Skip to main content

Project Run and Play Beach Bash




This year has been a blur of sewing lots of costumes, a prom dress, and now more costumes. But when I got the invite to join the Project Run and Play Beach Bash, I still couldn't turn it down. Sewing up an outfit just for summer fun isn't something I've had much time for!


My tween, or as they're called in our house, weenager (she can't be mad, she made up the term) informed me she “needed” more crop tops. Apparently all of the t-shirts she's refused to give up since early grade school don't count as crop tops? When looking through my choices, I knew immediately that she was going to love the Striped Swallow Designs Midsummer Dream. I usually ask her what she'd like and get her input on fabric and patterns, but I decided to surprise her with this one because I knew it would be a winner--no pre-approval needed. 



I had several fabrics in my stash that would have been great for this pattern but landed on this striped double gauze from Joann (RIP). I bought it several years ago and both daughters have eyed it a few times. I had just enough to make the top and skirt by lining the top with a solid white woven, which is my preference when sewing with double gauze anyway, because I like to use it to stabilize the gauze. 











I've sewn SSD patterns plenty of times before, and this one was straightforward, just as the others are. Plus, it had a projector file which is always a plus! This pattern is versatile because it is drafted to be used with both woven and knit fabrics, can be sewn up as separates or a dress, and has three skirt length. I didn't have any trims to match my fabric but this pattern is also great for showing off fun trims on the bodice ruffle. 





It turns out I was correct--this is my daughter's new favorite summer outfit. She woke up and put it on the day after I finished it even though she had no plans for the day. 





And you'll probably notice that there is not a beach in sight in any of my pictures, but I have no doubts that this outfit would fit in just as well on a beach as it does in this gorgeous garden. My oldest daughter actually took these pictures and it was hot and humid and miserable this day (as it has been for weeks), and I think all of us would have preferred the beach!



Photo credits: Claire Hartman
Location: Robert Allerton Park

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Project Run & Play Fall Favorites

While I wish that summer would last a few more months (or all year), my daughter is ready for cooler weather. When the chance to participate in the Project Run and Play Fall Favorites event, I knew she would be a willing model. I love plaids, despite my personal challenges in pattern matching, so I loved the idea of partnering with Cali Fabrics for the week one theme: Plaids.  The Project Run and Play shop has a ton of fun options for fall wardrobe planning but rather than give my ten year old daughter free rein to choose whatever she wanted (she'd probably still be browsing now and trying to decide), I narrowed it down to a few patterns and let her have her pick. She quickly picked the Cedar Coat . I had a feeling this might be her choice because she's been very jealous of the Sofiona Limestone  jacket I made myself last year and wanted one for herself but it's not available in girls' sizing. The curved hem and belt of the Cedar looked close enough to make her happy u...
Post a Comment
Read more

PRP week 2

 A couple of weeks ago, we had the most beautiful, sunny, 70-degree spring weather. I just knew I needed to make some sundresses. I fall for this cruel trick every year; Mother Nature turned winter back on.  For Juliet’s dress, I wanted to make a vintage-inspired dress with lots of pintucks, and I knew I wanted to use this Riley Blake poplin I bought from Fabrics , Laces, Trims . I started with the Violette Field Threads Oaklyn bodice and moved the placket to the front, made the back solid, and lowered the neckline just a little. It's hard to photograph, but I used decorative stitches along the button placket, next to the pintucks.  To keep the tucks the center of attention, I did a lightly gathered skirt. I added cross tucks at the bottom, and belt loops and a tie belt—and of course I couldn’t forget the inseam pockets.  The headband is the Charlie knot headband, minus the knot, with some decorative crosstucks there as well.  Juliet felt a little left out since...
5 comments
Read more