Time to Vote---Week #1 Designs--- Inspired by Art

It's here!  The week one designers reveal for All Stars!

We are loving the art inspired looks that have been uploaded to the linky party and those submitted by the designers are amazing as well.

 

Now, your job is to scroll through all of the beautiful photography, read about the inspirations, then vote for your favorite!

(And remember when we said things will be just a little bit different during All Stars?  Well, here we go.  First of all there will be no judges this season for the designers so the winner will be chosen only by popular vote.  And those votes....they will be hidden so there will be no way to see who is winning until it is announced on Monday morning!)

 

You can find where to vote over there on the sidebar so get going!  There's so much to see!

 

Aztec Spring---See Kate Sew



I used Aztec art, specifically, the Aztec calendar as my inspiration for this totally BOY look! The staple piece is the hand screenprinted shorts, with an all-over geometric pattern. I printed the fabric before sewing them together and even printed enough to line the hood. The shorts have front and back pockets. The front pockets have mint green trim and the back pockets are angled for extra geometric flair. The shorts have a little elastic in the back and a 2 button closure in the front. To achieve the mint green color on the tshirt, shorts pocket binding and vest lining, I dyed white fabric and bias tape. I made sure each piece of the outfit had a little mint green.

The graphic tee is printed with a speech bubble and the word "hola" which is hello in Spanish. The Aztecs spoke a different language, but since Spanish is the language now where the Aztecs lived, it would be a modern take. The tee has a ribbed neckline and armholes. The hooded vest is my favorite part. I topstitched a chevron pattern to go with the geometric feel of the outfit. The hood is lined with more silkscreened print and there are open welt pockets on the front. The bottom is ribbed and the armholes are faced! I also made faux suede moccasins and a feather headdress to complete the aztec look.

Come by see kate sew for more details and a whole lot more pictures!

The Modern Artist---Shwin & Shwin

When I first saw the challenge for week one being Art Inspired... I was stumped... So I googled Art... The very first piece that came up flooded me with memories... You see ever since I was a wee little one I have been drawn to Modern Art... why? Because I would see it and say "I can do that" Not in a how is this art kind of way but I felt inspired like I could actually do that. I can't draw a bowl of fruit, or a person, but I can draw some squares and spill some paint.

 I have always been particularly drawn to Mondrian Composition. It has the cool clean modern feel that I am naturally drawn to, and it inspires me to create, because "I can do that!" Inspired by the art I made a pieced peplum ruffle, and placed it on a "blank canvas" white dress. I wanted the dress to have an art feel so I made a collar outline so it would look drawn on, and I used fun and bright colors to pop and be kid friendly. I also made a pair of yellow leggings to wear underneath.

For more details and pictures come on over to my blog at Shwin&Shwin



Picnic in the Park---Craftiness is Not Optional

 Art-Inspired week-this theme was fascinating and really exciting for me. I love art-especially the Impressionist era artwork. I got to see a lot of them in the flesh (er....canvas?...) when I went to Paris as a teen. Hanging out at the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay was the highlight of that trip, for sure. I had a hard time choosing an art piece-I seriously had rough outfit sketches and plans for about 6 different paintings, but finally chose this one by Monet. The colors were amazing and I loved how all the women in the picture seemed like they were having a grand ol' time. It reminded me of me and my three sisters. So from the painting, I picked my color palette and fabrics out-a dusty gold, bright red, emerald green, and soft white and navy polka dot.

I started with the top-a quirky little peplum top with a narrow peter pan collar, exposed navy zipper in the back, and cap sleeves. (sleeves inspired by Rae's Geranium dress, and peplum inspired by Dana's circle skirt) The cropped leggings were made from double layered soft gold jersey, sewn and fitted and re-sewn to my little Sadie til they fit perfectly! I hand stitched some lace bows right above the hem for a vintage touch. The emerald green scalloped jacket is fully lined with a secret pocket inside! The special floral fabric used in that pocket is also used on the lining of the jacket for a fun little accent. It also has pockets in the side seams for her hands, trinkets, and candy, of course. The front of the jacket has a row of scallops with an off white covered button framed in each to keep it closed. The peter pan collar and sleeves are trimmed in a bit of piping to make them pop! I also added a little button tab on the back of the jacket for visual interest-I decided to sew it on after the jacket was sewn together-so it was quite the job hand sewing it to the outside of the jacket only! The headband (inspired by the bouquet one of the ladies is holding) was a labor of love-about 10 or so hand made felt flowers that I spent hours arranging "just so"! 

