Beachy Boatneck Shirt & Schoolday Skirt

Today I'm blogging about the Beachy Boatneck Shirt and Schoolday Skirt patterns from Blank Slate Patterns.  My friend, Melissa, from Melly Sews is the pattern designer, and when she invited me on her pattern shop tour, I couldn't say yes fast enough!

This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions provided in this post are 100% my own!   When you purchase a Blank Slate Pattern through one of these links, I earn a percentage of the sale. Thanks for your support! 

Let's start with the Beachy Boatneck Shirt.  I've seen so many of these on the internet for both boys and girls, so I knew I had to give it a try.  I chose the size 6 after comparing the sizing chart to Ella's chest measurement, and I think it's a perfect fit.

Since I am pairing the shirt with the pleated Schoolday Skirt, I wanted the top to look a little more feminine.  To accomplish that, I modified the facing pattern pieces so that the bottom edge followed the curve of the neck opening, and then I chose to sew the facing on so it would be on the exterior of the shirt.

I had really wanted to use a solid color for the facing, but I didn't have any knit fabric that matched on hand! I was anxious to move forward with the sewing (no time to run to the store), so I opted to just use the same heart fabric for the facing.  I found an old baby onesie in my repurpose pile and used a piece of it to make the center cinched area on the facing.

I really like the faux collar effect the exterior facing gives this shirt.

I think you could have so much fun playing with different facing shapes.  For a boy, you could just use the facing pattern pieces as is but sew them on to flip to the exterior.  I might just have to try that sometime!

The Beachy Boatneck is a pretty straight cut top, and it's fairly long.  I think if I had added just three or four more inches to the length, Ella could have worn it as a dress!  The extra length does make it idea for tucking into pants or skirts which most kids rarely do these days.

Overall, this is a great pattern because of the simplicity of the design, the pattern pieces, and the terrific sewing instructions.  Oh, and I think the fit is spot on, too!

I paired the Beachy Boatneck Shirt with another great pattern from Blank Slate Patterns:  the Schoolday Skirt.

I purchased this pattern right after it was released a few months back, but I somehow never got around to making one!  This blog tour was the perfect opportunity for me to try it out.  I now regret waiting so long!

The Schoolday Skirt may appear intimidating with all the pleats, but it is actually quite simple to make. Melissa's instructions make sewing it together so easy!

For Ella's Schoolday Skirt, I used a lightweight denim fabric I picked up at Joann's.  This fabric is so soft and easy to work with.  I'll definitely be buying more of it for future projects.

Again, I referenced the measurement chart in the pattern and decided to go with a size 5.  Although not specified in the pattern instructions, I chose to use buttonhole elastic to make the back waistband adjustable.  Because of the way the skirt waistband is sewn together, I didn't have to make any modifications in order to do this!

Well, there you have it!  My Blank Slate Patterns outfit!  I think this definitely going to be a Fall favorite at our house, and I look forward to sewing more of both pieces!

Are you thinking about making your little one their own Beachy Boatneck Shirt or Schoolday Skirt?

Then head over to Blank Slate Patterns to purchase your copy of each pattern today!  But be prepared, you just might end up picking up two or three more patterns while you're there!  As a bonus, 50% of the profits from this week's (Oct. 6 - 12) sales at Blank Slate Patterns will be donated to the Komen Foundation for breast cancer research and services.