The Sew and Tell Project

Welcome to the Sew and Tell Project!  I have had so much fun being part of the Knock It Off Tour and I’m excited to share my most recent project with you today!  As fun as it is to let my creativity shine in the clothing that I create for myself and my children,  sometimes it is great to straight-up borrow some inspiration from higher end brands.  It isn’t a secret that I have a weakness for European inspired children’s clothing yet it’s something that I rarely purchase.  Hanna Andersson and Mini Boden are two of my favorites,  but it is hard to justify spending over $40 on a simple play skirt for a little girl.  At times like this, I’m so glad I can sew!  Just look at this darling skirt from Mini Boden! It comes in fun colors and also a classic chambray.  SO perfect for pairing with a simple top and sandals for summer or fun tights for cooler days.

I used the Daphne’s Double Skirt pattern from Simple Life Pattern Company, with minor adjustments, and I made my own knockoff version. Lightweight chambray, white rickrack, and a classic style that matches everything – what’s not to love?

 Daphne’s Double Skirt had all the basic features that I was looking for to make my own version of this skirt – flat front waistband with elastic back, roomy patch pockets, and plenty of gathers for a fun twirly skirt.  I lengthened skirt slightly to have a deeper hem and add a bit of length for my rapidly growing daughter, cut the skirt narrower to make it slightly less full, decreased the height of the waistband, and added buttons to the pockets.  I used a 4oz denim, classic white rick rack trim from Joann Fabrics, and lovely vintage buttons from my collection.

While I love the end result, I’m even more delighted to report that this little lady is just delighted with her new skirt. Judging from the way she intercepts certain children’s clothing catalogs somewhere between the mailbox and my mail pile, I think it’s safe to say she shares my tastes somewhat. Paired with funky striped tights and her favorite red shoes, she decided that this skirt was straight out of a fairy tale – something between Goldilocks and Red Riding Hood. So, of course we had to brave the wind and run over to the woods for a couple quick pictures (and to pick flowers while looking out for bears and wolves, apparently). 

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the other blogs participating in this Knock It Off Blog Tour!!  So much fun inspiration!

Monday, April 24

Lulu & Celeste – Call Ajaire – Paisley Roots – Adventures with Bubba and Bug

Tuesday, April 25

Sprouting JubeJube – mahlicadesigns – Sew and Tell Project

Wednesday, April 26

Lulu & Celeste – SewSophieLynn – Nini and Ash – Little Heart Threads

Thursday, April 27

Sprouting JubeJube – sewingbyti – Inspinration – House of Estrela – Beri Bee Designs

Friday, April 28

Lulu & Celeste – Duchess & Hare – Creative Counselor – Filles a Maman (FAM)