Come see more pictures at my blog, Craftiness is not Optional!

 

 

In Bloom---Happy Together

This week's outfit for my daughter was inspired by Claude Monet. I love flowers and nature in general, so naturally I would be attracted to his artwork. Since wild and flowerful pants are also in, I took this as an opportunity to make some. I found a lovely fabric that was bright and "in bloom" with flowers. It was my very first time creating pants with a front zipper. I drafted the pattern from a pair of pants my daughter had already.

I created a simple top to go with the more over the top print on the pants. Just a simple tank top with some fancy details. It's a perfect little outfit for my little explorer to play around in. You can find out more about this outfit on my blog.

Vintage Cruiser Dress---iCandy Handmade

Art.  I grew up with an artist father, who worked in art museums my whole life, and who now paints full time.  You would think that this would be an easy challenge, right? Ha!  I looked up art for hours and nothing struck me as inspirational.  By accident, I found this adorable ink drawing on Etsy that both Autie and I fell in love with.  Maybe not one of the great masters, but pretty darn cute, right? I would love to frame this and put it in my daughter's room.  

It makes me  happy to look at it.

Source: Sarah Frances Art

We ended up creating a vintage-style wrap dress for this look.  For some reason, bicycles, balloons and cute little turquoise and white dresses go hand in hand.  The dresses are made out of kona cotton and miles of white bias tape.  If you ever need a lesson in tricky bias tape situations, this dress has it all! Tight curves, inverted corners, and regular corners!  I now am quite the bias tape expert :)  Autie, the master embroiderer stitched the bicycle design on one pocket.  The girls love love love these dresses.  They are boat neck, with attached circle skirts so they twirl really well!  I also fiddled around with the flutter sleeve so the bias tape could be between the flutter and the bodice, as well as hem the raw edge.

We hope you like these dresses as much as we do!  Go to our blog to see lots more photos...

Jen & Autie

Petal Splash Gown---girl. Inspired
Woohoo!!  It's here!  The first week of All Stars!  So, art inspired...it took a few false starts before I settled on my inspirational art piece for this theme.  I seriously googled "art inspiration" trying to get ideas at first.  But when a friend suggested the artwork of Michelle Armas, I fell in love.

For the art-inspired look this week, I chose a Michelle Armas painting called "Zombie Jeeves."  The colors, the elegance, the softness, but also the beautiful saturated color just seemed to fall in line with my sewing style.  I envisioned an elegant ball gown bursting with color.

I created the Petal Splash dress using white silk dupioni for the main dress.  The sheen of the silk and the way that it holds its shape provide the perfect silhouette for a ball gown.  The bodice and skirt are fully lined with a soft cotton sateen.  The simple neckline and sleeveless design lends all focus to the spray of color spilling across the full skirt and up over the shoulder.  The back of the dress zips closed with an invisible zipper.  I tried to mimic the color palette of the artwork using small petals cut from a variety of satins in shades of red, magenta, pink, mustard, grey, and teal.  I cut, singed, and stitched 417  petals onto the gown.  It's dramatic and full of color and my daughter is In. Love. with this dress.  She  must have tried it on after each new petal was added.  When it came time for pictures, she was all over it.  Twirling, bowing, tilting her head, swaying her hips; this is a glamour girl party dress through and through.  And once we finished her photo shoot, she asked if she could keep it on forever.  Of course!

I would love it if you'd hop over to Girl. Inspired. to see more of the Petal Splash Gown!

 

So fun right?

Now vote for your favorite and we will see you back here on Monday!

Giveaway: Ruby Jean's Closet

Today we have a 5 Pattern Pack giveaway for you from one of the cutest shops on etsy:

Ruby Jean's Closet!

 

If you haven't been there before hop on over and check out her darling dresses, rompers, and aprons.

They are all adorable!

 

(And after you've gone over THERE head back over here and leave us a comment telling us which pattern is you favorite and you will be automatically entered to win a 5 pack of her PDF patterns!)

 

Good Luck and we will see you back here tomorrow for the designers art inspired looks!



