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Showing posts with label Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tour. Show all posts

{Project Run & Play} Project Jet Set: Hello, Palm Beach!



“Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Thank you.

On behalf of Project Run & Play Air, we'd like to welcome you to sunny Palm Beach.  The current temperature is a balmy 80°, enjoy your stay."


Hello, and welcome to my stop on the Project Run & Play Project Jet Set Collection Blog Tour!  I have been working behind the scenes for a while now and I'm so excited to share it all with you!  I think this is my favorite collection yet (and I have sewn quite a few).  Our stop is inspired by Palm Beach, Florida.  

Confession: I've never actually been to Palm Beach (we usually visit Orlando or Siesta Key when we vacation in Florida), but my fabric choices were leaning to a preppy tropical and I'm imagining Palm Beach to fit the description.




I am a visual planner so before I order any fabrics, I grab the swatches and see how they all look together.  To shop for my fabrics, I headed to Raspberry Creek Fabrics.  I'm a huge fan of theirs.  Not only do they have a huge selection of various bases, I also love their fabric designs and knew something would catch my eye to give my collection direction.  All of their CLUB designs include the main colors in the title so you can easily search for matching fabrics, taking out any guesswork as to whether it'll match.  Raspberry Creek Fabrics was completely generous and sponsored my looks --- a huge thank you to RCF!!  


Today's stop will focus on our "sightseeing" outfits -- inevitably we venture into the town we are visiting to walk around and visit the various shops.  We pick up souvenirs to remember our trip and splurge on treats.  The patterns featured are Cruise Culottes, Rimini Romper (as a top), Too Wild Dress, and the Passport to Paradise Mini Backpacks.


Teen Look

cruise culottes: This fun pattern gives you the feel of shorts/pants with the look of a skirt.  The drape of your fabric can completely change the look of your culottes.  I chose a nice, flowy stretch crepe in this gorgeous tropical floral print that inspired the rest of my purchases.  I lobbied hard for the full length tiered pant, but was obviously denied.  During photos, she did admit that maybe pants length would have also been fun. The shorts length, however, is definitely more fitting with our vacation destination.  


I added the inseam pockets, but left off the decorative flaps.   It's always nice to have pockets, right?! To finish off the waistband for a polished look, I ran parallel rows of stitching through the elastic.  This also prevents the elastic from shifting or rolling.

rimini romper (modified):  I'm in love with this top!  When selecting fabrics and patterns, I debated between pairing the culottes with the top of the Rimini Romper or the Overlook Raglan.  In the end, I thought the Rimini Romper suited her style better and I'm so glad we went in this direction.  In the RCF shop, we found a solid Dusty Pink cotton lycra that looked to be a perfect match to the hibiscus flowers in the crepe.

I made the top of the romper, following the tutorial - mostly.  I actually left the back center seam for last which means you can avoid the burrito roll method for the armscyes. After the top was completed, I finished the bottom with a folded band that was slightly smaller than the opening of the bottom.  It's the perfect crop length.  She has worn it nearly everyday at some point in her day which means it's a clear win.  

I can't wait to try out the romper version for her too!!


passport to paradise mini backpack:  To finish off her look, I sewed up a Passport to Paradise Mini Back in a buttery soft light yellow twill.  Light yellow is her absolute favorite color so she's very excited with how this turned out.  I carefully selected all the little details -- the handmade logo and the hibiscus and flip flop zipper pulls that I'm sure were designed with this project in mind.

For this version, I used a midweight interfacing on the main pieces and left off the interfacing on the lining.  It's slightly less structured than her sister's bag so I think I could have interfaced the lining too.  The twill was fantastic to sew through, even with all the layers in some spots!


My girls are still in awe that I've designed this.  And to be honest, I am a little too!  I really don't consider myself a designer so when I received an email to participate in the collection, I assumed it was to sew up some of the pieces.  Imagine my surprise after a few weeks when they asked what pattern I was thinking of contributing.  HA!!  I was in the middle of recovering from covid when the original email came so apparently my brain was clouded.  After prototyping a few different ideas, I decided this idea was my favorite.  And now, I'm fairly certain every new outfit will need to come with a matching backpack.  Time to stock up on interfacing!

A huge thank you to Susana of Suco by Susana for working with me turning my hand-drawn pattern pieces into a printable PDF file!


Tween Look




too wild dress:  My tween still loves to wear dresses so I knew this would be the perfect choice for her.  I found a lightweight salmon pink chambray in the RCF shop that would compliment her sister's look, but wouldn't be too matchy-matchy.  She was a little skeptical about the softness of her dress when we unboxed our goodies, but I assured her that washing it first would soften it right up. 

