So this is the second to last week of Project Run and Play and I’m still in the competition! Can you believe it? I feel so honored and privileged to have made it this far. Thank you guys so, so much for all your support – I couldn’t have done it without you.
For this week, we were told to come up with a Valentine’s inspired look. The idea for this dress popped into my head several weeks ago. I wanted to make something that could be worn for Valentine’s Day, but could also be carried through into spring/summer. As I’m sure a lot of you know, it’s such a bummer to work really hard on an outfit and only have it worn once. I thought the idea of “Love Bugs” (aka Lady Bugs) would shout Valentine’s Day, but would be neutral enough to wear on other days of the year.
I love a well-fitted, a-line jumper and this one fits the bill. The jumper is fully lined with coordinating pink and red fabric. There is baby ric-rac running in a curved shape up the front of the pink, inset panel and at each curve there is a little tiny lady bug button that is hand-sewn in place. The pink, inset panel is trimmed with a 1″ red ruffle on each side and the bottom of the dress is finished with a matching red ruffle as well. The dress buttons with two medium-sized, red buttons at each shoulder.
Finally, I wanted to add some accessories so I made a wide-brimmed, floppy style hat to coordinate with her dress. The hat has a matching red ruffle, black baby ric-rac and is finished with curly, korker ribbons in red, white and baby pink. My little lady is carrying her Valentine’s Day purse that has a variety of different trims. To finish the entire look, I layered the jumper with a pink and red polka dot knit shirt and paired it with a pink, ruffled ballet flat. There is no doubt that Miss Savannah is my “Little Love Bug”!
Here are a few more pictures from our Valentine’s photoshoot:
Lindsay Wilkes is the owner and designer behind The Cottage Mama. She creates timeless, vintage inspired sewing patterns for children’s clothes. She is also a fabric designer for Riley Black Designers / Penny Rose Fabrics, author of the book ‘Sew Classic Clothes for Girls’ and can be seen teaching nationwide and online in her video series ‘Lessons with Lindsay’ sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery machines.
Lindsay, this is so darling, it almost makes my heart hurt! I am heading over right now to vote! 🙂
This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. You’ve got a design here thats not too flashy, but makes a statement as big as what you’re saying. Great job, indeed.
Just voted. I love your projects:) and your blog:) Thanks for the inspiration!
THE BEST ONE YET. So funny to see you all nervous about the work you have done on facebook and than pull this out. I guess everyone feels that way. Your are my crafty mom blogging idol. I am impressed.
This is absolutely adorable. My vote has been cast! Your blog has re-inspired me to get crafty! Everything you make is adorable. Keep up the good work!
P.S. Your daughters are also adorable! 🙂
So cute, Lindsay! It looks like Savannah was having a blast with the photo shoot. And yes, sugar promises always work well in my house, too. Good job and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Stef
Little S is just adorable! And she LOVES her outfit! Amazing job as always Lindsay! Are you exhausted yet? 😉
I love your blog. Your daughter makes me miss the time that I sewed for my little ones, now they are teens and would rather have bought clothes. The way you did the little lady bugs are great thinking on your part. You have a creative mind. Looking forward to more from you.
Just got back from voting for you! Great dress, good luck!
Best,
Gloria
Just adorable, I am really enjoying all of this!! I voted again 4 U!!
Huggs, Nancy
Is the hat design from Izzy & Ivy Designs? It looks just like their Sally Sunhat! So cute and sweet, the model is obviously pleased with her mamma’s super talents :0). I hope you win!
Shasta, it is similar – I just came up with my own pattern for this version – pretty simple and easy!! It’s basically just a circle and several long rectangles. My favorite part is the curly ribbons :-).
so adorable!!
I just wanted to let you know that I voted for your valentine dress. Actually my 4 y.o. daughter did. I showed her the entries and asked her to pick her favorite. She immediately said she liked your the best. Love your blog too!!
I recently desired to inform you that I voted on your valentines costume. Actually my personal Some b.to. child does. We revealed the woman’s your items as well as asked the girl to pick your ex favored. The girl right away stated the lady liked your current the top. Love your blog post way too!!