here we go – the new season of project run and play is underway! i’ve been so nervous not having any idea what the other designers’ looks are (that’s the project runway advantage – they can see what others are making and have an idea of where they stand…well that and they have tim gunn to guide them, of course!). but i think i’ve been true to my aesthetic, stretched a bit, and i’m really excited about my dress!
here’s a little more about my “sweet tartan” junebug remix…
i’ve been wanting to try the junebug pattern for a while, so i was pumped that it was the remix challenge this season. it’s a different method of thinking to truly remix a pattern rather than just tweaking a detail here or there like i normally do. i wanted to keep enough of the original dress to remain identifiable, while still making it my own. i sketched a few ideas, getting progressively farther away from the pattern itself though still not “remixed” enough for my likes. and then, a breakthrough! switch the cute button bodice detail to the back! after that, and deciding that i wanted to use a plaid print, the rest sort of came. here’s my sketch – got pretty close, eh?
as i sketched, a little lightbulb went off – hadn’t i seen a wrap plaid dress before? didn’t sarah jessica parker wear one once? wasn’t it designed by alexander mcqueen? the answer to all three questions – yes!
so that was fun. apparently i had some deep-seated inspiration from an instyle magazine that i read way back in 2006. i went with it, obviously a lot more 3-year-old-friendly in cotton plaid and cream batiste. i chose the pink and yellow tartan because i thought Em would like it. she did! i tried to do a photoshoot at powell’s books, and the little squirt wouldn’t stop running and dancing!
except when she was sticking her tongue out at the camera…
normally, rampant dancing is a sign of a successful dress and something i’d be excited about, but in this case it was pretty frustrating, since i’m actually being JUDGED on this project. i took about 100 photos and didn’t get a good one of just her standing still showing the front of the dress! photoshoot number two was taken in Em’s bedroom with her best friend modeling. thankfully they’re the same size and she’s not used to these blog photoshoot dealies, so she was much calmer. isn’t she sweet? :)
okay, guys, if you haven’t yet, head on over to project run and play and vote for your fave! you have until sunday evening. my sweet tartan dress needs you! 
FINGERS CROSSED!!
**Voting is now closed**
UPDATE: You can find my tutorial for this dress right here! Happy sewing!
This is adorable and still so functional- it’s a winner for me!
I am sooo glad to see someone put the buttons on the back. No kidding I was thinking if I could sew as good as these girls this dress is screaming put the buttons on the back!!! Now the two layers just makes it perfectly adorable. Wonderful job!!!!
love it! the plaid is so cute and unexpected… and the back is just darling. i’m off to vote! (for you of course…)
i abso-love this dress! so super cute!
I LOVE it! I knew I would. Its so so perfect. I love the plaid and flipping the buttons to the back! Clever. Also I love that your daughter is sticking out her tongue. Mine wouldn’t look at the camera but as I took the photos yesterday there was no time for a re-shoot. Good luck! I hope you win. (wink;)
Love!!
This is really creative and adorable. Worthy of being sold in a boutique. Seriously. Awesome job! And double points for talking pictures in Powells!!
I just saw your dress at project run and play, that is one of the most amazing dresses. The back is fabulous. And i adore that plaid. Beautiful. I hope that you win! Good luck, i will definetly vote for you.
You’re amazing! This is beautiful and suitable for a little girl. I love that you kept the dress wearable. Fingers crossed!
Hi! Just came from Project Run & Play – Love your dress!
Good luck!
i love it! love the back and the front. so sweet. off to vote!
I am super in love with this dress, and now Sadie needs one of her own! It’s gorgeous!
Thanks, Jess! You made a really great pattern – it was so hard to change it. I would just die if you made one for Sadie!
let the games begin! it’s wonderful kristin. my vote is in!
Love the inspiration dress and your take on it–v. cute indeed!
So super cute! I love your remix. Great entry to the contest!
Absoutley darling! I love the side wrap! So simple yet stylish
Good luck!
This dress is beautiful fantastic!! Love it! You did an awesome job!! Good luck! You got my vote!
this is a very sweet dress, one that is very everyday wearable, I like that you put the flap with buttons in the back
This is my first time over here, but I had to pop in from Run & Play to tell you that I think this dress is glorious! I seriously want one for myself! I had such a hard time picking a favorite–there were so many beautiful designs–but yours won out for me. It’s so creative and gorgeous but still very wearable. You did a beautiful job! I love it!
Thanks for visiting, Rachel!
That’s the problem with so much awesome swirlability – they just won’t hold still for pictures! What a cute story and LOVELY dress. I didn’t know how much I loved plaid until you rocked it here!
Great job! I voted for you! It is perfect combo of uniquely yours and very wearable.
you did such a fantastic job, i love what you did!!!
What a fabulous, fabulous dress! Your typical ‘swirlesque’ and simple design aesthetic really shines through. I reckon if you had a clothes label it would be one of those where one could walk into the middle of a busy store and immediately point at your items.
so, so beautiful. you’re amazing. and creative. and I could go on, but that would be gushing:)
Adorable! I love the inspiratation and the modern-take on children’s clothes!
I love your dress and I’m looking forward to following your next projects. Well done!
I love, love, LOVE this dress!! It’s so simple, yet unique and everything about it is perfect. Superb work!!
I love that you really remixed the dress—it’s awesome….and turning it around backwards…brilliant!
liZ
ps—Your’s is WAY better than Sarah Jessica’s!
Hahaha, thanks liZ!
All of the dresses were fabulous but I loved your’s the best! Maybe it’s partly my Scottish ancestry too, but your dress was so cleverly done and had a simplicity that was beautiful. Hope you win!
Thank you, Maria! My grandpa was from Scotland, too – I forgot to mention that!
Thank you all sooooo much for your wonderful comments (and votes)! It really, really means a lot to me. Thanks for stopping by and hello to all of the new visitors!
You already know how much I love this dress. Let me know when you quit your day job! [heart], your #1 fan
I’ve cast my vote! The dress is awesome!
Just voted for you! AND looked through several of your past blog posts… I LOVE looking at your creations! They are all so sweet and beautiful and look so cute and comfy. Your children are quite adorable as well, such happy smiling and twirling little beings
Love love love your dress! Just voted for you.
any way to get the pattern
yes, once i have a little time i do plan to post my pattern and tutorial…right now i’m too busy sewing though!
thanks for your patience.
Ooh I hope you get to do a pattern soon. I would love to make this for my girl for the highland games. She needs to rock her Clan Grant at the end of feb!