I have decided to play along with the sew along portion of Project Run and Play this season. I have seen it before – but haven’t ever followed it. I think I’m addicted and it’s only the first week! I really like their format. You have 4 weeks with a theme for each week. If you are sewing along, you make something following the weekly theme and link it up. Then you wait… until Friday when you see who won! In the meantime there are 6 “Real” contestants that are chosen before the season starts. They are working on amazing projects following the same themes. You get to vote on which you like best, then the winner provides a tutorial for their creation the week following the voting. They even get amazing prizes. Fun, fun, fun!
The first week’s project is to create a remix of the free Oliver and S Popover Sundress. I love the pattern as-is, but since it is fall here, I didn’t think a sundress would get us very far and might be outgrown by next year. So, as a remix, I decided to make a knit version out of one of my old sweaters. The goal was to make a jumper that could go over a short or long sleeve top, making it great for fall and winter – hooray!
The sweater I cut up turned out to be great inspiration. It already had a slit cut into the front neckline – so it worked perfectly for the back of the new jumper. I was even able to keep the length of the dress and use the hemline of the sweater – so no new hems, hooray!
I was able to use both the skirt and yoke pattern pieces from the original pattern. I finished the arm holes by facing them with bias tape on the inside. I also added thicker straps that are sewn in on either side of the yoke, to make it more suitable as a jumper for colder weather. Because the straps in the original Popover Sundress are tied so there is enough wiggle room to put it on, I needed to have the open back to fit it onto my daughter. Thankfully that required a really great button, and in a super contrasting colour to match my living room decor – red! The button on the back needed some friends – and the front of the jumper needed a little colour – so I added two to the front as well.
I really had some doubts while working on this one. The knit was finicky, and the “lines” created by the sweater knit were really obviously crooked if I didn’t stitch it straight. It was also very thick – which is not a really great combination when you are trying to make something in a hurry (as usual!). I do love that because the knit was so thick I ended up lining the yoke and straps, and the edges of the pocket with a really great red quilting cotton. And, bonus, I have had this piece of fabric in my stash for at least a couple of years and hadn’t used it because it is a really bright (almost glowing!) red – perfect for a lining!
“Look! Pockets!”
The shape of the dress looked really “boring” without the pocket – which wasn’t in my original plan. I think I drove my husband crazy because he was working in our shared space as well and I kept asking him if the jumper looked okay. I think I almost gave up on it at least twice. I am SO glad I kept going, and am really happy with how it turned out. It really helped to be able to try it on my daughter about 3/4 of the way through – it looked so good it helped me to keep going.
“Peek-A-Boo!”
If you are playing along I’d love to see what you are making – make sure to leave a comment with a link below! If you want to see what everyone is doing, make sure to visit the Project Run and Play Week 1 sew along link-up, and read their blog for updates on the contestants. I’m excited to see who is the winner! Next week’s theme is candy – and I’ve got two ideas – my husband even bought me some inspiration for that one last night. I love when sewing and sugar meet up!
Using an old sweater was a great idea! She looks like she is enjoying your photo session.
Thanks Tracy! Your circle pockets are amazing also! 🙂 I’ve been wanting to try that too.
I think is brilliant what you have done with the sweater. It must have been hard work, but you should be proud of it! good remix.
Thanks Maria. I’m glad you like it! I’m also glad I am done sewing it! 🙂
That turned out SO cute! And the doll inside it! I’m amazed what you did with a sweater. Don’t think I’d have the nerve to try. That is hard!
Thanks mom! I love her photos too 🙂
I’ve always loved your re-mixes and this one is brilliant! I love it!
Thanks Laura! I’m so happy with how it turned out!
I’m starting to really enjoy remaking clothing items. I actually find myself smiling during the process.”Yeah, I don’t have to make buttonholes.” “Wow, I can use that hem…”
So I really enjoyed reading about your remake. Great job.
Deborah
Hi Deborah, it’s fun huh?! I’m glad you are enjoying it. There are so many possibilities, and not hemming is always a good thing! I’m glad you like it.
Looks like we had similar thinking. I love the knit and colors you used.
Hi Courtney – I LOVE your version! The overall idea is super-cute, and the fabrics… great job!
This dress looks so comfy. I think it looks great with the pocket, but even the simplicity without would have been lovely. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next week!
Hi Ajaire, thanks for the super nice comment! I love that you kept the main pieces of the original dress when you added the sleeves – it looks great!
This is so deceptively sweet–I thought you knit it up yourself! I think it’s such a great remix of the popover pattern.
Thanks so much! I’m happy it finally worked itself out!
Super comfy!! I like the look you created by using an old sweater….
Thanks! I’m glad it worked out – and that my daughter likes it!
OUt of a sweater? Genius and adorable all at the same time!!!! I love your color choices too. So vintage-y and darling!!!!!
Elizabeth
Thanks for the kind comment Elizabeth! I’m really happy that it came out (eventually!) how I envisioned it.
This is so adorable! It looks so cozy and sweet! What a fantastic up cycle and remix!
Thanks Michelle! It’s going to get a lot of use this winter I think! 🙂
Brilliant idea using the sweater. It looks so retro and fancy.
Thanks Dorienne! I love the vintagey retro look too.