Art Inspiration: Audrey Flack

"Art is a calling.  Artists are not discovered in schools.  Artists do not just paint for themselves, and they don't simply paint for an audience.  They paint because they have to.  There is something within the artist that has to be expressed....We share a common language and a common love of our masters, and although we often take issue with one another, we are all family."

---Audrey Flack

 

 (source)

 

One of my favorite artists is Audrey Flack.  She is a photo realist painter and a sculptor.  Her work is flawless, symbolic, and simply amazing.  But even more than her artwork (which I ardently admire) I enjoy her writing.  Her insights and attitude are so refreshing and timely.  And it is a few of her thoughts that I'd like to share with all of you today.

 

Originally I had planned a post on the similarities between artists and sewists (which are many...and fairly obvious) then I planned out a long post about the creative process.  Next I pulled artworks that would make great springboards for children's clothing inspiration.  Needless to say I had a lot of ideas floating around in my head.  Many of you know that I am a total and complete art nerd but when I sat down tonight I thought that the best thing I could do was share a few things from someone who I feel has a very clear, direct, and positive perspective both as an artist and as a woman.

 

As you read what she has written I think it's not too far off to consider yourself as an artist and your medium as fabric...after all you are creating, designing with color, and literally working with canvas :)  I hope you will enjoy her line of thinking as much as I do.

 

 (source)

 

"There is nothing anyone can do to take your originality away from you."

 

 "The length of time it takes to make a work does not necessarily make it good.  Conversely, the spontaneous and rapid production of a work does not make it good."

 

"If you want to get rich, don't bother being an artist."

 

"It can be terrifying to confront a blank canvass---is it the fear of destroying it?....It becomes a courageous act to make a mark on that canvas..." 

(Does this make anyone else think of making that first cut into that one piece of fabric that you've been holding onto and saving for just the right project?)

 

"Paint where you are.  Be where you are.  Don't deny your environment.  To do will set up conflict in your work and reduce it's power."

 

"I believe in the energy of art, and through the use of that energy, the artists ability to transform his or her life and , by example, the lives of others.  I believe that through our art....we can mend and heal the planet."

 

(source)

As time goes by we've come to see how so many of you really are artists in your own right.  The way you maneuver fabric, combine color and patterns, and the portions of yourself that you pour into your work really is inspiring.  How lucky we feel that you share all of that with us.

 

The art inspired theme for this week is possibly my favorite theme ever here on Project Run and Play.  It seems so natural to join artwork and fashion.  I have LOVED seeing what has already been entered into the Linky Party and eagerly watch for others to join.

 

Here's to a wonderfully creative week!



Project Run and Play All Stars Begins Today!!!

It's finally here!!!!

We feel like we've been waiting for All Stars to start FOREVER!

 

For the past few days we've been reintroducing you to our designers from this season.

Aren't they wonderful?

Such an amazing group of women we have for you!

 

Now---as we said because this is an All Star round there will be a few changes to our regularly scheduled programing but we will explain as we go.

(Because, quite frankly we are just impatient and ready to get this party started.)

 

So quickly, here is a reminder about the themes for this season.

(Yes, it is only 4 weeks.)

 

Week 1: Inspired by Art---Choose an artist, art movement, or artwork and create a children's look inspired by your choice.

Week 2: The Riley Blake Chevron Week---Create a children's design where a chevron pattern is featured. (Our sponsors have some great chevrons HERE and HERE.)

Week 3: It's All in the Details---Choose a favorite detail to showcase in a children's wear design. (Such as piping, embroidery, pin tucks, etc.)

Week 4: Spring Formal Wear---Design a formal look for spring--perhaps and Easter outfit or something suitable for a spring wedding?

 

 

And as for the sew along...we will being hosting that linky party style again.  SO if you want to sew along and enter to win some great prizes link up your design each week to the linky party on Mondays.  It's that easy!

How fun!  We're so excited!  So let's get started.  Start linking up your designs inspired by art!

Are you ready?

All right, so you've been able to get to know our All-Stars a bit more. 

You have the themes and timelines.....and now all you need to do is to

GET SEWING!!!

See you back here Monday when the first linky party will open.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone.  We seriously can't wait to for the fun to begin!

