{Project Run & Play} Very Peri Pantone Party 2022 with Art Gallery Fabrics

 

It's that time of year again!!  Pantone has just released it's "Color of the Year".  I was excited to see a color in the "Blues" family.  Blue is my most sewn color and one of my favorites.  Periwinkle is a color in the blue and violet family.  Check out Pantone's Coordinating Color Palettes for Very Peri and see if you can figure out which palette I unknowingly used.    

Photo credit: Pantone.com

PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.

We had so much fun with Project Run and Play's Pantone Party Blog Tour last year that I couldn't wait to participate again.  Art Gallery Fabrics provided me with all the fabrics I needed for my projects and I loved shopping different collections to create a cohesive collection for both girls that also celebrated their own unique styles.   Thank you SO much Art Gallery -- not only are your fabrics great quality, you have a fantastic and diverse selection.

My youngest daughter has a larger-than-life personality so she likes the "fun" outfits (and hair!).  

Tee:  Banana Boat Tee in  I Scream You Scream District knit

Skirt: Soleil Skirt* in Amethyst PURE Solid

Purse: Fetta Purse in Grapefruit PURE Solid

Purse Lining and Tee Ties: Oval Elements Peach Dust

*shortened to hem length preference

The Soleil Skirt includes a faux button placket down the front of the skirt and I really love the way it's sewn!  It looks like completely functioning buttons.

The Banana Boat Tee is one of my favorites to sew up.  I love the side ruching.  It adds the perfect amount of detail, yet is super comfortable to wear.  

I used the Oval Elements Peach Dust for the ties to pop out the color a bit here.  

I couldn't resist adding another "fruit slice" to our growing Fetta Collection. It's so incredibly fast to sew -- I meant to stop at cutting it out one night before bed and I looked down and it was all sewn up!

She loves that it includes a zipper which keeps her items safely tucked inside without worrying about losing them.  I love that I found a contrasting solid color for Fetta that picked up one of the colors from the ice cream cones on her tee.  This helps pull the whole look together.

My oldest is *almost* a teenager and I'd describe her style as girly athletic.  Hoodies are pretty much a staple of her wardrobe, but she also enjoys a short, bouncy skirt.

Top: Chromium Cropped Hoodie in Snow White Knit Solid

Skirt: Soleil Skirt* in Across Sparks Blue from Here Comes the Fun collection

*shortened to hem length preference

I hoped a solid white Chromium wouldn't be too boring and I'm actually glad I went for it.  It adds a preppy element to her outfit and definitely compliments the busy print of the the skirt.

As I looked back through last year's details, I discovered I had to "hack" the hood last year too to include a facing in lieu of a full lining.  I couldn't decide between a neckband and hood this year, but my daughter ultimately landed on having the hood.   I had only ordered 1 yard of the knit though so the hood facing was the only way I could make it work.

The print we chose for her skirt may be one of my favorites.  (Sadly, it's not available at AGF any longer, but it looks like online retailers may still have some yardage left.)  She opted to eliminate the faux button placket on the Soleil skirt and I think she made the right decision.  

Over the last few years, I always let my girls help make all the decisions.  It really helps involve them in the process and gives them control of the details.  At the end, they have an outfit that they basically designed which guarantees that it won't just hang in the closet. 

Now, it's your turn to join the Very Peri Pantone Party!

Link up here!

{Project Run & Play} Project Smooth Sorbet

 It's here!  It's finally here!!  Project Smooth Sorbet is Project Run and Play's latest designer collaboration and it's full of 10 amazing patterns.   I've been working behind the scenes all Spring and am thrilled to contribute two cute purse patterns to the lineup - fetta & frutta.  It was really hard keeping the secret for so long!

Since competing in Season 23 (Spring 2020), I've been lucky enough to sew three of the designer collaborations and I always love how they center around a fun theme.  Smooth Sorbet is ALL about sweet patterns, fun colors and sorbet!  It doesn't get better than that!  

