Mermaid for Eachother

Project Run & Play has begun and I am so excited! This is my first look, called Mermaid for Eachother. The challenge was a pattern remix of Dana's Circle Skirt Tutorial, a super simple skirt pattern with a million remix possibilities. This skirt was my sixth legitimate skirt idea, all of the previous plans being super cute, but just not feeling right. Recently Drew has been wearing and flopping mermaid fins all around the house and like every four-year-old girl, she lurves mermaids. In her eyes this skirt is by far the best thing I have ever made her, and I didn't succumb to buying her Disney paraphernalia, so I have done my job!



I definitely wanted to keep this look as a skirt, instead of make it into a dress, because skirts are so versatile and easy for little girls. To Dana's pattern I gave the skirt a lot more gather around the waist for a really full look, gave it a peek-a-boo lining, and added what I believe is the *ultimate* waistband for girls. I would use this waistband for any skirt, shorts, or pants. It looks so professional, is super comfortable, and is fully adjustable to grow with her. She will be able to wear this skirt for 2-3 years I am sure.



Which is great for all the hours I spent on the main feature of the skirt... the mermaids! I drew out the mermaid pattern and using fun fabric and fusible interfacing I attached them to the skirt. Then I painstakingly hand-stitched around each detail of those beauties while my husband and I relaxed together at night, me with needle in hand and him watching ESPN. I really enjoyed getting to work on this part of my look while sitting on the couch next to him, rather than behind my sewing machine. My favorite thing about this skirt is that just relaxed and from a distance, the mermaids make a really cool looking pattern. But spread it out and you can see the individual mermaids and that is cool too!



Not to be overlooked is the adorable gingham top. The best part about sewing clothing is all the fun little design decisions and details you can make. I cut the pockets on the bias along with all the trim and found just enough of the vintage rosebud buttons for the perfect touch. The collar has a secretary-ish tie and I just love the look of this top together with the skirt. Although each piece individually could pretty much be worn with anything else Drew has in her closet. I can't wait to mix 'em up! (I'd try gingham top with skinny jeans, except it is too hot for jeans already here in Phoenix!)











This photo shoot was a blast too. The girl refused to stop twirling and leaping around and being a bit of a dork with her glasses.

Please head on over to Project Run & Play and vote for my look on the top left sidebar!