{Project Run & Play} Hack-stavaganza: Janie Dress & Banana Boat Tee

When I saw Project Run and Play was hosting a pattern hack blog series, I couldn't sign up fast enough.  I love to hack/mash patterns to make it into a different vision.   

After browsing several times through the Project Run and Play store, inspiration finally hit and I selected the Banana Boat Tee by Lil Luxe Collection and the Janie Dress by Mouse House Creations....

and then I made them into one dress!

Here's a peek at how the skirt is attached!  It's the Janie Dress underneath (I chose the gathered circle so I could use a woven fabric) and Banana Boat Tee on top -- connected at the neckline and armscye.

You can view the step-by-step tutorial for this pattern mash over at Project Run and Play

The Banana Boat Tee caught my eye with the added details like the cinched sides, folded cuffs and sleeve detailing.  I will definitely be making some tees for my girls because I love this pattern so much!

I chose the Janie Dress because Mouse House Creations was basically the catalyst for me buying myself a sewing machine and I love sewing her patterns.  I liked that it was a fitted dress too so it would be a pretty easy transformation.  I will add about an inch to the bodice next time I sew this mash so the waist line sits a little lower and allows the Banana Boat Tee topper to extend a little lower.

I have been dying to use this yellow polka dot French Terry from Sew So English that I picked out after I won Project Run and Play Season 23 and it perfectly matched the floral fabric I picked up on clearance last year from Hobby Lobby.  For the under-bodice, I used a white knit I found at Walmart that turned out to be a nice weight.

She really loves this dress and wore it again since photos which is honestly the true test, right?!  I'm going to have to make my younger daughter a version because she's very mad that this wasn't for her. HA!

{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.)

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