Sewing: Prairie Blouse and Pants for Tess (Pattern soon...)

(Update: Pattern information here.)

We are enjoying some gorgeous Fall color right now and I love being outside in it. The change of seasons is always a bit heady, isn't it? I have so many ideas... Including new things to sew. Such as Fall blouses...

I bought some fun fabric a few weeks ago with Fall wardrobes in mind for my girls. I got really excited about fine wale corduroy, especially in prints. And I found some cotton prints to go with. I had a few specifics in mind, but before I got to them, I pulled some out to make this Prairie Blouse and Prairie Pants for Tess because it seemed like the Robert Kaufmann corduroy (Cool Cords Mini Dot in Coral) would be soft and warm for Fall, and keep the look a bit casual. I think this Riley Blake print (Woodland Tails Friends in Green) looks great with the corduroy. Reminds me of some of the Japanese import fabrics I love.

And what's with the "Prairie" stuff? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I am reading Little House in the Big Woods to Audrey and Scarlett, but that actually came after Scarlett said she wanted a "cowboy" birthday party this year and I decided to give it a prairie spin.

When I was thinking about an outfit for Scarlett to wear to her party I kept thinking about the prairie trend in the 80s. Remember? Lots of ruffles... I was also thinking about the practicality of some pants (such as culottes or gauchos) for horsewomen, such as my birthday girl. So I'm working on an ensemble much like this for Scarlett, but decided to try it in pint size first.

I think it works.

I know the ruffle pants have been done and done and done, and to be honest I was feeling really tired of them, but the prairie look seemed to beg for them and I decided I like them with that country (rather than boutique) slant. These pants have a comfortable cut and a nice flare to them but it isn't super exaggerated. I think I'm actually going to make Tess another pair!

There are a few other prairie-inspired designs in the works. I'm feeling very compulsive and want to keep drafting and finish up the patterns but I'd better get to the actual birthday to-do list! So this is a bit of a tease. Birthday outfit and favors first; patterns in a little bit.

Oh, and I'm trying to squeeze in a lot of time outdoors. It's so much fun to have a couple mornings a week when it's just little Tess and me. She's a great hiking buddy (weight). I hope you are enjoying this time of year where you are.

Have a good weekend!