Hi Everyone! Welcome to Part 4 of Sewing A Themed Wardrobe. We wrap up the topic with a look at creating a super cute, quick & easy shoulder bag for your So-Cal themed outfit. It's the perfect accessory and the best part is it's super simple to make! I invite you to follow along to see how we did it!

Are you ready? Let's go...

First, let's take a look at our inspiration:

Back in 2014, we created a Shoulder Bag tutorial that's on the larougetdelisle blog. When I saw the meet outfit and accessories for the new AG GOTY doll, Joss, I immediately thought of our cute little bag and knew we could create this boho look by simply switching the fabric strap for a more rugged rope style trim strap.

Here's a look at the bag for Joss:

• Simple one-piece fabric bag
• Striped cotton fabric
• Rope trim for the strap

And here's out original Shoulder Bag, with the fabric strap:

Ok, follow along to see how we created our look...

Part 4 Tutorial - The Quick & Easy Boho Shoulder Bag Tutorial:

Part Four Task:

• Watch the video.
• Choose some fabric and trim
• Cut two rectangles - 3.5 inches x 9.5 inches
• Cut one strap 14 inches (or longer if you want your strap to be placed lower on the side of the bag).
• Fold the top short edges of the fabric under 1/4 inch to the wrong side to create the purse body pocket, press.
• Stitch sides of pockets.
• With right sides together, match up the top flap of the purse. Pin and stitch around the flap only, leaving the pockets free.
• Turn the flap right side out. Form corners with a pencil or point turner.
• Turn the main purse fabric pocket right side out while pushing the lining pocket inside it. 
• Push corners out nicely. Press.
• Stitch lining to purse fabric at top of purse body front. Top stitch around the Purse flap.
• Tie knots at ends of the strap.
• Attach the strap to each side of the purse with a few hand stitches.
• Jump over the SWC Facebook Group for conversation and project sharing.

Here is the original video from the fabric strap version (it's on Youtube, not available to download for SWC).

Here are more great beach themed accessories for your so-cal lifestyle wardrobe:

The Perfect Beach Sandals

The Perfect Beach Hat!

Hi Everyone! Welcome to Part 3 of Sewing A Themed Wardrobe. In this tutorial, we create a fresh new look for the Liberty Jane Rash Guard Top, a classic Malibu Libby design! We've flipped things around this time and have modified this into a zip-front rash guard top. The tutorial added as a printable PDF so it's easy to follow along. I invite you to grab your pattern, print the pdf, and follow along to see how we did it!

Are you ready? Let's go...

First, let's take a look at our inspiration:

This is inspired by the new AG GOTY doll, her swim outfit is pictured on the far left. The other two looks are on-trend surf styles from brands like Roxy®. The main elements are:

• Zip front design
• Contrasting fabrics blocked to create impact
• One-piece or just a top
• Swim shorts and flip flops complete the look!

Ok, follow along to see how we created our look...

Part 3 Tutorial - The Zip-Front Rash Guard Pattern Hack:

Week Two Task:

• Print out the Zip-Front Rash Guard Pattern Hack instruction PDF from the SWC Bonuses Section.
• Grab your Rash Guard pattern and get ready to sew (this has been free multiple times, so many of you should have it in your stash)!
• Select the fabrics you'd like to make this look. Swim knits are essential. Look for solids or prints that have a nice contrast. There are a few websites mentioned in the Ultimate Resource Guide if you are looking for places to shop.
• Jump over the SWC Facebook Group for conversation and project sharing.

Here are a few additional video resources that might help you with this project. Shortening a separating zipper, and sewing with swim fabrics.

Patterns used in this weeks video example:

The Liberty Jane Rash Guard pattern for 18" dolls.

Next Tuesday - Part 4: It's all about swimsuits and accessories!

Hi Everyone! Welcome to Part 2 of Sewing A Themed Wardrobe. In this tutorial, we create a fresh new look for the CA Cami, one of our very first Malibu Libby designs! We've given it a light and airy feel with a touch of the beachy breezy vibe by using a semi-sheer white fabric accented with lace and casually tied straps. The tutorial is super easy to follow and can be made using a variety of fabrics. I invite you to follow along as I show you how we did it!

Are you ready? Let's go...

First, let's take a look at our inspiration:

This is a gathered collection of images of the "vibe" we are going for. The main elements are:

• All White
• Airy, flowing fabric choice
• Loose-fitting, comfortable for easy layering
• Lace trims, ties, and gathers
• Straw hat or bag accents complete the look!

Ok, follow along to see how we created our look...

