Monday Morning Inspiration/Red White And Blue

Good Morning Everyone and Happy Monday!
Things are getting crazy here in America as everyone seems to have World Cup Fever. Even I who rarely watches any sports, unless I'm forced to, must admit to at least listening to the game. The city of Chicago will be opening Soldier Field tomorrow and hosting a huge party with giant screens so that all can watch and hopefully cheer America on to a win. We will also celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, so this is truly a red, white and blue week! In the spirit of this week, I did a little looking around for some interesting and fun red, white, and blue inspiration.
This is the dress that got me started. It's a vintage dress, but I love the idea of making a halter dress with a detachable collar. Fun!

And I thought that this was a cute idea. Grab some bangles from the thrift store and wrap yarn around them. 

I rather like this space age vintage dress :)

Such a pretty and sophisticated combination.

I like the use of the paler blue rather than the typical dark blue and the clear sandals.

Are you a baseball fan? How about painting a stitching line on the pockets?!! I like the red piping that runs down the side seam too.

A vintage trench from the 1970's.

Not a traditional red, white and blue, but I thought it was rather fun regardless.I keep posting potential painting projects, I think I need to get out my paints!

I loved this feminine long, flared jacket over the pleated skirt.

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This past week,Maria Jose did a post on tie dye. You must see what she did! There are links to how-to videos in her post. I really like what she did. Then I saw this skirt and decided, that's it, I really have to do this. Maybe this will finally take care of my painting bug!! 

Some fun with stripes. The sleeve is just a long rectangle that has been gathered and sewn around the armhole. Doesn't get any easier than that!

Another vintage dress. I would not add the stripe to the tie, but I really like it around the bottom of the skirt.

And finally, a cute dress posted by Maria Jose. Check out those shoes!!!! You can see the entire post here.

Whether you're patriotic or not,a little red, white and blue can be lots of fun to wear!

Have a wonderful week!

Rhonda 

Thrifty Thursday

Hi Everyone!! So sorry about missing the Wednesday Showcase yesterday. I sat down to write and I was just so very tired, so I thought...hoped, no one would kill me for missing one week ;)
I am back with a new pattern for Thrifty Thursday. In the event that you missed last week's post, I'll do a quick catch up for you. There are so many of the independent pattern companies that are offering really nice patterns for free and I think it is such a wonderful thing for them to do. It gives us, the consumers, a chance to try out their patterns free of charge and  test out their sizing as well as the pattern with only the cost of some paper and ink, and of course our fabric and time, but that's beside the point! Last week I showcased two patterns to kick off this new feature. I showed you the Yellow Tail Camisole that I made using the free pattern from Disparate Disciplines and the Hemlock Tee from Grainline Studios. By the way, I loved them both and have worn them a few times now. Both are well worth the paper, ink and time spent taping the patterns together.
This week I am showcasing the Plantain T-Shirt from Deer and Doe Patterns.

The pattern comes graded, so there are a number of sizes to choose from, very nice. They do provide a sizing chart which makes it quite easy to choose your appropriate size. You also have the choice of a long or 3/4 length sleeve. It flares at the hips, so it is a very flattering silhouette. I did add 2" to the length of my top as I wanted mine to be a little longer. The only other alteration I made was I that need to take up the shoulders just a bit. Other than that, it was sew and go!

For a little added interest, the pattern comes with elbow pads. Such fun. I made my top out of a tie dye knit. As I was looking through my fabrics, I came across some Missoni knit scraps that just happened to have the same colors as the tie dye running through the narrow stripes, so I used the scraps to make my elbow pads. To attach my elbow pads, I simply did a narrow zigzag all the way around them.

In order to download the pattern, you will need to create an account with Deer and Doe, but it is very easy to do. There are 5 pieces to the pattern, the front, back, sleeve, neckband and the elbow pad. I love it when a pattern includes everything you'll need to make the pattern.
I found the pattern to be well drafted and very easy to make. This is a French company, but the instructions are in French as well as English, so as long as you speak one of those two languages, you won't have a problem. To be honest, the instructions really aren't necessary as the pattern is so easy to put together. You can find the pattern here, http://boutique.deer-and-doe.fr/29-tops-plantain-t-shirt.html I think you'll find it to be a welcome addition to your pattern collection!
Enjoy!!