{Riley Blake Designs} Gem Stones Brights - Blizzard Blue

I'm back with the second half of my Gem Stones Bright reveal and hopefully it was worth the wait!  The delay was double-fold -- this dress was a surprise for my daughter for her 5th Grade graduation and the dress design is a new release so I had to wait for it to be announced. 

In case you missed last week's post, Gem Stones Brights by PSD2 for Riley Blake Designs features gorgeous, vibrant tones in an ombre confetti pattern that runs selvage to selvage.  This collection contains 16 color combinations.

My oldest daughter had picked out Blizzard Blue as her favorite fabric of the bunch,  It's a gorgeous transition from bright blue to turquoise to purple.   I let her pick the fabric, but the dress pattern was a surprise!

The pattern I chose is Bali by Little Lizard King.  As soon as I saw photos of this dress, I knew immediately that it'd be the perfect choice for her graduation.  (And since it wasn't a typical graduation, I didn't have to worry about dress code!) 

This dress is a sweet, summer dress that has a choice of straps and optional flutters with a gorgeous lower back cutout and elastic-backed waist. The instructions for blending sizes are really helpful -- my petite rising middle schooler is wearing a 6 chest, 8 length graded down to a size 3 waist.  It's a perfect fit!!  (Don't worry, the sizing is not off -- she's that tiny!)

While the overall project was a surprise, I did ask some critical design questions along the way.  Because the colors run parallel with the selvage, she had to decide if she wanted the colors to transition vertically or horizontally.  A vertical transition would have been cutting the skirt with width going selvage to selvage and all 3 colors would have been seen on the skirt.  She decided she wanted the skirt to be mostly purple with turquoise near the waist and blue on the bodice.

I love the design on the fabric that comes into view when you get closer.  It's so pretty!  I looked through my button stash and found a small purple shank button.

I finished sewing late in the night before her graduation so I pulled my mannequin outside her bedroom and popped the finished dress on it and then set up the sign next to it.  It was a great surprise to wake up to that morning -- she was SO surprised.  I love that she's still so grateful for handmade sewing.

After we had a little photo-shoot inside after officially completing elementary school, we spent the following morning a  couple towns away for a little girls' morning of outdoor pictures, bookstore shopping and stopping by our favorite bagel restaurant.

This fabric is just SO pretty!!!  Check with your favorite quilt shop and definitely buy some of these prints!  I need to grab some more colors because each one is stunning.    I'm really curious how it would look on a circle skirt pattern!  Riley Blake Designs --- thank you so much for such pretty fabrics!!  My girls' closets are full of pretty RBD clothes! 

{Project Run & Play} Project Watercolor Beach

I'm so excited to officially kick-off our Summer break with an amazing capsule collection from Project Run & Play!  The Project Watercolor Beach is a collaboration from several designers from previous Project Run & Play seasons.  When Audrey first reached out to invite me to sew, I was just coming off of the madness of Season 23.  I was ready to dive back into sewing, especially after seeing the collection's line drawings.  I was lucky enough to sew up 6 of the 10 patterns and picked out my favorite digital design to add to one.

First, I sewed up the Golden Dress by Suco by Susana.  This is a sweet dolman-style dress with a v-neck and cinched waist.  Optional back waist tie and pockets are included (had major regret not adding the pockets -- don't tell my daughter. HA!)  Based on fabric recommendations, I chose a lightweight fabric from my stash (walmart mystery fabric) that I knew would drape well and still be easy enough to work with.  It's unlined and finished with a neck facing.

My daughter has worn this both as a dress and a swimsuit cover-up to the pool.

Next, for my oldest daughter, I made the Chromium Cropped Hoodie by Call Ajaire.  This hoodie pattern is JAM-PACKED with options and this will be one to make for all seasons.  It has different sleeve lengths, hood, and optional ears.  It's by far her favorite item I sewed her and she's already demanded  requested more.  I used the softest french terry that I received from So Sew English in a cool watercolor tie dye. 

To pair with the hoodie, I sewed the Bodhi Board Skirt by Bubby and Me Creations and used a denim from my stash.  This skirt is an a-line skirt with elastic-waisted back and side pocket.  I love the added detailing the topstitching provides.  This pattern came together very quickly.   I need to order some boardshort material so I can make some to match all their swimwear!

Speaking of swimwear, I also got to try the Viridian Suit by Jennuine Design.  This pattern has multiple options as well, including a one-piece and ruffles, and plain version.  I chose a coral stripe from Mimi's Custom Fabric and used the color-blocked two piece version and had fun playing with stripes.  