P.S.  Liz and I had quite the adventure with her car last night....and we both can't stop laughing about it this morning.  We really belong in a modern remake of "I Love Lucy."  I don't know how we always get ourselves into sticky situations.....

We've got the story going on over at on our Facebook Page.

Q&A---Kate from See Kate Sew

Today we are introducing Kate from see kate sew, which I am sure you already know, is a must-read blog.  She takes beautiful pictures (see below) and has her own amazing sense of style.  We are thrilled that she is part of our All-Star team!!!

How did you learn to sew?

My mom taught me some basics when I was young and I experimented with the machine throughout high school. You probably don’t want to see my prom dresses, they were, uh....creative. I’m pretty sure I never made it to a dance without threads hanging off of my dress. So I taught myself from patterns until I got to college. Then I took lots of sewing classes and decided majored in it. Sometimes I still hear my sewing teachers yelling at me when I iron without a press cloth. I’m still learning, now I learn from experimenting, reviewing notes from college, following patterns and the internet, of course.

How would describe your style?

I would definitely describe my style as experimental. I feel like I’m still developing a real sense of my style as my sewing evolves and I become more familiar with certain fabrics and techniques. I love to stay current on fashion but also look back to vintage styles, so my designs usually have elements of both. My color preferences also change a lot. I went through a neutrals phase for the last two years but now I’m craving color!

Where does your inspiration come from?

Everywhere! It’s funny where you’ll find inspiration if you’re always thinking about creating. Sometimes, inspiration comes from a material--fabric, buttons, or a sewing technique. I love mashing inspiration together to create original artwork. Some of my favorite inspiration comes from my kids, my boy inspired this scribble tee and this dump truck cowl. Creating for them is probably the most satisfying sewing.

What are you favorite fabrics to work with?

All of them!! When I started really getting into sewing I was a designer fabric junkie. But I’ve been moving into more apparel fabrics the last few years. I go through phases of fabric obsessions. Last fall I was into fleece(which I normally despise) and flannels. Right now I’m digging gingham, twill and experimenting with more knits. I always love kona solids, pretty wool and anything shiny.

When you are not sewing, what do you enjoy doing?

When I’m not sewing I love to build tunnels for my toddler’s train track, read him his endless array of choo choo novels, stare at the newborn and wonder what she’ll look like when she grows up and eat sushi and five guys with my husband. I also love running.

Q&A---Stef from girl.inspired.

Stef from Girl.Inspired is our question and answer all-star today!  We had the opportunity to meet Stef at a luncheon this last winter and I wished we could have chatted more.  Welcome Stef to our season....we absolutely can't wait to see what your designs bring!!!

How did you learn to sew? My mom and both of my grandmothers sewed when I was a little girl, but I think I was more interested in playing in the button drawer than actually learning to sew. Once I had my first job out of college, I became interested in sewing and taught myself to make a few quilts; I bought my first cheapy sewing machine at that point. When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I thought it would be brilliant to sew maternity clothes instead of buying them and my mom showed me how to follow a pattern, but I don't think I wore any of the clothes we made a single time - um, they didn't turn out to be the flattering, money-saving garments I had imagined. I continued sewing little things here and there for my girls, but it wasn't until my third daughter turned one year old that I really discovered garment sewing. I wanted to make her first birthday dress and from there I was hooked. I've learned pretty much everything I know by running to my mom with questions, trying new patterns, reading sewing blogs, and asking other sewists about their techniques. Every time I learn something new, I feel like a fraud for sewing without that knowledge previously and I also feel this huge sense of relief that I've finally learned the "right way" to do something. I really, really like to follow rules, so I spend a lot of time trying to do things "right." With children's clothes, I've also learned that sometimes it doesn't matter if you do it the right way, what matters is if your kids love it and wear it!

How would describe your style? I always have a hard time defining my style, I mean, I know it when I see it, but it's hard to put words to. I guess I'd say feminine, soft, maybe romantic, a little shabby chic, a little vintage. For children's clothing, those are the characteristics that I'm most attracted to. I have three little girls and they all appreciate pink and ruffles, but then their little personalities inspire me toward other styles, too, so I guess my style will adapt as they grow and have styles of their own, as long as they still let me sew for them!

