5oo4

Art Gallery Rayon Inspiration

Phee Fabrics is now stocking Art Gallery Rayon. During the month of April we worked up some of the patterns listed below to show the versatility and drape of this gorgeous rayon. The reasons we love this base is:

– Rayon is abrasion resistant

– Rayon is made from natural fibers, like bamboo and beech trees and the process makes it a semi- synthetic fabric

– Rayon has a “fluid drape”, meaning that it hangs and moves in a flowy way, similar to a liquid

– Rayon is more absorbent than cotton and is cool and breathable

– Our rayon is machine washable

– Oeko-Tek certified

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PANTS

Luna Pants by Made by Rae sizes XXS – 5X
Free Range Slacks by SewHouse7 sizes 00 – 34
Simone Shorts & Pants by Jalie kids and adults in one pattern sizes 2T – 2XL
Opal Pants & Shorts by Megan Nielsen sizes 0 – 30
Tania Culottes by Megan Nielsen sizes 0 – 30
Arenite Pants by Sew Liberated sizes 0 – 34
Pietra Shorts & Pants by Closet Core Patterns sizes 0 – 30
Robin by Bella Sunshine Designs sizes 0 – 30
Monroe Wrap Pants by Bella Sunshine Designs sizes 0 – 30
Lola Pants by 5 out of 4 sizes XXS – 5XL
Barbie Jumpsuit by StyleArc sizes 4 – 30
Erin Woven Culottes by StyleArc sizes 4 – 30
Seaforth Pants by Hey June Handmade sizes 0 – 24

KIDS

Haven Dress by Violette Field Threads sizes 2 – 10
Berklee Tween Top & Shorts by Violette Field Threads sizes 10 – 16 tween
Evangeline Top & Dress by Violette Field Threads sizes 2 – 10
Monterey by Little Lizard King sizes 12 months – 14 years
Tie Front Top by Costurinha Patterns sizes 3 – 10
Suspender Skirt by Oh Me Oh My sizes 0 -5/6
Daisy Dress by Oh Me Oh My sizes 0 – 5/6
Easy Peasy Peasant Dress by Oh Me Oh My sizes 0 – 5/6
Driftwood Blouse by Twig + Tale sizes preemie – 10
Ivy’s Angel Top & Dress by Simple Life Pattern Company sizes 2T – 12
Harriet’s Handkerchief Tunic & Dress by Simple Life Pattern Company sizes 2T – 12
Eden’s High Low Peplum by Simple Life Pattern Company sizes 2T – 12
Felicity Dress & Top by Bella Sunshine Designs sizes 6 months – 12
Celeste Top & Shorts by Violette Field Threads sizes 2 – 10

SHIRTS & DRESSES

Beatrix Top by Made by Rae sizes XS – XL plus cup size A/B, C/D
Bianca Sewing Pattern by Made by Rae sizes XS – XL
Melilot Shirt by Deer & Doe sizes 34 – 52
Hoya Blouse by Deer & Doe sizes 34- 52
Square Neck Top by Friday Pattern Company sizes XS – 7X
Sagebrush Top by Friday Pattern Company sizes XS – 7X
Cielo Top & Dress by Closet Core Patterns sizes 0 – 30
Kalle Shirt & Shirt Dress by Closet Core Patterns sizes 0 – 30
Piper Top & Dress by Violette Field Threads sizes 00-20
Sia Dress by MarshaStyle sizes 2 – 22
Leila Dress & Top by MarshaStyle sizes 2 – 22
The Tea House Top & Dress by SewHouse7 sizes 0-20
Wildwood Wrap Dress by SewHouse7 sizes 00 – 34
Magnolia Dress by Deer & Doe sizes 34 – 52
Passiflore Dress by Deer & Doe sizes 34 – 52
Aubepine Dress by Deer & Doe sizes 34-52
Elodie Dress by FibreMood sizes 0 – 26
Adrianna Dress by Friday Pattern Company sizes XS – 4X
The Wilder Gown by Friday Pattern Company sizes XS – 4X
Elodie Wrap Dress by Closet Core Patterns sizes 0 – 30
Dove Blouse by Megan Nielsen sizes 0 – 30
River Dress & Top by Megan Nielsen sizes 0 – 30
Sudley Dress & Top by Megan Nielsen sizes 0 – 30
Dove Blouse by Megan Nielsen sizes 0 – 30
Coram Top & Dress by Allie Olson sizes 0 – 18, drafted for a B cup
Sophia Top & Dress by 5 out for 4 size XS – 5X
The Jessica by Sew Sew Def sizes XXS – 2X
Boho Piper Tunic by Wardrobe by Me sizes 0 – 24
Camille Dress by Laela Jeyne sizes 00 – 26
Penelope Camisole by Laela Jeyne sizes XXS – 4X
Lucerne Blouse by Hey June Handmade sizes 2 – 22
Phoenix Blouse by Hey June Handmade sizes 2 – 22
Trevi Top by Hey June Handmade sizes 2 – 22

