It's been such a long time since I sewed for my kids, so when Audrey from Project Run and Play approached me to see if I wanted to take part in the Pantone Party, I just had to say YES! First, yellow happens to be one of my favourite colors, as well as my daughter's and if you know me, you know how much I love grey too. Secondly, I was supposed to sew some trousers and a coat for my daughter during the winter break but never got around to it, so this was the perfect opportunity. The trousers had to be high waisted with a straight leg and frayed hem... "Just like yours moms". She also wanted a quilted patchwork coat like mine, but cropped. So I did just that and made my first ever quilt! I then used all the remainder fabric to make a summer dress. We had so much fun planning and making together, and I am super grateful for the opportunity this sewing party has giving us.
It was so fun collaborating with my daughter, from looking through all the patterns in the Project Run and Play shop and then selecting the fabrics from the incredible selection at Art Gallery Fabrics. To create her vision, I had to hack some patterns just a little, to make them just right. She might have changed her mind a couple of times through the process, in the end she ended up loving everything.
The thing she wanted the most was some high waisted trousers, specifically with a cropped length and frayed hem. It started out that she wanted a cargo style with slim leg but quickly changed to the straight leg look. To create this look, I made the basic Morocco trouser pattern (designed by me) with the elasticized back and faux fly. It's a surprisingly fast and easy sew. I see a few more in her future! I used the short pattern and extended the leg straight down to the desired length. I also omitted the back flap pocket and made a patch one instead. To do so, I cut the flap pattern piece on fold- super simple.
The fabric is Clouded Horizon in grey by Art Gallery Fabrics. It's a nice heavy weight but is soft and ever so comfortable. The texture is really cool too. If your kids aren't into wearing denim, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
Next we needed a crop top to complete the look! Obviously ;) At first I was going to make a crop UpBeet Tee but MissE changed her mind. I had already received the fabric, so I did my best to make it all work out and it ended being just fine.
We finally settled on the
George Hoodie pattern. Because of my lack of fabric, I omitted the hood lining and front pocket. The other change was simply to shorten the length quite a bit.
MissE loved this outfit so much she wore it to "free dress" at school (she usually wears a uniform). That is the biggest compliment she could have given me- but really, this outfit was all her.
A couple of months ago, I made myself a coat from an old quilt and the idea was for me to make one for MissE as well. While I was searching on the best ways to make a quilt coat for myself, I came across a few post but mostly on how to make a quilt coat from scratch. This idea had intrigued me and stayed in the back of my mind. When the opportunity came along to take part in this sewing party, I figured this would be a great idea to try this pout. I've never quilted before (except for my Condon Bernie Mittens), so this was all new territory for me. I actually started a
Pinterest board with all things patchwork to inspire me. I had these grand ideas of imitating Spanish or modern tiles for my pattern. In the end I kept it all quite simple.
I used the
Josephine Cardigan Pattern for this quilted coat. I used the biggest size for the width and shorten the length. I knew I needed the pattern to be a little bigger than what MissE's measurements put her in. To make sure I choose the right size, I compared the pattern pieces to a jean jacket she owned. I do wish I had made the sleeves at the biceps a little bigger, so she could grow into it. The fit is perfect now and I might just have to make a vest with it later. The other change I made, was to double the width of the neck band purely for a design and stylistic purpose. I also straighten the sleeves a little, so MissE can roll them up into 3/4 sleeves. Finally I finished all the seams with some bias.
I choose 10 different patterns (ended up using only 8 for the coat) and 3 solids from the
Art Gallery large collection of cotton substrates. I got 1 fat quarter of each and 1 meter of the lining fabric. I had so much fun combining patterns and colors. I wanted a modern feel with a vintage twist. I ended up cheating a little and got some fabrics with more than just yellow and grey to balance it all out better.
I started by sketching the patchwork pattern I wanted to create for the coat. Next I figured out how big my squares needed to be, so we could see the pattern on the front of the coat. This is what determined the size of my square template. I made 3 different combinations for the left and right fronts, as well as the back. To sew my blocks, I sewed up 3 strips of different pattern and colors of fabric together and then cut them down to block of 3. The neckband and sleeves were sewn with no pattern in mind. I made each section a little bigger than the pattern pieces. I cut some batting and lining too in that same size. Pinned all three layers together and machine quilted along all the seams, creating a square pattern.
I will write another blog post if you are interested with more details on how I made the jacket if you like. I am no expert but always happy to share.
By binding all the seams with bias, it now functions as a reversible coat!
This side has a little more 60's futuristic vibe to it, but I love it! You can clearly see here how the neckband is doubled from the original pattern.
While I was on the patchwork trend, I couldn't resist making a summer dress with all the remainder fabric and fabric strips. For the dress I hacked the
D'Anjou Dress, which was the only pattern I had not sewn for the launch of the
Farmers Market Collection. I had designed the UpBeet Tee & Dress, as well as the Turnip Trousers & shorts for that collection, if you want to have a look.
The pattern only goes up to size 10, but since MissE was just the right size for it in width i decided to go ahead. I just love those pleats on the bodice in this dress.
As for the modifications, they go as follows:
- I used a bias finish instead of doubling the bodice.
- I used some bias for the straps.
- I omitted the zipper and used a snap at the back.
For the lower portion, I sort of improvised. I sewed up a bunch of left over fabric and fabric strips I had from the coat. I made sur the width of the fabric was 4 time that of the bodice and about 20 cm long. I gathered the fabric and sewed it to the bodice. I then sewed a second block that was now almost double that of the first block. Gathered the fabric and sewed it to the first block, creating the second tier.
That simple, not much thinking but making sure I wasn't sewing two of the same patterns together.
Light weight, twirly, funky... what's not to love. Don't be surprised to see me in a similar dress this summer!
I couldn't resist inviting one of our favourite
Urban Classic Dolls to the party, she fit right in with her Pantone Yellow hair!
Although, she needed a new dress- so I made her a D'Anjou Dress to match MissE's.
If you made it all the way down here... thank you! If you have any questions about my makes or would further instructions on the different hacks- feel free to contact me.
Go check out all the other amazing makes, so many cool yellow and grey outfits!
A huge thanks to Audrey of Project Run and Play for always thinking of me for these fun Sewing Parties and projects. My kids sewing days are numbered as my kids are getting older and so it was a real pleasure to be a part of this.
This is such a happy, summery outfit. Love it all!
Your fabric pairing skills never ceases to amaze me. It’s perfection.
Also I would never say this was your first quilting experience. It’s so good!
Always happy to see your makings in more detail. <3