use of my Oxford Comma? If you know what that is and you share the same opinion on said comma, we are friends.*

Don't ask me why I look like I want to murder someone. Maybe it's because this shirt turned out shitty? I'm not sure. Don't judge. That's just my face.

P.S. Those are not pickles on my shirt. Just sayin'. Not pickles.

As a rule, I like tighter fitting clothing but I loved the flowy-ness of the Free Spirit Tank from P4P though, for some unknown reason I decided that I wanted it to be flowy but not too flowy... so I removed the very feature of the shirt that it's based on... because - that's normal.

I mashed it up with the Nettie Body Suit from Closet Case Files (Which is known for being ... a bodysuit ... so tight. haha). I used the Nettie neckline, and tapered from the size 10 Nettie to the handkerchief hem of the FST. And... this is the result. HA! HA! 

Now that I'm done making fun of myself, I can say that I DO love the neckline. I chose to turn under and hem rather than put on neck and arm bands. I like the result, though it has made the neckline a little wide so the straps are prone to slip off my shoulders.

This pics were taken pre-haircut with crazy hair. I would say "crazy hair; don't care" but I'm mentioning it so obviously I do care a little. #Insecurities! ;)

This knit hangs a little funk. It's really soft, but it's Hobby Lobby knit. (Basically this means I don't expect much) I like the style of the hem and maybe next time I'll try to not hussy up my clothes and have a flowy tank like a normal human. And I suppose I'll continue to blog my "not so successful makes" - maybe I'll look back and be like, "dayum... I've gotten so much better!" In a few years.

All in all I do still wear this shirt and it looks cute with a pair of skinnies and a cardigan for work but next time I'll leave the pattern mashing to the pros D: 

P.S. Why isn't Flowy a word? It's not spelled flowey either... flowie. None. Flowing. Sure English - make watery a word but not flowy. You totally make sense.

Details
Not pickle fabric from Hobby Lobby - $6.49/yard for 1 yard = $6.49
Notions: Thread $.50
Total $6.99 for a new top. :D 

This Post Contains Affiliate Links

So It's not really a secret that I'm a Greenstyle Creations fan. If it is, well, secret's out! ;) When Angelyn started a new test for *new and fancy* workout leggings, I was thrilled to test them! This pattern is called the Stride Tights and they are my favorite thus far... let me tell you why.

The Stride Tights offer a TON of options. You can choose from full length, cropped, capri, or shorts. There is an optional crisscross cuff, waistband pocket, full diamond gusset, side pockets, and a killer design feature - the contrast piece connects in the back! It's very flattering and takes these tights from handmade into RTW clothing. 

As always, the testing experience was amazing - Angelyn takes tester feedback seriously. (and I'm never going to quit mentioning that so sorry, you'll read it every time. I think it is super important and not all designers do this!) I sewed a straight size small by following the size chart and they fit perfect. 

*Hello World. I have a confession*

This is what I want people to think I'm like ^^

But this is what I'm really like, haha vv

(The amount of photos I edit out is ... ridiculous.)

Take note of that side pocket! For this pair I chose capri length with a side pocket on each leg. It's much deeper than my ID, but I wanted to show that there was an opening there. It would be perfect for your debit card, ID, and some spare cash or a key. (maybe even an Ipod... Do those exist anymore? Ack! I'm getting old quick.)

This is the optional waistband pocket that can be put at the front or back of the tights and is perfect for holding your key safely. (I would show you a detail shot of the gusset because it is a full *awesome* diamond that stretches even in the splits - but I didn't want to cross the line into "Awkard crotch shots.") (because there is definitely a thing of "not-at-all-awkward crotch-shots.")

If you read my previous post on the Inspire Tights, you might remember that I had trouble putting in the waist band pocket... Well, history had to repeat itself and *this* was the SINGLE part I had to unpick and redo. (Read Kyema, READ!) But I asked Angelyn for some more pictures to aid in the directions and you'll never guess what she did... Oh... maybe you will. Yep, you're right. She added more pictures! YAY! Now it's pretty straightforward, even for me! 

Really, I'm just trying to be consistent. You know, ... bad at pockets the first time, just stay bad at sewing pockets. Consistency is a quality I hold dear to my heart.

The second pair a sewed is out of this world! (Insert eye-roll). I purchased this fabric from the TheFabricFairy.com and I'm only telling you that because the shipping BLEW MY MIND it arrived so fast. I am a forever fan. Plus she offers some gorgeous swim materials! 

This pair I chose capri length, too but with the more advanced optional crisscross bands at the bottom. These weren't hard, so don't be intimidated! If anything, just slightly time consuming to make the little straps - but totally worth it, don't you think? 

I also put one pocket on the right leg but the other is without. If I offer myself too many pockets I start pack-muleing... Lotion, M&M's, extra deodorant... It just gets real messy, real quick.

And here is my derriere, because you definitely needed to see this. But really, see how the side panels curve around and meet in the back? Does't that look awesome?! It's very flattering on all the versions I've seen - I'm not simply complementing myself. Haha. (The pattern placement on the right cheek just cracks me up, but totally unplanned. Just glad they don't match!)

So here I am using these tights to their full ability... Sitting. Isn't that the best way to model active wear? Me and my railing think so. 

