The sand may brush off and the salt may wash away but the Memories will last forever…
Everybody loves a day at the beach and what better way to enjoy the sun than sporting some new beach themed outfits?
For any little girl or boy these outfits will put them in the right mindset for a day of sun, sand, and smiles. Using the newly released Just Shellin’ line by Michael Miller Fabrics and spending an afternoon on my Janome Skyline S7, I was able to easily produce these two outfits.
Frills and pompoms are after my heart and this top and shorts combo combines both in a beautiful outfit that any little girl would love.
The top is made using the Swallowtail Top pattern by Lil Lux Patterns. This pattern is both a top or a dress and effortlessly embodies that breezy, easy-going beach feel. With the flutter sleeves, open back with ties, and gathered skirt this dress is a quick make with big impact.
The flutter sleeve hems are completed quickly using the rolled hem foot. This foot is my go to for a professional looking finish without being finicky. It rolls your fabric twice and stitches as you go to create a clean, smooth hem. It works both on straight or rounded pieces of fabric.
The rest of the top is easily stitched using a straight stitch.
The skirt is gathered by placing 3 lines of straight stitches at a 5.0 length and pulled at the edges to create even gathers that hold and do not bunch or tuck while stitching across the bodice.
The shorts are made using the Coachella pattern by Striped Swallow Designs. These can be made easily out of knit or woven fabric. These shorts stitch up rather effortlessly considering the cute factor you get when they’re complete! The versatility of the pattern comes from the trim you choose to add; in this case the irresistible pompoms.
The best part of these shorts? They can be made entirely with a straight stitch making them incredibly fast to sew. Slow and steady stitching around the curved seams to keep it even, or if you need the extra guidance and reassurance around those curves, switch out and use your Janome edge stitch foot to help you keep your stitches equi-distant from your edge. Nothing wrong with the extra assistance of an edge foot to keep your stitches straight and professional looking!
Boys need to dress to impress too and they will certainly do just that sporting this Rigby Polo by Shwin Designs and the Classic Chinos by Peek a Boo Patterns to any beach day!
The Rigby shirt takes the classic Henley shirt and adds some spice – with the contrasting fabrics: pocket, and band collar. Simple over the head pull on and off make it an easy go-to option for a beach day.
My favourite part of my Janome Skyline S7 is the variety of built in button hole options at the touch of a button. When I started sewing I was so terrified of button holes until I realized how easy Janome makes it for you. Simply attach the Buttonhole foot, pick your button hole design, press start, and the machine does the rest. Nothing makes me happier than a good buttonhole.
The Classic Chinos are great for everyday wear or an easy day at the beach. The flat front fly and pockets are matched with an elastic back waistband for comfort. What boy doesn’t need pockets to fill with beach seashells?
To create a professional looking pair of shorts, I took extra care to edge stitch my linings and add decorative stitching along the pockets and a double line of stitching at the front fly. These are small details that are easily added by increasing the length of your straight stitch.
As your kids laugh as they run through the sand, you’ll take pride in knowing your Janome sewing machine helped produce their beautiful beach-themed attire for the day!
This blog post was written and cute kiddie garments featured were made by Janome Canada artisan: Crystal McCart of Northern Ontario. Crystal sews on a Janome Skyline S7; serger; and CPX2000 coverhem.
Janome Life 
Both outfits are just darling!!
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