{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.)

10 comments on "{BLOG TOUR} Sew Americana"
  1. Stop it right now. This whole outfit is AMAZING. I love the free motion girl and that you gave her a flag. And those shorts?! WANT!

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    1. Thank you so much Katy!!! I had a blast creating <3 I told you I work best last minute -- haha

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  2. Absolutely LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You rock!

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    1. Thank you so much Suzanne!! I knew a Bestie was the perfect embellishment :D So glad I took the extra effort to add her!

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  3. I love those "hugging the mannequin squees." They make sewing so worth it!

    I love these looks.

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  4. Your FMA is super cute! Perfect for the holiday!

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  5. Everything you make is just gorgeous Kari!

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