Woodland Tea Party

Click HERE to go vote!

 I was torn with this week's challenge for Project Run and Play.  The Junebug dress screamed pea coat to me but as I was out purchasing fabric, I found the perfect green corduroy-for a dress.  Since I was already set on the jacket, I went with both figuring it was the perfect attire for a late fall woodland tea party!

 

The jacket is re-purposed from an adult hounds-tooth jacket scored from the goodwill.  I wanted something full and fancy to go over the dress and accommodate the fullness of the skirt.  I made the flap stationary on the right side of the dress, as it buttons over  the left, with piping on either side.  I added a peter pan collar and used full length, set-in sleeves.  I chose to extend the line from the bodice flap into the skirt, adding a black ruffle that follows along the bottom hem of the jacket. 

The dress is a fine wale, kelly green corduroy.  Eliminating the flap, I still wanted to keep the reference to the original dress and used a print for the bodice.  I created the cameo for the chest using embroidery thread and french knots.  It took me quite a while to do the french knots, but I love the added detail.  I widened the neckline to more of a ballet neckline and changed the sleeve to a set-in sleeve to slim it out.  I took the sleeve down to the elbow and added a satin bow in the back.  For the skirt, I used a very full rectangle skirt, with an underskirt and a tulle insert for additional fullness and flare.

I really love the fun accents I made for this photoshoot.  My kids naturally look great in green with their red hair.  I wanted to work the houndstooth jacket so I knew that I needed to incorporate some black and white into the dress and immediately thought of a cameo.  I've been into hand embroidery lately so it was such a fun addition.  The gold probably came from the holidays.  I wanted to add something fun to the outfit and gold is such a trendy metallic and looks great with green-and redheads!

The day we took these photos it was unseasonably warm.   Aeris just wanted to run around and play with Ephraim but had to stand and hold her little tea cup for me...such a trooper.  She would flash a smile here and there but really seemed to enjoy herself when I just let her run off with Ephraim.  So, I'll also add that the dress is great for stick fights with your brother!

I think Aeris felt like a princess with the full bottom on this dress.  I've never made such a full skirt, let alone adding tulle to one, and questioned the amount of gathering I was doing along the way.  In the end, it turned out fabulous and she wants to wear her "fancy coat" everywhere we go.