Project Run & Play Wk 1 - Rainbow Brite Inspiration

80's cartoons? What? I was in high school and college for most of the 80's. Yes, I'm that old. So thank heaven for Google and Pinterest. I discovered Rainbow Brite and thought I could work with that.

On my list of fall clothes for Elena I had wanted to make pieces based on a sweatshirt fleece skirt at H&M (not listed on the website now so sorry, no picture) and this vest on Pinterest. Rainbow Brite's skirt and sleeves are the same shapes as my inspiration pieces so by incorporating some rainbow colors in a shirt, wa-la - it's Rainbow Brite!

The skirt is a 1/4 circle based on her measurements and using sweatshirt fleece from Girl Charlee. After cutting it, I stitched lines about 5/8" apart on 45 degree angles across the whole thing to give it some dimension. I sewed up the back seam, hemmed it, and added a knit waistband using leftover navy cotton spandex also from Girl Charlee.  

Elena chose the shoes, not me. I wanted her hot pink crocs.

I made the reversible vest using basic dress bodice pieces and some almost semi-circle pieces for the sleeves. I again, did the stitching on the fleece after cutting each piece, before assembling. The reverse side is a floral/leaf print flannel. It ties shut with fleece tubes. I debated adding rainbow colored beads before the knots, but wanted to keep it neutral and versatile. 

Since I love to refashion, the t-shirt is made from 3 t-shirts from my stash. I wanted to incorporate some rainbow colors without actually making a rainbow. If you've been reading my blog lately, it won't surprise you that I went to the CINO Nessie top pattern. Again. Great shape with color blocking built right in. Another easy and useful piece for her fall wardrobe. (If you'd like to see some of my other versions of Nessie, try here, here, and here.)

I think that Rainbow Brite is represented in color and shape and playfulness without being too literal.

But here is the best part. The skirt and vest are so useful in other ways too. Elena has lots of different tops and blouses already in her wardrobe that look cute with this, but I did make one more blouse for fun. It's a peasant style with a ruffled collar made from lightweight cotton.

But this next one is my absolute fave. I paired it with a homemade puffed sleeve tee and the reversed vest. This one could have been used for my signature style as well. This one melts me. 

This was such a satisfying project. I'm soooooo ready for fall so my sweetie can start wearing these pieces.

Besides all of the fabulous inspiration provided by the Project Run & Play contestants, my other favorite part is learning of new bloggers to follow so there are links at the top of the sidebar if you 'd like to follow me by e-mail or Bloglovin. Thanks for stopping by and see you next week for some serious refashioning of hand-me-downs!