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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Maritime Outfit (E & E Bubble Shorts Part Deux)

May 21, 2013

I had so much fun sewing up this combo! My favorite elements are included in pretty much every garment. By now you know that I’m a sucker for anything stripey, I adore linen (both the shorts and yellow top are made out of exquisite 100% linen), and how can anyone not love fabric with anchors??

First, the shorts and sunny top. I am in love with Heidi‘s pattern. I made one version of the shorts here, but what I really wanted was to try this version with the buttons. Her instructions are so well-written and the step-by-step visuals are superb. Whenever I started scratching my head and got confused, she would be right there with an explanatory sentence to clear it all up. These shorts came together much quicker than I expected. I did run into my usual problem of not having enough of the same buttons, so I went with four large hot pink buttons I had saved from K’s old GAP coat. The buttons are sewed on evenly, but because of the elasticized waist they look a bit askew (I didn’t make the elastic waist adjustable which is probably why the fabric pulls)…

I also forgot to take photos of the front facing (and K has refused to take the shorts off), which is this really cool Nani Iro painted-looking fabric of which I only had a tiny bit. You can see sort of what it looks like above, but I used the predominantly yellow, green and blue parts. In sum, I would say these shorts are fantastic – versatile, comfy and too cute.

The yellow top is from this book, and it should have been a no-brainer, but I always have problems top stitching and catching the edge of the facing so I had to do some hand-stitching to fix some missed spots.

The nautical jacket! This is a heavier cotton from here, and this was my first attempt at piping. It was actually a lot less scary than I anticipated and made me wonder why I hadn’t tried before this. The piping was part of the goodies Cherie sent me for the clothing swap. As are the buttons on the yellow top. I used the same buttons for this dress (I don’t get gifts out of the blue very often, so I hope I’m not coming across as braggy — I’m just really really appreciative). The pattern is from this book.

The jacket isn’t lined, but since the fabric is pretty sturdy and jacket-wearing season is almost over, I like it that way. Those 3/4 sleeves make it feel spring-like, yes? This will be perfect for our morning walks to school. Can you see her two front permanent teeth growing in? They’re very impressive.

I used this same striped fabric for a long-sleeved tee back in October here. That top has gotten a ton of wear, and is barely holding together. It is truly the softest jersey knit I’ve ever used/felt and I got it from here many moons ago. I should go back to see if they have anything similar.

The pattern is from this book as well, and this is a 20-minute project if you have a serger (not counting the pattern tracing/fabric cutting time). Even without a serger, it wouldn’t take much longer. So fast! So cute! So need to make one in my size! And how rockin’ is her glitter tattoo? She was very worried about taking a bath.

There you have it! Thanks again Heidi, for the wonderful pattern, and here’s another shot of K’s new teeth. We need to start saving our pennies for braces, we’ve been told by her dentist…my little K with braces – she’s going to look so adorable!

 

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 45 Comments

Comments

  1. Christine

    May 21, 2013 at 6:40 am

    Beautiful clothes!

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 9:49 pm

      Thank you Christine! I’m finding that I love creating ensembles…

      Reply
  2. Catrin Lewis

    May 21, 2013 at 6:47 am

    Lovely clothes as usual! Did the tattoo survive the bath? I actually found them very difficult to remove (I obviously didn’t want to scrub!) until someone pointed me in the direction of baby oil – simples!

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 9:51 pm

      Hi Catrin! It’s day three of the tattoo and even after two baths it’s still going strong. Good to know about the baby oil trick!

      Reply
  3. Cate

    May 21, 2013 at 6:53 am

    holy cuteness Sanae, I love this ensemble!

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 9:52 pm

      Thanks Cate! As a result, the state of my sewing area is very unholy right now 😉

      Reply
  4. Nicole

    May 21, 2013 at 7:03 am

    Gorgeous, all of it! I especially love the coat. Where do you get your linen? I’ve been looking for some and can’t find much where I live.

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 9:57 pm

      Hey Nicole! I’ve had this indigo and yellow linen in my stash for awhile so I’m not sure of their origin but most likely they’re from Nancy’s Sewing Basket in Queen Anne. They have a really nice selection of linen and linen blends. I’ve actually gotten a bunch of linen blends from JoAnn’s too.

      Reply
  5. Venus

    May 21, 2013 at 7:07 am

    Those shorts are now top priority on my make list. The jacket… oh lord! Definitely springy and smart to not line it for the season.

    You have to try out my pant pattern… I can see K rockin’ it! 😉

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 9:58 pm

      Your pants pattern is on MY make list, Venus! And definitely give the bubble shorts a go – they’re crazy cute!

      Reply
  6. Lucinda

    May 21, 2013 at 7:30 am

    Sanae, you’ve been busy! Wow – what a stunning wardrobe ensemble. The yellows, blues, stripes and anchors – so nautical and fresh. So happy I have that jacket pattern – I’d like to try it. I’ve never made a jacket, so this might a good time to try:) And those bubble shorts – love them in this buttoned front style!
    Oh, and loved K’s expression in the first striped shirt shot – she is such a hoot!

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 10:02 pm

      It’s a surprisingly easy jacket to make Lucinda! And if you opt to fully line it, it would be a cinch to do so. K was super reluctant to take these photos but she eventually got into it (“But it’s not Sunday!” she kept saying. That’s the good thing about having a routine-loving child – she’s come to expect the weekly picture taking as part of the norm). 🙂

      Reply
  7. Carla

    May 21, 2013 at 7:40 am

    I love all of these garments so much! Simply perfect!

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 10:04 pm

      Thanks so much, Carla – I’m happy with the way they turned out!

