VFT Lavinia Blouse & Skirt

Wow! It's been a long time since I last posted on my own blog! While I've been busy writing and posting for all my contributor positions lately, I have neglected my own site. It's time to change that, don't you think?

I have sewn so many things lately--lots of pants, skirts, dresses, zipper pouches, and notebooks--so it's time I start sharing a few of these projects and (hopefully) some new tutorials with you soon. I appreciate your patience!

One of my favorite projects from the end of last year is this lovely blouse and skirt set using the Violette Field Threads Lavinia pattern. Ella wore this ensemble to her piano recital and played beautifully. As you can see, I had edited photos and intended to post them around Christmas time! Better late than never!

Blank Slate Patterns Prepster Pullover

Cold weather is finally upon us, so I put my latest Blank Slate Pattern to good use and sewed Ella a lovely Prepster Pullover (affiliate links). With the sleeve versatility of this pattern, she'll be able to wear it pretty much year round!

This post contains affiliate links. Although I was provided the pattern at no cost in exchange for my review, all opinions given are my own.

It's rare these days that my pretty little girl can wear a piece of clothing that isn't standard school attire. While the Prepster Pullover can easily be made to fit the bill for school in a solid fabric, I chose to make this particular blouse using beautiful London Calling lawn from Robert Kaufman. The blue floral print and drape of this fabric are both ideal for this design and a pleasure to sew.

Marigold Peplum Blouse

Several months ago, I made my daughter this beautiful blouse--the Figgy's Ayashe Blouse--that has a mandarin collar and a back yoke that wraps over the shoulders and ties in to the front with subtle gathers. When I finished hers, I said, "I want one!" Low and behold, a few days later, Blank Slate Patterns released the Marigold Pattern  (affiliate links) that includes all those same details as my daughter's blouse! I was ecstatic! I couldn't wait to make my own Marigold Peplum Blouse!

oliver + s Picnic Blouse & Shorts

I know you have probably seen reviews of this Oliver + S Class Picnic Blouse and Shorts pattern before on other blogs.  It's really a great pattern--great instructions with lots of helpful tips, sizing is spot on, and of course, just adorable and unique features!

When Rachael from imagine gnats asked me to participate in Shorts on the Line as a guest blogger, I wasn't sure I would be able to pull off the scalloped edge shorts idea that was my original plan, so she kindly offered up this super Oliver + S pattern for me to try out as a back-up!  This is the one and only Oliver + S pattern that I now own (and I would love to have more), and I am so appreciative to Rachael for sending it to me!

I purchased the Spring Street fabric by Carolyn Gavin for P & B Textiles last year with the intent on making Ella a cute little shorts and top outfit, but I never found the right pattern.  After receiving the Oliver + S Picnic Blouse and Shorts pattern in the mail though, I immediately knew that this was the perfect fabric for this outfit.  I even had some of the lightweight denim on hand, so no trip to the fabric store was necessary for me to get started with this project.  Don't you just love it when everything for a project comes together so naturally?!

I used the measurement guide on the back of the pattern to help me determine the best size to use, and Ella's measurements fit the size 5 almost perfectly.  I am hoping this outfit will still fit next summer especially since I used the adjustable buttonhole elastic for the back waistband.  The pattern guides you through exactly how to make the waistband for this type of elastic if you choose to use it, but it's not a requirement of the pattern.  Overall, the shorts were pretty simple to make!

The blouse was super simple to make.  It has a little elastic at the top of the shoulder giving the neck opening enough stretch to make it easy to put on and take off.  I think the blouse with the 3/4 length sleeves will be more appropriate for spring or fall since it is so hot this summer, so next time I may make it a short sleeve blouse.

Ella loves the entire ensemble.  I do, too.  I've already got plans to make a pair or two more this summer! You should definitely try out this pattern if you haven't already. Thanks again, Rachael!