Testing....The Hanami by Straightgrain!

Monday, August 19, 2013

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Do you follow An from Straightgrain?  She blogs from Belgium, and makes the most adorable clothes for her daughter.  I think she likes the same type of fabrics and style for her daughter as I like for mine.  Her Tinny pattern is being "Flipped" over at Frances Suzanne this month - there's some amazing flips, and great creations in the Sew Along....there's still time to enter - and I happen to be one of the judges!

Well, An put out a call for testers for a new top/dress pattern that she was working on, and I was lucky enough to participate!  Here's the top, modeled by her absolutely adorable daughter - in some beautiful Nani Iro fabric no less:

 

She sent us off the pattern, and I got to work....so, what fabric to use?  Well, I knew that I was for sure going to be doing the flutter sleeve dress version for Julia, because that's what she likes.....no tunics for her!  

I chose a Japanese fabric from my shop - it's from Westex, and it's totally cool - there are bears, owls, squirrels, birds, mushrooms, bats....but, at the same time, it's very tastefully done.

Anyways, here's the modeled shots of my version of the Hanami dress - this is a size 4, and she definitely has room to grow, so this will last a while:






 

The dress, while simple to make, has two sleeve options, the length option, and ties on the sides.  I decides on a screaming orange contrast, mainly because, well, I like orange, plus my kid has some orange sandals.  She LOVES the dress - so much, in fact, that I made another:



 
This time, I used an aqua baby-cord that I had in my stash.  I added pockets on the sides, and a really bright pink bias contrast.  I was, again, very pleased with the result.  I think my favorite detail of this dress is the sweet "v" in the back. 

So, two dresses that my kid really loves - success!

Thanks An for letting me test the Hanami!  I bought the Tinny pattern before it was even getting "Flipped" at Frances Suzanne.  I'm going to make the circle skirt version real soon - just have to decide on fabric!




24 comments:

  1. Manzoni (T.S.)August 19, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    Oh, both your versions are so lovely!
    I can't pick a favorite - I love the orange accents and the print is too adorable but the aqua cord looks so perfect for fall.
    I tested the tunic version and now I can't wait to make a dress version.
    (looking forward for your Tinny version soon)
    Ana Sofia (www.sisforsewing.wordpress.com)

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    1. Janice August 23, 2013 at 6:09 PM

      Thanks Ana Sofia - make the dress version - I can see your daughter in it!

      Delete
  2. eva mariaAugust 19, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    Total fan of the aqua version! I absolutely love the combination with the hot pink, it's a perfect match!

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    1. Janice August 23, 2013 at 6:09 PM

      Thanks much! The aqua is actually a nicer color aqua - it was hard to get the pictures just right....

      Delete
  3. LeentjeAugust 19, 2013 at 10:52 AM

    They're adorable! I just love the fabric of the first one (and the combination with the orange!) And the cross-back version with the pink bias is so beautiful!

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  4. EffieAugust 19, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    The both turned out lovely. I lobve the black and white one with orange accents!

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  5. UnknownAugust 19, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    I've been thinking of making this in cord- I'm so excited to see you did! Great dresses.

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    1. Janice August 23, 2013 at 6:11 PM

      Yes, the cord totally worked; She could maybe even wear it with a long sleeve shirt under it when the weather is cooler.

      Delete
  6. Serena @ SewgivingAugust 19, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    Such clever colour combos - I love the way you added pockets! Might have to do that next time :)

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    1. Janice August 23, 2013 at 6:11 PM

      Thanks! I added the pockets after my daughter wore the first version and I saw her looking for pockets...I think they added a nice touch.

      Delete
  7. Heidi PolcynAugust 20, 2013 at 4:20 AM

    Oh I love that orange accent!!! They are both super adorable and I really like all the contrast you did with the trim. The orange bows are, however, my favorite I believe :)
    Heidi @ handmadefrenzy.blogspot.com

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    1. Janice August 23, 2013 at 6:12 PM

      Thanks Heidi...and, I love your Tinny flip!!

      Delete
  8. Xoxo GrandmaAugust 20, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    Love your accent orange too! Super cute choice of fabrics.
    http://xoxograndma.blogspot.com/

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  9. UnknownAugust 20, 2013 at 10:37 AM

    Both dresses are gorgeous, Janice! As I said before: you're really the queen of gorgeous color combinations :-)
    Thank you for you lovely post about the Hanami, and for being such an amazing tester, of course!
    Oh, and our girls have the exact same sandals :-)

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    1. Janice August 23, 2013 at 6:15 PM

      Thanks An! It's a great pattern...my kid loves her dresses!

      Delete
  10. Olga Becker @ Coffee+ThreadAugust 20, 2013 at 7:02 PM

    Both dresses are gorgeous. Love the pop of orange!

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  11. ChristineAugust 23, 2013 at 4:14 PM

    I love both dresses so much. I really love the contrasting fabrics.

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  12. GrayColorsSeptember 7, 2013 at 6:34 PM

    These are soooo cute! I love that first one. They look comfortable and a little dressier than casual but still perfect for everyday. I'll have to put this pattern on my list.

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    Replies
    1. Janice September 9, 2013 at 6:50 PM

      Thanks! My daughter definitely loves these dresses....and she's a very fussy kid when it comes to her clothes!

      Delete

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