While this suit was intended for my older daughter, my younger daughter decided she would claim it for herself...haha!  (They wear the same size).

Lastly, I sewed up a comfy lounge outfit for my youngest (and have a Ripley Suit planned to coordinate) using the Lemon Tee by Suco by Susana, Abby's Marigold Pants by The Wolf and The Tree and the Sun Squad SVG by SewSophieLynn.  The Lemon Tee and Abby's Marigold Pants are both patterns that will be sewn year-round.  

The Lemon Tee has fun color-blocking options as well as multiple sleeve lengths.  I used a soft white rayon knit and embellished it with the Sun Squad SVG in a yellow flocked iron-on and hot pink glitter iron-on, using my Cricut Maker.

Abby's Marigold Pants are the comfiest palazzo style pant that also includes shorts and capri lengths as well as side ruffles and waist tie (optional).  I sewed up just the basic pant in a kelly green DBP from So Sew English and my daughter claimed they feel like heaven.  (I have to agree -- sooooo soft!)

I had so much sewing these up and will be adding more pieces over the summer.  Head over to Project Run & Play and check out the entire collection!! Also, follow along the PRP blog daily for more inspiration.

View the Project Watercolor Collection lookbook HERE!

{Riley Blake Designs} Gemstones Bright - Pretty Flamingo

The most gorgeous collection is coming to Riley Blake Designs this month!!  This will be a two-part reveal because I feel like each dress needs its own post (and possibly because I didn't quite get the other one finished in time).  

Gemstones Bright by PSD2 for Riley Blake Designs features gorgeous, vibrant tones in an ombre confetti pattern that runs selvage to selvage.  This collection contains 16 color combinations.

 

I enlisted each girl to pick their fabric.  I had an idea of which each one would pick and I was totally spot on!  My youngest picked Gemstones Bright Pretty Flamingo.  Not only does she love flamingos, she loved the range of colors from golden to pink to turquoise.  I selected two yards as the colors run parallel to the selvage.

Picking a pattern that would showcase the gorgeousness of the fabric proved to be more difficult that I imagined.  While a maxi dress would show off the ombre effect in its entirety, a shorter dress is what she prefers.  I decided to try out the Holland Dress by Little Lizard King.  I used nearly every inch of the two yards to create the 3-tiered skirt.  My daughter is a 7 height and the 3 tiers fit perfectly across the selvage.  Once I had the pieces cut, I flipped them different ways to see which combination had the most striking outcome.

After I cut the 3 tiers, I had just enough left to cut out the bodice.  I used each of the 3 colors for the different pieces of the bodice.  I really love how the blue back bodice pops against the golden side pieces.

These colors together are so gorgeous.  It reminds me of a triple-scoop cone of sherbet ice cream.

I love how the colors melt into each other and the confetti pieces make it the perfect party dress. Now, we just need a party!  

Thank you Riley Blake Designs and PSD2!  I am completely smitten with this collection!  Stay tuned for my older daughter's selection!!  

Strawberry Jam by Lauren Brewer Design for Riley Blake Designs

I'm back with another fun collection from Riley Blake Designs.  This collection by Lauren Brewer Design is a bright and cheerful collection called Strawberry Jam.  It has floral, dots, stripes, a geometric print with floral, and of course, strawberries!! 

I really loved several prints so I enlisted my daughter to select her favorite fabric.  She immediately chose the cute strawberries -- Strawberry Jam Berries Blue.  I thought she'd pick the berries as strawberries are her favorite fruit. I had visions of sewing a sweet, summer dress.  Then I got the fabric and it spoke to me... lol (I know, I'm crazy, but my fabric talks!)  It said it wanted to be a cute little zip up jacket.  As I told my daughter, she got SO excited.  So then I had to make it happen!

I turned to the Ollie Bomber Jacket by Sew A Little Seam.  I had made my oldest a cropped version of this pattern a few months ago, and I was dying to try the full jacket.  This pattern has all the little details that make it professionally finished.

The pattern is actually drafted for knit (shh... ) but I had seen a few others make it in woven successfully so I gave it a go.  I didn't size down to her chest and simply sewed the size for her height.   The quality of Riley Blake Design's fabric really shines here.  The fabric is very soft which makes it comfortable to wear, even when the pattern should be sewn in knit.

