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Project Run & Play Season 15 – Chichen Itza Inspired – Week 1

Chichen Itza SkortToday is finally the day I can share my first Project Run & Play Season 15 look with you!!  This week’s theme is Wonders of the World and I chose to be inspired by Chichen Itza, which is considered a modern wonder.  The result is this Chichen Itza Skort with pleating, faux chenille, and the bright colors we have come to associate with the Mayan people.  I’ll give you all the details below and then head over to the Project Run & Play site to vote for my Chichen Itza Skort!

Chichen Itza SkortThe skort overall shape is meant to resemble the shape of the Kukulcan Pyramid at Chichen Itza.  You can find lots of pictures for reference by clicking here.  It’s such a beautiful site and I highly recommend looking through the pictures.  Since this skort was going to be my focus piece, I chose to also make a slim mock turtleneck tank that wouldn’t draw too much attention to itself, made some bracelets to add a pop of color, and then paired the outfit with a simple sandal.  All of the designs used in this look were self drafted and keep an eye out for some pattern tester calls this spring.

Chichen Itza SkortThis tank pattern has a similar shape to the dress with the pussy bow that my girl wore for a Daddy/Daughter Dance recently.  You can find lots of pics of that over on instagram.  I decided to keep the mock turtleneck with the sleeveless look and simply added some length to the bodice.  I used the same ponte fabric along this neckline as I did for the pencil skirt portion in order to connect it visually to the skort.

Chichen Itza SkortThis gives the impression of a necklace as it encircles the entire neckline.  The turquiose fabric is liverpool from Sew So English and I had it in my stash.  The ponte was purchased locally at G Street Fabrics.

Here are the basic steps I took to make that necklace design.  1: First I cut out the pentagon shapes from freezer paper – including the skinny band that would keep them all in line, but remain inside the seam allowance once sewn – and ironed it onto a piece of the ponte.  2: Using sharp scissors, I cut the shape out of the ponte fabric.  3:  Pinning in place along the neckline and then stitching with a stretch stitch about 1/4″ taking care not to stretch either fabric along the way.  4: The “necklaced” neckline is ready to have the mock turtle band attached as if it was just the main bodice neckline.

Chichen Itza SkortFinally I stitched the ponte pieces down in place when I coverstitched the neckline.  I think it adds just enough flare to this piece to make it fun, but not too much so that it takes away from the focus of the skort.  And my girl LOVES that it’s fully lined so that soft liverpool is against her skin on both sides.

Chichen Itza SkortSpeaking of my girl, can you believe she’s almost seven?!?!?!  The first time I was in Project Run & Play was four years ago and she was so tiny.  Anyway, to add to the fun I put some feather extensions in her hair and her first grade self was SUPER into it.

Chichen Itza SkortHere you can see the feathers a little better AND the bracelets I made.  More about those in a minute though, cause we need to talk about this skort!

Chichen Itza SkortThe outside layer is a full circle skirt that was drafted to fit on either side of the center front panel of the pencil skirt underneath.  Since the circle skirt would be made out of woven fabric, the front panel area would be necessary to allow the knit fabric to stretch enough to get the skort on and off with ease without any closures which was important to me.  My goal in this design was to make something over the top which would also be comfortable, easy to wear, and allow a lot of movement for when my girl is running around.  The knit waistband was a must and a closure would muddy it up.

Chichen Itza SkortThe faux chenille technique represents the large steps on the outside of the pyramid at Chichen Itza, while adding some fun color and texture to the skort.  I’ll post later today with all the details of how I made that faux chenille, but for now I’ll just say it was a labor of love with layers of cotton sateen that were quilted together and then split open and distressed.  **UPDATE** Click here for the full post on how to create your own Faux Chenille.

Chichen Itza SkortThe center layer of the skort is this ponte knit pencil skirt.  It’s a great shape/length on my girl and comfortable to wear.  I designed a center front panel that would mimic the center front shape of the Kukulcan Pyramid.  There are skinny steps that run in a straight line down the front of the pyramid that I was immediately drawn to.  I’ve been wanting to do some micropleating and this was a perfect opportunity.

