I recently helped test the Via Top, Tunic, and Dress pattern from Sofilantjes Patterns that is currently being released as part of the Street Style Bundle over at Project Run and Play.
I normally sew more fitted bodices for my daughter so it was fun to try out a more straight fitting style and the seaming is perfect for color blocking (though I chose to use a singular color).
I found the pattern pieces and instructions easy to follow. I really like when designers include blending paths because my kiddos are rather slender for their height and blending across more than 2 sizes can be a chore.
The hardest part was finding appropriate fabric. Via calls for French terry/summer sweat with min 30%, max 50% stretch. I am realizing how heavy my stash is on drapier fabrics with more stretch. Luckily, I had a few options for miss 4. She chose this blue cotton French terry I had been saving for joggers for myself (mom life, huh?). We added this fun DBP for the neckband and cuffs. These were fussy cut scraps from this dress.
Because of the fabulous seaming and using just one color, I definitely wanted to topstitch to help draw attention to the pattern’s lines. I used a navy blue to contrast. Looking back, I wish I had stitched the reverse side but I was in auto-pilot mode listening to podcasts.
We had a blast taking these pictures. This flood wall was built to help protect the local shopping district and has a bunch of child-friendly graffiti art.
I got a head start sewing fall wardrobes this year. It was still 90+ degrees when I photographed most of these long sleeve loves. Good thing, because fall came virtually overnight.
I made myself a fall dress using this lovely Art Gallery cotton lycra. I used the Bella Sunshine Designs (affiliate link) Emmaline bodice and popped on the Sahara skirt. This pattern is so lovely. Fits like a dream and super fast because you’re using bands instead of lining. BSD is actually running a mash contest right now. Check out more details here. Hey, I recognize that lady!
My son got several pair of Railway Joggers. I love Sofiona for their terrific fit and superb contruction. There are always fabulous design elements that give even basic things like pants a little extra style. Isn’t he the coolest looking little dude styled up in this P4P free beanie and sneaks? I used a sweater knit for the hat and the joggers are actually an old sweatshirt of mine. I love how they have just the right amount of structure.
Check out little dude in his Hip 2 B Square top (affiliate link) from Goober Pea Designs. Yep, this hat gets around! I had some scraps from Simply By Ti’s striped cotton lycra and it was a great feature fabric for this pattern.
Don’t worry, Diva Girl was NOT left out. By any means. This dress hound settled for a skirt and a top. The skirt is Arcus (affiliate link) from Sofilantjes and made from FT scraps with a DBP waist. The top is a 3/4 sleeved Maggie (affiliate link) from BSD in baby FT.
I also recently made her a long sleeved Rhubarb dress from Sofiona. This is made from Art Gallery CL. I think it was 100 degrees this day in the park but she had so much fun all dressed up and playing in the stream. Oh child!
I used the popular Every Which Way Dress from Duchess and Hare to make my daughter a few dresses awhile back. I’m so happy I am finally remembering to share them!
I made the dress with a collar and a vintage length and I adore the result. The way the dark chambray mixes with this gorgeous floral makes the pattern sing.
My miss has grown a full inch over the summer though so I decided to make an extra long skirt for her second one and wanted lots of twirling fullness so added to the width as well.
Both versions are totally twirl-worthy!
The main fabric on both dresses is quilting cotton. I love using quilting cotton because it is so widely available locally and there are tons of adorable prints and is often at a lower price point. I rarely iron either, I find that simply hanging the dress and hand pressing out the wrinkles while wet mostly does the trick. Phew, this mom doesn’t have time to iron everyday wear.
These two dresses are worn for school, play, painting, for life. I imagine they would constitute as church or other dress up wear for other little ladies but She lives for pretty dresses so why not enjoy them daily? I imagine this pattern would be super spectacular in special occasion fabrics too!
Today I’m guest blogging for Bella Sunshine Designs as part of their Back to School Blog Series. I made the cutest dress, please come check out the full post here.
The 4th of July in 1776 was when the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring ourselves as idependent but unified colonies. It is pretty spectacular to sit with this thought.
It is a national holiday so many American families celebrate with cookouts, parades, and fireworks. And, we wear a little (or a lot!) red, white, and blue.
This year, my kiddos are ready in advance and have already worn their patriotic outfits a few times. Shocker, I’m sort of the WAIT-AND-SEW-IT-AT-THE-LAST-MINUTE kind of momma. I’m also quite miserly with my fabric usage (hoarding IS a hobby!) so am pretty thrilled to have eeeked out both outfits from just one (ONE!!!) yard from my stash.
Patriotic Pearlie Dress
I knew I wanted my daughter to wear a dress with the top as the stripes and the bottom as the stars. The Pearlie from Peach Patterns was such an easy decision. I’ve made tons of this dress before —- check out here and here so I had the pattern ready to rock and roll.
The non-fussy dolman sleeves are fabulous and I just love a good curved hem. As soon as this pattern released for ladies, I was in heaven. We even have matching Pearlies that we (not infrequently) wear together.
Red (White and Blue!) Ringer Tee
The Ringer Tee from Brindle and Twig was a new-to-me pattern (and FREE!). I didn’t have time to muslin it for my lankey dude so just blended between the two sizes I thought he might need based on the measurement chart. BINGO – the fit is exactly what I wanted for him. His dad used to wear a few very old and super soft ringer tees so this is completely nostalgic in all the right ways.