Part 2 Tutorial - The CA Cami Cover-Up:

Week Two Task:

• Watch the videos and follow along to see how we created this darling look. (Please note that in the video I mention that the skirt width is 12 inches, it's actually 24 inches because it is cut on a fold.) 
• Grab your CA Cami pattern and get ready to sew!
• Select the fabrics you'd like to make this look. Lightweight woven fabrics such as batiste, lawn, rayon, and voile all work well for this type cover-up.
• Pattern Prep - To remove the bodice side seam, overlap the front and back bodice pieces lining up the dashed stitch line. Tape them together to create one pattern piece. Place the Bodice Front on the fold and cut out the bodice all as one piece.
• Use the width of the Long Strap pattern piece as your guide and cut two 10 inch x 1.25 inch pieces and one 42 inch x 1.25 inch strips.
• For the skirt - Cut One 24 inch x 3 inch piece for the top tier. Cut two 24 inch x 2 inch pieces for the second and third tiers.
• Cut two strips of 1/4 inch width lace 24 inches long.
• Cut one lace or trim for the hemline 24 inches long.
• Hem the Bodice front and back top edges, add lace peeking out if desired.
• Beginning at the center of the bodice underarm, line of the center of the strap piece with right sides together and sew it to the armscye.
• Fold the strap piece in half lengthwise, turning the raw edge in towards the center and topstitch the entire strap. Try it on the doll and cut to the proper length after tieing the ends.
• Sew the three tiers of the skirt together by piecing the lace in between each section.
• Follow the instructions in the pattern to finish up the top/dress. When you get to the part to finish the back opening, don't add the hook and loop tape. Simply hem the Center back edges and then place the long tie over the emprie waist seam line. Topstitch it in place and use the len ties to criss-cross at the back and wrap around to tie in the front.
• Jump over the SWC Facebook Group for conversation and project sharing.

Patterns used in this weeks video example:

The Liberty Jane CA Cami pattern for 18" dolls. It's available as part of a bundle with the Mini Skirt as well as on it's own.  It's also available in several other sizes, KNC, BFC Ink, and Karito Kids.

Resources:

Cotton Lace - This shop has a great selection of 1/4" width lace! I see them at quilt shows all around the country, but you can order from them directly online too! 

https://larougetdelisle.com/

Next Tuesday - Part 3: The rashguard top gets an all-new look with a re-designed zipped front.

Hi Everyone! Welcome to the topic of Sewing A Themed Wardrobe! I'm super excited to introduce this as a new series, one that we'll revisit a few times during the year with a new emphasis each time! For this month's topic, the theme is "So-Cal Lifestyle Scene". Early on, when we first launched Liberty Jane we introduced four themed collections: Tokyo Libby, Outback Libby, Euro Libby, and Malibu Libby. With the recent release of the American Girl® 2020 Girl Of The Year doll Joss Kendrick™, it seemed like the perfect time to revisit and refresh our Malibu Libby collection!

The Sewing A Themed Wardrobe Topic Will Include:

• Part 1 - Topic Overview, Beach Scene Outfit Tutorial, Screen Printing
• Part 2 - The CA Cami makeover - Now an on-trend coverup!
• Part 3 - The zip-front rashguard and other swim looks
• Part 4 - So-Cal Beach Accessories!

Are you ready? Let's go...

Patterns used in this weeks video examples:

Liberty Jane Baseball Tee also available in several other sizes, Wellies, Hearts For Hearts Girls, KNC, BFC Ink, and Ellowyne.

Liberty Jane Drawstring Shorts were used to make the pants.

Week One task:

• Watch the videos and follow along to see how we created this darling look.
• Grab your patterns and get ready to sew!
• Select the fabrics you'd like to make these looks. Lightweight knits are great for the tank and a lightweight woven works great for this type of pants.
• If you want to add the screen print, see the link below for the resource list. If you want to use a short cut, upcycle an old tee that has a small screenprint positioned on the left front chest area. Cut the Shirt front so the graphic is positioned at the center front. Viola! You have a super cute mini graphic tee!
• Jump over the SWC Facebook Group for conversation and project sharing.

Part 1 Tutorial - The Beach Vibes Look:

Resources:

Chalk Couture Website (not an affiliate, I just like this product and am happy to recommend it!)

"Love" Transfer Sheet

Screen Print Inks

Small Squeegee

Pink knit fabric was found at Jo-Ann Fabrics

The stripe rayon print was a girls jumpsuit we found on clearance at Fred Meyer!

Here are a few examples of the "shortcut" graphic tees :)

Next Tuesday - Part 2: The CA Cami makeover - Now an on-trend coverup!