Make It Mine Tour

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The Women’s Waterfall Raglan from Chalk and Notch is such a fantastic pattern.   Every time another one shows up in my feed I fall in love again.  I’m thrilled to be joining in the Make It Mine Tour and sharing my Date Night look with you guys.  Make sure to read to the end for your chance at some fantastic prizes!

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I ordered this gorgeous stretch velvet from LA Finch Fabrics ages ago with the intention of sewing up this dress for the holidays.  A bit late for Christmas but I think Valentine’s Day will be a little sweeter in this cute lil’ number!

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I love me a good twirl dress!!  I made an easy alteration to the pattern and shortened the ruffle a few inches to make the dress hit right at my knees.  I wanted something a little flirty and fun.

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I threw on a denim jacket and I’m ready for our dinner and a movie date night!  Is it super sad that I’m looking forward to a family date to see the new Lego Batman movie this weekend?  We all loved the original Lego movie and this one looks to be just as hilarious!  Throw in a trip to the pizza joint and I’m one happy mama!  So romantic 😉

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Total side note- I just picked up my new glasses and I’m in love!  Not with the fact that I have to wear them but with being able to really see again!  It’s like the world is in HD and I didn’t know what I was missing out on.  This growing older thing is the pits but at least I’ve got my handsome hubby along for the ride!

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Now for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Stylish Fabrics head over to Chalk and Notch to link up your Waterfalls!  Check out the #makeitminetour on social media for tons of cute inspiration.   Thanks for joining me!

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Heidi- Handmade Frenzy | Zoe – ZowieZo Handmade | Indu- Kaleidothought | Maria – Creative Needle and Threads | Verinne – boeven bende | Mie – Sewing Like Mad | Victoria – As it Seams

Watcha Wearin January Kids Style

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As I was contemplating my second post for the Watcha Wearing January tour I knew I wanted to do it for kids clothes.  My closet is probably only about half handmade but my girls are close to 90% (I’ve yet to make jeans for them since I can pick them up for ten bucks and pj’s are about half rtw since they are just too darn cute!).  You guys see plenty of cute styled pics like the one above but I wanted to give you guys a glimpse into our reality.

I’d like to share what actually gets worn in our day to day.  I never really know what will be a favorite and what will sit on the hanger.  I always try to involve my kids when I sew and let them pick out fabrics and patterns and sometimes we hit the jackpot.  For pattern tests I usually ask which girl likes the pattern the most.  They have such different personalities that I’m getting pretty good at sewing for their own styles.  My boys are all about the comfort and I know I can’t go wrong with comfy pants, raglans, and hoodies.

A glimpse into our laundry baskets this week will find:

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This velvet Andromeda Top has been worn at least once a week since I made it.  She has a matching one for her doll that is too cute too!

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The Butterfly Cardigan is a new addition and both girls wear it whenever possible.  It’s just such a cozy layering piece!

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The Miss Mary Mack (affl. link) from Love Notions is another top that this one wears constantly.  I really need to make her a few more.  I just love the yoke detail and all the fun options it has.

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This outfit of a Jolly Roger Raglan and Boxwood Joggers is his absolute favorite.  It’s comfy, warm and in his favorite colors so of course it’s worn as soon as it’s clean.

For a real dose of reality I grabbed pics of my kids if they happened to be in mama made this week.  They were usually taken after school or right after they woke up so they are lookin’ good!

Our Sunday looks:

You can find pretty pics and details on these here, here, and here.

After church casual:

Boxwood Joggers and a poncho I knit way before I even had a daughter (this is one of those things that kills me that she loves!).

School looks:

We have a super old Skipper Top, Baby bear joggers, Jolly Roger Raglan with cowl, Blair Top, and Hatteras Hoodie with Mini Hudson Pants.

It was fun to reflect on sewing for my kids and what makes something actually get worn.  What are your go-to patterns for your kids?  Anything that surprised you that they’ve fallen in love with?

Make sure to stop by all the other stops on the tour this week:

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Sunday, January 22nd: Sewing By Ti , Embrace Everyday

Monday, January 23rd: Sewing By Ti, Tenille’s Thread

Tuesday, January 24th: Robynne & the Bobbin, Harper + Lu

Wednesday, January 25th: Mahlica Designs

Thursday, January 26th: Sew Sophie Lynn, Creative Counselor, Crafty Like a Rox

Friday, January 27th: Everything Your Mama Made and More

Saturday January 28th: Sewingly Michelle, Sewing By Ti, Wild and Wanderful

Make sure you head over to Sewing by Ti to enter two HUGE giveaways!

