Tag: Riley Blake Basics

Little Lizard King Amsterdam in Gem Stones from Riley Blake Designs

Did you guys audibly gasp at this fabric?! I mean c’mon, it’s pretty darn amazing! When I first saw the new Gem Stones Bright line from Riley Blake Designs I knew this little girl would be in heaven! There are so many colors to choose from and that ombre is to die for! We chose the Flamingo colorway but it was such a tough choice. We love the subtle sparkle of the gold squares with the bright, vibrant colors. Sooooo pretty!

I knew this fabric needed an equally stunning pattern to really showcase it so we searched our favorite makers for something new to us. I’ve always loved the Little Lizard King Amsterdam every time I’ve seen it sewed up and she was smitten the first time she saw the listing. I knew we needed a maxi dress to really showcase this fabric and I think this pattern was the perfect choice.

This project was such a fun sew. I loved working with the fabric and trying to figure out the best way to really make it shine. She requested a yellow bodice and I love how the dress feels anchored by the turquoise hem. I love sewing dresses and sewing them in quilting cotton is so nice. The stability and weight make it so easy to sew and press. The weight adds a little more body to the skirt. She felt like a princess in this dress and said she can’t wait for an occasion to wear it (with us rarely leaving the house these days she might just be wearing it to the park or a backyard bar-b-que!).

Nothing like a happy kid to make you love this hobby!

This fabric really is amazing! The ombre runs selvage to selvage and it was the perfect width for this maxi dress. My mind is racing with all of the cute possibilities with it! Thank you to Riley Blake for letting us play with this fun line!

Riley Blake Stripes

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I’m not shy about my love of all things striped.  I will pick striped fabric any day!  Of course, I would jump at the chance to sew up some of Riley Blake Designs yummy stripes.

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The toughest question was just which stripes to choose.  With 1/8″, 1/4″, and 1/2″ widths to choose from in a wide array of colors, I was truly stumped.  I love a classic black and white pairing and I knew my oldest would dig them as well.  I got 1/2″ and 1/4″ so I could do a little playing around.  My younger daughter is all about color and boy did I struggle to pick one.  It was a tight race between mint, grey, aqua, and mustard before I finally settled on this baby pink 1/4″.

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I used the Gwen Dress from Violette Fields Threads.  I’ve been loving this style and went with this particular pattern because I loved the back elastic casings and nice big pockets.

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That tie back is so adorable!

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I mixed up the prints throughout the dress, playing with direction as I wanted.  It made it so fun and stripe matching was a breeze.

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She fit the size 8 waist and chest measurements but was off the children’s size chart for height.  I added length to the skirt and button placket.  Next time I will size up one and add a little length to the bodice as well.  Combining sizes for width and length can be tricky!  You’d think after all my practice I’d have it down to an art.  As is, this dress is still adorable and will get her through this summer for sure before it’s passed on to little sis.

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Speaking of little sis, she got a pair of paper bag waist shorts.  They’re everywhere these days too and I’d been dying to hack some for ages.  She got to be my guinea pig and the result is darling!

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I used a shorts pattern I had handy (the Linden Romper shorts from Hey June).  Since this was my first go at it I’ll tell you what I did, then tell you what I should have done.  Live and learn baby!

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First, I added a little width to them to make them more full using the slash and spread method.  I also added length to the rise (about 1.5″).  Now, this is what I’d do differently.  I would actually shorten the rise and add a separate waistband.  The way I did it the waist actually tapered a bit and didn’t want to fold down the full 2″.  With a separate waistband you wouldn’t have that problem.  No brainer for most of you I’m sure but I was flying by the seat of my pants as I sewed these up.  Up until the moment I cut into them I had planned to do a button-front midi skirt but realized shorts would be way more practical.  So I grabbed the nearest shorts pattern and went with it!  Anyone else experience that rush of creativity and joy just letting go?!

For the paperbag style, I couldn’t believe how simple it was.  I folded over the waistband an extra inch, creating a two-inch casing, leaving a small opening to insert your elastic.  Then I sewed another row of stitching 1″ down from the top of the waistband.  This creates the ruffle top.  Insert your elastic into the bottom casing and finish your seam.  I added a wide fabric sash and two small belt loops.  The sash totally completes the look!

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I’d say it was a great call!  She loves them almost as much as I do and now I know just how to make my own pair!

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A huge thank you to Riley Blake for providing the fabric for this post.

Riley Blake Woven Gingham

ginghamtextGingham is one of those classic prints I just can’t get enough of.  I love it in classic colors like navy, red, and black but it also signals spring to me in bright bold hues too.  I was excited to get to play with Riley Blake Designs line of woven gingham.  mainWith so many cute colors and sizes to choose from, I had a tough choice when it came to picking fabrics.  I imagined button-ups, sundresses, casual skirts, and fun summer totes.  I picked fabric with plans for my first Hey June Cheyenne Top but once it arrived my head went spinning again into all the possibilities!  Did I want to share it with my kids?  Did I want tops or bottoms pieces?  What about home decor pieces?  Pillows, table runners, a cute valance for my sewing room?  I tell you, gingham is just WAY too versatile!gingham7.1For my first project I settled on a simple woven tee.  I think this will be amazing to have in my wardrobe as we move into spring.  It looks incredible layered under a cardigan and pairs so great with jeans or dressed up with a skirt.gingham10.1I used the Hey June Key Largo Top in the basic view B.  It’s got classic tee shaping, fitted through the shoulders and relaxed through the waist and hips.  gingham9.1I busted out the white jeans for these pics for the first time in forever and can’t wait until it’s warm enough to wear this outfit in real life.  It just screams warm weather chic!gingham4.1For my next project I just had to make my second Justine Skirt from Ready to Sew.  I sewed one up in a Raspberry Creek rayon challis and couldn’t stop at just one.  The simple lines and understated style make this pattern a wardrobe staple.  The best part?  It’s FREE!gingham3.1Second best part?  Giant pockets!!! Hello! Those babies hold my cell phone, chapstick, and keys with room to spare.  So so good!gingham2.1I paired it with my standard v-neck tee and sandals for a casual take.  I wore it to church after these pics with a sleek fitted tee, cardigan, and statement jewelry for a more polished look.  I’m seriously giddy with all the outfit possibilities with this piece.  I love navy with so many coordinating colors- mint, coral, red, fuchsia, mustard, kelly green, you name it!  I’ll apologize in advance to all my real life friends for how much you’ll be seeing this skirt come summer.gingham8.1gingham1.1

gingham6.1These fabrics were so nice to work with.  Using a woven gingham means no fading, no printing off grain, and lining up the print was easy peasy!  It’s a great weight too, not too sheer or light but still has a bit of drape to it.  It come in 1/4″ and 1/2″ wide prints to fit all your needs.  I’ve already got a huge list going of all the gingham projects for spring and summer!  How much gingham is too much gingham, you know, asking for a friend ;)?