As I was searching jacket zippers on Amazon, I came across these colorful zips and I hoped I'd get lucky that one would match.  I was especially giddy when they arrived and this blue/green combo was a perfect match!

Here are a few detail shots!  I am really impressed with how it all came together.  I especially love the welt pockets and probably the best welt pocket tutorial I've followed.  I even got to try out my new Quilter's Clapper, also from Riley Blake and it definitely made a noticeable difference when ironing each step. I even added a shop label, size tag, and little coat hook for her so she can hang it up in her cubby at school.  I lined it a light pink sweatshirting so it's super cozy inside and perfect for cooler mornings. I used white ribbing for the the cuffs, collar and waistband. 

Thank you Riley Blake Designs -- this jacket will get lots of use over the next several months!  It turned out exactly how I envisioned.

{Riley Blake Designs} Abbie's Garden

Have you ever made specific plans with fabrics and then before you got them sewn up, a new pattern comes along that changes your plan in an instant?  This just happened with these fabrics!

Abbie's Garden by Sue Daley Designs with Gabrielle Neil for Riley Blake Designs continues the story of a little girl named Abbie.  A mixture of pink, coral, aqua and gray -- this collection is full of charm with sweet pictures of Abbie's garden adventures and coordinating florals.

 When I first saw the collection, I loved the Main Print in Aqua and was equally drawn to the Garden Stripe in Black.    I also loved the Garden Bouquet in Coral and thought my oldest would like it too.  My original plan was to make a sister set, but as you can see, that plan was derailed.

The Eden Dress by Little Lizard King came along and the sweet scalloped overlay stole my heart.

 Immediately, my plans changed and I had to see if the drawings of Abbie were far enough apart on the main print  to feature just one on the overlay. I was so excited when I realized it was a perfect fit!

I used two of the smaller pictures to feature on the pockets and used the Garden Stripe in Black as accent.

The Garden Bouquet in Coral is a nice contrast to the light blue of the main print and softens the starkness of the Garden Stripe in Black.

My youngest LOVES her new dress and my oldest was a bit sad about not getting her outfit (don't worry, I made her something else to add to her closet).  I love the final project even more than my original plan.  Check your favorite online retailer or local store to see when these prints will be hitting the shops!! It should be very soon!!

Hampton Garden by Lila Tueller for Riley Blake Designs

Having sewn for Riley Blake Designs as a blogging contributor for a few years now, there are several fabric designers that I love to sew again and again.  Just by seeing their name, I know it'll be a collection I'll fall in love with.  Lila Tueller is on my list of favorite fabric designers.

Her new collection, called Hampton Garden is simply stunning.  This is a colorful and vibrant palette that is perfect for Spring, but rich enough in color to work in the Fall as well.  The large watercolor floral prints are my absolute favorite and the ability to mix and match amongst the colorways makes countless fabric combinations.  I couldn't even narrow down my selection to just a couple so I chose 5!

The main print I chose was the Hampton Garden Main in Mint.  I love the gorgeous, oversized watercolor florals and the mint background is one of my favorite colors to sew.  To compliment it, I chose Hampton Garden Floral in Teal, Hampton Garden Damask in Purple, Hampton Garden Cathedral in Pink and Hampton Garden Pixie Stix in White.

I knew the main floral print would be perfect in the Little Luxe Collection Sonora Dress.  My daughter LOVES the extra full skirt and I wanted to sew another one before she got too tall for the 6x length and couldn't fit the skirt on 44" wide fabric anymore. HA!

The skirt is two FULL circle skirts sewn together for a double the twirl experience.  If you look at the hem, you can see the Pixie Stix on White as my hem bias.  It's my favorite way to finish circle skirts. Not only does it look professional, it's a great way to add in a coordinating print.

I love a fancy back on a dress and this is one of the few that she prefers the back flutters on.  She also prefers to wear the straps criss-cross, but can be worn with a more open back too for those extra hot days.

I used the remaining prints on a coordinating purse because I cannot stop sewing the Pinky Promise Bag by Little Moo Designs.  I've made so many but realized I had yet to try the piping detail on the seams.  I made bias tape from the pink cathedral print to use as faux piping.  (I didn't have any piping cord to add in!) and I'm loving how the print looks like stripes.  The main body is in the teal floral.  I used the purple damask print for the handles.  Then inside, I lined with the remaining cathedral pink print.

This collection is simply a must-have!  I've got to check my local fabric shop and see if they have any because I definitely need more!!  What is your favorite colorway of the collection?