Rocky Mountain Wild by Corinne Wells for Riley Blake Designs

Over the years, I’ve made many sewing friends and it’s been fun to meet them in real life. It’s rare when a real life friend comes into your sewing world. I’ve known Corinne Wells for years and to see her beautiful work become fabric has been such a treat! Her newest venture with Riley Blake Designs is absolutely gorgeous and it was so fun to be able to sew up her designs. Her line Rocky Mountain Wild is now available at your favorite quilt shop.

Rocky Mountain Wild is full of pretty prints inspired by the beautiful mountains that surround us. From lovely wildflowers to quaking aspen trees, these prints bring to life spring in our area. I feel so lucky to live at the base of these mountains and the year round beauty they bring. Currently covered in snow, they stand majestic and tall. Come spring they are bursting with color and life and provide such a comfort and peace to me. I love that Corinne drew on these mountains as inspiration and the collection really speaks to their beauty.

As I sewed up these prints, I envisioned styling them with chunky tights, boots and warm beanies and doing our photos in the actual Rocky Mountains. Through a series of crazy events, these pictures are taken in the opposite of picturesque mountains, instead on our quick escape getaway to sunshine and sand. It has made me excited at how versatile these prints are and how great they are year-round.

For these dresses, I knew I wanted to draw on the prairie-chic looks that are everywhere these days. Something loose and non-fussy, I searched my pattern stash and actually tried a new pattern I’ve been wanting forever too. Sophie is in a hacked Hinterland Dress by Sew Liberated. Payton is in a Spencer Dress from Violette Fields Threads.

I sewed up the smallest size (she is just under the measurements) and used two back bodice pieces. She didn’t need the bust shaping and I knew the front neckline would be a little low for her liking. I skipped the button placket and because this has no closures I lowered the front neckline three inches to be able to fit over her head and give her a little room in the neckline in front.

Side note- the walls of our resort are all this pretty pale yellow color and we laughed that she just camouflaged right into them!

She loves the loose styling and this will be such a cute dress to throw on. I’m anxious to make this pattern again and maybe try the placket as well.

Payton described the dress that she wanted out of this fabric as “Ya’ know, kinda flows out from here (under the arms) and no ruffles!” I searched my pattern stash for a-line dresses and the Spencer was the winner. I’ve made two in the past (one for my niece and one for Sophie) and have always loved them.

That little yoke and the puff sleeve are so cute! I modified the sleeves to omit the cuff and placket and I just did a simple elastic casing. I wasn’t sure if she’d want them 3/4 length or chopped to short sleeves but she was a fan of them just like this.

The full back button placket is one of my favorite details.

I loved everything about these dresses! Getting to work with fabric designed by an incredibly talented friend is such a treat. I hope you guys can get your hands on these beautiful prints!