Actually, it does -- Art Gallery Fabrics was beyond generous and sent me all this fabric to sew up coordinating looks for my two girls.  Thank you AGF!!!  I chose coordinating prints from the Hello Sunshine Collection by Katie Skoog and added in a Striped Knit Basic for one final piece.

I sewed 6 of the 10 patterns and I'm loving how they can become a whole capsule wardrobe.    The garment patterns are full of options that you could sew at least 26 (I lost count towards the end...HA!) unique pieces.  I am definitely sewing up the remaining 4 patterns!  They are all so good!

Smooth Sorbet Collection 

• Bacca Bootcuts (Sizes NB - 16 | Call Ajaire)

• Bacio Basic Tee (Sizes NB - 14 | Jennuine Designs)
• Baie Blazer (Sizes 12m - 14 | Jennuine Designs)
• David Rain Jacket (Sizes 12m - 14 | Bobbins 'N Buttons)
• David Rain Jacket Expansion Pack (Sizes NB - 16 | Call Ajaire)
• Fetta Purse (One Size | That's-Sew-Kari)
• Fragola Top & Dress (Sizes 12m - 14 | Suco by Susana)
• Frutta Purse (One Size | That's-Sew-Kari)
• Limone Lounge Set (Sizes NB - 14 | Jennuine Designs)
• Parfait Polo (Sizes 1 - 16 | Project Run &Play/Skirt Fixation)
• Sorbetto Swimsuit (Sizes NB - 16 | Call Ajaire)

(I've sewn the items in pink)

First up is fragola top & dress.  This top has my whole heart!!  While I normally sew dresses for my youngest, she's starting to gravitate towards tops and this looked perfect for her.  I selected Tropic Like It's Hot in Rayon and the drape is so dreamy -- just as I pictured.

Fragola comes in top length, dress length and maxi length.  It's a babydoll silhouette with optional flutter sleeves.  The back features a button opening and the easiest placket you'll ever sew!  It's magical.

We paired it with the baie blazer in Art Gallery's Striped Sleek Mint.  I love the subtle stripes against the bright bold floral of Fragola.

Baie Blazer is one of those patterns that looks intimidating, but comes out perfectly after taking it step-by-step.  I chose the Peplum option and the pattern includes a unisex option as well.  The pattern is suited for medium to heavy weight stable knits with 20-40% stretch, but I love how it turned out in AGF's super soft lightweight knit.  The pattern also includes pockets and a button closure front (which I omitted).

To finish off her look, I stitched a frutta purse and decided a pink pineapple would be fun and whimsical.  The purse body is Poolside Blush and the crown is Sweet Slice of Watermelon.  The diamond print of Poolside Blush was perfect for quilting.

Frutta was fun to make and sewed up much faster when I wasn't stopping after each step to take a picture for the tutorial! HA!  I originally sewed Frutta for my Week 1 look in Season 23.  I had already sewn my youngest a purse and knew my oldest needed one too.  Long story short, my original Pineapple Purse idea was not turning out how I imagined so I dismantled it and cut it into this shape the morning of pictures.  For this release, I tweaked the pattern a bit -- enlarging the finished size and boxing the bottom corners to allow for more room inside.  This pattern is very beginner-friendly.

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For my oldest, we went a little more casual.  First up is the bacio basic tee.  I loved the fun bright floral print of Summer Shine. 

Bacio is a great wardrobe staple.  It's a casual fitting tee with both straight or curved hem.  The neckline can be finished with a traditional band or a fun exposed edge band which I'm intrigued to try.   I sewed the traditional neckband here. 

We paired it with the limone lounge set -- sewing up the knee length skirt option in the bright Sweet Slice of Watermelon cotton.

Limone offers SIX length options -- shorts, bermuda shorts, crop, pants, and two skirt lengths: knee and maxi.  I knew she'd love the skirt the most and chose the size based on just her hip and decided not to lengthen for height.  She prefers her skirts above the knee and since she's petite, it gives her the illusion of height.  (She gets it from me so I'm passing on all my tips and tricks!)  This pattern also has both plain and paperbag waist finishes with optional drawstring.

