My fall calendar is looking like chicken scratch with all the events on it right now and it’s not even September yet! And I had all these high hopes of sewing a back-to-school look book—but unfortunately that is just not happening. So, I am moving the look book to a winter collection but decided that to make a few things for a new school year.
Hannie requested neon, which my 80’s heart was loving too. So together we decided on a couple of things to add to her back to school wardrobe and add some “pops” of neon to each item.
Then over the summer, one of our good blogging friends Anneliese emailed us that she had a new pattern coming out–The Bateau Dress–and asked if we would like to sew up a sneak peek. Absolutely! With a pop of neon of course…
So, I decided to sew up a back-to-school Bateau Dress in a navy woven print with a yellow neon pocket. The print was in my stash that I have been using up this year and the selvage says “Joann’s” but other than that I don’t know a designer. It is a thicker woven, almost a lightweight twill with cute tiny polka dots and flowers on it in white. (I should write down fabric types when I buy them…I am not so great at identifying them later 😉
The neon is from Riley Blake’s neon line (which you will see more of—they are the perfect neon colors!)
I love the neckline of the dress. Perfect for a quick sew because it just slips over the head. I actually used the hip pocket in the pattern instead of the chest one. It was totally my fault—I was not paying attention and just started cutting out the wrong one and didn’t notice until I had sewn it on.
I did the dress extension of Anneliese’s pattern with the elbow sleeve and I love the way it came out.
Add a neon belt to the mix and you have the perfect amount of neon “pop” for an eight-year-old. She wore it on the first day of school and said it was comfy all day.
Thanks Anneliese for sharing your pattern!!!! I know it will get lots of use around here…
~Elizabeth
oh i cannot wait til the pattern comes out. that is the type of dress the girls love to wear!
I can’t wait for this pattern to try one for my nieces!! keep us posted! 🙂
this is so perfect for back to school, modern, retro and classic all in one ;o)
Thanks ladies….it was a fun and easy sew! Vanessa, the pattern is available at Aesthetic Nest’s page.
What a perfect “first day” look! I so love your take on it–including the oversized pocket! Cute cute! Thank you so much for sewing Bateaux with me!
So cute and comfy! 🙂
Love it!! Love the fabric and the neon pops 🙂
Heidi @ handmadefrenzy.blogspot.com