handmade wardrobe // pure sunshine

my top: Simplicity 8839 in a yellow seersucker stripe from Mood Fabrics

my jeans: Megan Nielsen Patterns Dawn jeans

my booties: Target

Penny’s dress: Jilly Atlanta Macy Pinafore

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Man, mini yellow pinstripes are really hard to photograph when you’re not up close! These are better in person, I swear.

I knew exactly what I wanted to do with this fabric when I bought it. A big puff sleeve top for me (my second one this month), and something cute and ruffle-y for P. The Macy Pinafore fit the bill, and I knew what to expect from it since its the third one I’ve made her. I plan on carrying hers into fall by paring it with a rust colored long sleeve tee underneath and some tights and boots. Cute, right?!

handmade wardrobe // #sewfrosting

When Closet Case Patterns and True Bias first announced the #sewfrosting competition, I didn’t really plan on contributing. I have so many other projects on my to-do list right now. But I’ve been obsessively following along with the hashtag, and honestly, I couldn’t get this butterfly fabric out of my mind and how it would be perfect for the challenge.

You see, the style of this dress isn’t exactly crazy for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to make multiple versions of this dress in linen or something really light and floaty, and wear them all summer long. It’s definitely my style. It’s the fabric that makes this dress frosting. 3 Years ago, this was the type of fabric I bought all the time. Crazy, unique prints on specialty fabrics. I made fun garments that onl got worn once or twice a year. But I’ve trained myself not to jump to buy fabrics like this and instead shifted gears in the last couple years. I’m more focused on creating wearable, practical garments that can be worn any day. And it’s good. I’ve found my sewing groove and narrowed in on my style. I’ve been building my handmade wardrobe base. been building my cake. But every cake still needs a little frosting, yes? Even a sensible, wearable closet still needs some of those fun pieces to make it sparkle. That’s this dress for me.

Is a heavy, voluminous, butterfly print scuba knit trapeze dress technically a super crazy dress? No. But it’s definitely a statement piece for me. It won’t get worn a lot. Maybe once a year. Maybe less. I mean, how often will I actually have an occasion to wear something like this? you guys, I’m a stay at home mom lol.  But I like seeing it hanging in my closet. And when I do finally get another chance to wear it, I’ll be pretty excited.

pattern: Simplicty 1105 with added ruffle hem

fabric: scuba knit from Mood Fabrics