project run and play | week 1 | party dress remix

(fabric and pattern details are located at the bottom of the post)

It's week one of Project Run and Play (head over to vote and check out more photos!!) Our theme this week was to remix the Party Dress Pattern by Cottage Home. I didn't really have a plan when I started this outfit other than I knew I wanted to remix the pattern into something more casual - a fun, colorful, swingy top. The fabric choices and additional pieces evolved by my usual creative process: trial and error! I felt that getting the proportions all three pieces right was important and really focused on that. I'm excited that everything came together as I'd hoped and decided that this had to be the outfit the kiddo wears for her 5th(!) birthday party next month. I love that this outfit is easy to wear and perfect for play but still has a 'dress up" quality.

To create the top, I shortened the bodice of the pattern quite a bit and added a functional button placket to the front. I used dark brown buttons which I sewed on with bright blue thread to add some visual contrast. I chose to pair the top with a sunny yellow knit cardigan and some cuffed linen-blend shorts. I wanted the cardigan to have a vintage feel so I added a peter pan collar (learned this trick from Carrie at a Sewing Summit Class) with faux piping, 3 small pearl-look buttons, and cropped the sleeves and overall length. The shorts have several little details...flat front, elastic back, pockets, side pockets, pleats, and a functioning fly. These were the most technically challenging garment I've sewn to date but I feel like I learned a lot in the process.

TOP/ 

fabric: City Planning in Tan by Jay McCarrol     

pattern: remixed Party Dress by The Cottage Home + button placket tutorial by Melly Sews

CARDIGAN/

fabric: sew classic knits solid interlock in goldenrod - Joann Fabrics + grey knit scraps from stash

pattern: aster cardigan

SHORTS/

fabric: Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed Linen Blend in Black

pattern: self-drafted based on a pair of Zara shorts

TIGHTS/ 

store-bought | Target (last fall)

SHOES/

Minnetonka Tramper Boots

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't forget to head over to Project Run and Play to vote for your favorite look!