Tag: Inari Dress

Christmas in June with All About Christmas from Riley Blake Designs

Our newest makes for Riley Blake Designs might have you a little confused. Christmas prints in June? If you’re a planner, that’s perfect! Time to get your handmade holidays started. If you are anything like me though, you sew for the here and now. If only I was able to think that far ahead…

All About Christmas by J. Wecker Frisch is such a fun collection. I love the color scheme and think these prints would make adorable stockings. The snowflakes would have been top of my list for matching dresses for my girls when they were just a bit younger too!

When picking prints with apparel in mind, I tend to go subtle and was immediately drawn to the Stars in all of the multiple colorways. In thinking summer holidays, I went with Charcoal and Red. I think these prints will be festive throughout July but will work year round too!

I originally planned dresses with these prints but really wanted them to get more wear through the summer so I did top versions instead. As my teen quickly outgrows most kids patterns, I’m finding more and more women’s patterns that she now fits into. This is the Inari Top and Dress from Named Patterns (one of my go-to patterns for myself!) I sewed up a size 0 crop top version with no alterations.

I love the almost boat neckline and cuffed short sleeves. This pattern works well with a variety of fabrics. There is an option for a neckband when using knit fabrics but the woven version is finished with a neck facing. The crop length works so well on her!

Payton got a Vintage Little Lady Chloe Dress hacked into a peplum length top. This is a free pattern and such a great one to try if you’ve been eyeing Vintage Little Lady patterns but are hesitant. I love the simple dolman sleeve and baby doll waist. It’s a quick sew and has a handful of cute little details you can add.

Isn’t that back just too cute?!

So tell me, do you have Christmas sewing on the brain already? What’s your favorite handmade item to gift? I love this collection and think it’d be perfect for gifting this holiday season. And if you’re like me, don’t brush those Christmas prints off as just for December!

A Chambray Dress for all seasons with Riley Blake

If you’ve read this blog for any amount of time, you know I usually let my girls have all of my fun Riley Blake sponsored fabrics, well, they usually get first dibs on ALL the fabric honestly. When choosing fabric for this post, I knew it needed to be all mine! Today I’m highlighting Riley Blake chambray, a fabric substrate I love and wanted all for myself!

I had a tough time picking which chambray to get. I love the subtle prints but finally settled on the Indigo for a classic look. This chambray is lightweight and would work well for tops (a button-up would be divine!), full skirts, dresses, or light pants.

When debating what to make with this fabric, I knew I wanted something I would wear often. Love Notions Allegros or a Melody Top came to mind, or another Justine Skirt (I lived in this version all summer). When thinking about what I wear all year long, I immediately settled on a Named Inari Dress. I wear my past version so much and I knew a chambray version would be super versatile. So now I bring you my dress for all seasons!

For summer, I’d keep the styling simple and wear the dress alone with sandals or sneakers. The shape of the Inari is my favorite and really shines on it’s own. When sewing my Inari’s I make a few simple alterations. I eliminate the side slits at the hem and love to add inseam pockets (I can’t live without them!). I also add 2 inches to the length so it hits right at my knees. This is a size 6 with cap sleeves minus the sleeve cuff. I love the fit through the neck and shoulders and the cocoon shaping really helps out my rectangle frame. It’s loose without being too oversized.

Going into fall, a light sweater, tights, and booties really help transition this dress. I wore this dress to church this week with just the booties and was so comfortable!

Sweater and tights from Downeast Basics and are no longer available but here is a similar sweater, the booties are a Target score.

Winter means thick tights, a chunky sweater, and a cozy fun scarf.

Similar scarf and sweater (original was from Target last year)

Boots are my favorite Amazon purchase this year!

For spring, it’s time for a simple lightweight sweater and fun bright jewelry and shoes to really celebrate the arrival of sunshine and warmer temps.

Both necklaces in this post are from Charming Charlie (a favorite for inexpensive trendy pieces)

Sweater is another from Downeast Basics and shoes are well worn Target finds (Are you sensing a theme here? I mainly online shop but can’t help throwing in a thing or two while picking up ‘essentials’ at Target. And Downeast happens to be right next to my favorite grocery store, lol!)

I can already tell this dress is going to be well loved. It fits so well into my 2020 wardrobe- comfy, easy to wear, and super versatile. This chambray has washed up beautifully and will continue to get better with each wash I’m sure. As I sew for myself, especially in these times, I try to be really intentional and add pieced to my wardrobe that really make me happy. This dress does just that!

Holiday Plaid Inari Dress

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As the holidays approach I usually sew my girls a new dress or two for the occasion.  I love seeing them all festive and dressed up each Sunday.  I didn’t want to be left out this year and sewed myself a fun new dress just for me!

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I’m super lucky to have a Hobby Lobby just a few minutes from my house and every time I go I get sucked into the fabric section.  I love their seasonal apparel fabrics and this plaid flannel just had to come home with me.  I love the white background and bold red color and can’t seem to find anything like it in other shops.  I love that it’s perfect for the holidays but I will also continue to wear it all winter long.

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I made this Named Inari dress earlier this fall and it’s been in constant rotation.  I added inseam pockets and skipped the side slits for a look that’s comfy and so easy to throw on.  This version was made in ponte knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.  I’ve loved this version so much I’ve been anxious to make another one for months!

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I sewed up a size 6 and added 2 inches at the waist line.  I used a pocket piece from another pattern because pockets are a must at church (almost every musical number will bring me to tears so I’ve got to keep tissues handy!).  I used the same pattern pieces for both the knit and woven versions except for the neckline, opting for a facing with the flannel over a neckband.

I love this cocoon silhouette.  It’s nice and relaxed without being too oversized.  I think it will look great with a long cardigan or even a jean jacket.

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I can’t express how much I loved this project.  My schedule is full of deadlines and ‘must sews’ that I rarely take a moment to sew something just for fun.  This pattern is quick and easy to sew (no closures to mess with makes it simple to sew but also so comfortable to wear).   These kind of projects make me remember why I love sewing in the first place.  Just me, my favorite podcasts, and my sewing machines= pure heaven!

Are you taking a little time to sew for yourself this holiday season?  It feels extra indulgent but oh so good!

Thanks for stopping by!