this is the type of outfit i’d sew for Em if it was wholly up to me, which is usually isn’t….i keep her taste in mind quite a bit when i sew so things actually get worn. but for this outfit, i just went with my gut and sewed what made me happy. felt great.
and considering i made this outfit for my own creative pleasure, Em actually likes it, and chooses to wear it quite a bit! yay!
the top is the Olive + S ice cream blouse (view C). i had seen Gail’s fantastic version and was reminded how much i like that pattern and wanted to sew it again. i’d made multiple dress versions of the ice cream, but never the blouse, and it’d been a while since i’d sewn it anyway. such a fun one! i sewed it in a 3T with a 4T length and the fit is great on my string bean. she was more interested in climbing the tree than modeling, so here’s a taped to the wall shot.
the yoke is natural linen lined with cream batiste, and the body is storybook 2 by jay-cyn designs for birch fabrics. my pal CINO Jess sent the awesome print to me, just 1/2 yard i think, which worked out perfectly for the top! i finished it off with a little apple button that my pal Cherie sent me. she also sent me the cute little strawberry patch that was the perfect thing to add a little whimsy to the shorts! i believe the button and patch were both from Daiso.
the shorts are, once again, Dana’s fabulous Kid Shorts in a 3T. these are cut to “girl length” and have a fully gathered waistband. i made them in a charcoal gray baby wale corduroy from fabric depot that is so soft with a nice drape. baby wale is so perfect for kid clothes.
i got the idea for corduroy shorts from these awesome OP inspired ones on hungie gungie – i love them! i topstitched the serged seams down (super seam #3). i also did a double stitched hem, which i think makes them look more pro and keeps them sturdy when she’s climbing trees.
she’s a barefoot climbing girl after my own heart – i used to read books while nestled 10 feet up in a tree when i was little.
my favorite thing about this outfit was how collaborative it was. many of the supplies that make it special were given to me by friends, both of the patternmakers are also friends, and both pieces were inspired by fellow sewing bloggers. this outfit wouldn’t be possible without Liesl, Dana, Jess, Cherie, Gail, and Caroline. it feels like a total team effort, ya know?
and that’s my favorite way to sew – supported by and supporting the gals in our online community, all while making cute/practical/comfortable outfits to clothe my little ones. it just kind of all came together so nicely this time, and it makes me so happy.
be on the lookout, tomorrow i’ll be back with a fun guest post! 🙂
skirt as top 
What a great outfit! I keep picking up the ice cream dress/top pattern at my local fabric store but for some reason I keep putting it back…. I think I’ll take it home with me next time! That fabric is AWESOME. And the shorts do look more pro with a double topstitch. You’re good. 🙂
Love this outfit and the fun details behind it! The sewing/blogging community really is such a great place! I loved climbing trees when I was little and would bring a bag full of books and snacks with me. I would spend hours in my favorite tree reading. It was one of my favorite things to do!
Such a pretty top! the ice cream is one of my favorites — I think I have 3 in Clara’s closet now and another on in the hopper. So classic!
Barefoot in a tree reminds me of my girl! I love it!
The shorts and top turned out great! I love the linen combined with the print…and the corduroy shorts like wonderful!
This might be my most favorite outfit that you have ever sewn! Totally my style too! I am so glad that Em likes it! Thank you so much for the shout out too. Its true, we are part of such an inspiring community and I love learning from you and other bloggers.
I love that you have little pieces of so many people in the outfit. So much love in one small outfit 🙂
that’s the best way to sew, for sure! it’s a lovely ensemble. i love the linen yoke – i saw one like that on flickr once and it definitely caught my eye. great to see you guys today!!
Oh my goodness, how much do I LOVE this outfit? It’s perfect! Makes me want to go out and find some baby wale cord to make fall clothes for the girls. All the elements in the outfit go together so well. And she’s wearing shorts! Yay for you!
what a cool post – I love the outfit AND the point you made about the sewing community around you making it possible. As I was reading your description of the blouse, I already was thinking how neat it was that different friends had gifted parts of it to you, thereby making it even more special! And then you went on to talk about the patternmakers also being friends . . . how fun to sew up their designs:) The fabric you chose for the top is so perfect . . . your blouse inspired by Gail’s blouse may be the inspiration for one over this way:)
Very very cute! I love babywale cord for kids clothes too. Hmmm…it’s getting to be that season!
Lovely in the collaboration, the garment, and the happy, well dressed kiddo.
that is a very beautiful tree too.
Beautiful Kristin!! Your photos are always so lovely…is Em a ballerina? She looks like one!!
That fabric you used for the shirt is so cool! She’s such a cutie-pie and looks like she’s enjoying the freedom of a comfortable pair of shorts! 😉 Love it!
Oooh! I LOVE that top! that fabric is perfect for that top-Em looks adorable in it, and I love what you said about sewing being collaborative-so, so true. 🙂
Adorable! I really like the ice cream dress blouse option and I loooove those tree shots. They look magical!
That’s my kind of outfit too. Very pretty!
What a sweet outfit! I really love that little strawberry detail on the shorts. 🙂