Project Run and Play- Week One
September 2, 2011 6:12 amI’m so excited to be a part of Project Run and Play, 2011. If you haven’t already gone over there, go over and see all the other amazing participants. We have Jen and Autie from iCandy Homemade, Jessica from Me Sew Crazy, Jessica from Happy Together, Nicole from Coles Corner and Creations, Liz and Elizabeth from Simple Simon and Co. and Leisel from Brown Paper Packages.
Whew! What a great group of creative women!
The first theme was a back to school outfit. Now, my kids wear uniforms so I had to use my imagination on this one. I kept two things in mind for this back to school outfit. 1. My kids are always mismatched- stripes on polkadots with all sorts of off colors and prints. It’s what I love about them. So I wanted this outfit to reflect that sort of childish combination. 2. I don’t know about you, but whne my kids start school, it’s still warm, actually probably our warmest months. So I didn’t want to make an outfit too fall weathered, I wanted it to be more transitional pieces. That being said, here’s how we do back to school.
The top has a pleated bodice and goes to a V in the back with several small pleats to create some movement towards the bottom. For the bodice top I made small pleats or you can use a pleater board. I baste them together then just proceed with your top as you want. I attached the bottom half of the top then the back and added straps. I’d have Bel wear this over a long sleeve shirt in the winter.
For the shorts, I did a brown linen in a sort of paige boy style with oversized pockets and tabs at the leg band. The pink buttons feminize it. We happen to love shorts and tights in the winter, maybe paired with some boots, so I knew the brown would transition great into the Fall and Winter months. For the shorts, I cut it from my only other pattern then the Sienna Dress, this Oliver + S one. I do all my own variations, but I love the basic shape of this short. Then to top it off, a frivolous headband.
(headband tutorial coming soon, and I’ve been informed the oliver + s pattern is out of print. I will do a post on how to make these shorts soon)
Don’t forget to accessorize with the perfect dotting of summer freckles.
I love it with the leopard flats. One more print thrown in the mix.
I hope you’ve all enjoyed my back to school look! I’m so thrilled to be a part of project run and play. Head on over to cast your vote for your favorite look. The other women did such great jobs!
Tags: back to school, children's clothing, DIY, girl's outfit, project run and play, shorts, top, tutorial
Posted in children's clothes, Original Designs, Uncategorized | 20 Comments »
New at Lex Designs
April 7, 2011 3:56 pmI’ve got a couple new designs in the store.
First is this light denim skirt with pockets.
It has a great pleating detail at the bottom. It’s the perfect blank canvas for spring’s wardrobe.
Next is the breezeway blouse in a coral and navy chevron stripe.
It has an open back detail with a small gold button closure.
Go check them out and all my other new items in my etsy store!
Happy Thursday!
Tags: denim skirt, Lex Designs, shirt, top, women's top
Posted in etsy, Original Designs, other | 2 Comments »
The Ava Frock
January 10, 2011 12:13 pmHello Monday! Today I’m going to show you how to make this simple girl’s dress. I’ve been trying to use up fabric I have laying around here so I came up with the Ava Frock.
For the first step, you’re going to cut out the bodice piece. Cut it out in length from the neckline to the waist. Leave it a few inches wider than your child’s torso.
Next, cut the sleeves. We’re going to gather the neckline, so the sleeves act as an exaggerated neckline. The rise up past the neckline of the bodice. Your pieces should look like this.
Next sew the sleeves to the bodice top.
Tags: children's dress, frock, girl's dress tutorial, top, tunic
Posted in children's clothes, Original Designs | 11 Comments »
White on White Shirt Tutorial
December 14, 2010 9:28 amFrom the beginning I’ve been a fan of tone on tone clothing. And my color preference is white. Here’s a little tutorial using some scrap fabrics in different tones or textures. You could do this with any shade of shirt and coordinating strips.
First figure out what fabrics you want to use and cut them into carying length strips. Sew them all together so they are in one long piece.
Get your long strip and ruffle it.
Here’s how mine looked at this point.
Press the ruffle strip so it’s nice and flat.
Now pin the ruffle strip in a swirl pattern onto your shirt.
Then just sew it into place around all the edges.
Here’s the finished product.
I love this kind of shirt under a black blazer.
Have a lovely day!
Tags: ruffle, shirt, top, tutorial, women's tutorial
Posted in refashions, women's clothing | 13 Comments »
Nautical Sweatshirt
July 22, 2010 12:15 pmI decided to throw out all my sweatshirts. I just get too tempted every morning to put one on. Then I decide no makeup, then why not just wear sweatpants? Awww… why not just get back in bed? (Am I the only one that does that?) It’s a vicious cycle. So I wanted to make something cute, stylish and comfortable. Here’s what I came up with.
It’s a sweatshirt material, although much softer.
I added a kangaroo pocket with vintage gold nautical buttons…
…with a cute striped lining.
I’ve got some coming to the store soon.
Tags: Lex Designs, original women's designs, sweater, sweatshirt, top, vintage buttons
Posted in Original Designs, women's clothing | 15 Comments »
