Monday, September 15, 2014

Modern Rainbow Brite


Project Run & Play is back and I just couldn't resist the first theme... create an outfit based on an 80's cartoon! So so many good cartoons to pick from. So much nostalgia. And thanks to Netflix my kids actually watch and love some of those cartoons. Lately it has been Transformers, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Super Mario Brothers. Kids shows sure have come a long way in the last 30 years, but somehow they still enjoy those old ones anyway!


This Rainbow Brite-inspired outfit came about because I've been wanting to make an overall skirt for a while now. And because Rainbow Brite is amazing. Although a Rainbow Brite costume would be really fun to make, the challenge was not to make a costume but to be inspired by a cartoon and make something wearable.


So this time I left off the magical rainbow belt that uses the power of the rainbow to bring color and happiness to people everywhere. Instead I made a self-drafted denim overall with a low scooped bib and a gathered skirt bottom with pockets.


To make the long sleeve top I started with the Bimaa Sweater pattern and slashed it apart to add the butterfly wing pieces that mimic Rainbow Brite's get-up. The butterfly wing pieces are cut out just like you would cut out a circle skirt, then open it up on one side.


The top I made pretty quickly and it is not perfectly lined up everywhere. (You can see one wing comes down further than the other, too.) Sometimes I sew quickly if I ever want to have any chance to sew at all!


Both the rainbow knit and the denim were from my fabric stash, which is always a goal of mine when I sew along with PR&P. I spend too much money on fabric and it feels so good to use up stuff I already have.



She looks ready to spread color and happiness everywhere!

20 comments:

  1. Just love this. That shirt is so great with the wings and the princess seams in the front. Really cute and totally Rainbow Brite.

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  2. This is super cute!! Love that fabric for your top <3

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  3. Really cute look!! I love how you used the inspiration without looking like a costume.

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  4. Love your outfit. Can't decide if I like the top or dress more. And your model is rocking it!

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  5. I love this outfit! The shirt is completely adorable and I know that my oldest daughter (6 years old) would go crazy for it. :)

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  6. Great outfit--so perfect for the theme. I love that you were able to use fabrics from your stash!

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  7. I love both pieces! I especially love the jumper though. It looks so professional. I did Rainbow Brite too and I love your interpretation.

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  8. Uh, I love that outfit! The dress is so fun! And the first pic is so sweet...

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  9. That's a great outfit! Very wearable interpretation of Rainbow Brite. My girls would love that top (love the shoulders!)

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  10. Cute outfit, I love both pieces! The way you have added the butterfly wings is genius, and your overall design is so pretty!!

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  11. This outfit is so lovely and certainly modern. I like the jumper lots, fantastic idea.

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  12. I love LOVE this! The shirt! The denim jumper! So wonderful and what a perfect modern update to the 80s rainbow brite look.

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  13. Ahhh, such memories! Like most of the children of the '80's, I loved me some rainbow bright!! That denim dress is adorable, love the topstitching on it, too. Well played!

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  14. This is just great Chelise! Looove both items!

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  15. LOVE the overall jumper!! I want to make this for me, seriously!! ;o) Pinned it so I can come back and study it to draft my own.. I'm currently hosting a sewing series called Sew Many Books. There is a sew a long {with prizes!} and not many entries ;o) If you have sewed anything inspired by a book in 2014 I'd love for you to come over and link it up. It doesn't have to be a new project. Head over to Nap-Time Creations and look up Sew Many Books...

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  16. Definitely my favorite 80's cartoon. Right up there with Strawberry Shortcake. I absolutely love the jumper!

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  17. I just adore your bimaa mods! The fabric is perfect and no one would notice the tiny issues if you hadn't mentioned them :) The shape of those overalls is really cute too.

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