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Thursday, 18 September 2014

Project Run and Play - Week One



I can't believe it's finally here. I only finished this collection less than 12 hours ago but I finished and got it photographed so it's all good.

 
I really struggled to decide which 80's cartoon character I was going to use but there really was only one true choice... She-ra the Princess of Power!
 
The challenge was to use your chosen character as inspiration for an every day outfit, not a costume. Anyone who follows me would notice that I am more a fan of solid colours so She-ra was perfect with her red, white and gold.
 
As with the last season of PR& P which I used to make my DD's winter wardrobe I am planning on using this season to make her Spring wardrobe.
 
First up I tackled the cardigan. I think I am in love with this fabric for the cardigan. It's a knit base with the sequins added. For some reason my overlocker didn't like the sequins and I snapped 2 needles but I moved to my machine and thankfully that went ok. I used the Peek-a-boo classic sweatshirt pattern as the base but simply cut the front pattern piece as 2 pieces and added about an inch to give room for the seam down the middle. I also had to change how I did the neck because of my overlocker issue. I pretty much made a piece of 2 fold binding and incased the edge in that. I then finished the bottom and front seams off with my double needle on the machine to allow for the stretch.
 
 
 
Next in the machine was the trousers. I used the same pattern I used last season for the yellow pants, baby Ava jeans by Pattern Emporium. I changed them up a little though. I changed them from looking like a jean and didn't do the double top stitched seams. I also did the front pockets the same as last season and did them without the binding. I also hemmed them at a length that sat just on the ankle, I was going to do them a bit shorter but liked this length which I tried them on. I also left the side seam of each leg open for a couple of inches on the bottom, again, to give a different look. The biggest change though was the back pocket. The pattern comes with a tradition jeans back pocket but as I wanted them to look more like a pant instead of a jean I decided to do two placket pockets. They are proper pockets and I love how they look.  I should also mention I used a plain quilting cotton for this pair, instead of drill like last time, to try and make them a bit cooler for spring.


 
Lastly was the top. I really struggled with what style of top to do and then I was looking over some photos from my favourite blog, Lexi Made, and found some inspiration. I used one of the first patterns I ever bought,  the Ruffle jumper Dress by Heidi and Finn as a base for the bodice of the top. I then uses the same technique as in the Boo! Designs Grace Dress and took a rectangle of fabric, gathered it along the top and attached it to the bodice. when I cut the rectangle I cut it on a angle to give a longer in the back shorter in the front look. The pattern uses hidden snaps in the back but I decided to make a detail of the back and went with lady bug buttons.  I admit that these are specifically She-ra related but I think they're cute!

 
I am really happy with how it all came together,  especially since I have to sew at night and estimate for etc as my DD is asleep.
 
Thank you everyone for coming over for a look.  Please take care xxx
Lisa
 
Ps: all the links are for blogs that I follow and for patterns I have purchased myself.
 




 
 
 
 








6 comments:

  1. awww! its all so cute... together and as separates... I'm loving that jacket!! I'm currently hosting a sewing series called Sew Many Books. there is a sew a long {with prizes!} If you have sewed anything inspired by a book in 2014 I'd love to have you join! Hop over to Nap-Time Creations and check out the series! Emily

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  2. Thank you for your lovely comments Emily. I will have a look through my album and see what I can find.

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  3. I love your inspiration!! The colors are just perfect for She-Ra without being too literal. So good. And my girl would flip for that sequined cardi! I'd love you to add this (or any other) tunic mashUp to my Monthly MashUp Link-Up if you're so inclined :)

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  4. Thank you for your lively comments, I'm a little in love with the cardigan too. I would love to Call Ajar but I can't seem to find it. If you have a link please let me know :)

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  5. I love the cardi too, and I love how the gold plays off of the red and white! Really cute outfit.

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  6. Thank you Beth. I loved your entry for week one as well. I have a soft spot for Totoro as my DD loves watching it.

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