Last, but certainly not least, is the fetta purse.  This purse was one of my favorite pieces I made for Season 23 -- it made me smile every time I'd see it (and still does). I went with a traditional lemon again, using the Canary cotton that coordinated perfectly with the Hello Sunshine collection.   Now each girl has a Lemon Slice!

Fetta is just plain fun!  Its simple shape means it can be stitched up in under 30 minutes, but is a great introduction to adding zippers.  It's perfectly sized to hold a cell phone, some money and lip gloss.  Included in the pattern is the free iron-on image (slightly modified from above to fit the curvature of the purse bottom better).  My daughter has already requested an orange slice next!

And that's a WRAP on my season long project!  Head over to the Project Run and Play Shop to grab these patterns on sale this week and check back next week for the LOOKBOOK!  You'll find some great inspiration and lots more photos of the projects.

{Simple Life Pattern Company} Holiday Blog Tour 2020

Every year, I sew up new fancy dresses for my two girls to wear to Christmas Eve mass.  This year, I'm super excited to have them finished early November!!  Of course, I have no idea if they'll have a special event to show them off, but they will be worn, even if it's just at home.  

I am super excited to kick off the Simple Life Pattern Company Holiday Blog Tour 2020.   Simple Life Pattern Company has no shortage of gorgeous patterns to select so I wanted to choose a new (to me) pattern for each girl.  Art Gallery Fabrics and Fancy Pants Fabrics generously provided all the gorgeous fabrics for the tour --- they pair together perfectly! 

I selected coordinating fabrics from Art Gallery Fabrics' Cozy & Joyful collection and fell in love with the holiday tulle collection from Fancy Pants Fabrics.  My oldest is wearing Candied Roses in Rayon and my youngest daughter is wearing Winter Wonderland in Joyful and Midwinter in Dusk from Art Gallery Fabrics and Gold Snowflake Tulle in Off-White from Fancy Pants Fabrics.

I started with my youngest daughter first.  I chose to sew Elouise's Asymmetrical Top & Dress because I really loved the bodice.  It features a delicate sweetheart neckline and has a uniquely pieced back with bow.  I omitted the asymmetrical skirt overlay to let the tulle take center stage.  

To create the skirt, I used 5 total layers.  I first cut out a lining layer from woven cotton, using the gathered vintage skirt cutting chart.  Then I cut a layer of netting -- this layer really helps the top layers stand out.  I cut this 1/2" shorter than the vintage skirt length and width of fabric (x2).  On top of the netting, I used two layers of nylon chiffon -- width of fabric x vintage length cut (x2).  Finally, the top layer is the gold snowflake tulle -- width of fabric x vintage length cut (x2).  Then I sewed up the side seams on each layer  -- for the tulle, nylon chiffon and netting layers, I used a double fold of tissue paper underneath the seams to prevent the fabric from gathering while sewing.  Gently remove the tissue paper afterwards.    I gathered each layer separately except for the two nylon chiffon layers.  The skirt has a placket which was easy to install to all 5 layers at once, but I'd recommend running your gathering thread prior to adding the placket.  I had to move all the other layers aside because I didn't think about it until after my placket was in place.  Whoops!  (Only the lining layer needs hemmed here)

The back is so pretty!  I thought the way it's pieced together is really clever and would be a great place for contrasting fabric.  I opted to keep just the bow in contrasting fabric to help in stand out.  I love the gold buttons I found which tied it all together.

I think this may be the first year her Christmas dress has sleeves.  HA!  She has really fallen in love with 3/4 sleeves this year and was happy to see the option in the pattern.

To finish out her outfit, I sewed up a Hair Bow in Mini/Piggy size from the Simple Life Pattern Company blog!  So cute and she loves having a bow on her pony tail.

For my oldest, I selected Patricia's Boho High Low Top and Dress.  Katie's pictures of it sewn up in rayon inspired me and I just had to try it out!  While my daughter is not usually one for ruffles, she approved this design and the rayon makes them really soft and flowy.    This pattern has no closures and just slips on over the head. 

