Whimsical Fabric Make It Mine Challenge

Hi! There is a seriously fantastic challenge going on right now, and you have tons of time to join in still. 

Check out those prizes!!  I'll give you a quick run down of how it works, but if you want more details, or are interested in joining in, you need to join the Whimsical Fabric & Me Facebook Group and check out all the details on the Whimsical Fabric Blog, where you can see contest rules, entry guidelines, and get a chance to learn more about the awesome contest sponsors. 

This challenge calls for using some gorgeous fabrics from Art Gallery Fabrics that are carried by Whimsical Fabric.  There are also some fantastic PDF pattern designers who have joined in the fun and are offering discounts on their patterns if you choose to use them for the challenge... such as Pink Fig, Izzy & Ivy, Swoon, and Winter Wear Designs. 

So for my post.. you get to see some of the gorgeous fabrics from the Anna Elise line made into something fun using a Winter Wear Designs pattern as a base.  And here it is:

So first, let's talk fabrics.
For the knit on the top I used Art Gallery Turquoise Pure Knit
The wovens that accent the top and are on the skirt are: Anna Elise Tribal Study in Aura
and Anna Elise Let it Be in Beauty. 

They coordinate beautifully together and I think they are perfect colors for walking into fall. 

Then, because I have a small obsession with the stuff, I accented the top and trimmed the skirt with some Clementine Ruffle Rac. 

I actually used two patterns to make this dress, but let's talk about the top first.. because this is both my first time using this designer and she is one of the sponsors.  The top is the Everything But the Kitchen Sink from Winter Wear Designs.

This pattern is amazingly versatile and is fast becoming a wardrobe staple for both kids.  I've already made one more for Inara, and have 2 planned out for Connor.  I really like the clear layout of the instructions.  They are easy to follow and explain things well. And the pattern pieces all taped together easily without me having to glare at them to line up (always a plus).

Sizes: 1-14
Slim or loose fit
Short (with or without elastic), 3/4, or long sleeves with a tab option
Welt Pocket option
Standard neck, narrow Henley, V Henley, or Faux Henley
Shirt-tail or straight hem.

Wow, right? There are SO many options in this one pattern, and the fit was just fantastic on Inara.  I used the 3/4 length sleeves with tab and the Faux wide V neck.  The small bit of *pop* that neck detail adds just makes me grin.  AND, I used the woven fabrics on the detail and the fit was still great, so if you want to play around with knits and wovens.. this top is perfect for it.

Then after I finished the top, part, I knew I wanted something with some fantastic swirl to it, so I grabbed my Candy Castle Patterns Lollipop Pi Skirt and added it on to the bottom of the shirt. 

Wanna see the twirl??

She may have spun around until she fell over once or twice.  The whole look together I think gives it a really feminine, but fun look that is perfect for Inara.  AND, just because I add woven skirts to knits a lot.. I suggest you grab some Mobilon from the shop as well.  It helps give your skirt a little bit of stretch and also keeps it from dragging down the top with the extra weight.  It's really a must for me when combining knits and wovens... and Whimsical Fabric sells it in 10yd increments that I seem to blow through like crazy. 

Inara says "you NEED to get this fabric!"  She was so thrilled with her dress that she decided to wear it to school right away (this child changes like 10 times before deciding what to wear, so I was really happy to see her decide so fast!).  

There are a couple other fabric lines available for the Make it Mine Challenge as well, and Anna Elise has a really pretty set of colorways, so there is tons of room to be creative with the fabrics.. and as for me.. I can never pass up the chance to grab some great PDFs on sale!  So please, come check out the group, and the challenge.. and even if you don't enter.. take a moment to check out the designers sponsoring and the entries that people are working on... I'm finding it totally inspiring.