{BLOG TOUR} Sew Americana

Beep. Beep. Welcome to my stop on the Sew Americana tour -- hosted by the amazing Katy of Wild & Wanderful. For my post, I delved into my extensive (don't tell my hubby though, 'kay?!) pattern stash and pulled out one of my favorite patterns as well as an unsewn pattern that I had to have last summer. Then I went out and bought a new pattern to round out the trifecta. LOL

This is the LOL Swing Top by Jennuine Design -- otherwise known as the pattern I had to have last year, and then never got around to sewing. I am soooo glad I finally sewed it! I made mine in all knit, but you can also sew it up in woven (using a button on one shoulder to aid in dressing). I originally had a R&W striped woven for the back bottom selected, but remembered at the last minute about this lightweight knit I had purchased from Joann's a couple years ago. The drape is perfect and will help keep my daughter nice and cool on Monday. The navy stars Stenzo knit is from Mabel Madison and I had been saving it for the perfect project. It also makes the perfect binding as the stars are 3/8" tall.

Photo inspired by Karly of Paisley Roots

The front of the shirt I chose white Stenzo knit again from Mabel Madison -- Stenzo knit is so lovely to sew with and I love how the navy pops around the trim. The front of the LOL Swing is the perfect spot to add in a little free motion applique!

Enter the new pattern I purchased specifically for this post -- the Besties Free Motion Applique by Winter Wear Designs. Of course, the American flag is not part of the pattern, but it was super easy to add! I raided my scraps bins and came up with my choices -- hair is leftover from my daughter's Gingerbread Girl outfit, shirt and shoes are from an old work t-shirt, skirt is left from my youngest's Easter coat (2015), and the flag stripes are left from who knows where... haha. This is now my 3rd FMA and I laugh because after my first attempt, I swore I'd probably never do it again because it took me f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Some things grow on you (and yes, I've gotten a bit faster). It was totally worth extra time it took when my daughter saw it for the first time and let out a squeal while hugging the mannequin.

This leaves us with one of my favorite patterns ever! The Clover Shorts by Mouse House Creations {affiliate link} are hands-down my favorite shorts pattern of all time. Each time I make them, I'm reminded how much I love them. They are so classic and always turn out perfect. If you haven't tried this pattern, you really need to. {SALE ALERT: Mouse House Creations is having a 4th of July sale!! Save 35% with code: BOOM - sale ends 7/6/16}

Here is a close up shot of the pleats and button loops. I opted to leave the included belt off because her shirt hem covers it. I chose these stars on navy by Riley Blake -- I happened to have a 1/2 yd in my fabric bins (and I honestly don't remember ordering it :P) but it was nearly enough to sew a size 5 Clovers. The pocket facing and inside waistband facing are cut from a navy/white stripe. I got brave and tried a french seam on my pocket curve and I will never serge a pocket curve again -- I should snap a picture so you, too, can marvel in the beauty of a french-seamed pocket. Anyone want to see it?! {UPDATE: See picture below :)}

I had so much fun on this tour! Thank you Katy for organizing it all - amazing job keeping it all smooth sailing! Are you finished with your 4th of July sewing? Link up your creation at the bottom!

And now, a little message from 'Uncle Sam' -- haha