Three years in a row, my friends, I have convinced some AMAZING bloggers to join me on a blog tour that celebrates all things red, white and blue.  And I’m excited to share with you day one, and my leg of the tour.  Just like years past, I convinced my guys to let me sew them some patriotic garb — mostly I wanted to so I could have an excuse to take some family photos.  I can’t help myself, I love photos of the three of us together.

Ready to see what I made?

Let’s start with Louis.  Because he’s the cute one.

As of late, I’ve been really loving making him some “comfy clothes” that can be worn in every day situations.  Things that are practically loungewear but are also stylish enough to rock out of the house are perfect for anyone’s closet.  And especially for your active 7-year-old.

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I started with a Jolly Roger Raglan.  Because there cannot be enough raglans in Louis’ closet.  It’s one of my first shirts I ever made for him and will probably continue to be the most used patterns for him as time goes on.  Raglans are my favorite favorite favorite ways to mix fabrics.  And if you know anything about me, I love to mix fabrics and patterns.

The fact that I was able to “Americana” Lou’s wardrobe with Star Wars was a big win for me.  BECAUSE STAR WARS.  It’s no secret that we love that space opera universe in our household.  And I’m loving that JoAnn Fabrics has started carrying various character knits because most of them are Star Wars and Marvel and that makes me happy.

About the pants.  I LOVE these jogger shorts.  Freaking love them.  I’m slightly mad at myself for making these for him and not me.  Because this wide stripe in navy and white, in a french terry fabric, make the cutest shorts ever. Am I right?

Okayyyyyy, I’ll talk about the other guy in my life.

But first.  Let me complain about sewing for Bennett.  He is such a supportive husband.  He is always willing to wear what I ask of him and take pictures when I request them.  BUT.  If I ask what he wants me to make him, he almost always says “something simple”.  Simple.  SIMPLE.  Simple?  Does he not even know who I am?

My simple for Bennett was me attempting to add as much “extra” as I could to a basic tee.  Bennett doesn’t love themed shirts because he’s practical and wants to be able to wear them more than once a year.  Who is this guy?  Are we even living in the same universe?

My way around it was taking a simple men’s tee and making an oversized pocket.  Like….I maybe should have made it smaller but I didn’t want to.  And I also coverstitched all the seams that show (shoulder and armscye) in red, so I could add more color details.

I meant to make him some jogger shorts like I did last year, but I didn’t have the proper fabric to make it happen in my stash…so he’s the only one who didn’t get a full outfit.

Bennett’s shirt was made with this soft tri-blend jersey fabric from Sly Fox Fabrics.  Katy from Sly Fox was SUPER GENEROUS and donated fabric yardage to all of the ladies on our tour from her “Sew Americana” collection on her website.  Team Sly Fox is always darn sweet and they seem to be some of the most giving people I’ve ever encountered.  If you haven’t shopped their fabric collections or joined their Facebook group yet, you’re really missing out.  Thanks for the fabric love, Katy!!

My turn?  Woohoo!  Of course, mine ended up being the most “in your face” Americana.  I’m not mad.  Not for a second.

My outfit was completed with a combo of Mama Bear Joggers in a denim wash knit, and a colorblocked Women’s Henley.  In reality, I stole the bodice curve from the P4P Boho Babydoll pattern and blocked my top with that idea in mind.  One important element of colorblocking is always making sure that you’re not cutting yourself in a weird spot.  I’ve seen a lot of women have the fabrics meet right about their nipple line and it throws your proportions off.  No bueno.

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My jogger shorts are going to be worn basically as often as they are clean this summer.  SO COMFY.  There’s something special about having a pair of pants made out of a really soft, thin knit that feels like pajama bottoms but look like denim.  It’s magic, really.

If you want to get your hands on this fabric, you totally can.  Knitpop is my drug fabric source and the last I checked, she still had some in stock.  And it was on sale.  So……make it happen, Captain.

What do you think?  Do I scream American Girl enough, or what?

And of course…..my favorite way to end a big blog post: MORE PHOTOS OF MY FAMILY!  It was hot and humid and I may have struggled to get these guys to cooperate a little.  But all of the “don’t move!” and “you guys, stop” was worth it.  Because I got these gems.

Before you do anything else, make sure to check out the bloggers on each day of the tour.  There is some incredible talent on this tour and it’s worth peeking at just for the inspiration alone!!

I’d like to make sure to give Sly Fox Fabrics another HUUUUUUGE thank you for their support of this tour group this year.  You guys rock!!

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Monday, June 25:
Wild + Wanderful | Marvelous Auntie M | Handmade Boy
Phat Quarters | Call Ajaire

Tuesday, June 26:
Musings of a Seamstress | Sea of Estrogen | Sew and Tell Project
5 out of 4 Patterns  | Little Heart Threads

Wednesday, June 27:
Middle River Studio | Elli & Nels | SewSophieLynn
Pear Berry Lane | The Eli Monster

Thursday, June 28:
Auschick Sews | EYMM | Mama & Leia
Seams Sew Lo | Stitched by Jennie

Friday, June 29:
Stylin’ Stacy | Rebel & Malice | On Wednesdays We Sew
FairyTale BT | That’s-Sew-Kari | Very Blissful

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Oh and even better! If you’re sewing some Americana items and want to share, please do! Link up your blog post or Instagram image so we can “oooh” and “ahhh” over what you’ve made too!