Spring Shorts

Anna got some new shorts for Spring! There was just enough fabric left over from my leopard print skirt to make a cute pair of shorts.The simple black lace top just has seams on the top of the shoulders, and I left the raw edge of the lace on the neckline and sleeves.

I was able to squeeze one more pair of shorts out of the red denim I used last year. Those were my favorite shorts on her, and they finally got too short (let's be honest - they started out pretty short)! I was glad I could make a similar pair for this summer!

Sew-vivor: Challenge #1

The first challenge for Sew-vivor is finished and posted over on Family Ever After! Head on over there to check out what I made and what the other talented girls sewed up!

It was fun to brainstorm ideas for what to make for this challenge. We had to use emerald green in some way, and I luckily had the perfect fabric for it (it looks more green in person than in these pictures)! I knew I wanted to make a simple, flowy top, and the rest of the outfit just came together.

I used a pattern for the top (Butterick 5356) that I have sewn a few times, and I just really love it. It is four pieces that go together easily, and it turns out great every time. I think it is really flattering and super comfortable!

The loose top called for a more structured piece on the bottom, so I made this pencil skirt out of a great leopard print fabric I had on hand. I think the print is so fun, and it really goes well with the simple top. It has a back slit, zipper, hook and eye closure on the waistband, and darts on the front and back to make for a great fit.

Last, I made this purse out of some vinyl that has a really great leather look to it. I've seen a lot of simple leather bags around lately that have really caught my eye, so I gave it a try. The lining is a cute black and white polka dot cotton with a 3 inch band of the vinyl around the top. There are inside pockets on both sides, one pocket on the outside, and a sturdy magnetic closure that holds it all together well. It was not hard to put together, but all the top stitching did take some extra time.  I love how it turned out and I know I'll be using it all the time!

I really had a great time putting this outfit together and completing the challenge. Head over to Family Ever After to vote for your favorite emerald project! Voting goes until Friday at midnight!

I just saw that I earned immunity for this challenge (just by being the lucky 7th person to email my project in!) - so I'll be going through to the next challenge for sure! How exciting! So go vote for some of the other amazing projects!!!

Top 10

I am so excited that I was chosen as one of the top 10 finalists in Sew-vivor! I'm working hard on the first challenge, and I'm so excited to see what everyone comes up with! You can click on the image below and/or on my sidebar to take you to all the Sew-vivor posts at Family Ever After.

Floral Dress

This little floral dress is one of my favorite dresses I've made for Anna! I love the peter pan collar, pleated sleeves, and button placket on the back. It fits her so well and I love the floral pattern and colors of the fabric. I used my own pattern and it is a really great fit.

I'm linking this up to Family Ever After's Sew-vivor Challenge and I'm excited about it! I would love to be able to participate and challenge myself a little bit in my sewing! And let's be honest, the prize packages are awesome and would totally help me stock up on fabric before our move to England at the end of the summer!

Polka Dot

 A polka dot geranium dress for Miss Anna. I loved the pattern and I love the fit!

For Me

 Striped open cardigan, inspired by this.

 Gingham tunic with my first button placket!

 Red button front skirt and polka dot tee.

Bright flowy shirt.

Green Ruffle Top

A simple green cotton top with fun ruffle sleeves and pockets on the sides. These striped seersucker shorts were so simple and go with everything!

Chambray Tank

 I made this chambray tank top for Anna with pleats on the front and buttons up the back. It fits her so well and goes with everything. These little red denim shorts are one of my most favorite things I've made yet. They are teeny tiny but they fit her so well, and don't fall off like most of her other pants do!

Colorblock Skirt

This skirt was so easy to make! I used this tutorial and it turned out great. I really love the colors.

Plaid Top

This top was inspired by this cute striped top that I love. I love the pleat in the front and the button closure. I used this tutorial for the back opening and it worked great!