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New Year, New Me…..yeah right!

It is probably cliche that I launch this year’s blog posts with a workout clothing make! Honestly, I made these last year if that helps! In 2020 I started a weight loss journey which resulted in me losing 46 pounds and meeting my weight goal. People love to tell me how I did not need to lose weight but they also don’t take into consideration how I feel more healthy and full of energy. Also because I am tall and know how to dress to hide a few pounds most don’t realize how much I can weigh and still look thin.

I also got back into working out. I worked out mostly with an app called Sweat by Kayla Itsines. I am hooked on their Fierce workout by Chontel Duncan but there are a ton of other workouts. During the pandemic, all the gym workouts were converted to home workouts. But don’t worry they are still just as effective. If you are interested in checking it out here is my referral link.

Ok on to what brought you here…. the clothes.


Workout clothes…good workout clothes are very important and for me at 6′ it becomes difficult to find some that fit me. Also, I like more support for a sports bra and those usually are not the prettiest sports bras. For a long time, I work old workout clothes but something about working out in something cute is motivational.


These two pieces are from Greenstyle Creations Patterns and I love them. Yes, the pants are a tad on the wild side but I went for it. After all, I am just working out at home.


Super G Tights
For workout pants, there is a balance on the style of too many seams and detailing and not enough. I feel like these are perfect and I pushed the envelope with an experiment by putting a netting panel on the sides. WOW, it fun…. sexy but fun. And like I said a bit on the wild side but if you have been around my blog for a while I like a bit of edge.


The fit of the tights was perfect. I was a little nervous about how the netting would work with the tights but it worked out fine. You may want to check your stretch gauge before doing this. I only had to lengthen them like I do for all my makes to fit my 6′ size. If I make them again I will probably raise the waist a bit, especially in the back but that is not about the fit but my preference for having them higher.



Making them was super easy. I used my serger and cover stitch and machine it might have taken me 30 minutes to make them after cutting the fabric. A quick sew that you can work out in the next morning. I plan on making more of these for sure.


The POWER Bra
And on to this BRA!!!!!! Can I just say upfront I love it!!! It is so supportive yet still cute. I don’t feel like I am wearing a straight jacket when I am working out in it.


Make sure to follow the fit/sizing guide that Greenstyle Creations provides. I had initially questioned this but the size is perfect.


Normally I would tell you exactly where I got the fabric but I honestly am not sure. I know the netting was from Joanne’s but not sure about the main fabric. It may also be from Joanne’s but can’t confirm it.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Elevated Basics: Using Simplicity 8300 and Butterick 5526

I purchased my embroidery machine earlier this year. I had been wanting one and had a million ideas for it. When I got it I was excited but then it fizzled out because all I saw was people using it for children’s items and things that just were not my style but mostly home decor items. Don’t get me wrong they are some lovely things but I wanted to make something that was more my style…. yes a bit over the top.

I saw my inspiration on Pinterest and had to recreate it. Now I see more fashion applications for my embroidery and am truly having fun. Stay tuned for more items coming up. 


For the skirt I used Simplicity 8300 View A in size 12 but should have sized down to 10 because I had to take a bit of the side seams especially at the hips. This is such a simple sew so the time consuming hard part was putting all the embroidery together.

I found a floral motif with several variations that would work. I laid them out several ways to find the best placement using print outs of the design. Then I marked the center of each design on my skirt. I knew I wanted some flowers to go over the side seam so I put the back on at the side seams. If you try this be sure to give your designs enough room to hem it.


And then it was time to embroidery. It took about 3 or 4 weeks doing a stitch out here and there between work and other projects. I love how it turned out. Almost better than I imagined. While it is still a bit of a playful floral I think the short skirt took it up a few notches. 


For the top I wanted to get a similar look to another Pinterest inspiration with a very flowly black button down blouse.

I used Tencel fabric from Joanne’s and it was a dream to work with. The pattern is Butterick 5526 View B. I made a size 14 to get the oversized look I was going for and it was perfect.

For a bonus in this look is the Boronia Bowler bag by Blue Calla and is available here.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

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Introducing Posh Bracelet Bag

Who does not love a new handbag!! A good handbag tops off an outfit beautifully. I own a lot of handbags from mid range to designer, I have made so many handbags over the last few years many of which were helping pattern designers test their bags.

I love a lot of different types of bags from the practical to the just for fun to those for special occasions. I think you need some of everything. One thing I found I wanted was more bags that push the envelop on style. Something more cutting edge of fashion and even items you may see carried down the runway. That’s why I really wanted to start designing my own bags. 


Last week I lived that dream by launching my first bag pattern. Posh Bracelet Bag. She is a small wonder. She was designed to give you that “posh” look, something a bit special that you want to wear when you don’t want the usual oversized, overwork tote but also with a crossbody so she can still be practical for running errands.

