{Collaboration} Peeping Pipers by Kristina Hunter of Arthousewife

When I started sewing 7 years ago, I never anticipated the social connections I'd make. Of course, I'd think a lot of us could say the same. Social media has exploded over the last decade and has created new ways for paths to cross. This is how I came to meet Kristina Hunter of arthousewife online, or should I say how she came to meet me. Kristina is a surface pattern designer who loves color, kid's prints and all things retro. She contacted me to see if I was up for a collaboration with her designs. I was intrigued so I took a look at her work on Instagram and Spoonflower. I really liked her artwork and could see my girls wearing so many of them!

After liking so many of her designs, my eyes were drawn to Peeping Pipers on the gorgeous deep turquoise background. My youngest loves animals of all kind so I knew she'd really love it. As I showed her Kristina's Spoonflower shop, I wasn't surprised when she picked out the same print! (Of course, I had partly picked it out because I knew her new little brown boots would look so good with this print!)

Kristina Hunter's designs can be printed by Spoonflower on a plethora of substrates which is really pretty cool! I'll admit that I actually hadn't ever ordered from Spoonflower before. I've known others that have, but I hadn't ever really looked into it. I am really impressed. I ordered the Cotton Spandex Jersey and determined it was the best fit for my selected pattern. Because it was a custom job, I wasn't sure how long it would take, but within 11 days, I had my fabric (after being ordered on a weekend!) It arrived with recommended care instructions too.

I couldn't resist sewing up yet another Wimberley by Little Lizard King. It's the quintessential Fall knit dress with the ruched 3/4 sleeves. While the gathered circle skirt with ruffle version takes 2 yards, the fabric and time spent gathering is SO worth the outcome. I prefer to hand gather so I quarter the bottom of my skirt and ruffle. Then I pin the quarters and gather between the pins. (Make sure you have lots of pins... it's about 16 feet of ruffles gathered!)

We had a bonus day off school so my daughter and I drove to our favorite picture spot -- a little shopping community in a neighboring town. It took longer to drive than it did for her to deliver some really great pictures. It's always really easy when she loves her outfit though!

A couple months ago, I sewed up the Madison Vest by Little Lizard King in a cream fur and it's proven to be the best little Fall wardrobe accessory. It pairs well with so many things!