Secret Squirrel: Stop 4 - I Seam Stressed to Amos El

Look who showed up on my door step:

The Secret Squirrel series is a year-long sewing journey created by An from Straight-grain and Suz from sewpony.  Read all about it here and see where he's already visited here. Secret Squirrel contacted me via Tasha from I Seam Stressed and gave me these five acorns of inspiration....

I'm proud to say I incorporated all five acorns - and I'm kind of in love with the result...

I went kind of broad with my interpretation of acorns one, two, and five: sky/space (The Little Prince), earth (leafy green), and sea (sharks).  

Starting at the top with they sky...I used the collar from this free pattern from Shwin & Shwin that I previously used here.  The Little Prince's star buttons are purely decorative - I sewed on some snaps to keep the collar clean and have freedom with the button placement.

The leafy green bodice is self drafted, fully lined, and has my first invisible zipper! Which wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it would be. Actually, it's the first time I've ever put a zipper in a clothing garment. I almost chickened out but I couldn't find any leaf shaped buttons I liked and then decided it would be too many "cute" buttons anyway and that I should just stop being a scaredy sewer and DO IT already. Yeah for pep-talks in the middle of the fabric store!

The skirt is also lined, and approximately 18 million inches wide for the maximum gatherability (slight exaggeration).  I used the bias acorn for the waves.  I'm not going to lie to you: this was the most time consuming part of the whole project - but aren't they cute?  Until you notice the shark circling, of course.

And last but certainly not least - Zooey Deschenel should be obvious (and if not a quick google images search on her name will clue you in).  Hello silhouette of my dreams!

I was hesitant to invite the Secret Squirrel for a visit but I'm so glad I did!!  I put more time and effort into this than any other garment I've made and it turned out EXACTLY as I imagined.  Thanks to the squirrel for bringing this fabulous inspiration!  And on that note...here are the next five inspirational acorns:

(polka dots - pumpkin spice latte - clock - The Princess Bride - watercolors)

Thanks to Tasha, Suz, and An - Secret Squirrel and I had such a great visit.  I'm sorry to see him go, but go he must.  Where to?  Now that is the big question...

If you would like to join Secret Squirrel on his journey, leave a comment on this post and check your inbox in a week’s time… you may be the chosen one to pass on the baton of creativity that is SECRET SQUIRREL!!!

If you don't receive a message from Secret Squirrel, you can still sew along. 

Prizes are being organised and are going to be super cool!! But please do not blog about or upload photos for November's Secret Squirrel until November 2nd.  Secret Squirrel's next stop will be revealed on November 1!  

And if this is your first time visiting - welcome!  I hope you'll stick around and explore a bit.  I'm happy you're here!