{Project Run & Play} Week 4: Signature Style

Yay!!!  It's the final Week of Project Run & Play and it's been an incredible journey making it to the finale.  This week is all about Signature Style.  From the start, I had my idea locked in --- after all, signature style should be easy.  When I pulled out my fabrics to sew this week, they just didn't inspire me.  Cue the panic... 😳  Fabric selection is one of the things I agonize over.  I knew I wanted to include both girls this week again so I also wanted coordinating which could be challenging because I was limited by what I had on hand.  After looking at nearly every fabric I own, I kept feeling drawn to the lemons on navy and white mini stripes.  Yellow is one of my favorite colors to sew because it's just so bright and cheery.  And if you haven't noticed.... I. LOVE. STRIPES!  Seriously, they are my favorite fabric to sew.  I now had a starting point!! WHEW!  I decided the rest of my details would also pay homage to some of my other favorites that I've come across these last several years on my sewing journey.

I started off by sewing the fabric that had caught my eye.  I knew it was the perfect print for Aurora.  My girls have grown up on Little Lizard King so there was no question I wanted to include this special company, but of course, adding my own spin.  I selected Carmelo because I knew I wanted to include a zipper and this bodice fits her perfectly (she's a 5 chest, 7 height and 3 waist).  I changed the sweetheart neckline to a v-neck which would compliment the horizontal stripes of the fabric.

As I played with several back bodice ideas, I finally decided that I wanted to relocate the zipper to the side seam.  This allowed me to merge all the back pieces together to one single piece.  This also gives my daughter independence as she dresses which at 9 years old is becoming increasingly important.  I  constructed the shoulder straps using the rouleau method that I learned from Duchess & Hare.  I remember being amazed the first time I sewed them.  I love that all the stitching is hidden inside.

For the skirt, I cut the fabric with the stripes vertically, and also added a built in pettiskirt.  I love that it adds a little extra fullness to the dress and encloses the inner waist seam at the same time.

I find installing zippers so satisfying.  I think it's the challenge of lining up the seams perfectly across from each other.  It gives me a thrill every time!

The zipper is fully enclosed between the main layer and lining all the way to the end of the zipper so I know there is nothing that will bother her while wearing it.  I love, love, love the zipper pull that came on the zipper!  (This is another of my 20 pack of lace zippers... I think I've used 8 or 9 so far!)

My girls love when I include a matching purse so of course I had to include one.  As badly as I wanted to sneak in my Lemon Slice Purse from Week 1, I wanted to sew up something new.  I decided to pull out my Pinky Promise Bag by Little Moo Designs which has been sewn here many times (I think I've sewn around 8) and re-imagined it as an open tote and used my Cricut Maker to add iron-on vinyl to the front.

Inside, I added a slip pocket from her dress fabric.  The outer yellow fabric is leftover from Week 1!

For Marissa, I wanted something that would coordinate her sister, but not be matchy-matchy.  Her style is also a little older and definitely wants it to reflect the tween that she is.  She's quite petite in real life so people often mistake her for someone much younger.  At 11 years old (officially her birthday today!!), she still measures a 5 chest, 4 waist and 7 height (although she's getting close to the 8 height finally).  We started with a chambray skirt.  She really loved the skirt I drafted her last week, especially the fitted waist.  She asked if I could add pockets so I drew out a pocket on the comic board the fabric was wrapped on.  I love adding pockets!  I slimmed down the skirt from last week to add the pockets (although I prefer the fullness of last week's skirt) and again added a built-in pettiskirt.

I discovered a small remnant of this bright yellow gingham knit from Spunkin Honeyhead Custom Designs and knew it'd make a perfect, comfy, tween top.  I started with the Free To Be Me Tee by Little Lizard King (sadly retired) and took several inches in length from the middle.  I also left off the sleeves so it could be enjoyed all summer long.

 I kept the high-low hem because I love that it adds a little extra detail.  I added a facing to the neckband and finished all the seams off with my coverstitch machine.

Finally, I drafted a mini purse-belt with top zipper.  The waist is adjustable so it will fit her as she grows.  (Or maybe I'll borrow it!)

It can also be worn cross body (and still has room to be a little longer) for times she doesn't want to wear it around her waist.  She squealed when she realized it was for her!

And, that's a wrap!!  I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your continued support and well-wishes throughout this competition.  It has really been uplifting and has made me smile each time!  I can't believe this is my last entry for Project Run and Play -- I hope you've had fun reading along each week!  If you haven't already, sew something up for the Reader Sew Along portion!!

If you haven't had a chance, make sure you cast your vote HERE!!!