What is your least favorite thing to sew? I despise hand sewing - DESPISE!!! I'll do pretty much anything to avoid it. I'll even do dishes and laundry. It takes all I've got to sit down and sew something by hand - shank buttons make me shudder and just thinking about quilt bindings is enough to stall a project by a year.

What are you favorite fabrics to work with? For a long time, I used quilting cottons for all my garments - you can always find the perfect color combinations and new, beautiful prints. The options are really just endless. But lately, I've been much more interested in sewing with special occasion fabrics - silk, silk/cotton blends. I don't have a lot of fabric choices to choose from locally, but I try to choose a couple new things every time I purchase fabric online - just a little bit, to see what's out there and make a connection between a fabric type whose name I've heard and what it actually looks and feels like.

When you are not sewing, what do you enjoy doing? Let's see, I like making lists of things that I may or may not ever do, I love baking and cooking, but I don't love doing the dishes, I like to decorate and rearrange furniture, I LOVE antiquing and thrifting, enjoy a good furniture makeover, I like to garden, but just the planting new plants part, not the maintenance or weeding. I love to plan a good party and get my girls involved in crafting or baking. I like experimenting with farm life, things like growing new vegetables, canning, raising chickens, wearing an apron; I don't really know what I'm doing, but it's fun to pretend. What else? I love to EAT, I love to travel (though this has slowed down to a near halt since having children). I love a lazy afternoon in my sunny family room with my family, goofing off dancing and singing karaoke.

Q&A---Jen and Autie from iCandy

Today we are getting to know Jen and Autie, the creators of all things sewing at iCandy.  We also got to know them in Season 2 and were amazed at their skills (they made a boy's leather bomber jacket--from scratch--it was phenomenal).  So, without further adieu....here are some Q&A's to get to know each of them a little better.  Thanks Jen and Autie for joining us in All-Stars!!!

 

Jen

How did you learn to sew?

Growing up, my mom would sew when needed. However, she didn't really enjoy it. So when I was 15, and started to show interest in learning, she had a friend of hers give me official sewing lessons. We sewed several garments together, and I learned so much from her. I learned how to cut and choose a pattern size, how to ease into curves by making a princess seam dress, I even made a pair of overall shorts out of denim, and learned how to do decorative topstitching. When it came time for prom and formals, I was able to make my own. It was so fun to be able to make my own clothes as a teenager! I really hope that my daughter will someday do the same.

Do you have any bad sewing habits or sewing pet peeves?

I get so mad at myself when I make careless mistakes! Like not double checking EVERYTHING before I sew it together. I hate when I put a sleeve on inside out, or really any mistake I have to pick out. Once I do make a time-consuming mistake, I do learn my lesson and become more thorough!

What are you favorite fabrics to work with?

I never thought I would say this, but I really love sewing with knits! Starting this blog helped me get out of my comfort zone and once I became comfortable with knits, I just love to sew with them. The majority of my wardrobe is made out of knit, so it is nice to be able to make things for myself and my daughter that are comfortable and stylish. I enjoy sewing with most woven fabrics too, but knits are so forgiving in the fit department, that it is so nice.

When you are not sewing, what do you enjoy doing?

I love so many things! I love spending time with my family going on bike rides, hanging out at the beach, swimming, hiking, and just being outside. I also love to watch movies and go out to dinner with my husband. I love fashion and shopping, but don't do that very much any more... Reading, (am a total book worm) hanging out with friends, going on vacations.... I could go on and on!

Autie

How did you learn to sew?

I watched my mom sew all growing up...and I loved having a mom that could make anything! But I didn't sew until I actually met my husband. His mom is very into quilting, and embroidery, as I've mentioned on iCandy. We had sort of an unusual circumstance, where we were engaged, long distance for 9 months. I was finishing my degree at BYU, and he transferred to play baseball for ASU for his sernior year. I was lucky enough to get to go down to Arizona to visit him about once a month, for a weekend, and watch him play. Collegiate sports are very time consuming, so I actually didn't spend a lot of time with my then-fiance, but my awesome MIL always had a project to do, or something new to teach me to pass the time while he was busy! I learned to sew and quilt and I consider this ability to be such a blessing!

Do you have any bad sewing habits or sewing pet peeves?

oh man! I know everyone feels the same way about this one, but how about when you're sewing along and really getting something accomplished on a big project, when you raise the presser foot, scissors in hand and about to snip some thread strings...when you realize there's only one thread to cut....Your bobbin thread ran out...long ago...like maybe an inch or two after you started. Shoot me!

