The Sew and Tell Project

Today I’m excited to be kicking off the week with my contribution to the Sew Americana Blog Tour hosted by Katy at Wild and Wanderful!  The 4th of July is always a festive occasion around here and this year is no exception. In addition to an outfit for my little miss,  I decided to get in on the fun and make a patriotic top for myself… and share a little announcement!

That’s right! This little lady is super excited to be a big sister again!  She has been carefully saving her mommy-made dresses for years in hopes of someday having a little sister to pass them on to.  And, at the rate she has been growing, the collection of dresses she has quickly outgrown has been increasing faster than we expected!  Who knew kids could grow so fast? 

For this outfit, I used a red and while chevron Riley Blake knit from Peekaboo Fabric Shop.  The top is the Knit Ayda from Simple Life Pattern Company.  This is a size 5 in a dress length, but since she is much taller than the size 5 on the SLPCo size chart, it works perfectly as a longer tunic for her. The chest is a perfect fit and I just love the V formed by the cross-over back. So summery and comfy at the same time!

The Knit Ayda is easy and quick sew, especially the sleeveless version.  The bodice is fully lined, so the inside is just as smooth as the outside, with the exception of the waist seam.  This dress is definitely a favorite around here!

For my tank, I used the Essential Tank and mashed it with the Layer Me Up Maternity Add-On – both from Patterns for Pirates.  There were lots of firsts for me with this project – it was my first time sewing a maternity top, my first time sewing with rayon spandex, and my first time using a pattern from Patterns for Pirates. I’m considering it a smashing success!  I raised the neckline and shoulder seams and shortened the front to accommodate for the fact I’m shorter than the height that the pattern was drafted for. The back fits like a regular non-maternity tank and the front has just the right amount of ruching to fit a growing baby bump. The rayon spandex is from Joann Fabrics and is so soft and comfy. I used navy blue cotton lycra from Peekaboo Fabric Shop for the bands since the rayon spandex doesn’t have enough recovery to use as bands. I’m loving being able to make clothes that fit my growing belly and I’m pretty sure the maternity add-on from Patterns for Pirates is the most practical pattern I’ve discovered in a while!

Thanks for stopping by the Sew and Tell Project and be sure to check out the other stops on the blog tour for more patriotic inspiration! Join the fun and link up your own red, white and blue creations at the very end of this post.

Our Amazing “Sew Americana” Tour Lineup:
Monday, June 26: Wild & Wanderful | Handmade Boy | The Wholesome Mama | Marvelous Auntie M | Sew and Tell Project
Tuesday, June 27: EYMM | Middle River Studio | SewSophieLynn | Phat Quarters | Call Ajaire
Wednesday, June 28: Simple Life Pattern Company | Sewing By Ti | Auschick Sews | Nu Me Nu You | Swimming in a Sea of Estrogen
Thursday, June 29: Adventures with Bubba and Bug | Musings of a Seamstress | Elli and Nels | Spindle and Seams | Stylin’ Stacy
Friday, June 30: Very Blissful | Stitching and Making | Wild & Wanderful | On Wednesdays We Sew | Fairytale B&T

We would like to give a special thanks to our generous sponsors!
Love Notions | EYMM Modern Designs | Rebecca Page | Patterns for Pirates | Simple Life Pattern Company | Thread & Grain | Designs by Call Ajaire | Simply By Ti | Made for Mermaids | Petite Stichery & Co.