With pretty much every new Project Run & Play designer collaboration, I’ve set myself grand goals to sew most of the patterns in the collection. For Project Happy Holidays, I mapped out a plan to make 11 items, using 8 patterns. I didn’t quite make my goal, but I got close-ish!
I planned out my intentions and then ordered the fabrics from Cali Fabrics, who sponsored my sewing for Project Happy Holidays. They had a wide selection of bottomweights and shirting that I knew I needed for Fete and Hols.
Both girls love skirts so I made two different Evergreen Skirts designed by Project Run & Play for them. Evergreen is designed for woven fabrics and fits sizes 1 – 16. It is set up kind of like a choose-your-own-adventure book. You pick the length of the a-line top portion, which can be three different lengths – hip, knee or maxi. Then you choose the length you want for tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3. Each of these tiers can be a ruffle, short, or tall, except tier 3 which is a ruffle length.
Hadley has the knee length a-line skirt portion, and then a short tier 1. It’s not easy to see in the photos, but the fabric on her skirt has a golden metallic sheen to it. It’s really lovely and I wanted to pick up that effect, so I hacked the waistband to an exposed decorative elastic that I had in my stash. Then I made her cram her poor feet into shoes that were two sizes too small to complete the look!
I paired Hadley’s Evergreen Skirt with the Holly Tee by Project Run & Play in a cool sweater knit. It is for sizes 1 -16. The top/bodice is for knits, and if you do the skirt option, the skirt portion can be woven – perfect for some fancy floofiness! I had intended to make the bubble sleeve option, but I had made my fabric quantities based on guesses and I didn’t have quite enough to do that. It’s a happy accident through, because I think the flutter sleeves look super cute cascading down, especially when she’s playing her trumpet!
Arden’s Evergreen Skirt has the hip length top, and the tall second tier. I thought for sure she was going to ask for a long maxi because she loves them. She has to climb several sets of stairs throughout her school day and has realized that shorter skirts make that easier. I chose this berry colored cotton/linen blend for her skirt and it’s got a lovely feel and vibrant color. I didn’t make her wear shoes that don’t fit… for this outfit!
I followed the pattern for the waistband on Arden’s skirt and also had enough fabric for the pockets.
I paired a Hols Dress Shirt with Arden’s Evergreen Skirt. I had made this for Hadley, but I didn’t consider all my outfit combinations when I planned everything, and Arden didn’t have a good option to pair with her skirt. Good thing they’re almost the same size! I added a bit more length to the sleeve on the Hols I have cut for Arden, but this is nearly right on her.
I designed the Hols Dress shirt and it is a woven pattern for sizes newborn to 14 years. It has two collar options, squared or rounded, an optional ruffle for the placket, chest pockets, and straight or curved waist. The shirt Arden is wearing is the squared collar with chest pockets and straight waist.
Next I made a Blip Top out of a burnt orange modal cupro knit. Blip is designed by August Sewing and is for sizes 3 – 14. It has options for a mock, mid, or full (foldover) turtleneck. Again, I had actually planned this top for Hadley because Arden vehemently dislikes anything near her neck. She tolerated this quite well for the photo shoot, but it will be Hadley’s top from now on!
I paired the Blip Top with a pair of Fete Slacks in charcoal poplin. I designed the Fete Slacks and they are for sizes newborn to 14 years. They have options for slash front pockets, darted or elastic back, welt back pockets and a tuxedo stripe.
For the tuxedo stripe I used a silver slubbed silk I had in my stash. I love how much this simple detail elevates the slacks!
I used the same slubbed silk for the welt pocket, which turned out better than I had hoped considering how much the edges of the fabric wanted to fray!
The last thing to share is the Cedar Cardigan I made! The Cedar Coat and Cardigan by Call Ajaire can be a lined coat made with woven fabrics, or a cardigan like the one I made using knit fabrics. It’s sized for children 12 months to 16 years. I made the long view D, and the body of my Cedar is a brushed rib sweater knit. I can’t find the black on the website, but this is the same fabric in grey.
The distinctive collar on the Cedar is what really makes it! Shannon Fabrics sponsored several of our projects. I chose Luxe Cuddle® Dazzle Hide in Silver/Silver. Just like the pink linen with golden shimmer, this silver faux fur is even cooler in person! There are little flecks of silver scattered throughout and they catch the light so prettily. And super cozy to snuggle into!
So, what didn’t I get to? I have another Hols Dress Shirt cut out for Arden and her super long arms. Another pair of Fete Slacks is also on the list, as well as a Cinnamon Cardigan and Jingle Joggers. I seriously underestimated the amount of time it would take to draft and test two complex patterns while also trying to sew a whole collection.
Make sure to pick up your Project Happy Holidays patterns while they’re still on sale! The entire collection is priced at only $84 and will always be that price. There are several patterns included that I didn’t yet sew, the Yawn Nightshirt, Prancer Pull-on Jeans, Noel Dress, Cinnamon Cardigan, and Jingle Joggers. There’s also an adorable nutcracker stuffie included!
Thank you Cali Fabrics, Shannon Fabrics, Project Run & Play and the designers that contributed these amazing patterns!
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