Posh is approximately 8 inches wide and 7.5 inches tall but don’t worry she can carry everything you need while on the run. I stuffed in there a small wallet, sunglasses, compact, ChapStick, sunglasses, and of course courtesy of Corona a mask. She can be made with cotton, vinyl, cork and soft leather. 


Check out my testers bags and pick up your pattern here. Don’t worry more bags are coming. 


If you are interested in becoming a tester for my patterns please fill out this form. 

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

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Good Golly Miss Molly!!

Sallie Tomato is Relaunching Molly!

Molly is a great bag by Sallie Tomato that I recently tested for her relaunch and she is a beauty!! I never made the original bag under its original name Union St. Satchel so I can’t compare but I can say this bag is a pretty easy make with big style!!

Molly is a great tote bag that has a really cute feature that allows you to clip the sides in to make a fun new shape. Coupled with the snap closer I feel this also helps with the safety of this bag that does not have a zipper closer. I like the extra security. The bag is 19 inches wide, 12 inches high, and 7.5 inches deep.


My Make, I must admit I was a little worried this bag was not quite my normal style but I truly love it now that is made. I made it with Terrarium by Jason Yenter purchased at The Fabric Candy Shoppe.

I used a shiny black croc embossed vinyl for the handles. It took me forever to figure out my fabric choices  and was a bit nervous if this would work but now I love it!! Even my husband commented on much he likes the look!!  “It’s very Springy!” was his exact comment.


Now that I have carried the bag for couple weeks I can say it is such a fun bag to carry! It is  perfect for the summer and to wear with fun solid summer dresses. It also pairs well with jean shorts and a tank top I am living in to survive the Texas summer heat. Overall this pattern is a real winner in my book. A pretty quick make and I would say good for even a confident beginner. The only thing I would change for my next one would be to not put on the side strap D ring and clip and just attach it all the way up. Definitely not a flaw just a choice.


What do you think of this bag! It you would like to try it head over the Sallie Tomato and grab a copy!

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Sinclair Moon Pants: Out Of This World

 
Too cliche’?? I don’t care. First Sinclair’s pattern drafting is excellent. I have tested a few items for her before the moon pants and hope to test more. I always go into testing with a critical eye and give pattern makers as much feedback as possible but Sinclair patterns never need much! Again these are great.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I also love that she makes all her patterns in petite, regular and tall. My 6’ thanks you!! I never have to worry about adding even though sometimes I still do but it makes it an option versus a necessity like with most patterns.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The style of the pant is wonderful for a casual stroll on the beach or shopping in town or could easily be done in a more subdued fabric and jazzed up with some heels and accessories. I made mine in this lovely black flower challis. Sorry I don’t remember where I got it.  It is a dream to wear. I could live in this fabric.
 

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Tropical Summer Look: McCall’s 7757

I love patterns that seem to be made for me. I am a Texas girl who loves fun summer looks and I needed a few nice and easy sews after a few weeks of sewing handbags. I had Mccalls 7757 on my list to make since I saw it!! A fun off shoulder crop top and elastic flowy pants. Perfect for lounging around the house, pool or beach or shopping the day away.

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

The top, View B, is an easy make and so fun. I think a beginner that has basic pattern understanding can make this piece. The pants are a basic elastic pant with no fitting needed so again a great beginner project.

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

This fun and super soft double brushed poly is from Pretty Posh Prints . If you have never bought fabric from there before you should I have never been disappointed in her fabrics.

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

I want to make this set again in a solid for a more elegant look that will go into an evening. I would like to make one in a white to wear with a cotton box pleat skirt. I may not get that done this year but for next summer it will be perfect.

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

So if you have been on the fence of McCalls 7757 go for it!! Also, checkout Pretty Posh Prints Fabric.

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

Formal Pattern Review:

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

Pattern Description: McCall’s

Pattern sizing: I made a size 14. Here is the sizing chart.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern when you were finished sewing?

Yes!

Were the instructions complete and easy to follow?

Yes!

Fabric used: (Did you use the recommended fabrics in the pattern)

Double Poly Knit! Yes!

Did you alter the pattern in any way?

No!

Was there anything you disliked or would change?

Nope! Easy Peasy!

Would you sew it again?

Yes!

Would you recommend it to others?

Yes!

Do you consider the pattern beginner/intermediate/advanced?

Beginner

Does the pattern include layers for easy printing?

Print

Seam allowance used in the pattern

5/8ths

Is the pattern cut or no cut pages?

Paper pattern

Lovely!

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

 

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Magazine Spread!!! Vintage Made

I am sooooo excited to announce I was in a magazine spread!! It is not like my old modeling days but just as exciting. I was a tester for Designer Stitch for the Rockbilly Halter Dress that was just featured in Vintage Made magazine. I am so excited. It is online and it should be out in the US at Barnes and Noble now or soon. I need to stop by there and get my hands on a hard copy. Here are some of my pics and pics of the spread!!! Stop by Designer Stitch Facebook page and also check out her patterns on her website.

Look at all those lovely ladies in this fabulous retro halter dress!!!

 

“Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers.”