      Reply
  8. ashley

    May 21, 2013 at 9:51 am

    ah! stop it! this is too fabulous. i want all four pieces for myself. seriously, would it be weird if i made exactly this ensemble for myself? just amazing. this is rivaling that jersey stripe jacket ensemble…

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 10:05 pm

      Ha ha! That would be so funny, Ashley. I’d want a version of each for myself too, but I don’t think I can pull off the bubble shorts 🙂

      Reply
  9. Mae

    May 21, 2013 at 11:31 am

    Oh what a great collection! I am also adding my vote to YES everyone loves anchors.

    Mae

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 10:06 pm

      Anchors are awesome! I’ve also been eyeing a navy cotton with tiny little white anchors – so cute!

      Reply
  10. Cherie

    May 21, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Seriously, lady – how do you do it!? You knock it out of the park every single time. Every piece is perfection on it’s own and even better as a collection or outfit. You’re incredible.

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 10:09 pm

      The feelings are mutual, girl. That Boden knock-off and the pinafore (wait, was that what it was called?) were so amazingly adorable!!

      Reply
  11. Maria

    May 21, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Wow! Sanae!!!! Love them all!!! what can I say, Color, design, combination (obviously the model gives the clothes lot of life too!) spot on!! I’m not a fan of yellow, but I felt in love of that yellow top.

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      Hi Maria! You know, I used to not like yellow (being Asian, it tends to make me look sallow so I’ve avoided the color in general), but lately I’ve been very drawn to it.

      Reply
  12. Mayda - 4enlacarretera

    May 21, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    What a lovely collection Sanae! I love them all, and the fabrics are beautiful.

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 10:13 pm

      Many thanks, Mayda!

      Reply
  13. Heidi

    May 21, 2013 at 5:46 pm

    Gorgeous, Sanae! Of course, I absolutely love the shorts, but the COAT! So beautifully classic. This is a stunning mini-collection.

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 10:15 pm

      Ooh, mini-collection makes it sound so fancy! Thanks again for the pattern, Heidi, love it!!

      Reply
  14. Meghan

    May 21, 2013 at 7:04 pm

    Love everything, especially the anchor fabric! I really need to sew some bubble shorts for my daughter. They are too cute!

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 10:16 pm

      I think every child should own at least one pair of bubble shorts, Meghan!

      Reply
  15. marisa

    May 21, 2013 at 7:45 pm

    Another fantastic ensemble – and that jacket is stunning! Looking forward to seeing what you sew for yourself, too – need some wardrobe inspiration…

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 21, 2013 at 10:18 pm

      Thanks Marisa! The adult sewing is not going as smoothly, but I’m persevering! I hope to have something that doesn’t look like a curtain-turned unflattering caftan soon….

      Reply
  16. kristin

    May 21, 2013 at 10:20 pm

    ah it’s all so beautiful, i love your whole vision…and envy your sewing time!

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 22, 2013 at 7:16 am

      Thanks, Kristin! I had a free day yesterday, so I was curious to see how much I could get done if I hunkered down and did nothing else for six hours. The answer? The jacket and two tops.

      Reply
  17. erin

    May 22, 2013 at 7:12 am

    wow. these are all amazing! i love that you used 4 buttons on the shorts- i just made these (post to go up tomorrow) and i actually thought the buttons were a little “too” much on mine. I also probably made them one size to big, but whatevs. Great pattern nonetheless. Really, you are a star- and make the most fabulous things!

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 22, 2013 at 4:24 pm

      How funny, I did wonder if six buttons might end up looking like too much – can’t wait to see your version! I bet it’s adorable!

      Reply
  18. April

    May 22, 2013 at 7:36 am

    I absolutely adore this combo! That yellow shirt is adorable, that jacket is the cutest and those shorts are perfect! So great!

    Reply
  19. Olga Becker

    May 22, 2013 at 9:04 am

    Gorgeous clothes! The jacket is incredible!

    Reply
  20. Miren

    May 22, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    Wow, I also love everything from this outfit. I also have the book you took the jacket pattern from, and I like your version better, I definitely will go for it in an autumn version!

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 22, 2013 at 4:10 pm

      Thanks Miren! Looking forward to seeing your autumnal version!

      Reply
  21. Paige

    May 23, 2013 at 8:26 pm

    Just started sewing for my daughter (4 mos. old) and just discovered your blog. Its fantastic! Can you recommend any sewing pattern books that are in English? Or do you think that the Japanese versions you use are do-able without understanding the language? Thanks in advance!

    Reply
  22. vanessa

    May 29, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    hands down….my favorite handmade outfit/collection ever. perfect fabrics, colors, patterns!!!!

    Reply
    • sanae

      May 30, 2013 at 12:53 am

      Thanks so much, Vanessa! So flattered coming from the grand master of pattern/fabric pairings!

      Reply
  23. Rachel

    May 30, 2013 at 6:52 am

    Love this outfit!

    Reply
  24. tara

    June 5, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    every bit of these outfits are epically cute. I want to sew them all in the exact fabrics. Stripes and linen are some of my favorites

    Reply
  25. tara

    July 4, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    I’m doing a KCW guest post next week and my topic is tees. The stripe tee you made here is great, and I was hoping to include one of the photos of your daughter wearing it. But it seems that you’ve disabled pinning on the ones with her in it, so I thought I might ask permission to crop her face out entirely and just use the rest of one of them. Would that be ok? If not, it’s ok!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. summer staples: tee shirts | kids clothes week blog - kids clothes week blog says:
    July 9, 2013 at 7:42 am

    […] 1. Sanae Ishida Maritime Outfit  2. Max California Bat Shirt […]

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