ROAR shirt

A while back I purchased some fabric that just called to me from the clearance area.  I thought it was beyond awesome to be so discounted, yet I could see why no one would want it.  It's pretty LOUD.

But perfect for this little one.  See, she's obsessed with Katy Perry, particularly her song Roar.  So I knew this fabric would be the perfect "Katy Perry" shirt for her and she loved the fabric when I showed her.

However, she was pretty disappointed when I didn't add Ms. Perry to the shirt itself. ("where's her face mom?!?")  And took some convincing to try it on.  (aka a lollipop)

It drives me crazy when I think I got a sewing home run and then have to hear they won't wear it.  Hopefully in time she'll get over it and love it as much as me!  Or maybe her sister will humor me, cause I love the little shirt and it's attitude.

BTW, the pattern is the Eleanor Dress/Top.  I added a little ruffle band to the bottom on the fly.

Tomorrow will be another day where this shirt will turn into her favorite, but just in case, I better start trying to iron-transfer Katy Perry's face to a tee...

Update:  She loves the shirt and wore it for days!  Though she tells everyone that compliments her on it that mommy messed up and next time Katy Perry will be on it.  

Wee Wander Izzy

Have you seen all the new Wee Wander fabrics?!?!  My favorite collection right now.  I snatched up a few prints as soon as I saw those horses, as the girls are in love with horses.  I'm in love with the bright colors.

I used the prints to test out the Izzy Top pattern before I made the Broken Chevron version.  I learned a bit about how to add the piping (which is neon green!) best and where to put the snap on the tab so the top is snug enough.  This version also never got topstitched along the bodice, which makes the skirt portion poof out a bit more.

I have the coral version of the horse print also, so I plan to make a matching top to avoid any bickering over who gets to wear this :) 

I also picked up the Summer Nights prints, but I may keep that fabric for myself…

Broken Chevron

I was a little disappointed to skip last week's Project Run & Play challenge, but I was thankfully able to finish this week's theme - make your own fabric!  I knew exactly what I wanted to do.  I had less than a yard of navy chevron that has been waiting a year to be broken up and sewn into arrows.  

I didn't come up with this concept on my own.  It was actually inspired by a look Jessica from Craftiness is not Optional made (during the chevron challenge) as part of Project Run & Play's All Star season.  I've been wanting to recreate the wonderful arrow fabric from chevrons ever since.  

It's even more striking in person!  The pattern I used for the tunic is the Izzy Top, a free pattern.  It's a satisfying pattern to make - simple construction with gorgeous results.  The girls are probably going to get a whole spring wardrobe of them (I've already made two more).  

The arrow fabric was time consuming but really relaxing.  Lots of careful cutting and sewing straight lines…followed by pressing open tiny seams.

I used a snap for the back instead of a button.  This is the first time I've used a snap and I love it.  I don't enjoy the stress that comes with making buttonholes!

I finished the bottom with gold bias tape that matches the gold piping along the bodice.  She requested I make some leggings with bows, so I self drafted some with denim knit and added little pearl-like buttons.  I was going to add the buttons down the front of the bodice, but I wanted the design to stay simple to showcase the fabric.  

Check out the other inspiring fabrics the challengers made and vote here!