The Sew and Tell Project

Back to school shopping is so iconic. It brings back so many memories of trips with my mom and grandmothers before school started. Do you remember that feeling you got when you picked the perfect outfit for the first day? And then the feeling you got when you started second guessing it? 😉  Since my kids have gone to private school (uniforms) and been homeschooled, we’ve kind of missed out on that. I mean, let’s be honest…there isn’t the same FEELING when you’re going to buy navy pants, polo shirts, and Mary Janes! And homeschooling is a whole ‘nother battle. “Mom, why do I have to get dresssed? We’re not GOING anywhere!”

Sigh.

I think I’ve come up with a great compromise this year–clothes that I can make that are fashionable AND just as comfy as jammies! So, I give you my 8th grader’s new school “uniform”…tunics and leggings!

5 out of 4 Patterns, one of the sponsors of this blog tour, provided me with the Weekender Tunic. I sewed up the women’s version for my 13 year old, but there is also a girl’s version (girl’s sizes 2-18, women’s sizes XXS-3XL). This tunic is truly versatile, with so many options that you could almost construct a whole wardrobe from this one pattern.

I chose to use some super soft fleece to make a cozy funnel neck tunic with thumbhole cuffs and a kangaroo pocket. I wanted some length so this would have enough coverage with leggings (we want tushies covered when leggings are involved), so I did not trim the tunic before adding the banded hem as the pattern suggests.

When the tunic was complete, the front seemed a little bare, so I drafted a quick kangaroo pocket in the contrasting print to give it a little pop. A kangaroo pocket is so easy to add to a shirt like this! Cut out a rectangle (I based the size on my daughter’s hands and the tunic front). Fold it in half and trim the corners. Fold the trimmed edge under and top stitch. With the angled corners at the top, pin the pocket to the tunic. I eyed where I wanted it, and then used a ruler to make sure the placement was even. Fold the raw edges under and top stitch all around, leaving the angled corners open. Voila!

She really likes this one. I know this will be her first choice for those cold winter mornings. This will be perfect to curl up with in a big easy chair while she’s working on her Latin or Shakespeare!

The second tunic I chose to make is a pattern I’ve had FOREVER, but somehow, never managed to sew up, the Pumpkin Spice Dolman from Patterns for Pirates. I can’t believe I haven’t made this before. I need to make like 20 for myself so I can live in them this fall!

My goofball’s personality came out in this set of photos! She chose this light sweater knit months ago and it’s been languishing in my stash ever since. I love the blue and silver stripe in this top! But shh…don’t judge my lack of stripe matching…I didn’t have enough fabric. I finished the sleeves and neckline with a rayon spandex.

If you’ve ever known a 13 year old girl, you know how picky they can be. I got smiles, but even better, I got the Dorky Dino.

Since she was very little, Dorky Dino comes out when she’s feeling especially goofy. There’s a dance, there are sound effects…it’s hilarious. And she’d probably kill me for sharing this with you all!

In all seriousness, though, how can she possibly be entering 8th grade? These photos were taken at the college campus nearby and wow. She *almost* fits right in. She’s so strong and independent!

I can’t wait to see what this year holds for us!

There are some really great prizes being offered this week, so don’t forget to check all our bloggers out!

DAY 1 (Monday, Aug 22):
Monday’s prize is 1 PDF pattern from Filles à Maman and 1 PDF pattern from The Eli Monster
*excludes bundles
This giveaway runs from August 22 12:00 am EDT until August 23rd at 11:59pm EDT.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t forget to visit our host today for the sewalong link up and the chance to win our grand prize!

Check out the rest of today’s stops on the tour:

DIY Crush – BLAVERRY – Sew and Tell Project – The Wholesome Mama – Call Ajaire

Keep an eye on the rest of our bloggers this week for oodles of back to school inspiration!
Call Ajaire * The Wholesome Mama * Sew and Tell Project * BLAVERRY * DIY Crush * Phat Quarters * Mahlica Designs * Handmade Boy * Kaleidothought * The Berry Bunch * Filles A Maman * Sprouting JubeJube * Sew Happily Ever After * Tales of a Tester * 5 out of 4 Patterns * The Crafting Fiend * Create 3.5 * Sew Sophie Lyn * Sweeter Than Cupcakes * Wining Wife * Paisley Roots * The Eli Monster * Cindy Parrett Blog * Sew Starly * Élégantine! * Gracious Threads * Lulu & Celeste * Sewing By Ti * Amazing Adventures with Bubba and Bug * Simple Life Pattern Co. Blog * Inspinration * Mama You Can Make it For Me * Moon Star