Sometimes when you're neck deep in a project of one type it can be energizing to work on a quick project of a different type. I'm sewing furiously behind the scenes on some lovely dresses for my sister's upcoming mid-October wedding. Thank heavens for my commitment to Pattern Parcel -- I don't know that I would have taken the break if it had not been scheduled for me (by me) in advance. But sewing a quick knit top, straight from a pattern felt like a breath of fresh air this week amid my fury of woven fabrics and pattern alterations.
A peter pan color can flirt between chic and twee, but on The Mimi Dress & Shirt by Filles a Maman it's solidly chic; I love me some asymmetry. I was especially drawn to this pattern because it combines knit and woven fabrics, and I've only done that once before.
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| The pattern includes an alternative to top-stitching the neckline facing, but I always love me some top-stitching. |
This pattern includes a lot of great options including a keyhole opening, a loop & button closure, cuffed sleeves (short or long options), and a curved hem. Obviously it also includes dress and shirt lengths.
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| Loving all the little details, included the cuffed sleeves. |
I love the look of the curved hem, so I chose to accent it with my trusty twin-needle and some pale purple top-stitching. I like the way the pale purple works with the chambray collar and the dark purple button. As I was sewing with the purple thread I had no clue what I was going to pair this top with. Seriously. Even though this was the source of the purple top-stitching thread. Good thing I went and looked in The Peanut's closet.
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| Here you can clearly see the top is big on The Peanut -- I struggle between sewing clothes that have room to grow (like here) versus clothes that will look good on the blog because they fit well coming off the machine. |
The Mimi Dress & Shirt pattern came to me as part of Pattern Parcel #5: Girls & Tweens. I'm honored to be part of promoting Pattern Parcel. I think it's amazing what they do and why. So instead of my usual end of post Love/Notes conclusion, let's learn more about them, in their own words.
How Pattern Parcel Works
Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel. We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've raised over $11,000 for classrooms in need!
Pattern Parcel #5:
- Lily Knit Blazer by Peek-a-Boo Patterns
- Everyday Yoga Pant for Girls by Greenstyle
- Asymmetrical Drape Top by EYMM
- Playhouse Dress by Fishstick Designs
- Mimi Dress and Shirt by Filles a Maman
- And a BONUS PATTERN* too: Sunki Dress by Figgy’s
*Bonus Pattern: Choose a price of $28 or greater for Parcel #5 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Sunki Dress by Figgy's. Fun pockets, a stylish silhouette, plus make it in knit or woven. Double bonus! The pattern includes both size runs, so you get 18 months through a 16 tween sizing. Amazing!
Of course, I'm not the only one getting the word out, check out these other stops on the blog tour and be inspired by those who have already sewn up Parcel #5
But wait! There's more...
Wednesday, October 1
Thursday,October 2
Friday, October 3
Ren Murphy writes for The Inspired Wren.
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You should really see all that goes into each project!
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