Made for Mermaids Joy and Mama Joy

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Made for Mermaids newest pattern in their Dreamy Collection is here.  The Joy and Mama Joy are classic knit dresses that will be perfect for every occasion.

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The Joy features a fitted bodice and a full pleated skirt with multiple skirt and sleeve lengths.

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It mashes perfectly with the other dresses is the Dreamy Collection.  I mashed the Noelle top with the pleated peplum of the Joy and love this top!

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It looks fantastic in a variety of knits.  I used stretch velvet for my maxi version and also for the Noelle mash.  The floral is a fun scuba knit that really showcases the pleats.

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We’re really struggling with pictures lately as it’s been so gloomy and it gets dark so early these days.  I’m afraid blog pics for the next few months are going to be less than stellar- already looking forward to spring and sunny days!

We headed to the mountains for this shoot and my oldest took the pics. It was fun but freeeeezing!  The snow falling is a little help from Photoshop but we missed the real snowfall by just a few minutes.  My girls have gotten to be such troopers with their crazy mom.  Since November, I’ve been paying them for shoots under the condition that they use the money for Christmas presents.  They’ve been more eager and it’s been fun to see them spend their earnings on their siblings and other family.  I’m hoping that after Christmas they’ll go back to being happy with a chocolate or other special treat- wish me luck!

I could see this being my go-to dress for this one.  It fits perfectly, has pockets, and she will die if I make her a maxi version.  This dress and that fabric really just make me so happy!  It was one of those projects that when I finished I was totally tempted to check her out of school just to see it on her… tell me I’m not the only one that gets that excited.

I knew this blue velvet was meant for this little lady.  She’s worn this top to school and it just suits her so well.  I love that hi-low peplum and that collar is so timeless.

I want to love my dress, I really do.  It’s about as comfy as it gets but it really doesn’t flatter me.  It’s not the dress design so much as my indulging in a little too much holiday cheer and not enough hitting the gym.  It’s also the fabric choice for sure.  Velvet shows every little bump and works well in a looser silhouette for me.

It’s a little better styled with a scarf or a belt.

I also made a peplum top in ponte but will definitely size up next time.  This top was my first version in my normal size and the maxi is one size above what I normally wear in M4M.

I will for sure make more though.  I think Liverpool would be a great fabric choice or even a thicker ponte with a bit more stretch.  I placed a big order for fabric all with this pattern in mind!

You can pick up your patterns individually here and here or grab the bundle since you know you’ll want to be matchy-matchy!

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Get The Look Blog Tour with Simple Life Pattern Company and Art Gallery Fabrics

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When Katie from The Simple Life Pattern Company asks you to do something you’ve just got to say yes!  And when she’s collaborating with Art Gallery Fabrics you can’t say it fast enough!

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The Simple Life Pattern Company has teamed up with Art Gallery to offer Get The Look kits.  Each kit comes with the pattern and fabric you need to recreate these gorgeous looks.  If you’re anything like me, picking fabric can take longer than actually sewing!  These kits are a no-brainer!

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I’m thrilled to be sharing my own look along with some amazingly talented women on the Get the Look Blog Tour.  (I’ll hook you up with links at the end of my post.)

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When given access to any Art Gallery Fabric boy did I struggle!  I knew right away I wanted to do a classic Emma’s Herringbone Top and Dress.  I wanted it simple and sweet.  I’m always drawn to Art Gallery’s gorgeous prints but was surprised there weren’t any solid looks available in the Get the Look kits.   The new denim line from Art Gallery Fabrics is dreamy and I picked Outland Yarn Dyed Denim in Endless Paradise.  It’s a pretty, soft chambray with a tint of teal to it.

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I paired it with some pretty wood buttons and some cream dot trim for just a touch of contrast.

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It’s such a simple look but one that can be dressed up or down.

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This girl loves her accessories.  Pop on a cute necklace and floppy hat and she’s golden!

You can make this look for yourself by grabbing the kit here (it’s on sale too!).  You can make it your own by adding whatever trim you’d like at the waist.   I loved it with lace or a simple piping too!  Hobby Lobby and I are tight 😉

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For more brilliant looks check out these incredible ladies and their darling girlies.

