Back to School, Mermaid Style!

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Welcome to our stop on the Made for Mermaids Back to School tour! Alisha and Genie are both sharing today with looks for both boys and girls.
#madebyalisha
When I first heard about this blog tour, I initially was bummed because my three oldest attend our local parochial school and wear uniforms. I can’t sew much of anything for them to wear to school.  Then I remembered that my baby (who is almost 3) will be attending preschool for speech therapy this fall. While the thought of sending my baby to school makes me want to cry, realizing I could sew some things for him to wear quickly made me feel a bit better.
Charlie 3a
Since I have 4 boys, I chose Made for Mermaid’s Charlie pattern. I love a good classic button up shirt, and adding pintucks just makes it so much more fun! This was a fairly straight foward sew. I did change the assembly just a bit and used a burrito roll method while sewing the yoke. I was familiar with that method from a different pattern I’ve sewn, and it’s my preferred method of yoke construction.
Charlie 4a
I used a orange gingham from Hobby Lobby for my son’s shirt. I wanted a classic look, and what is more classic than a gingham button up shirt? The pintucks can be a bit hard to see with the print, but I love the updated look the pintucks give to a basic button up shirt.
Charlie Peek
Taking pictures of my almost 3 year old was a workout! Initially we went to his school but trying to run to the playground was way more fun than taking pictures with Mommy! In the end, we got a few keepers and I am so pleased with this cute shirt he’ll be able to wear for the first day of school.
 Charlie 1a
#madebygenie
My little first grader also wears a uniform for school, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to make her something cute to wear for dress down days, or maybe even fall pictures. After much deliberation (have you seen how cute the patterns from Made for Mermaids are??), I chose to make a Blair Top and Tunic and a pair of Bonny Leggings to match (and if you join the Made for Mermaids Facebook group, there’s a coupon code to get the leggings patterns absolutely free!)
BLAIR6
I know it’s still summer (it’s oh so hot around here lately!), but fall is coming, and I wanted a look that could transition. I found these fun fabrics at Hobby Lobby, and they’re part of the fall collection. The chevron print is a super soft French Terry, and the polka dots are metallic gold! Early morning sun and my daughter playing with Teddy made for a super cute photo. I love the candid catches that turn out so pretty!
BLAIR4
The Blair has many options. At heart, it’s a relaxed fit raglan with a v neck. It has options for short, 3/4, and long sleeves, tunic and top lengths, and a unique waterfall hem. You can add a ruffle, or double ruffle, to any of the options. I chose a high low hem. My top uses the ruffle measurements for the second of the double ruffle, eliminating the shorter layer. If you’re doing a double ruffle, you’re probably going to want a thin fabric, like chiffon or lace, to keep it from getting too thick.
BLAIR8

The Bonny Leggings pattern is so quick, and so easy! I’m not a fast sewist, and I whipped these together (at the last minute, because of course, I didn’t like the first pair I made with the tunic!) in a half hour! I love how easy they are to customize! The pattern comes with a regular waistband and a yoga waistband, but it’s so easy to alter to in between waistband heights for comfort and coverage. You can also choose between shorties, capris, and ankle length, and a circle skirt pattern is included. Made for Mermaids patterns include a great tutorial for merging sizes to make the fit exactly right.Blair

All in all, I love this outfit, and I think she does, too.
BLAIR5
Made for Mermaids is having a rocking sale to celebrate back to school! Use the code M4MB2S for 20% Off (Excludes fabric). And if you go over to their blog, you can find some really great printables to keeping track of the ever changing measurements of your little (or not so little) one and enter to win a pretty fab giveaway.
And be sure to check out the other amazing bloggers on the tour! So much talent to get inspiration from!!
M4MBTS

5 COMMENTS

  1. Felicia | 12th Aug 16

    Such cute creations! I remember the uniform days (my own, not may daughter’s).

    • MadebyGenie | 16th Aug 16

      Thanks! This little girl wears a uniform to school, but I like to give her something fun for dress down days! 🙂

  2. Cassy Gobin | 13th Aug 16

    Two super cute looks that are perfect for school! I love how you bring a boy look to the table. That is something I can’t offer. 🙂

    • MadeByAlisha | 13th Aug 16

      Thanks! With 4 boys, I have the boy looks covered 😉

  3. Made for Mermaids Back to School Blog Tour - Sweet Red Poppy | 18th Aug 16

    […] Aug 8 – Lily Shine Boutique   Wild & Wanderful   Paisley Roots Aug 9 – Handmade boy   Coles Corner & Creations   Pattern Revolution Aug 10 – Pear Berry Lane   Snickerdoodle Stew   Squishy Face Collection Aug 11 – Not Sew Plain Jane   Three Penguins   Sweet Red Poppy Aug 12 – Better Dressed Child   Sew Sophie Lynn   Sew & Tell Project […]

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