I recently got asked to participate in a Project Run & Play mini season…..and must have forgotten how much the full season stressed me out because I heartily agreed to jump in! Kidding aside, I knew it would be only one week and also knew that PR&P really pushes me to try new things and work beyond my normal sewing so I was happy to join.

The theme was “Copy that Look- where designers aim to replicate fashion inspiration” and so I immediately asked my oldest daughter if she wanted me to sew a PR&P look for her (which is a rare occasion these days, because preteens are picky). She said YES and immediately started drawing what I was going to make her. I had to politely interrupt her to explain the theme…..at which point she sneered at me and said nevermind. She did not want to be restrained in her design I suppose. Back to the (literal) drawing board.

I have a giant pinterest board of ideas to sew up but most if not all are for me. Not for kids. So I looked at some inspiration on past Copy that Look posts on the PR&P site and found Sparkle in Pink Clothing. All super ridiculously cute outfits for little girls with surprisingly low price points….which to me usually means the quality of fabric and workmanship might not be what I would like to see. I wanted to create something super wearable for my youngest daughter because this year she starts KINDERGARTEN and needs to have practical clothes that work for recess and PE but are still cute….so shorts and a tee was a must.

I did struggle a little in choosing that it seemed everything was too basic. Nothing particularly innovative for me to try. But ultimately, I tried to push myself to incorporate as much as I could to jazz this one up while keeping with the inspiration.

Now for the details!! I started with the shirt. The inspiration was a black and white stripe and I happened to have a viscose jersey blend that matched it closely. I used the Little Lizard King Zafra top because really the inspiration was identical. So to keep it fresh, I added pom pom trim to the sleeves (like little mini dangling erasers perhaps?) and made sure the cut the ruffle crossgrain to keep the same look as the inspiration. For the pencil design, I used heat transfer vinyl and layered it up. I used some fuzzy pink for the eraser and glitter for the pencil body to keep it interesting.

Next up, I tackled the shorts. The inspo ones appear to be a knit but I knew I wanted crisp scallops at the hem so I went with a linen blend I picked up at Joanns. I started with the TinTin shorts from the Project Run&Play shop, but cut them wider to have a bubble effect, and added lots of length to the hem. I also increased the height of the paperbag waist so that it would really stand out. For the scallop, I turned that increased hem up right sides together, sewed carefully calculated scallops, then trimmed them all very carefully adding some fray check along each point as the linen blend is a looser weave. Then I turned them right side out and pressed really well. I tacked the facing in on the inside to make sure it would not flip out at all. I did beltloops and a belt as well.

Next up, I made her a necklace….not my forte for sure. I tried to get big sister to tackle that since she makes a lot of jewelry but she said no. Maybe she was bitter I wasn’t making her inspiration drawing. I did a mix of real stone for the pink, wood beads to mimic the body of a pencil, and white beads from my daughter’s supply. I spaced each with smaller coordinating beads in clear, gold and black to mimic the original. I finished it off with an adjustable clasp and pencil charm.

Next, the BOW! I started with Tully from Little Lizard King and before I sewed up the bow body (which is from one strip of fabric folded rst), I carefully drew in all of the seam allowances. Next, I drew in a point on one end, centering it and a curve on the other. I sewed up the bow as usual and added heat transfer vinyl for the pencil details and an alligator clip. I did make a second as well but she only wears one bow if any so left it off the final look.

Last up….the inspiration flatlay has that big prop pencil so when I saw the Pointillism Pencil Pouch in the Project Run & Play store I knew it would be a perfect addition!! I struggled with how to mix this one up and change it to be my own since….A….I’m not a bag maker and B….it’s so cute already….that I basically just sewed it as is. I added her name down the side before sewing it together and used ricrac for the tie to make it look like scribbles. For the actual pouch, I mixed rose gold velvet for the eraser, glitter fabric for the metal band, quilting cotton for the main and lead, and cork for the wood. I love the combo of all those together and am really happy with how it turned out. The lining is quilting cotton covered in letters as it seemed appropriate.

I didn’t have black glittery sandals laying around to style it with but her simple black Old Navy ones I think coordinate quite well.

She proudly wore her look to school immediately….only styling it with knee high striped soccer socks. Because they match, obviously.

Happy Back to School!! Hope you enjoyed my inspiration vs. reality….I think I nailed it, what about you? Vote for your favorite here!!