Who do you sew for?

I mostly make things for my house, for my daughters... and with Jen's help, I've now learned to sew a few things for myself (how stinkin' fun is that!) So, with a few exceptions, I just sew for the benefit of my family...and because I love it so!

When you are not sewing, what do you enjoy doing?

It's funny, I sure know what I used to love to do when I wasn't sewing...but now, when you ask me what I like to do in my spare time...other than sewing, I don't think I have much other time to spare! I love organize and re-organize, I love to spend time with my kids teaching them new things, playing games, etc. I love going for family bike rides, watching my son's baseball games, and my daughter's cute gymnastics class and smooching on my baby's cheeks! My life is full and busy, with not much time to spare, but it's a great life, and I try to love every minute!

Q&A---Jessica from Happy Together

Today we get to introduce Jessica from over at Happy Together. 

We first crossed paths with Jessica during season 2 of Project Run and Play.  (Where she was nothing but gracious and made the most EXCELLENT clothing.)  We are so happy to have her back here with us again.  (And I'm sure you all are to!)

 

 

How did you learn to sew?

I self taught myself to sew in college. When my oldest daughter was born, that really got me into sewing because I wanted to make her things.

 

What does your sewing space look like?

A mess! lol I actually have been doing pretty good keeping it clean. We are a military family and move a lot, so the house we are currently in has this teeny tiny "laundry" room that my husband and I share with our extracurricular things. It has actually helped me become more organized and more thoughtful on what I purchase because I only have a little space. I have one long desk where my two sewing machines hang out and a cabinet to stash my stuff in. Simple, but a blessing to have that small space.

 

What are you favorite fabrics to work with?

While I love all kinds of fabrics, I really truly love sewing with quilting cottons. I just love the variety of prints that you can find for them.

 

How do you fit sewing into your family life?

I try to do most of my sewing when my little ones are asleep. Sometimes that means not a lot gets done, but I can't really bring the sewing machine out into the living room without my littlest trying to mess with it.

 

Who do you sew for?

I mostly sew for my family. It's a way that I show my love to them.

Q&A---Shauna from Shwin and Shwin

Today we are introducing the lovely Shauna from Shwin & Shwin.  Shauna is a whiz at pattern-making and designing all while being busy with 2 kids and a newborn.  We had the opportunity to meet Shauna last fall and we love her to pieces......thanks Shauna for participating in All-Stars this season!

 How did you learn to sew?

I learned to sew from watching my mom. She may have given me a few lessons... of which I can't recall but she will attest to the fact that I was a sewing rebel, I was always looking for a short cut, and the easiest way to get the best result which frustrated my "by the book" mom but it made me the seamstress I am today. Trial and error can be your friend :)

How would describe your style?

I would say I like modern and fresh, there is always a certain adult flair but in a child friendly age appropriate look. I basically take a look or style I like for adults and make it kid friendly for my littles...

Where does your inspiration come from?

My dreams... sounds corny but I seriously lay in bed at night and my mind designs a garment, I wake up in the morning and I have to make it right away. (or at nap time as it may be)

What are you favorite fabrics to work with?

I am an apparel fabric girl, I love solids and stripes and I am a total sucker for linen....mmmm linen I am addicted to it.

When you are not sewing, what do you enjoy doing?

Wait...there is life beyond sewing? I kid... my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, reading with my kids playing with them, crafting with them. I will take any moment I can get with my husband, we have a weekly date night and thats my favorite even if we spend most of them just going to the grocery store without kids

Q & A's---Craftiness is Not Optional

Today we are starting our "Meet The Designer" Series with our PR&P All-Stars!!! Yipppeee!  Since you already know our designers a little from their seasons on PR&P we thought we would do a bit of a question and answer session with the all-stars to get to know a little more about them and some of their sewing quirks (those are always exciting to know, huh?).

We begin with Jess from Craftiness is Not Optional.  We had the chance to briefly meet Jess last Spring and we want to be her neighbors.  She is the nicest ever!  (Really nice is the perfect word to describe her...and those who are nice are the kind of ladies we like best!)

Let's get to know Jess....