Nov 28th Caroline Hulse — Sew Caroline
Nov 28th Kim Coffin –  Sweet Red Poppy
Nov 29th Kari Steiger – That’s Sew Kari
Nov 30th Dana Willard – Made Everyday
Nov 30th Tami Peterson —  Sew Sophie Lynn
Dec 1st Bonnie Christine – Going Home to Roost
Dec 1st Delia Randal – Delia Create’s

 

Make sure you join the SLPCO Facebook group for the latest info and tons of great inspiration!  Art Gallery’s Instagram is one of my favorites- daily fabric pics to feed my fabric lovin’ heart.

 

Sew What Do I Wear? Holiday Edition

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The sweet ladies at Made for Mermaids and Patterns for Pirates are hosting a super fun tour- Sew What Do I Wear?  It’s full of amazing inspiration for all of your holiday festivities!

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I’ve been dying to make me a maxi dress ever since I made my girly this version.  Every single time she wears it I get a twinge of jealousy.  We all sit and pet her soft double brushed poly dress and I knew I needed my own BAD!

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With my husband’s Holiday Party quickly approaching I knew this would be the perfect excuse to get sewing.  He recently became the big boss man and I feel like my party attire should be stepped up a notch.  I love that this dress is casual but still has a bit of wow factor.  It also helps that I feel like I’m wearing my pj’s so I’ll be nice and comfortable even if I’m sweating on the inside trying to remember names and put on my best party face.

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I mashed two patterns together for this easy hack.  I used the Mama Ava from Made for Mermaids with the Boundless Dress from Patterns for Pirates.

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I wanted it to hit at my natural waist so I measured from my shoulder to where I wanted it to hit then added 2 inches for seam allowance and to have it blouse a little. I then measured from my waist to the floor (I love my maxi’s to hit the ground) and cut my skirt that long by the width of the fabric.  I constructed the dress per the Boundless tutorial, using 3/4″ elastic in the waist since it was gathering so much fabric there.   I basted the top and the skirt together first, stretching the top to match the skirt then followed the tutorial for adding the elastic. Of course I had to add the Boundless pockets too!

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I need to fill my closet with these!  I couldn’t bring myself to take it off after we did these pics and wore it all day- cleaning house, driving carpool…all those mom duties that suddenly felt a bit more glamorous in a maxi.  This fabric is a dream and I could seriously live in it forever!

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I had the hubby grab pics at lunch one day.  Tell me you all give your guy this look too!  I was cracking up at my “you know what you’re doing, right?” expression.  He did a great job with the pics and I sure loved sneaking off with him for a bit!

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Make sure to check out the other great looks on the tour.  We’re talking  smokin’ hot party outfits, darling family pic looks, and holiday gathering wear.

Hawthorne Threads Oh What Fun! Blog Hop

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If you’re dreaming of holiday sewing have I got a post for you!  Hawthorne Threads newest holiday line, Oh What Fun, is spectacular and I’m thrilled to be sharing it with you.  The best part is one lucky reader will win 3 yards all to themselves!

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I sat down with my girls and we debated FOREVER about which prints to choose.  The line comes in two colorways- Spruce and Sweet.  I’m a sucker for non-traditional Christmas colors and this line really pulled me in.   We picked Dashing Through the Snow in Onyx with a gorgeous mint solid and Merry and Bright in Sweet.

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I love that they can wear these dresses all winter long!  This fabric is thicker than your normal quilting cotton and a dream to sew.

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I knew I wanted a simple silhouette for my oldest- something that would really let this fun fabric really shine.  I used the Norah Dress from Welcome to the Mouse House.  I did a size 7 with a 12 length for my tall girl.  I love the sweet a-line and classic feel it has.

I changed the dress slightly by adding an exposed zipper on the back.  I felt like it needed a little edge to please this picky girly.

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I’ve been dreaming of making a Little Lizard King Double Scoop Dress since it’s release and I knew this fabric was destined for one.  This pattern is AMAZING!  It will be my new go-to for that classic fitted bodice dress.  The options with this one are darling and I’m already planning my next one.

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I did KAM snaps up the back that match the mint just perfect!  This dress has a retro feel that I adore!  The full skirt, peter pan collar, big bow sash- seriously too cute for words!

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These girls were thrilled that their new dresses matched their newly redecorated bedroom- no wonder we were smitten with these fabrics!  They had a blast shooting these fun looks.

Now for the good part:  You can win three yards of fabric from Hawthorne Threads!

GIVEAWAY OVER!! Congrats Vickie Zaleski, you were chosen by random.org!

