I’m so glad to be here sharing my FLIP(s) of the Run-Around-Romper by The Cottage Mamma! This has been such a great series–a big thanks to Ashley and Emily for allowing me to participate. After a year of pondering (well…more like a month :), I came up with a collared romper with sleeves for my little boyand a jumper/dress with a cross-over front and full twirly skirt for my daughter. I called it The Picnic Dress and Romper, because the fabric for the dress is actually a vintage tablecloth…and the fabric for Will’s romper looks like it could be a tablecloth! Both are perfect for an spring outing…in our case to the canyon by our house. Now to the details of the FLIP. First up, the Picnic Romper. I used the 12-18 month size, traced it out, and then added shoulder seams in place of the button straps. This is easier said than done! I used a self-drafted T-shirt pattern that I had as a reference for these changes, and left the bottom portion of the pattern as is, with the exception of the inseam. Because I removed the button straps, I needed a simple way to remove the romper. A snap extension was in order! So, I drafted and re-drafted a little snap fly (I really don’t know the proper term for those!!) to make taking the romper on-and-off a snap (ha ha:)).I also omitted the lining, so I made sure to use french seams, or bias tape to finish off all the seams, and facings on the legs and arm holes–making the garment pretty on the inside and out. (I had to use a anorak snap for the last snap… it was just too thick for the regular snaps). The sleeves were from the same self-drafted basic Tee pattern that I used as a reference for the shoulder seams on the bodice portion.Once I had the basic pattern set, I added a snap placket (using this tutorial), and then a collar stand and collar using the size 1 pattern pieces from the Ethan shirt. I had to adjust the neckline a bit to make it fit the collar, but in the end it worked out perfectly, and I am so pleased with the results! I cut the collar stand on the bias for a little interest, and also added a back patch pocket cut on the bias. Both the placket and the pocket have striped accent ribbon details to mimic the striped sash on the dress. The collar and placket are made from an up-cycled chambray Men’s oxford. I tried hard to match those checks…and it all worked out pretty well. Great for playing in the dirt and finding cool rocks!Now… are you still with me? Clara’s dress was a bit more straightforward: I left the top portion of the Run-Around-Romper as is (with button shoulder straps), but added a cross over element to the back of the pattern, 2 darts in the front pattern piece, piping (made from the same chambray oxford used in the romper) around the entire bodice, and downsized to a size 2. Although the cross-over bodice is on the “back” pattern piece, I liked it better as the “front” of the dress–so that’s how you will see her wearing it in these pictures. I originally made this in a size 4 (my daughter’s normal size), but it was huge!! Good thing I have a 6 and 7 year old that can wear it:) I guess I forgot to take into account the general roominess of romper patterns! I cut off the bodice a little shorter than her natural waist and added a fully lined circle skirt. I was able to match it perfectly to the bodice using this tutorial, and cut it into two pieces to preserve the direction of the print. I finished the both skirts with a rolled hem, and used french seams on the inside to connect the bodice and the skirt.The dress is fully lined, and is reversible (front to back ) as well. I decided I liked the cross-over in front better, but it could be worn with the buttons in front instead, with or without the sash, or as a jumper with a white tee underneath. I love this dress because it makes me happy–who can resist bright cheery tulips on a vintage tablecloth?? And my daughter loves it because it’s so fun to wear. (check out that attitude!)The first time she tried it on and realized it was a circle skirt…her eyes got huge and she said: “Mom, you made me a twirly skirt!!!???” and then proceeded to give me a huge hug. That makes it all worth it:)
One more look at each outfit: Thanks again to Ashley and Emily for this fun series…can’t wait to see what’s coming for next year!

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