How would describe your style?
I would describe it as simple, easy to wear. and with a vintage, sometimes quirky, twist. I love patterned fabric though-I rarely use solids...but I'm trying to use them more since they're fun to embellish and show off particular details.

What is your least favorite thing to sew?
Buttonholes. Not that they're hard to do, it's just so much pressure. What if it ruins your dress/jacket/whatever? ahh the stress!

Do you have any bad sewing habits or sewing pet peeves?
I hate unpicking seams! (who doesn't?) I also have the bad habit of tossing my scraps at the general vicinity of my trash can, but most of them don't make it in. It drives my hubby bonkers!

What does your sewing space look like?
Well, kind of trashed because of that scrap tossing habit. I am in the process of reorganizing the whole room and it feels great! I can't wait til it's done and everything has a place. Whether it will stay organized or not...we'll see. ;)

When you are not sewing, what do you enjoy doing?
I love to do other crafts, bake, read, and watch my many tv shows! I also moonlight as a washi tape hoarder, chronic Instagrammer, and eat too many chocolate chips.

Who do you sew for?
My girls mostly. Me, sometimes. But the girls are easier!

Themes and Timelines

Ok everyone here's a timeline of what's coming up on Project Run and Play for the next few weeks:

 

 

Thursday, March 14th---Begins our All Stars Q&A Meet the Designer Days

Monday, March 25th---ALL STARS BEGINS!!!!

Wednesday, April 1st---Flicker Friends Begins

 

And then for today, let's announce the weekly themes for All Stars! 

Here they are:

 

Week 1:  Inspired by Art---Choose an artist, art movement, or artwork and create a children's look inspired by your choice.

 

Week 2:  The Riley Blake Chevron Week---Create a children's design where a chevron pattern is featured. (Our sponsors have some great chevrons HERE and HERE.)

 

Week 3:  It's All in the Details---Choose a favorite detail to showcase in a children's wear design.  (Such as piping, embroidery, pin tucks, etc.)

 

Week 4:  Spring Formal Wear---Design a formal look for spring--perhaps and Easter outfit or something suitable for a spring wedding?

 

Now, even though a few things will be different during All Stars our weekly sew along won't be changing.  We will be doing that exactly how we did  last season with the linky party starting each Monday.  So that means when All Stars begins on the 25th the link party for week one will go up as well!  Hooray! 

 

This season is going to be lots of fun and we are excited to see what everyone makes this time around!  So now that you know what the themes are go, get sewing!  We're ready to get this party started!



Spring Fever Dress Remix!

Thank you all for your lovely entries in the Spring Fever Pattern Remix Contest.  Every time we put up a pattern remix you all absolutely shock us with your creativity and this last one was no exception.  You all did such a fantastic job.

A huge, gargantuan thanks to Jess from Me Sew Crazy for the use of her pattern.  Thanks Jessica!!!  Also, she wrote a lovely post about it and featured some of your work....go check it out HERE.

This weekend when we asked Jess to pick a winner, she emailed back that it was impossible!  But we put the pressure on her and after scouring the entries for.ever. she came up with a winner (which wasn't an easy task at all).

Here's Jess....

First of all, I want to thank everyone who participated in the Spring Fever Dress Remix! I had so much fun going through all of the dress photos and reading the posts. I must have checked in on Project Run & Play a few times each day just so I could see the new entries as they were coming in! I am honored that so many of you would join and play around with a dress that had such sentimental meaning to me - thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are all truly amazing.

But picking a winner?! GAH! I had to do that?!! Nooooooooooooooo.

But after going through them all again (and again and again), I landed on Tess from Dive In. There is just something so sweet and special about what she did with this dress. The tulip front bib with ombre hand-dyed edges, the hand stitching around the bodice, the green stem down the front, the back bow closure, and the bubble skirt ruffles - I loved it all.

Congratulations Tess! Your dress is truly amazing and is going to be a wonderful Easter dress for your adorable little girl!

Thank you so much again to everyone who played along, and thanks for having me here Liz & Elizabeth! Can't wait for PR&P All Stars edition!!!

Thanks to everyone who participated.  And Congrats to Tess....an ombre tulip.....wow!  We will be emailing you soon with your prize information....

We will be back later this week with our "Meet The Designer" posts to get ready for All-Stars....and we promise the themes are coming soon!