This pattern comes with about a million options for straps and can really change the whole vibe of the dress.  The lace-up back was my favorite option!  I always sew each item custom to my daughter's measurements.  I blended 3 separate sizes (chest, waist, and height) and then held my breath that my blending method worked because I had no time to sew up muslins first.  When she tried it on for the elastic fitting, it was perfect!!  Whew!




passport to paradise mini backpack:  For this version of the Passport to Paradise Mini Backpack, I chose the Tropical Floral print that I used for the Cruise Culottes, but selected the Sueded Boardshort as the base.  I love how it pops against the chambray and the sueded boardshort has such a nice feel to it.   I used a firm interfacing for the outer pieces and a midweight interfacing for the lining pieces.  It has a nice firm structure to it.  My machine, however, had a bit of a time trying to pierce through all the layers where the tabs were added.  Boardshort has such a tight weave so I'm sure this played a big role in it.  I ended up swapping the strap tabs for stretch crepe tabs and completely eliminated the hidden tab to secure the wallet.  

I used the same hibiscus flip flop zipper pulls and placed her handmade logo in the lower right hand corner, exactly to her specifications.  All of my hardware for these bags came from Idleblooms -- full warning: that site is addicting and you'll want to buy it all. Leave some for me... haha!



. . . and that's a wrap!  We hope you enjoyed hanging out with us today.  We're off to explore Palm Beach now.   Join us on Monday - poolside - for two more fabulous teen/tween vacation looks!  See you there!

If you were inspired by today's looks,
head over to the shop to pick up your patterns!

{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} "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!








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


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Visit Art Gallery Fabrics on Social Media





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 


Ellie Inspired "Back-to-School Blog Tour" - School Days Skirt


Welcome, Ellie Inspired fans to the next stop on the 
Back-to-School Blog Tour - Fall 2014!


Today's feature is...  


Wowsers, this summer has flown by!  I cannot believe school is right around the corner and this year is super exciting -- my oldest is heading to Kindergarten!!!  EEEKS!

When Laura of Ellie Inspired invited me on her Back-to-School tour, I knew I'd be choosing a pattern for my 5 year old.  My daughter loves to wear skirts so I chose the School Days Skirt.  This pattern comes in sizes 1-16 and contains two options - ruffled or stripwork.  I chose the ruffled version for my sassy diva. And I just happened to have some fabric laying around in her school colors (Go Cardinals)!!

(PS... after the gazillion photos, there is an awesome giveaway and sale -- don't miss it!)

I added ric rac at the top of the ruffles for added interest
with a black rolled hem for extra pop.

Let's go inside....


the pattern, that is :)

Pattern Highlights
  • Sizes 1-16
  • Two versions are included: Ruffled or Stripwork
  • Optional Playground shorts included
  • Pattern Pieces: 6 printable pages (shorts only); all skirt measurements are in a cutting chart
  • Tutorial: Easy to follow instructions with line drawings
  • Charts included: Fabric Requirements, Sizing, Cutting Measurements, & Fabric Layout Diagram
  • Beginner friendly pattern



Standing proud in front of her new school!!!

The cutting chart is easy to follow.  Skirt construction is a breeze.  The only change I made was I gathered my two ruffle pieces together (as if they were one) rather than separately like the tutorial instructs.

LOVE that the shorts are included in the pattern.
I made these using white knit from Purple Seamstress.

Ummm, yeah -- ^ this is why the shorts included are so supremely awesome!!!   I decided to make my shorts out of knit for extra comfort.  After finishing the skirt, I thought of using the Ellie Inspired Leggings pattern for a tighter fit next time.  *note - I have no idea whether the leggings will work or not- but I will surely try!


My daughter is IN LOVE with her new skirt.  She wore it again today for her Kindergarten Assessment and did a little twirl for the teacher.  LOL 

School Tour -- Outfit (left) is Sweetheart (modified) Top by Little Lizard King
and the Petunia Petal Pants (cropped) by Lilygiggle.  

Of course my 3 year old could not understand why she didn't have a new outfit sooo.... baby girl got a turn in front of the camera.  This girl makes me smile!

Of course, it's slightly large on her :)



So I rolled the waist and untucked her tank top!

I'm not sure if Kindergarten is ready for this sassy diva, but she sure is ready for Kindergarten!!



The Ellie Inspired Back-to-School Collection includes 6 NEW patterns for both boys and girls in sizes 1 - 16, 4 upgraded patterns, 1 accessory pattern, PLUS a FREE tote pattern with every purchase!  The more you buy, the more you SAVE!!

Click HERE to start shopping!!
(Sale ends Friday, Aug 15th 11:59pm, CST)



Laura is donating a 3-pattern pack to one lucky reader!
Good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway



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