We can’t wait to see your favorites and creations. Make sure to share them and tag #pheefabrics

February 22, 2021June 22, 2021 by Phee Fabrics Categories: Art Gallery, Fabric Types, WovensTags: 5oo4, allie olson, Bella sunshine designs, Closet core, Costurinha patterns, Deer & doe, fibremood, Friday pattern company, Jalie, little lizard king, made by rae, Marshastyle, Megan Nielsen, oh me oh my, Rayon, sew house 7, sew house seven, sew liberated, simple life pattern company, twig and tale, Violette field threads, violette fields Leave a comment

Phee Fabrics is turning 3!

The start of Phee was in 2014. In March of 2017 we made an internet presence, starting with Facebook. Since then we have expanded to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok and a blog. Phee Fabrics sources majority of fabrics from the USA, thoroughly tests all fabrics prior to stocking and is housed with industrial air purifiers that filter out 99.99% of airborne particles. Reviewing the last three years has been an interesting ride with some hits, some misses, bonds made and accepting everyone for the things that unify us instead of divide. All of this would be impossible without you. Thank you. Starting on March 13, 2020 we are kicking off our celebration. So look across our platforms for some giveaways from gracious sponsors with daily giveaways

New Horizon Designs Prize: 2 patterns, 2 winners plus 30% off from 3/14 – 3/17. Prize winners: Angie Swartz Griggs and Shannon Elizabeth Rice

Violette Field Threads Prize: shop credit plus 30% off 3/14 – 3/16. Prize winner: Kelsey Garnhart

Hey June Handmade Prize: one pattern plus 20% off til March 20, 2020. Prize winner: Kim Korstjens

Sofiona Designs Prize: shop credit plus 20% off til March 20, 2020. Prize winner: Roxann King

Madalynn Prize: 8228 Simplicity Pattern. Prize winner: IG name SewBeachLife. Paying it Forward to a different entry.

Twig + Tale Prize: $ 25 shop credit. Prize winner: Nichole Langmeyer

Swim Style Prize: 2 patterns. Prize winner: Jenifer Kae

Patterns for Pirates Prize: $20 shop credit. Prize winner: Christina Thelen

Designer Stitch Prize: $25 shop credit. Prize Winner: Erin Cooper

Lowland Kids Prize: $25 shop credit. Prize Winner: Jessica Hermansen

Striped Swallow Designs Prize: 3 patterns. Prize winner: Carrie Giarrusso Davitz

Friday Pattern Company Prize: one pattern. Prize Winner: Jan Crawford

Sonia Estep Designs Prize: Two $20 shop credits, 2 winners plus 30% off patterns using code CONGRATSPHEE from 3/16 – 3/20. Prize winner: Carolyn Miller McGinnis and Em Webber

Shwin Designs Prize: 3 patterns. Prize winner: Jan Crawford

Sinclair Patterns Prize: 2 patterns. Prize winners: Laura Maughan and Danita Courtney

Sew House Seven Prize: $15 shop credit. Prize winner: Alex Harman

Trish Newbery Prize: $15 shop credit. Prize winner: Callie Gable

CKC Patterns Prize: 3 patterns. Prize winner: Julie Earnest

Miko Sewing Patterns Prize: pattern bundle. Prize winner: Rachel Webb

5 out of 4 Prize: $20 shop credit. Prize winner: Jennifer Willman

Winter Wear Designs Prize: 2 patterns. Prize winner: Erika Jessin Pin

DIBY Club Prize: one pattern plus 15% off patterns from 3/24 -3/31. Prize winner: Kelsey Garnhart

If you have used Phee Fabrics to create anything from these designers we would love to see it! Please submit your photos with pattern name, designer and fabric used to customer.service@pheefabrics.com

The celebration begins March 13,2020. Check the newsletter for updates. If you aren’t signed up, you can do so here. To claim your prize please email customer.service@pheefabrics.com no later than March 31,2020.

