At the beginning of the summer Ajaire of Call Ajaire asked me if I'd like to be a part of her "Not Just a Sunsuit" pattern tour and seeing that Violet loves the romper I made for her earlier this summer (and loved the one from last summer as well...) I happily agreed, I mean with all of the options this pattern has to offer how could I not!
And then...summer flew by in a blink of an eye and suddenly we are closer to fall than the beginning of summer and quickly moving away from "peak sunsuit" weather. But, not to worry, because this is the "Not Just a Sunsuit" pattern tour after all.
To start I opted for the separates option of the Paneled Sunsuit rather than the the sunsuit itself. I chose the top and shorts (there are also pants, skirt and maxi to choose from as well)...
The top is made with lovely yellow polka dot double gauze from Imagine Gnats. I made several changes with the top, some were planned, some were not...None had anything to do with the pattern, all me! First, instead of using fabric and elastic for the straps, I decided to use this beautiful ribbon that we recently picked up from a trip to Joann. Violet picked it out wanting a headband, which she got, but it also looked so nice next to the yellow double gauze that I couldn't resist the sweet little ribbon touch.
For the straps I measured the ribbon the same length as the pattern recommend for the fabric straps and then simply added a small amount of foldover elastic to the back part of the straps and attached the FOE to the back bodice.
The FOE gives just enough ease to aid in getting the shirt off and on, but not so much that the straps are falling off. After changing up the straps I hadn't intended on any other changes, but then my measuring skills completely failed me! I blame fuzzy post 22 mile runner head that's allowed right? Well, the top fit, but just barely and not comfortably...so I made it work by adding "gussets" on the sides...
This makes the top much more billowy and full, but in the double gauze it also makes it lovely and super comfy!
After fixing the top to correct my mismeasuring mistakes, I found it to be a bit too short, so I added a contrast waistband by cutting a 6" piece of fabric that measured the width of the bottom of the bodice, folded it over wrong sides together and stitched it to the bottom of the bodice. I gave Violet the option of it being snug with elastic or loose, she chose snug so I tucked elastic into the waist band...
For the shorts, well, I must have cleared the running cob webs out for making these...They are made using the remnants of Robert Kauffman Railroad Denim from these pants and didn't need any changes. They came together perfectly.
They are cute and comfy and such a great pair of shorts!
Violet loves both pieces together and apart. I let her pick the fabrics from my stash, she really loves to mix her patterns! But, secretly, I helped to veer her in the direction of "neutral" ish so that she could wear each piece more often because, while we may not have gotten a full summer out of Violet's new Paneled Sunsuit, we definitely have plans to get a full Fall/Spring out of them!
That's the beauty of separates right? Mixing and Matching...
The top pairs perfectly with twirly jersey knit circle skirts...
a swishy woven circle skirt and a cardigan make a sweet pairing...
or wear with a pair of city gym shorts and it's time for tree climbing...
And the sweet silhouette of the shorts allows them to pair perfectly with a fun freezer paper stenciled tank...
or "nerdy" tee...
They are also perfect for full flowy tops, like the bohemian babydoll...
Or simply with a tank and a cardigan...
(Of course the top will look great with these pants as well...we just haven't dug those out of storage just yet...)
Violet had such a fun time mixing and matching these outfits with me (I think it was helpful for her to get a little guidance in the mixing and matching too) and whether they are worn together or apart I know that they will get a lot of wear!
The Paneled Sunsuit is a great pattern, with loads of options and a large size range. Once you choose which option you want to make (that itself might be a difficult decision) the pattern instructions are thorough and easy to follow. Ajaire includes instructions for mixing two different sizes together as well if making the sunsuit/jumper options. I think the jumper might be the next on my list!
Ajaire is offering a 15% discount on her patterns during the tour! You can use the code SUNSUIT15 both at UpCraft Club and Etsy through the 7th of September. She is also offering a 20% discount code in the Designs by Call Ajaire Facebook group so join there! (If you enter the giveaway below and win one of her patterns, she will happily refund your purchase so don't hesitate.)
Check out the other amazing bloggers on the tour!
Tuesday August 25th: Skirt Fixation | Gracious Threads | Kimmie Sew Crazy | Shaffer Sisters
Wednesday August 26th: Kid Approved | Pinkel | Falafel and the Bee | Once Upon a Sewing Machine
Thursday August 27th: Buzzmills | Pattern Revolution | Sprouting JubeJube | Handmade Martini
Friday August 28th: That's Sew Kari | Lulu & Celeste | Paisley Roots | Modern Handmade
Monday August 31st: Sew Cool for the Tween Scene | Kadiddlehopper | Imagine Gnats | Nap Time Creations
Tuesday September 1st: My Sweet Sunshine | Straight Stitch Designs | Handmade Boy | That's What She Crafted
Wednesday September 2nd: Climbing the Willow | Rebel & Malice | GYCT Designs | Two-Many
Thursday September 3rd: The Crazy Tailor | sewVery | Just Add Fabric | Delia Creates
Friday September 4th: A Jennuine Life | Conversas de Hermanas | Made by Sara | Not Sew Fast
Have a great day!