Second week of Project Run and Play‘s Season 6 sew-along is here. I made it through week #1 alive. We’ll just take this thing a day at a time.
This week’s theme is Stripes and Polka dots.
And again, my goal was to use items I already had on hand. I thought I would kick things up several notches in the color department, as my last week’s design was monochromatic. Not only did I bring in some color, but I tried a new technique……patchwork stripes. I don’t think I can throw myself into the “quilter” category just yet, but I’m headin’ in that direction. I had to figure out some way to create stripes since I don’t have any striped fabric. If you look closely you can find dots in some of the stripes. I decided to go with a tiered skirt, simple tank-style shirt , and asymmetrical sleeveless cardigan.
For the skirt I used material from a couple of charm packs, and a couple of fat-quarter batik prints. The shirt is made from a curtain remnant. Cardigan is made from a ribbed knit. Pattern for shirt and cardigan were self drafted (shirt using instructions from improv sewing book). I used Ashley’s tutorial over at Make It & Love It for the skirt.
This was such a fun outfit to make. I was very surprised at how the skirt turned out. I really think it’s an art how quilters are able to choose fabrics the work well together. I don’t know all of the rules and am kinda glad about that. I just go with the flow. I also go with what I have. I really wanted to make a circle skirt, but quickly learned I didn’t have enough fabric for that. Tiered skirt it is!
I ended up using pretty long strips of fabric, so it kinda gave me the full effect of a circle skirt. I love that the soft elastic band around the waist of the skirt will give Curly Cutie several seasons of wear in this piece. She was very cooperative while allowing me to take pictures of her. And had a little fun along the way. It was cold, but she was glad to be outside for a few minutes.
She likes it and I’m glad!
clouds full of rain 
I like how you combined the different patterns and colors in the skirt. It’s so playful and fun. Perfect for a little girl. Looks like she likes it, too. Little girls are so fun to sew things for. I just might have to try making something like this for my little cutie. Thanks for sharing!
Beth
Thanks so much Beth! It was fun to make. I do like how bright the colors are since I am usually drawn to more subdued colors. No harm in changing things up a bit, huh? Please show us if you make one.
Tres chic!
Ha, thank you!
What a darling outfit on a beautiful little girl! The skirt is beautiful in all those colors and fabrics and I love the drape of the cardigan. The pop of turquoise for the shirt details was the perfect finishing touch.
Thanks so much Karen! I do like how it all came together.
I love all that Sis Boom!
Cortney, I am slowly getting hip to all these great fabric designers. The skirt fabric was chosen on a whim a while ago. I wasn’t sure what I would use it for, but am glad I was able to put them together to make an item I am pleased with.
I agree with Karen on all points — this entire ensemble is outstanding!
Michelle, the feeling is mutual. If those floral pants with piping are not the cutest, I don’t know what is. You did a great job on your outfit. I think it all works together so beautifully!
what a pretty & colorful skirt !
Thanks Rachel. I’m really enjoying the color scheme you chose for the Paper Fans dress. That pop of read is sweet. And yes, polkadotted polka dots are very fun!
BEAUTIFUL!!! She looks so happy!
Thanks RaeAnna! She was very happy. Wore the clother for the rest of the day, and when her dad came home he oooooed and ahhhhhhed and she smiled.
what a gorgeous skirt – the materials all go so well together! Well the whole outfit is really cute!
Why thank you!
Super cute. Great colors and the back of the little shirt looks great! I love how the patchwork skirt turned out – really a fun look!
Thanks Jenny!
I LOVE your blog. You are so talented. And CC is such a cutie. Love her dialogue with you!
Thank you so much for your kind words. They are appreciated. Yeah, I think kids are pretty much hilarious. So glad you enjoy my little slice of blog land!
gorgeous.
absolutely love the mix of prints.
great job.
Thank you very much!
I hope you are loving Improv Sewing and have used it to make things for yourself as well. We are always super interested in everything folks are making out there so stick them on our Flickr page, if you ever feel like it! Do! Find the page here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/improvsewing/
That outfit, by the way, is stellar! What a cutie.
Hi Nicole! So nice of you to drop me a line. I REALLY enjoyed you and Debra’s book. So fun and gave me a new outlook on sewing. I still consider myself pretty new to the game as of Apr 2011, but I have found some pretty unique inspiration along the way. Your book is one of them. Thanks for flickr link. I sure will post related projects in there. I have not made anything for myself yet, but that will change soon. Thanks for the compliment on my daughter’s outfit!
The whole outfit is so well put together and the skirt turned out fantastic! I love all the colors and prints you picked out, beatiful!
Thanks Kristin! A little nervous at first about putting those fabrics together, but very surprised and pleased with the result.
that skirt looks so much fun to wear! the idea came to life beautifully
Thanks so much Jodi! I know, kinda makes me want one for myself.
hmmm, maybe you will have to 🙂
So adorable—that skirt is darling!
liZ
Thanks so much liZ!
I am LOVING this whole look!! And I am also one of those that will find other uses for curtains, sheets, pillowcases… what will hold still long enough. 😉
Thanks Stacy!
Ok I know I told you, but I want witnesses. I want you to make me something.? That outfit is so beautiful and you ability to put clothes together impresses me. That is a gift.
LOL!!!!!!! Witnesses? You are funny. You already know I gotchoo. Lol! Thank you so much for being in my corner.
Love the skirt and the asymmetrical cardigan! I’m nervous to draft something myself but your cardigan makes me want to figure this out for my little girl, she would love this whole look!
Thanks Sara! Please don’t be nervous. Even if you continue to be nervous, just jump in anyway! My knowledge is as basic as it comes. I’m generally using tutorials online or I may be able to catch a pattern or two on sale for $.99 at my local craft store (then I still have to learn to read it before I can even begin). If I don’t take one of those routes, I’m using a piece of clothing I have on hand as inspiration for a new piece. That’s what happened with this cardigan. I have one that I really enjoy wearing, so carefully looked it over and used one of my daughter’s shirts for sizing and made one for her.
Love, love, love it! When my daughter was two, six years ago, I made one similar. I’m going to have to make her another patchy skirt!
Thanks Teresa! You’ll definitely have to whip up another one for your big girl. They are just so fun. I was so glad I experimented with those colors which was something I had not done before then. I stopped by your blog and you have a beautiful family! The petals on your daughter’s skirt are so fun, and I am all over that color right now.