Chichen Itza SkortHere are the basic details of how I made the pencil skirt.  1: First I cut a center front panel that was the same width (on the fold) as the panel, but much longer to accommodate all those pleats.  2: I made a simple pleat board with some math, cardstock, and my cricut to do the hard work of scoring.  3: In sections along the panel, I used the pleat board to tuck the fabric inside the pleats and then press with my iron to hold the folds.  4:  Once the board was removed I would pin and baste the individual sections to ensure the pleats would hold.  5:  Once the pleats were complete I stitched both sides of the front to the center front panel, securing the pleats.  6: I then coverstitched along the sides of the pleats to give a little extra flare and then stitched the front and back of the pencil skirt together, coverstitching the hem in place.

Chichen Itza SkortThe final portion of the skort is the part that actually makes it a skort haha.  These shorties are stitched right into the waistband along with the rest of the layers.  This is a shorties pattern that I drafted with a gusset for my girl for cheer last fall.  She has a bunch of them that are lined and are super comfortable with or without underwear for cheer, gymnastics, or swim.  The gusset makes the range of motion a little better and also make it more comfortable to wear without an underwear layer.  And of course it’s lined with swim lining so no seams are there to irritate.

Chichen Itza SkortThe shorties were added not only for modestly (since she’s constantly hanging from the monkey bars), but also to hold the pencil skirt in place.  I love the look of a slim knit pencil on my girl, but if there isn’t an attached shortie layer then the skirt ends up scrunched up around her waist after a little bit of wear.  The shorties keep the skirt from riding up and are my solution to young girls wearing a comfy pencil skirt.

Chichen Itza SkortI adore the movement in the Chichen Itza Skort.  The outer circle is great for twirling and ups the drama.  I’m super pleased with how it turned out.

Chichen Itza SkortAnd finally a quick shout out to the accessories we used.  The feathers and extensions were from this Etsy shop and I was very pleased with the quality.  I made the bracelets using this post as a general jumping off point and made it a little more kid friendly.  And the sandals are from Joyfolie.  These aren’t sponsors, but I love their products!

Chichen Itza SkortSo now it’s time to head over to Project Run & Play to check out the other looks and vote!!  I know these designers have knocked it out of the park and – between you and me – I think the six of us actually chose only three-ish wonders between us so it’ll be even more fun seeing what different directions everyone went with similar inspiration.  Go vote!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lindsay

    March 13, 2018 at 8:54 am

    The neckline is such an awesome detail and ties it together perfectly! Great job!

    Reply
  2. Raphaelle

    March 13, 2018 at 9:42 am

    That skort is great! Love the pleating and the outer skirt reminds of molas. The necklace detailing on the tank is very cool as well.

    Reply
  3. Tami

    March 13, 2018 at 10:18 am

    You are the master of fabric manipulation and what you did here is absolutely amazing! I love that you made a comfortable garment that is striking at the same time. Beautiful job!

    Reply
  4. SHerri

    March 13, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    That skirt is such a great take on the inspiration. I can see it totally. And I love the addition of the shorties. I should do that for my girls more often. Or ever.

    Reply
  5. ~T~

    March 13, 2018 at 12:43 pm

    What exciting colors and textures! Great job.

    Reply
  6. Cassy Gobin

    March 13, 2018 at 4:32 pm

    I think you totally nailed the shape with the skort! I’m really loving that tank though. Wow, a lot of time really has passed since your first season. Crazy.

    Reply
  7. ari

    April 3, 2018 at 11:00 am

    I know the shirt wasnt meant to detract from the skirt BUT THAT SHIRT I really love it, the high neck, the little pentagon flags, the colours

    The skirt is pretty incredible as well, I adore what you’ve come up with!