Thank you for making this all possible

Melissa

February 26, 2020August 18, 2022 by Phee Fabrics Categories: Fabric TypesTags: 5 out of 4, 5oo4, designer stitch, diby, Fabric Types, Friday pattern company, hey june, lowland kids, madalynn, miko, new horizons, P4P, Patterns for Pirates, sew house 7, sew house seven, Shwin, Sinclair Patterns, sofiona, sonia estep, Striped swallow, swim style, trish newbery, twig+tale, violette fields, winter wear Leave a comment

5oo4 Zen Pants Made As Shorts

Summer time means shorts, and nothing screams summer like bright, white shorts. They look great with any color tank or tee, or thrown on over a swimsuit. In my quest to use every pattern in my collection I decided to try the 5 Out Of 4 Patterns Zen Pants, using the shorts cut line. The Zen Pants are a slim fit with optional front and back patch pockets and a side cargo pocket. There is also an optional faux fly, and drawstring waistband.

I like my shorts to be a smooth line under my tanks and wanted a dressy casual look, so I wanted to streamline as much as possible. Pockets are an absolute necessity, so I decided to turn the large patch pockets into smaller internal patch pockets, and to forego any other ornamentation. It’s fun to customize patterns to suit my needs, and I’m never afraid to try a simple hack. As I have noted before, I don’t show full pattern pieces to protect designers intellectual property.

The first step of altering the pocket was to decide how wide I wanted it. I laid my phone on the pattern pocket piece and knew that I could slim it down to the width of the X-small pocket. I laid my traced out pants front piece onto the master pattern pocket and used a pencil to draw lines from the hip up and from the top out to the outer top corner. I also curved the pocket side to follow the curve of the hip on the pants front. I am pointing to this area in the photo below. (The dashed line is the original pattern shape of the outer top corner of the pocket.)

Laying the pants front on the master pattern pocket piece allowed me to trace the curve to make the pocket opening on the pants front. That small piece in the upper corner of the photo below is the piece I cut off and discarded. I also hacked the pocket facing, (which is used to reinforce the pocket opening.) I like my pocket facings to be about an inch wide, so I traced the top curve of the pocket facing piece and just made it an inch wide.

Next I laid out all my pattern pieces and cut them out my fabric. You could use a ponte or one of the other recommended fabrics, but I find that shorts made of ponte make me feel too hot and sweaty. I love making my shorts out of Supplex. It’s moisture wicking, so it really helps keep you cool. And since it washes and wears so well, you don’t have to worry about using white Supplex to make shorts (or anything else for that matter!) Because I love the consistently high quality, I buy all of my Supplex from Phee Fabrics. It is a substantial 18oz., so I never have to worry about it being sheer. And, it took less than a yard of fabric for my shorts. Yay! That means I have enough left to make a workout top too!

Place the pocket facing on the pocket opening right sides together, stitch, then flip the facing to the inside of the pocket. Give it a good press, then topstitch. The photo below shows what the facing will look like on the inside (or wrong) side.

Place the pocket right side up, to the wrong side of the shorts front, lining up the top and sides. Baste at the top and side seam, and pin the curved inner edge of the pocket to the front.

Use a zig zag, decorative stitch, or cover stitch to sew the pocket to the front. I used one of the “overlock” stitches on my sewing machine. Take your time sewing around the curve to make sure you are catching the pocket as you sew. Press everything smooth. From this point you’ll be able follow the pattern directions as written to finish your shorts or pants.

I like the idea of the back yoke/waistband on the Zen Pants, because it curves down to meet the pockets at the side seams and gives your shorts or pants a flattering shaped look. It does however take longer to sew than a simple rectangular or a contoured waistband that’s even along the bottom edge. I also like that the pattern tutorial gives you photos, drawings, and tips for some common pants fitting issues. I may try to scoop out the back crotch curve of my shorts a little to fit the shape of my bum. This should correct the wrinkles I seem to get on all pants patterns, (so I know that it’s my body shape, versus an issue with patterns.)