I used the included skirt pieces for the dramatic high low option.  I hadn't really sewn rayon until about a month ago and while it's a bit fiddly to cut, it sews up so easily.  I really love how soft and light it is!

My daughter is excited about this dress.  Not only is it incredibly comfortable to wear, but it will last longer than the holiday season!  I think this fabric would be fabulous in the Patricia top version paired with skinny jeans too!

Time to go spread some holiday magic 💗

A huge thank you to our sponsors!!

Follow along the Simple Life Pattern Company Holiday Blog Tour 2020

❅ Monday (11/9) That's-Sew-Kari

❄ Tuesday (11/10) It's Liesel

❅ Wednesday (11/11) Kainara Stitches

❄ Thursday (11/12) SewSophieLynn

❅ Friday (11/13) Kutti Couture

{BLOG TOUR} "GET THE LOOK" Kits with SLPco & Art Gallery Fabrics

Eeek!!  I am so excited to be included on the GET THE LOOK Fabric Kits {blog tour} with Simple Life Pattern Co. and Art Gallery Fabrics!  Simple Life Pattern Co has teamed up with Art Gallery Fabrics to offer you sewing kits that include the fabric and the pattern!  All you need to do is order and sew!  

When Katie invited me to participate and to design a custom look to offer, I knew I had to use my signature colors.  Black and white prints make my heart flutter.

{Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing through my links, I receive a small compensation.  Thank you for supporting me!}

The Lagom fabric line stole my heart from the moment I saw it, but I hadn't had a chance to sew any (SHOCKING!)  I chose Etern Soot for Emilya's Skinny Pants -- I ❤ a patterned pant and these skinny pants are so quick!  The pants will take you year-round as they include bermuda shorts, capri and full length options.  There are also cargo pockets or (as I have chosen) traditional pockets.

For the top, I selected Adelyn's Scoop Back Top (& Dress) in a solid black.  If you haven't sewn with AGF knits, they are a fantastic weight, extremely soft and wash really nicely.  Caviar is a nice, deep black.  I enlisted my 7 year old to choose the Adelyn options -- she chose short sleeve, modest scoop back with a circle skirt for maximum twirlability.  She decided to leave off the bow that ties across the back.  

While I love the bow, the simplicity of the scoop back is the perfect pairing for her bold pants.

I had so much fun creating these kits -- I hope you love them!  The patterns I chose are a couple of my favorites (and super quick too!)  Art Gallery Fabrics have never disappointed me -- they are superior quality fabrics and a dream to sew up!  When I finished sewing, I have to admit, I had outfit envy -- I need this outfit (and booties) in my life!  Until then, I will live vicariously through my daughter -- HA!

Emilya's Skinny Pants in Etern Soot {Lagom} "Get the Look" Fabric Kit

Adelyn's Scoop Back Top & Dress in Caviar {Knit Solids} "Get the Look" Fabric Kit

OOPS -- did I mention the kits are 35% off?!  

PLUS - everyone that purchases a #SLPcoGetTheLook kit 

will get an exclusive 35% off coupon that can be 

used toward your next pattern order! 

(Discount automatically taken off in cart.  Valid through Dec 6th).  

Do not delay!!!

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Visit Simple Life on Social Media

{Website}  {Get the Look Kits}

{Facebook}  {Facebook Group}  {Instagram}

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Be sure to check out the rest of the blog tour and the kits they've created!

Nov 28th Caroline Hulse -- Sew Caroline   |  Kim Coffin – Sweet Red Poppy 

Nov 29th Kari Steiger – That’s Sew Kari  (that's me!)

Nov 30th Dana Willard – Made Everyday   |  Tami Peterson --  Sew Sophie Lynn 

Dec 1st Bonnie Christine – Going Home to Roost    |    Delia Randal – Delia Create’s 

Dec 2nd  -- Simple Life Pattern Company Recap