Let Adventure Begin with a Camp Shirt & Bag featuring "It Takes a Village" fabric collection! -

There’s something magical about a project that combines functionality, kid approve style, and durability, especially when it’s all wrapped up in a playful fabric collection. I had the chance to sew with Riley Blake Designs’ latest collection, It Takes a Village, designed by Jennifer Long. It turned out to be the perfect choice for two fun projects: a camp-style children’s shirt and a Crayon Ammo Bag, pattern design by Nina Martine Robinson. Here’s a look at how these pieces came together and why they’re sure to be a hit for creative kids (or the young at heart).

It Takes a Village by Jennifer Long —the name says it all! Mom approved!

First off, the It Takes a Village collection from Riley Blake Designs is ABSOLUTELY delightful. It immediately called to my kindergarten teacher’s heart! Jennifer Long has created a whimsical, vibrant selection of prints that spark the imagination with each glance. The colors are lively yet grounded, making them a perfect match for children’s wear and accessories. Plus, RBDs’ high-quality quilting cotton adds that extra touch of durability and sturdiness, ideal for items that need to withstand active use.

Camp Shirt – Laying out the pattern pieces.

Camp Shirt pattern by Nina Martine Robinson–toddler, kid & Dad approved!

A camp-style shirt is a classic, versatile piece that brings to mind endless adventures for all seasons, nature walks, and cozy campfires. With this timeless shirt pattern, I was able to turn the It Takes a Village fabric into a sturdy, stylish shirt that’s all about comfort and functionality for all ages.

This shirts comes together nicely. The machine’s free-arm works great for those curved seams.

The pattern is well-designed, and I found it perfect for showcasing the fabric’s cheerful print. The shirt has a relaxed fit making it comfortable for layering or as a standalone top. With a focus on durability, I took my time with reinforced seams and added topstitching details. This shirt is ready for any adventure -whether it’s hiking through the woods, exploring the backyard, kindergarten classroom, or just spending the day outdoors.

The Crayon Ammo Bag, pattern by Tracey Citron, is a must have accessory!

To go along with the shirt, I also made the Crayon Ammo Bag. This bag is such a fantastic idea, especially for creative kiddos! It’s compact yet just spacious enough to carry a full set of crayon, colored pencils, and other supplies for a day of doodle dreaming and coloring. The pattern includes cleverly measured exterior crayon or color pencil compartments on both the front and back of the bag that keep everything organized and easy to access, making it the ultimate portable art kit.

Crayon Ammo Bag is the perfect accessory.

Added bonus, the quilting fabric gives the bag a sturdy structure, so it can handle a bit of rough-and-tumble play. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to carry, even for little hands. The vibrant print keeps it fun, and with the bag’s durability, it’s ready for car trips, camping adventures, or a simple afternoon spent sketching in the park.

Quilting Cotton is PERFECT –various sewing projects!

Quilting cotton isn’t just for quilts-it’s ideal for any project that needs a blend of durability, comfort, and structure. For the camp-style shirt, quilting cotton holds its shape well, providing just enough structure to keep the shirt looking crisp while still allowing for movement. And for the Crayon Ammo Bag, quilting cotton is tough enough to withstand frequent use and washes, while bold prints keeps it looking lively and fresh. High-quality quilting fabric can cost a bit more compared to other garment making fabrics, but durability is well worth it. MOM’s pocket approved; )-

Crayon Bag is ready for a day of coloring.

Both projects turned out beautifully, and they’re as functional as they are fun. RBDs’ It Takes a Village collection brought these projects to life with its vibrant pattern and durable fabric, and both patterns were a breeze to organize and sew. Whether for everyday adventures or creative escapes, these items are ready for anything – and they’re sure to inspire more sewing projects in the future. Because, if you give a quilter a yard of fabric, they’ll want more! Boy mom, elementary principal and fabric connoisseur approved!