Monday, May 5, 2014

The Pleated Playsuit in Blue Herringbone

I'm still adding pieces to Lily Mae's summer wardrobe. I want items that will be specifically good for when we are at the farm. I imagine she'll be wanting to run around and play in the dirt and explore- so clothing that will wash well and be comfortable. 








Front

This is the first pattern from her I've created and I'm really impressed. 




Here are some highlights of the process:

- Printing went perfectly, it was very easy to tape together too. 

- I found the directions to be written very well, especially for a free pattern. Sometimes you get the bare minimum in this department, but I didn't notice that at all with this pattern. 

- The sewing went very quickly, my only hang up was needing to purchase some elastic that I didn't have on hand. It drove me crazy that I could simply finish. 


Back

I switched things up a bit and added a welt pocket to the back. It seemed like they were plain and I feel like this did the trick. 



For the welt pocket I grabbed my basic blazer pattern and snagged the pocket pieces. I could have easily drafted them up, but there wasn't a need. I also followed the tutorial that went with it since it had been a little while since my last one. I did find that although the pattern didn't call for me to gather/pleat the legs in order to put the cuffs on, I had to do that to make them fit. I double checked that I had cut the cuffs for the shorts, but I couldn't find any user errors to account for it. 


Here you can really see and appreciate the herringbone pattern in the fabric. Speaking of fabric, I chose the softest cotton flannel I had for this garment since it wasn't a dress and that makes it a tough sell for Lily Mae. She can be won over by a few things:

1. color
2. dresses
3. how a garment feels

Since I wasn't using her favorite colors or a dress- I felt that my best chance was left with #3 and I have been playing up the soft factor like crazy. It goes something like this -

Lily: "What are you making?"
Me: "An outfit for you, looooook it's so soft! Do you want to put it on your face and feel it?"
Lily: "Oh yeah, it's REEEALLY soft mom. Do you want to feel it?"
Me: "Oh yes, I'd love to. I've been feeling it the whole time. You're lucky too, I bought this fabric for myself but I'm making something special for you instead."

...and this goes on until hopefully she is convinced that a garment is still awesome even if it isn't your favorite color or a dress. 


Pattern: The Pleated Playsuit by Elegance and Elephants
Fabric: Blue Herringbone Cotton Flannel from Joann's Fabric

7 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you enjoyed working with the pattern, Mae. I'm sure your daughter will get lots of use out of it. And I love the addition of the welt back pocket. :)

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    1. You did a wonderful job on it, I should really be thanking you. I would still like to post again when the weather is nice and she can wear it out. Photographing it on a hanger doesn't do it justice. <3

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  2. Replies
    1. Thanks! I wish I had one in my size honestly!

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  3. I LOVE that Mae! I can't wait to see action shots and I am going to have to make that for the summer!

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    1. Yeah I wish the weather wasn't SO rainy all last week. I was super frustrated that I couldn't take some photos of her in it. :/ I keep reminding myself that April showers bring May flowers- so I can be a bit more patient for beautiful sunny days!

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  4. I printed this pattern a couple of days ago too. And I was planning on using the grey fabric I used for my maternity pants, but I am not so sure after seeing yours... =/ I don't want it to look like I was trying to copy you or something... It looks great, and the pockets it's a great addiction.

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