{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

Take a look at the AMAZING lineup for the Sew Americana tour!
Monday, June 27 
Wild & Wanderful | Sew and Tell Project | Call Ajaire
Paisley Roots | Wally and Grace
Tuesday, June 28
Sew Thrifty | Coles Corner and Creations | Rebel & Malice
Friends Stitched Together | The Wholesome Mama
Wednesday, June 29
Sewing by Ti | EYMM | HattieLu Handmade
Daydream Believers | PenSebRox | Handmade Boy
Thursday, June 30
Beatnik Kids | Phat Quarters | Sew Starly | Sew Sophie Lynn
The Kisses Co. | Adventures with Bubba and Bug
Friday, July 1
Very Blissful | That's Sew Kari | Sew Happily Ever After | Pear Berry Lane
Mae and K | Musings of a Seamstress | Sew and Tell Project
As a special bonus for our readers, use the code ' SEWAMERICANA ' and enjoy a 20% discount at www.THREADandGRAIN.com  You'll find a ton of maker-inspired goodies!
(All created by your tour guide, Katy, from Wild & Wanderful.)

An InLinkz Link-up

{BLOG TOUR} Desert Bloom for Riley Blake Designs

Eeek!  I was so excited to check my email to see that fabric designer, Amanda Herring {The Quilted Fish} had personally messaged me to invite me on a blog tour for her latest line now available at Riley Blake Designs.  Desert Bloom is a collection of both woven and knit fabrics inspired by her home state of Utah.  The color palate is grays, aquas and reds in a variety of blooms, poppies, and birds and more.  

Gorgeous, right?!

As I was choosing fabric, I had the hardest time deciding.  The collection has 7 woven (each in 3 colorways) and 2 knit (each in 3 colorways) designs from which to choose.  For those keeping track at home, that is 27 choices. I wanted them ALL... haha.  But, that would be greedy.  Because I honestly could not decide, I enlisted my 5 year old.  She has recently gotten very demanding opinionated about what she wants to wear so I knew I needed to include her in the process.  She was immediately drawn to the birds {Desert Bird Blue}.  Her requests were -- shirt with sleeves.  To complete her outfit, she wanted cropped, soft pants (aka knit leggings - HA!).  For the leggings we chose Desert Gray Stripe in Knit.

I wanted to make a sweet Summer top that would be both playful and meet the "needs" of my daughter.  I decided to mash the Merry bodice with Kailua Town's front curve (both by Little Lizard King).  For the skirt, I wanted a slimmer skirt so I cut one WOF and then used half for each side.  I used a deep hem to hold the structure a bit at the bottom of her tunic.

I love how cool the back will keep her this summer!

For the "soft" pants, I turned to my favorite leggings pattern, Petunia Petals by LilyGiggle (sadly, she's closed down shop).  This knit is a nice weight with a 4-way stretch and oh so soft!  It washes up nicely too!  My 5 year old's opinion: "I like them soooooo much!"

She is admiring all her birdies and they couldn't help but "tweet" throughout photos.  I think this is a win :)  My only regret is not including her older sis in this tour.  Last June, they looked so cute in coordinating La Vie Boheme dresses also by Amanda Herring {posted HERE}.

Amanda, thank you so much for inviting me on tour showcasing your gorgeous fabrics!  You have an amazing talent and I'm so glad you're able to share that with us. The goody box you sent was the sweetest thing ever!!  And yummy :D

The Quilted Fish

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