I love being able to make cute, comfortable shorts that will help keep me cool during the heat of summer. It’s nice to be able to customize them to suit me by choosing from all the pattern options and by a simple hack for the pockets.

Now I need to search through my patterns to see what else I need to make! (And perhaps order more Supplex because my stash is alarmingly low!) I need shorts in all the Supplex colors!

*This post may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links. As always, I only give my honest opinion. After all, my posts represents me! Thank you for reading and sharing my love of sewing and pattern hacking.

April 18, 2019June 15, 2020 by Phee Fabrics Categories: Fabric Types, SupplexTags: 5oo4, clothing, Fabric Types, Pants, pattern hacks, pockets, shorts, Supplex, tutorial, Women Leave a comment

Making your own bike skort (or shorts)

Our family likes to bike. Now I’m not saying we’re out there in our matching biking outfits on the road every day, but when it’s nice, we like to get out and ride the rail-trails and we also take our bikes on vacation looking for new trails. If we’re just going for a short ride, I don’t usually bother with padded shorts, but for longer rides, they are nice to have. We do a 20 mile ride for farmland preservation every summer, and for that ride, you definitely need some extra padding.

If you have ever bought a pair of padded bike shorts, you know that they don’t come cheap. My last RTW bike skort cost me about $80, so now that I’m more comfortable sewing my own clothes, I wondered if I could make my own. I googled “how to make your own bike shorts,” thinking maybe someone had a pattern or tutorial already out there. However, I was super happy to find that I could BUY a replacement chamois (shammy) that you just sew right into your shorts! How cool is that?

At Aero Tech Designs, they have a nice selection of chamois pads that range in price from $9.99 to $29.99 and that offer different options/sizing, including women and youth pads. You can view all they offer here. I decided to try the Women’s Ventilated Fit and Trim Cycling Pad – Sew In Chamois. This was in the middle price-wise ($14.99), and had pretty good reviews.

For my fabric, I wanted something lightweight and stretchy that still provided good coverage, so I used black nylon spandex tricot from Phee Fabrics. It has great weight and drape for the skirt part, and the shorts offer enough coverage under the skirt. It’s also moisture wicking and antimicrobial, so perfect for workout/athletic wear. Phee Fabrics offers this fabric in other amazing colors, but I went with plain black, as I have a lot of bright tops that I want to wear with my skort. I used the Shenanigans Skort pattern from 5 out of 4 Patterns.

The chamois comes with instructions for adding it to your shorts, but let’s walk through it together! If you are making your shorts, like I did, then I would recommend getting them assembled up until adding the waistband. You are going to need room to maneuver, and leaving the waistband off helps. You will need a ruler and a sewing machine that sews a zig zag stitch. You will also need straight pins. LOTS of straight pins.

First you will find the center front and back of the pad (mine was marked with notches), and then measure up 4″ from the center FRONT (the smaller part). Mark this spot on your chamois.

Place the chamois into your shorts and match the spot you marked with the center intersection of your shorts (mine was at the side points of the gusset). Pin in place in the center of the pad, and then pin the sides, pulling the shorts material taut as you do so.

Next, you want to pin the back of the chamois. Lay it inside the shorts, but then move it down about 1.5″ towards the front and pin the back center. The pad will be buckled up slightly. This will allow the pad to “bend” to match the crotch curve once sewn.

Once you have the back pinned, lay the front of the pad into the shorts, pull taut, and pin the center front. You should now have 5 points pinned.

You will now pin the rest of the pad to the shorts, pulling the fabric taut between each point. I used a lot of pins for this part! Once pinned, check to make sure that the pad is aligned (look at it from the outside…does it seem like there is an equal amount of pad on both sides of the seam/gusset?). If all looks good, you will start sewing the pad into the shorts using a zig zag stitch. You want about 12 stitches per inch. I left my length on the default (1.4 on my machine) and set the width to 6. I also used my walking foot for this. You will want to keep the fabric taut while stitching.

Once you have stitched the pad into place, check and see that everything looks good. My machine is finicky, and didn’t want to sew the foam, so I had some skipped stitches. I went around again to make sure it was secure.

And now you are done!

Mine may not look as good as a professional pair, but since this is my first time trying, I’m happy with them! Also, when you put them on, it all smooths out, and they are actually really comfortable. And the best part? I made these for less than $30, which includes the pad and all the fabric to make my skort. #winning