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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Roly Poly Pinafore + Pattern Giveaway

This pattern name is so fun to say--Roly Poly Pinafore--and it was a lot of fun to make, too!  The Roly Poly Pinafore is the first of what I know will be many great patterns by the multi-talented Rachael of Imagine Gnats.  In fact, if you saw my post from Tuesday, you know she already has a second pattern (the Tumble Tee) in testing that will be released soon.

Today though, I'm sharing with you my version of the Roly Poly Pinafore as part of the Roly Poly-along blog tour that is happening through the end of May.


When I first signed up to make a Roly Poly Pinafore for the blog tour, I had considered sewing together strips of a jelly roll and using the yardage created as the fabric for the top.  However, after sewing together all 40 strips of fabric (ugh!), I decided that it just wasn't the look I wanted to give this fun, playful top.  So, I riffled through my fabric stash and came across this colorful novelty print I bought last year called Woodland Friends by Ellen Crimi-Trent for Clothworks.  The reverse side is a quilting cotton I bought at the same time but have no idea of the name.


The Roly Poly Pinafore is so sweet and simple, yet the single pleat in the front and the cross over panels in the back set it apart from a basic a-line top or dress and add a touch of whimsy to the look.  This top is also apparently the perfect thing to wear for a day out at the playground!


The pinafore is completely reversible with no exposed seams, and both sides have their own set of in-seam pockets although I couldn't get my model to use them for any pictures!



Rachael has done an excellent job with this pattern.  I made Ella a size 5, and as you can see, it fits perfectly.  The pattern includes sizes 6 months to size 10, but the pattern pieces are separated out into two groups so you won't waste ink and paper printing out multiple sizes you don't need.  The pattern instructions also show you how to cut out the fabric with the pocket piece attached to the bodice pieces already or as separate pieces that you sew on.

Reversible tops and dresses are so easy to make and eliminate the need for pressing under hems and using the serger to finish raw edges.  Plus, if your child spills something on one side, you simply flip it over and they look all clean again!  Magic!

The overlap design in the back is ideal for climbing and swinging from monkey bars because it doesn't constrict your child's movement.  Plus, when the weather really heats up this summer, Ella can wear the Roly Poly Pinafore without the extra polo shirt underneath yet still be covered up.



Thanks, Rachael, for having me roll along in the Roly Poly-along Blog Tour!  It's been fun!

Can't get enough of the Roly Poly Pinafore?  Then you are in luck!  There are more Roly Poly sightings scheduled for every weekday for the rest of May.


5.13 Jill Made with Moxie / Stephanie The Crafty Kitty
5.14 Stephanie NeurosesGalore / Cherie you & mie
5.15 Ari Max California / Caila Caila Made
5.16 Veronica SewVery / Tara Girl like the sea
5.17 Nancy owen's olivia / Adrianna Crafterhours

5.20 Ajaire Call ajaire / Sarah EmmylouBeeDoo
5.21 Laura Craftstorming / Jessica a little gray
5.22 Frances Miss Matatabi / Nicke kiss kiss quilt
5.23 Amy formwork design / Kat Sew Chibi
5.24 Joanne Rose & Dahlia / Amanda Kitschy Coo

5.27 Celina Petit a Petit and family / Delia Delia Creates
5.28 Christy a.Amelia handmade / Carolyn Fake It While You Make It
5.29 Bonnie Fishsticks Designs / Maria La Inglesita
5.30 Jane Buzzmills / Kate Things for Charlie
5.31 Polly Jack & GeeGee / Molly Rose & Odin


Plus, you can enter my contest below for a chance to win your own copy of the Roly Poly Pinafore pattern, compliments of Rachael at Imagine Gnats!  Winner will be announced on Monday, May 20th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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31 comments:

  1. I can't enter because I don't do FB but I wanted to say what a great version of Rachel's roly poly!!

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  2. So cute, Veronica! I am in love with that print!

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  3. That would look precious on my granddaughter!

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  4. I like to run on the trails where we live.

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  5. That's so cute! I like the back, which I originally thought was the front!

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  6. I like walking in the evenings.

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  7. The pinafore you made is so cute, darling model. I'm a beginner as far as sewing clothes so I'm encouraged that this pattern is beginner friendly. It gets very hot here in the summer so I don't do much outside, however, I love taking my grandson to the park in the mornings.

    Thank you a d Imagine Gnats for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Thanks Veronica!
    If we get a summer this year I'd like to spend most of the day in my garden!

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  9. I like tanning, swimming with my two kids and sleeping during too hot hours ;)

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  10. Cute pattern!
    We love hiking and playing at the park in the summer!

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  11. I like to read in the sun/shade on a quilt in the park :)

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  12. Such a cute pattern. It would be fun to make this for my granddaughters.

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  13. What a cute pattern and the fabrics you used make it really cute.

    My favorite outdoor summer thing to do would be to sit near the river just relaxing with my husband and enjoy the time together.

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  14. I was just looking for a pattern like this tonight! It would be wonderful to win this.

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  15. Oh, and I Love to take my kids swimming in my sisters pool down the street!

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  16. Beautiful!! Would love the pattern to make some for my girls!!

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  17. My favorite outdoor activity to do in the summer is to go to the park with my girls and watch them have lots of fun!!

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  18. Would love to have this for my granddaughter. Such a cute pattern!

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  19. My favorite outdoor activity to do outdoor would have to be taking care of all my roses and watching my dog run and play.

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  21. my FAVORITE? letting the kids play in the sandbox while i read... or letting them swim at the pool while hang out in the shallow end and soak up the sun :)

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  22. Absolutely adorable! I would love to use this pattern for my granddaughter. Your little model has the most beautiful eyes!

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  23. Sit with my legs in the sun and the rest of me in the shade--watching grand kids play and swim....while I read my kindle or crochet or knit.................. favorite summer fun!! I have 3 little girls who would look precious in matching roly polys!

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  24. love this pattern. Thx for the chance to win. Fav outdoor activity - just sitting in the sun keeping warm

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  25. Swimming is my favorite. We have lots of great rivers and lakes here in S.Oregon to swim in.

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  26. Something involving water! Wadding pool, spray park, ocean or lake!

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  27. Heading to the beach....especially our local spot which becomes a sandy lagoon at the right time of tide

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Please feel free to leave a comment! I love reading what you think about my post!