    Reply

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callajaire

Singing cards from Mimi provide hours of entertain Singing cards from Mimi provide hours of entertainment. If you can get past hearing them over and over and over haha. “Shake your bunny feet and your bunny derrière” 😆😆 #happyeaster
Good morning! It's time to test the newest patter Good morning!  It's time to test the newest pattern 😍😍
The Bacca Bootcuts are a traditional bootcut jean shape, with a low cut look yet a wide waistband to make them more of a mid rise. 
Testing will begin on Saturday the 3rd and end on Wednesday the 14th, with the fit muslin due by Wednesday the 7th.  I'll need everyone to muslin the view A pants length to be sure the legs are going to fit accurately, but your final can be either view. 
I'm excited to get started! 😘  Sign up here or in the link in profile:
https://forms.gle/aEePLSHDdR9u8Xg76

You'll need the following:
a bottom-weight fabric with at least 10%-20% 2-way horizontal stretch (even for the muslin)
2" elastic - enough to stretch across just the back waistband (this keeps everything snug in place and avoids any "plumber crack" situation 😁)
short zipper - I'll have the exact lengths, but even the largest size uses no longer than 5". I recommend a ykk #3 or #4 jeans zipper (#5 just looks too big with the kids sizes), but any zipper will work.  I'll also have info for shortening a longer zip. 
2 15mm metal snaps or jeans buttons.  The snaps look great and are easier than making two buttonholes, but with the wide waistband 2 smaller snaps/buttons works better than one regular sized one.
#dbcabaccabootcuts #designsbycallajaire #patterntesting #pdfpatterntesting
Tester call coming this week for the Bacca Bootcut Tester call coming this week for the Bacca Bootcuts. These use a woven with 10-20% stretch and they’re amazing. Sizes newborn to 16years.  Be ready 😘😘💕💕
#dbcabaccabootcuts #designsbycallajaire #patterntesting #sneakpeek
And @raspberrycreekfabrics is having a huge giveaw And @raspberrycreekfabrics is having a huge giveaway to close out the Suit up for Summer tour so click over to enter there too 😘

https://www.instagram.com/p/CM4rCFbstJ8/

#raspberrycreekfabrics #giveaway #designsbycallajaire
That’s a lot of pieces!! 😳😳 Sneak peek of That’s a lot of pieces!! 😳😳 Sneak peek of the next DbCA pattern. Keep an eye out for a tester call soon, cause it’s a good one 😘 

In the meantime @randi_parton is running a giveaway in our fb group so head on over to enter 💕💕 Link below or in profile. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DesignsByCallAjaire/permalink/2875015182768651/

#designsbycallajaire #giveaway #dbcabaccabootcuts #patterntesting #patterngiveaway
And of course I made a Diamondback Cami in swim fo And of course I made a Diamondback Cami in swim for this girl too. Those blueberries are my favorite this spring!  I have some leftover and I already have some plans for it 😍😍
Scroll for the fun microstripe back detail 💕💕 Link with details in profile. 

Oh and don’t forget to click over to @paisleyroots and @sewsophielynn for details on the giveaway - including one of my patterns!!
#designsbycallajaire #suitupforsummer2021 #dbcadiamondback #rcfmonthlymakes #raspberrycreekfabrics
It’s my day on the @raspberrycreekfabrics Suit U It’s my day on the @raspberrycreekfabrics Suit Up for Summer blog tour and I’m telling you all about how I used the Diamondback Cami & Crop for swim! (spoiler alert: there are no mods)
All the info on the swimsuits, fabrics, patterns, and a discount for rcf swim are in the link in profile 😘

#designsbycallajaire #raspberrycreekfabrics #rcfmonthlymakes #suitupforsummer2021 #dbcadiamondback #classicmaillotswimskirt #freepatterns #freepdfpattern #onethimble #ot28
Putting “Santa Claus” to bed 😍😍
Also it’s been a perfect morning outside without our jackets!! 💕💕
I was working on what size Pom Pom to prep for a c I was working on what size Pom Pom to prep for a craft for our moms group next week and the first bunny tail was a little too big for what we’re going to make. So I grabbed some extra Cuddle© Sherpa and put together an Easter hoop 🐰 
#shannoncuddle #easterhoops #cuddleminky #shannonfabrics
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I've always loved making. At an early age I started cross stitching and sewing and I taught myself to knit and crochet during college. When our seven year old daughter Bean was born I was filled with all sorts of inspiration, so now I find ways to manage my crafty time and treasure those moments. Though sewing is what I'm most passionate about these days, there's something about the portability of yarn crafts and embroidery that keeps drawing me back in.

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