Hi and welcome to my stop on the Back to School Tour! Deb are kind of addicted to hosting tours. This time around we decided to keep things simple on ourselves seeing it was the beginning of a new school year and not include a giveaway or contest, but I hope you’ll all still click around and visit all the other stops!
It actually turned out to be a “blessing in disguise” that we didn’t do a giveaway because after I got back from vacation (the day before school started due to a flight cancellation!) I barely touched the sewing machine. Getting back into the routine of things and balancing work and homework, etc, took everything out of me. So luckily I had the one outfit I had finished before leaving on vacation.
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We’ve been having crazy hot weather for this time of year in Montreal, so it worked out great that the one outfit I sewed was the summery one! Temps have been in the high 20s low 30s PLUS humidity so feeling more like 40C the last week or so. So crazy! It’s supposed to go back to normal in a couple days (normal being around 20C and no humidity. The 20 degree drop will be a shock!
We had so many lovely designers providing bloggers with patterns to create their back to school looks with. Luckily for me (but not my wallet!) I owned patterns from each of the designers already so planned my back to school outfits using patterns in my stash. Here is what my planned capsule looked like (I also had some dresses planned that I didn’t create a capsule for):

For the first outfit I decided to sew the two on far right column. The Mouse House Creations Clover shorts* and the Sisboom Tobago*.
The Sisboom Tobago is a super easy sew. The main pieces are cut on the bias which eliminates the need for closures for the larger sizes (the smaller sizes have a keyhole opening in the back to help with dressing babies and toddlers). It sewed up pretty quickly and I did not have any issues. There are only four pieces so it’s super quick to cut out as well.
I can’t find my notes on this pattern but I chose a length based on the diagram in the pattern and I believe I cut out the 5-6 size. I’ll update when I can find the notes.
The Mouse House Clover shorts took a bit more time. There were more pieces to cut out for one thing. I decided to add extra tabs on the cuffs of the shorts, and they are oh so cute! (I’m trying to find a flat lay pic I took of the shorts so I can show more details. I will have to add it into the post when I find it!)

I decided not to make button holes on any of the belt loops and simply made them decorative by sewing the buttons on in place.
I’m really happy with the outfit. My daughter likes it too, she’s worn them both quite a bit in the past few weeks.
Sillybean’s Measurements:
Waist: 19.5″
Hips: 23.5″
Chest: 21.5″
Height: 48″
With these measurements she generally falls into a size 2-3 for chest, 4 or 5 for hips and 7 for height. She has broad shoulders so normally I cut a 5/6 so the shoulders fit and maybe slim it down through to the waist slightly depending on what I was sewing.
Pattern Details:
Pattern: Sisboom Tobago Tank*
Price: $7.50 US (reg. price)
Size Range: 3-6m to 13y
Size sewn: I think 5?? I need to find my notes!
Options: Bodice front can be plain or notched. I sewed the plain version. Smallest sizes have a back opening to aid with dressing.
Modifications: None
Pros: Pattern is super easy to put together. There are only four pieces!
Cons: Really not any. Since the main pieces have to be cut on the bias it can take up a lot of fabric but that’s the way it is.
Fabric used: Pretty floral quilting weight cotton from my stash
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Pattern: Mouse House Creations Clover shorts*
Size Range: 6m to 12y
Size sewn: 5
Options: Sash, waist ruffle, extra tabs/belt loops can be added on the cuffs of the shorts. I did the version without the ruffle and although the sash is extra cute I decided not to make it since I know that it would just get lost and I would find it being used on a doll. I added the extra button tabs on the cuffs.
Modifications: None
Pros: Constuction is easy, steps are in an order that makes sense (other than the omission mentioned below).
Cons: Mentions adding extra button tabs on the cuffs of the shorts but does not mention when to sew them on in the instructions.
Fabric used: Chambray that I purchased at my local Fabricville .
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P.S. There’s a sale on Sisboom patterns right now. All prices are marked down by 20%!
Don’t forget to check out all the stops on the tour!
Monday, September 25, 2017
Host: Sprouting JubeJube
Sewing by Ti * mahlicadesigns * Momma You Can Make It * Kutti Couture * MoonStar – Wondermirakel * Call Ajaire
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Host: Lulu & Celeste
Sew and Tell Project * From-a-Box * MeMade * House of Estrela * Sprouting Jube Jube * My Heart Will Sew On * Tales From A Southern Mom
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Host: Sprouting JubeJube
mahlicadesigns * Gracious Threads * Adventures With Bubba and Bug * Elli & Nels * Bellevi * Little Heart Threads * Sewing By Ti * Lulu & Celeste
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Host: Lulu & Celeste
Paisley Roots * The Crafting Fiend * Sewstarly * It’s Liesel * Tales of a Tester * Kaleidothought * auschick sews
Friday, September 29, 2017
Host: Sprouting JubeJube
SewSophieLynn * Sew Haute Blog * mahlicadesigns * Sew and Tell Project * RP Custom Fabrics Blog * FABulous Home Sewn * Sewing By Ti * Phat Quarters
Pretty! I have the Clover shorts, they look so nice made up! Love your rose fabric.
Those little shorts are darling!
This looks amazing! Love the floral print of the top <3