I added a pocket from another designer’s pattern and I’ll lower it a touch if I use it again but he loves any spot to sneak a car. My typical placement rule of thumb is 1/3 to halfway up the height of the armscye and centered vertically if you were to quarter the bodice piece.
I really love how this came out and plan to purchase this cardigan next. How adorable, right?
Blog Tour Inspo
Check out more inspiration from Sew Americana bloggers:
School is out and the pools are open! This is the official start of daily dress weather and more daylight for extra playtime! As part of the the bigflynotions stop on the Rebecca Page Sew Free for Summer Blog Tour, I sewed up two FREEBIE patterns: the Dollies Diaper and the Paris Party Dress top.
Dollies Galore
There are far more dollies than people in my house. Dollies live upstairs, downstairs, in the car, at preschool, in her bedroom, on my couch (ever sit on a dolly foot or hand – – OUCH!). Dollies come with us to the pool, to the grocery store, to bed. I was brushing my teeth the other day and saw a dolly chilling next to the sink. So, its only right for dollies to have a suitable wardrobe, under pieces included.
I used quilting cotton and linen to create each of these three diapers. I really like this pattern because it uses elastic around the legs so you can get a pretty good fit. Each of these diapers is used for a different doll, two 18-inch dolls (the Gotz and the American Girl Doll shown in these pictures) and then a slightly smaller dolly.
Note: While the dolly diaper can be done up to suit your preference, the correct method for closure is with the back piece covering the top piece. (such as in the images for the solid pale pink diaper). This sleep deprived grand(?!?!?)mother failed to pay attention during the snap application phase as the mom (!) was quite eager to clothe her babies.
The pattern calls for velcro but I used snaps as a way to sneak in a little extra fine motor. These are the same size 20 KAM snaps I used on her clothes so I’m hoping it’ll transfer nicely to getting dressed a little easier.
Next up: this child needs a diaper bag for all these diapers. I plan to make this one (image below from listing).
Paris Hack
I’m quite obsessed with the Paris Party Dress, as evidenced here and here and here. That last link is actually a garment I made myself during testing over two years ago!
This was a simple hack, based on the blog post I wrote here. This time, I made the swing part of the dress even more dramatic (at least, as much as the width of this scrap would allow). To help squeeze it onto the fabric, I put a seam down the back, adding a teeny bit for seam allowance.
I used a lovely jersey I had leftover from a few projects I made for myself. It created a dress that is perfect for lounging, twirling, and, of course, changing baby diapers.
I promise she didn’t learn this baby holding technique from me:
More Inspiration
Please visit all the stops on the Rebecca Page Sew Free for Summer Blog Tour for more great inspiration:
We will be giving away a pattern bundle of choice each day PLUS an overall grand prize of a $50 pattern credit. To stand a chance to win, all you have to do is comment on each blog, each day so stay tuned to the Rebecca Page Sewing group for updates from our bloggers!
Happy Sewing!
This post contains affiliate links for which I receive a small commission when buyers use my link to make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my blog!
It has been raining in the Midwest. Nonstop. No joke. My friends have flooded basements and there looks to be a pond in my backyard. And little people have been inside for days upon days. (My mom sanity is running thin.)
My daughter asked why it is raining. I had more than one smart comment in my brain. But 4yo brother had the perfect answer “Because the grass and birds need a drink. And then it will be sunny again”.
Oh, he’s a clever one.
Summer is Coming
So, I’m starting to sew for those sunny days. I recently helped test the new Moss dress/top pattern from Sofiona Designs. It has several length options and can be made with or without the hood. Check out the line drawing (source).
My version reads cool dress than swimsuit cover up but it was designed to suit (#mompun) both functions. The Moss is actually being released as a bundle with the new Sofiona Narwhal swimsuit. Check out the amazing binding options on that btw (source)!
My version reads cool dress than swimsuit cover up but it was designed to suit (#mompun) both functions. The Moss is actually being released as a bundle with the new Sofiona Narwhal swimsuit. Check out the amazing binding options on that btw!
I love the deep back V on this dress. This is the higher cut line. It is gorgeous.
The construction is uber thoughtful throughout. The binding facing on the neckline is super clever in how it finished the optional hood and turns the ties. While totally dreamy (bindings ARE dreamy!), it might be better suited for an intermediate seamstress or adventurous/patient beginner.
I love this relaxed, almost raglan looking accent on the front:
My divalicious daughter selected maxi length which hits right at the ankle bone for the size 3 length. This means, she reaps the drama of the length without the mobility accidents. Fantabulous!
Tea Time
Last year was the beginning of a tradition where my daughter and I go to a fancy tea at the local butterfly house. Naturally, we wear coordinating outfits. This was our attire from last year. Tea 2019, we went for this fun yellow floral. I think it is some sort of cotton feel poly blend.
We had a total blast and the Moss clearly goes well with delicious red velvet cupcakes!
This post does NOT contain any affiliate links. I received a copy of the pattern in exchange for testing this pattern, which includes sewing up multiple versions and providing feedback on things like fit, construction, and tutorial edits.
