This might be my favorite thing I’ve ever sewn.
EVER.
I know. That’s a lofty statement.
But you know when you have something in your mind, that you think is going to work, but you’re not really sure that it will…and then it turns out just as you had hoped???
That my friends is this little citrus outfit.
I started with the Citrus Sunrise fabric from my Fiesta Fun fabric collection….which might also be my favorite print in the mix. This outfit was destined for my love.
(read more about my inspiration for this print here.)
Then I used the Anywhere Skirt Pattern and the First Day Dress Pattern to create one look. And I love it. It fits her so well and …it just makes me happy. I might try this in my size too.
I made a few tweaks to each pattern, which means you’ll be getting tutorials in the near future! I’ve already started one for the skirt placket. And when that’s done, I’ll start a tutorial for this top.
In the mean time, here are the basics:
• I really wanted the shirt to be a crop top, so that the chunkiness of the skirt waistband would show (without showing her tummy). So I used the A-Line Top from the pattern, and chopped many inches off. It seemed extreme, but I was amazed at how short it needed to be! And what I did not realize at first, is that the front needed to be longer than the back. Haah. Guess I hadn’t accounted for little baby belly. Making it an extra inch longer in the FRONT helped it looked even all the way around, when worn.
• Then, rather than cutting a slit in the back neckline, I made the back into two separate pieces—adding an inch or so of extra fabric for an overlapping placket. Cause really, I just wanted to use those chunky wooden buttons. I think the bright colors of this collection go so well with neutrals and wooden accents.
For the Skirt:
I added a new design twist to the Anywhere Skirt—a small back placket! This is a game changer. And I did the same thing on my yellow gingham skirt from our Christmas cards too. Since I had done a long line of buttons on the shirt, it felt excessive to have tons of buttons on the skirt as well. So this was the perfect way to create a full gathered look, without a placket in the front.
In fact—speaking of full—I used fabric FOUR times her waist size, which is my favorite way to do it these days. It’s more layers to sew through (especially since I added a lining layer) but it gets a great gathered look.
Of course my favorite part of sewing, is that I get to take pics of everything afterward.
Honestly, I sew so I can photograph.
And get beautiful faces like these:
Clara is such a stinking goofball. I mean, even when I tell her to look straight, she gives me the side eyeball. Clara! But then we also capture moments like this:
Love that little girl.
AND…(this is becoming long)….I love seeing what you guys are making and sharing too!
LOOK at this photo. Ahhh! That baby! That romper!
(photo by Jeremagz; romper by Hello Ollie Shop)
And this women’s look from the Fiesta Fun look book (by Art Gallery Fabrics): 
So much citrus love.
I’m gonna go eat an orange.
If you have things to share, tag them to #fiestafunfabrics and #citrussunrisefabric
Have a great weekend my friends!
