Love Is In the Air {part II}

When we decided to create outfits for both of the nieces, our goal was for them to be similar...yet different...all while keeping with our overall theme of I Corinthians 13.

So, we opted to use the same color palette, but use different patterns and incorporate different embroidery.

And, if you missed it, details and specifics about 
EA's "embroidered subway art" skirt can be found here.

As for CL, we began with the Ice Cream Dress {view A}, another Oliver + S pattern we had never sewn before.

This was a pattern that was not on our 'must buy' list until we saw this fabulous creation by gail {probably actually} which had us absolutely swooning. While our creation looks nothing like hers, one day we'd like to attempt a knock-off similar to hers!

We made some minor modifications. . .

Some modifications were planned. . .we lengthened the main dress portion by 1" and shortened the band by 1".

We also wanted to use tucks rather than gathers. Overall, we liked this concept, however next time we will use smaller, daintier tucks.

The notch on the front bodice was also removed, and a braided dmc button loop rather than a fabric loop was used as a back closure. And, of course, we chose to incorporate the usual piping. *Note to self: piping around the bottom band is not preferable (unless you choose to attach the band differently from the directions), and when you pipe the yoke it appears as if it double-piped.

Other modifications were not so planned.

Yes, that 'lovely' horizontal tuck along the back of the dress is not part of the pattern, nor part of our original plan. Ashley {frances} trimmed rather than clipped the placket. This tuck was our workaround. Not the greatest thing since sliced bread...but it worked, and somewhat coordinated with the vertical tucks. Maybe?

Then, came the fun part. . .more embroidery {as if big sister's outfit didn't have enough}! Since CL is the baby sister, we opted for the "minimalistic approach" on the I Corinthians 13 theme - using only the last verse of the chapter.

We have also been quite smitten with dandelions and thought that could work well with the 'in the air' part of the challenge. After searching through google images, we found plain dandelions, dandelions with hearts, little dandelions, and big dandelions. In the end, we basically combined some artwork and made it our own.

The dandelions were made using a chain stitch on the stem, straight stitches on the 'flower portions', and French knots to complete the flower portion ends, as well as the center of each dandelion.

Since CL's dress piping was done in neutral colors {rather than a pop of color like EA's outfit}, we opted to make the hearts in red French knots - for a bit of fun, and color addition.

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Outfit / Fabric Specifications:

Pattern: Oliver + S, Ice Cream Dress {size: 6-12 month, modified; piping added}

Fabrics: Cream Broadcloth and Grayish/Khaki Broadcloth {Hobby Lobby}

Button: Joann's Button Box find {we are SO ADDICTED to these boxes}

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Is it fair to have a favorite of your creations for this season? If so, for us, this ice cream dress, has 'blown away' our other Project Run and Play sew-along entries! Okay, that pun might have been a little lame.... Still, it IS indeed our favorite!

So, what has been your favorite challenge of the season? Or better yet, what is the design that you've made that is your personal favorite for this season? We'd love for you to share your comments and/or link below!