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All you need to do is head over to the site and check out their amazing in-house lines and leave a blog comment here telling me your favorites.  You’ll be blown away with the crazy huge selection and stunning prints they have to offer.  They are perfect for apparel, crafts, and home decorating projects.  I’ve got my heart set on a few for new pillows to refresh our living room.  Winner will be randomly selected and notified after the tour ends- Tuesday November 22.

Make sure you check out the other stops on the tour for more inspiration and chances to win!

Tuesday 11/15- Hawthorne Threads Blog

Wednesday 11/16- Olivia Jane Handcrafted

Thursday 11/17- Holly Gets Quilty

Friday 11/18- Lillyella

Monday 11/21- Violette Field Threads

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Chalk and Notch Waterfall Raglan

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Chalk and Notch’s newest pattern is here and it’s divine!  We are head over heels for the Waterfall Raglan and we’re excited to join in celebrating Chalk and Notch’s One-Year Anniversary!  Make sure you enter the Raffle Copter at the end for a BIG prize!

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The Waterfall Raglan comes in both top and dress lengths.  In sizes 12 months to 12 years, you can use it forever!

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Isn’t that ruffle hem just the cutest?!!

It also has three sleeve lengths to make it the perfect all season pattern!  I did a 3/4 sleeve on the top and long sleeves for the dress.

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Both are made in flowy rayon spandex that the girls want to live in.

You can pick up your copy from Upcraft Club or Chalk and Notch while it’s on sale!

You can check out so many other darling versions from around the blogosphere:

Emi – Just Add Fabric | Melissa – Rebel & Malice | Brooke – Idle Sunshine | Nicky – Mix it Make it | Nelleke – gaafmachine | Nelleke – gaafmachine | Sylvia – Lily & Woody | Sophie – Monineau & Petit Pois | Monica – Mamimeno | Cassy – Pear Berry Lane | Thao – Little Cumquat | Toya – Made by Toya | Tami – Sew Sophie Lynn | Maria – Fairies, Bubbles & Co. | Indu – Kaleidothought | Julia – trendedero | Eveline – frölein tilia

Make sure you enter the Rafflecopter to win a copy of ALL the Chalk and Notch patterns, a $25 Gift Certificate to Upcraft Club, and a $50 Gift Certificate to my favorite fabric shop- Raspberry Creek!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

City Park Hack x2

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You know by now that I have a severe love affair with Hey June patterns.  They are the basics that make up so much of mine and my kids wardrobes.  When I was playing around with patterns for Project Run and Play I couldn’t help but turn to these patterns as my basic building blocks.  Today I’m sharing two easy hacks that I did using the City Park Tee.

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Loose peplums and swingy knit dresses are all over my Pinterest feed.  I knew this pattern would be perfect to recreate these looks.

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For the cute swingy dress I used this tutorial Adrianna did.  I cut my front piece to create a v in the stripes and did it as wide and swingy as the fabric cut would allow.  I used my leftovers from this dress (my own Union swing dress hack).  It has just the perfect amount of drape and bounce.  She just couldn’t stop spinning in it!

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I’m absolutely loving this length on her too.  Hopefully she can wear it well into next summer.

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One can never have enough black and white stripes in their wardrobe!

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For the peplum hack I cut the bodice pieces at the lengthen/shorten line. I added a gathered skirt the width of the fabric and Bam!  A cute swingy top in no time!

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I think I’ll be sewing elbow length sleeves until someone gives me an intervention.  They just are the perfect length to wear on their own or to layer with a cardigan.

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Fall means more plaid too!  Be forwarned that this blog will soon be overrun with all things plaid 😉

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I love these quick, simple takes on an already fabulous pattern!  I’m sure they’ll get many more!

Project Run and Play:Signature Style

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Sweet Simplicity- that’s what I’d call my style in a nutshell.  I sew for my kids, my girls especially, things that I would wear myself.  My wardrobe needs to be three things: comfortable (THE most important element), classic, and functional.  My kids need these same things for sure!

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For Signature Style week I had a sister look planned again but being voted off last week changed things a bit.  It was such a blast being in the competition but with the pressure off I enjoyed a quiet weekend with my family.  You get to see the piece that was finished prior to Friday.  There are multiple things in varying stages of completion that will eventually hit the blog but I am loving my newfound freedom 😉

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For this dress I used the Adelyn from Simple Life Pattern Company.  That bow back is my absolutely favorite!  I made one for her here and I’ve been dying to make another. In brushed poly from Pretty Posh Prints it’s pretty much the best thing EVER!  I’m insanely jealous!

