Eating my words: Centerfield Swing Mash-up

I’ve been invited to many LulaRoe parties, but never had the slightest interest in attending. Why would I spend precious fabric money on poorly constructed clothing in strange prints when I could make my own? Plus, as I usually (politely) explained to the hostesses, the every popular “Carly” dress and endless variants just wasn’t my style.

Honestly, I assumed the lack of shape and hemline wouldn’t flatter my short muscular legs and small chest, and that a dress wouldn’t be practical wear for my daily life chasing littles. I was happy to stick with t-shirts and leggings for my #momiform, and save my “free time” for sewing.

Until the other day, when I ran into a neighbor, a mom of three just like myself. She was heading out the door to a BBQ, obviously stressed out by the effort of herding all three little ones into the car, but she looked incredibly chic in her Carly dress, sandals and statement necklace. I looked down at my cut offs and t shirt, and thought…maybe, just maybe, I should give the Carly a try. A DIY-Carly, that is.

After putting the kids to bed, I scrounged up what was left of my energy (some days it isn’t much!) and grabbed two of my TNT patterns: The Greenstyle Centerfield Raglan and the Greenstyle Scarlet Swing Dress (that was my first pattern test! See my blog post here), and got hacking (read to the end for a special discount code on these patterns!)

I traced out the smallest size in each, and then aligned the Centerfield with the Scarlet at the bottom of the armscye, following the side seam of the Scarlet and using the shoulder seams and sleeves from the Centerfield (for a more thorough explanation, see my full tutorial on the Greenstyle blog).

I also widened the neckline for nursing, taking about 3″ off the “low neck” option, and lengthening the neckband to accommodate this change (this was done during construction).

To my surprise, I was able to get the whole thing out of a single yard, making this project one of my most economical. (I don’t know what a Carly costs, but I imagine it isn’t $7).

After I tried it on for the first time, I was amazed- at how comfortable and cute I felt! Just for fun, I threw on a necklace and some fancy sandals, just like my neighborly muse, and voila! Instant style- even at 3PM on a Monday afternoon.

I even decided that I loved the fabric- a sumptuously soft brushed poly from a Pretty Posh Prints Scrap Pack, that I had initially set aside because it was too close to my natural skin tone. Since I’ve gotten a nice tan this summer (thank you beach vacations!), it no longer matches me exactly, so you can tell me apart from the dress.

I’ve got plans for many more of these, and can’t wait to dress them up with leggings (self made, of course, from the Lucy leggings pattern) and some cute boots. Speaking of which, I could use a new pair of knee-high leather boots- which I can totally justify, given what I saved on fabric/Carly dresses, right?

Want to give this a try? Join me for a LIVE SEW on Wednesday, August 16th at 3PM EST.  There will be a chance to win a pattern prize! Greenstyle is also offering 25% off one or both of these awesome patterns with the code “centerfieldswing”- valid for 24 hours ONLY! So grab your patterns (Scarlet here and Centerfield here), mark your calendar, and spread the word!

EDIT: Find the live video on my blog HERE!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase a pattern using these links, a small portion (at no cost to you) gets sent back to me to help fund my hacking/sewing addiction. Thank you!

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14 Comments

  1. Kathy Dallaire on August 16, 2017 at 4:21 am

    Well done. Thank you for the pics of the pattern pieces lined up. Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. I totally get it now. You are always sew inspiring.

    • Sarah on August 18, 2017 at 12:37 am

      Thank you Kathy! I’m so glad it was helpful!

  2. Abbey on August 16, 2017 at 5:31 am

    Sarah this mash up came out lovely! You look great! Another make it yourself win here for sure.

    • Sarah on August 18, 2017 at 12:37 am

      Thank you Abbey!

  3. Rochelle on August 16, 2017 at 6:01 am

    This is super cute! Thanks for sharing your fun and cool ideas and for reminding this mama that sewing can be accomplished even amidst the chaos.

    • Sarah on August 18, 2017 at 12:37 am

      You’re welcome- I hope you find some time to sew in the chaos!

  4. Jess on August 16, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    So cute! I had the same initial thoughts about Carly, but now keep thinking I need to whip up a me made version.

    • Sarah on August 18, 2017 at 12:36 am

      That’s why I love sewing- you can try out new styles to see how they work!

  5. Martha on August 16, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    I love this. Will be checking out the sew sling and patterns. Thanks.

  6. Martha on August 16, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    This is really cute. Thanks.

    • Sarah on August 18, 2017 at 12:35 am

      Thank you Martha!

  7. Jan Murry on August 17, 2017 at 5:45 am

    Where can I see the video? My daughter would love your mashup!!

  8. […] For the full tutorial on how to adjust your pattern, view the post on the Greenstyle Creations blog HERE, or you can check out my first version on my blog HERE. […]

  9. […] was super excited the other day, when I was able to get my Centerfield/Scarlet Swing dress mash-up out of a single yard of fabric. I mean, a whole dress for $7? What’s not to […]

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