Week 4 Project Run and Play - Vintage/Retro Challenge

"1940's Fun in the Sun Playsuit"

I made it to Week 4 of Project Run and Play! This was the week I've been waiting for - The Vintage/Retro Challenge!  Now here is a challenge that is right up my alley.  The hard part about this challenge was deciding what to make - I had so many options!!  But since I've decided to use this competition to challenge myself, I decided to try a brand new design with some sewing elements that were a little new to me.

 

This outfit has three components - a smock dress, a knicker bloomer, and a sleek bonnet.  I decided to use a vintage silhouette with a modern fabric choice.  Do you think I'm trying to will spring/summer to get here to Chicago?  You betcha! You can't see the bloomers too much in the pictures, but they are super-cute poking out under the dress!

The bonnet is sleek in-style and has the fit of a structured hat.  Since Savannah is almost three, I wanted to make sure it wasn't too baby-ish for her so I resisted the urge to add ruffles.  Instead I added a tiny line of ric-rac around the entire front.  The fabric tie is threaded through the bonnet through two buttonholes on each side (4 button holes total).  The bonnet ties under the chin and is the perfect addition to this vintage inspired outfit.

For the pocket detail in the front, I added a red plaid gingham ribbon as well as a small, yellow piece of ric-rac.  The pocket has a contrasting blue and yellow fabric for the top accent.

I think little puff sleeves are definitely a styling choice for the 1940's - 1950's and I've always found these to be so sweet on little girls.  The dress closes in the front with four fabric covered buttons (again, another vintage-inspired choice).

I made my own corded piping and inserted that into the peter-pan collar.  You all know how much I LOVE piping so there was no question that it had to be part of this design.  I've got a tutorial coming soon about how to make your own corded piping!

So if you have a minute, head over to Project Run and Play and vote for your favorite look!

Click HERE to visit Project Run and Play!