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For this dress I changed the sleeve up a bit by taking out the gathers.  I really wanted as simple a bodice as I could get.

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We went for a little drama with a full, floor length maxi skirt addition.

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Of course, every good dress has pockets!

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I had a blazer for her cut and ready but decided not to rush it.  I recently won the book Patternless Sewing Mod Style by Patty Young.  It came at the perfect time!  This sweet little twill and french terry wrap is so classic and simple.  It sewed up in no time and is the perfect compliment to her little outfit.

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Another element of my signature style is- accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!  I like simple wardrobe pieces but LOVE to jazz them up with just the right accent pieces.  This girl has taken a cue from her mom.  On our back to school shopping trip all she was interested in was the jewelry, purses, and hats- just what you need to head back to school!  She has earned the nickname ‘Purse and Boots’ for her high fashion style.

Stop back later this week for a little PR&P recap and behind the scenes look.  Make sure you head on over and vote for your favorite look this week too!  I love those ladies and can’t wait to see who the lucky winner is.  They all deserve it that’s for sure!

Project Run and Play: Week Two-I’m an Autumn

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Fall in Utah is my absolute favorite!  The vibrant leaves, cooler weather and trips to our favorite pumpkin patch are things I look forward to all year.

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It was so fun sewing for this week’s Project Run and Play challenge- I’m an Autumn: using the warm colors of Autumn for your primary color palette (red, orange, yellow, and brown).  Now admittedly, I’m NOT an autumn and I’m drawn to much cooler colors so this was initially a bit of a challenge for me.  I had nothing at all in my stash in those colors so we took a trip to the fabric store (five fabric stores to be exact!).

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I had a vision for this dress right from the start and finding the perfect fabric proved to be harder than I thought it would.  With our short time frame I knew I had to find it locally and I finally settled on this gorgeous charmeuse from Joann.  It has such beautiful drape and worked so well for this maxi.

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I used the Lil Luxe Dress from Lil Luxe Collection as the base for this dress.  I added the long sleeves and pockets from the Starlight City Dress, also by Lil Luxe Collection.  I cinched the sleeves with elastic to create a bit of volume in them.  I used the width of the fabric for the skirt portion adding to the drama of this dress.

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I raised the back curve a couple of inches.  This dress will get worn to church ALOT and I wanted her to feel comfortable in it.  And boy does she!  She absolutely loves it!  She’s all about the maxi dresses and this is her new favorite!

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To complete her look I made a luxurious faux fur vest.  She’s always wanted one and this was the perfect outfit for it!

I used my go-to t shirt pattern the City Park Tee from Hey June Handmade to start with.  I drafted the vest using the bodice pieces with only slight modifications.  It’s fully lined in a super soft tweed and closes with a hook and eye at the chest.  She’s anxious to wear it with her favorite skinny jeans and boots once the weather stays cooler.

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I was so excited to sew for this little guy too!  He’s not the easiest to photograph but he’s always a super grateful recipient.

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The highlight of his outfit is a vest made using the BBC Vest from Shwin Designs.  Flannel and leather are such an amazing combo for fall.

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It’s so soft and cozy and will make a great layering piece in his wardrobe.  I lined it in cream stretch denim to make it a bit more structured.

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The leather details elevate it and I was a little nostalgic digging through my great-grandma’s buttons for this project.  These were exactly what I was looking for to finish off this vest.

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His pants are Moto Maxx bottoms from Love Notions.  I love the details on these and they were so fun to play with.

In my endless fabric search I was trying to find soft, comfortable khaki twill.  Everything I found was stiff and not what I had in mind so I headed to my hubby’s closet.  I stole his beloved well worn khakis and they worked like a dream!  I did diamond quilting on the knees and lined them with flannel from the vest.  Comfortable, warm pants will be well loved this fall.

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I did triple stitching on the waistband and slightly cropped them to be more like the joggers his big brothers are so fond of.  This little man wants to be exactly like them so he loves his new cool pants!

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His tee is an ode to another fall staple- long days at the soccer fields!  This little guy is so excited to be on his first soccer team after spending much of his life watching all his siblings play.  He’s definitely got the soccer thing down and this tee is a winner.

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I used the Made for Mermaids Rowan Raglan and slimmed it down to fit better under his vest.  I love this pattern and all the options it comes with.  He loves hoods so I’ll be adding them whenever I can.

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These two are just loving their new looks!

Make sure to head over to Project Run and Play to see the other competitors looks and to vote for your favorite!  We hope you like our Autumn look as much as we do!

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