Nick said I "look creepy" when I make eye contact with the camera.... So here ya go. Less creepy? I don't know. Help me with these things, I sew, I don't model. 

P.S. Why is my shoulder always so creepy? It never looks that large IRL... and don't mind my double jointed elbows... they always look scary. (I know, I know. Quit pointing that stuff out, right? You probably never would have notice how it rolls all the way around to the front... sometimes it's gag worthy but it's mild here. I'm done!)

The Stride Tights from Greenstyle are my new favorite piece of work out gear. I hope Angelyn never stops making new active wear because I love sewing it! These two testing processes have taught me so much and I'm really thankful that I was picked. Had I not been picked I feel that it would be many months/years before I attempted a pattern like this. I would have thought "that is above my skill level." If YOU are feeling that way. Don't. I'm not telling you how to feel or anything. But DON'T Feel that way. ;) The directions are so clear, I am so confident that you can do it, too! Don't wait to jump into active wear sewing, it's really rewarding and it definitely inspires me to do yoga or go to the gym - it's a super confident feeling knowing you made it and it looks like you bought it. Win. I just want to sing Stride Tights praise to who ever will listen. They are awesome! <3

Details

Fabric for Purple pair was provided by Angelyn for testing purposes. The peacock fabric is nylon/Lycra from Ebay. The purple is an unknown mesh.

Fabric for the Galaxy Stride Tights: Both fabrics are nylon/Lycra (swimsuit fabric). Galaxy $11.49/yard for 1/yard plus Black $8.99/yard for 1/yard =  $20.48 plus $5 shipping. Fabric = $25.48

Notions: Thread $1.00, Clear Elastic $1.00

Total Estimated Cost: $27.48/2 pairs of Stride Tights =  $13.74. (About $19 each had I bought the material for the peacock pair, too.)

I was provided fabric for my first pair of tights and the final draft of the pattern free of charge from Angelyn of Greenstyle Creations but all opinions are my own. Sans fabric or free pattern, I still think these tights are damn awesome and you should probably add them to your workout collection, you will be happy and you will be lookin' fine. That is all.

Woot! My first participation in a sewing party! The gorgeous and classy Tilly from Tilly and the Buttons hosted a pattern party today for her two newest releases; the delicate Fifi pajamas and the cool and casual Bettine dress. I only purchased the Fifi... while the Bettine dress is cute on others, the elasticized waist isn't really my jam. While amazingly comfortable, it just never looks flattering on me.

I ended up getting the PDF because the overseas shipping was almost as much as the pattern. :C I had the sads, so I decided to print and make my pattern into a normal "book." Take a look. Now my pattern is as cute as my cami! Ok, onto the sewing...

Because it IS a party after all, I had to create hashtag bunting. I mean, c'mon. Bunting. I can't even handle how cute it is. #SewingFifi :)

The construction of Fifi was pretty straight forward. Most of the camisole is cut on the bias to give a nice, fluid drape. The back of the camisole is cut in three pieces to give subtle shaping. (Accentuate dem curves, girl.) and every damn seam is French and I loveee it! Feelin' Fancy. There isn't a single exposed seam on my jamjams. I could practically wear them inside out... if I were into that kind of thing.

I knew it before I started, but the bra cups are too big for my Fifis. 

(Yes, Tilly kept posting, "I love seeing all your Fifis...and that's not a euphemism." So I decided that Fifi is my new favorite euphemism.) 

They create this crazy tent like area over my chest that makes me akin to an 11 year old boy. I'm actually wearing a strapless bra to spare you. ;) For my next one, I'll definitely be doing an SBA. Tilly did a tutorial on it specifically for this pattern, which is awesome! Plus, it will be my first SBA. (Wish me luck!)

I really wasn't sure of the silhouette for the chest area on me, but the pattern looked so cute on the model that I did an impulse purchase and I'm glad I did because I feel really very adorable in these pajamas. (And it's a matching set ... ya know, who am I? The queen of England? You should see what I normally sleep in. *FeelingSpoiled*)

The fabric I chose is Art Gallery Voile. It met every bit of hype that I've heard, it's soft, drapey, vibrant, and easy to sew with. I need moar. The pink is some rayon yardage that I picked up at Goodwill for like a buck. Probably the next Fifi set I make will be out of the pink. :P

I purchased little rosettes to sew to the front of the camisole. I'll tell you, THIS really made it feel like it was a purchased garment. One. Simple. Rose. 

The devil fakin' amazing is in the details. (That is the saying, right?)

I added one more simple rose to the front of the shorts to quickly tell front from back... mostly because ...Knickers y'all...

Basically it's my goal to be as adorable as possible at all times - so Fifi is really helping me. How can you not feel awesome lounging or sleeping in matching, fancy-ass night clothes? Isn't this something only the rich people enjoy, along with such luxuries as pillows, toilet paper, and shoes without holes?

You bettah prepare yourselves because I'm whipping all my Fifis out. This blog is going to be covered in Fifis. 

Oh. P.S. new hair.

Details:

Fabric: Art Gallery Voile $10/yard for 2 yards =$20 +shipping. I used about a yard and half. 

Notions: Thread $.50 - Roses $.50

Total estimated cost:  $15.50