Sewing for an Event: The Rose Bowl
There’s something extra motivating about sewing for an occasion—especially when that occasion is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime trip. I'm checking in with Jenni on her 2026 sewing resolutions and zoom in on one big theme: leaning into fun, intentional projects made for real events. From a rose‑print shirt inspired by the iconic Rose Bowl Parade to a last‑minute houndstooth jacket for game day, this episode is all about sewing with purpose (and a little deadline energy). Read on or watch here:
Sewing for the Rose Bowl Parade and Game
The Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, has been a bucket‑list item for years. With elaborate floats made entirely from natural materials—flowers, seeds, leaves, even vegetables—it’s the perfect inspiration for a statement garment.
The Pattern Choice: Seamwork Romie Shirt*
When Jenni spotted a rose‑print quilting cotton at her local fabric store, the plan clicked into place: a shirt that felt playful, bold, and parade‑ready.
Jenni dove into the Seamwork catalog and chose the Seamwork Romie Shirt*. The shirt is a simple woven top with a peter pan collar, open neck and gathered sleeves. Playful and perfect to showcase the rose print of the fabric.
Jenni has sewn several Seamwork patterns so she was very comfortable making fit adjustments to the pattern. She made a size 8 and gave the pattern a ½" forward shoulder adjustment as well as adding her usual 1" at the waist for her long torso and added 1" to the sleeve length for comfort
The result? A rosy shirt sewn ahead of time and ready—no matter which teams ended up playing.
When Weather Doesn’t Cooperate
Southern California isn’t known for rain on New Year’s Day… but this year had other plans. Torrential rain meant ponchos, rain pants, hiking boots—and the rose shirt layered underneath for warmth.
Even when the outfit doesn’t get its full moment, sewing for the experience still counts.
You can’t control the weather—but you can still love what you made.
Game Day Sewing: The Alex Jacket by Iggi Patterns
Once it was confirmed that the University of Alabama would be playing in the Rose Bowl, another project jumped to the top of the list: a black‑and‑white houndstooth jacket to pull everything together.
We spotted the Alex Jacket by Iggi Patterns on Instagram and fell in love with it's modern style and simple lines. This boxy silhouette with drop shoulders and a funnel neck was another perfect, simple pattern to really let the fabric shine. The pattern offers a slant pocket with optional pocket flaps to customize as you wish. And the instructions include a full video sew along so you can see each step of the way.
The jacket was sewn in a wool bouclé blend from Stylemaker Fabrics—beautiful but very shifty. Mid‑project, Jenni made a game‑time decision to interline the entire jacket (including pocket pieces) for stability. When sewing, she treated all the interlined layers as one piece. And the leftover fabric from the rose shirt—she made bias tape to finish the interior raw edges for a special touch.
Because why not make the inside just as fun as the outside?
The Alex Jacket runs intentionally oversized. Jenni made a Medium/Large based on measurements but noted that sizing down—or removing added length—would be worth considering next time.
Wearing Handmade on the Trip
Despite the rain, the full outfit did get its moment—worn together on the final day at the Santa Anita racetrack. Handmade clothes, real life, unforgettable memories.
This is exactly what sewing resolutions are about: garments that get worn, loved, and tied to experiences.
*Affiliate links included—thank you for supporting my work! No extra cost to you, but I may earn a commission. Offers may change.
