Skirt for V and her doll

Even though I've been sewing less I've still managed to fit in a little bit of sewing for others. For my nieces V's 3rd birthday I whipped her and her doll Penny matching layer skirts.

I used the free tutorial from Dana MADE It as a guide. I cut the fabric just under twice the required width for a nice full gather. I used some treasured liberty fabric paired with the same denim chambray I used for her a skirt for mum, my sister.  I sewed up the two layers and hemmed them. I then attached them together at the waist with a wrong side of one layer meeting the right side of the other.

It sounds counter-intuitive but you can then hide this upper waist seam inside the waistband by turning down both layers as appropriate and sewing them together at the lower waist seam line.  I think the skirts turned out super cute and V and penny look pretty darn cute in them.

Itty Bitty Baby Clothes

My sister and brother-in-law recently had twin girls! I wanted to make something for their arrival and the free Made by Rae Itty bitty baby dress pattern came to mind, along with the free MADE diaper cover bloomers. There are so many free patterns out there for kids, but especially for newborns to 12 month old's. Aren't we aunties lucky?!

I made two 0-3 month old dresses using small pieces of liberty of london fabric and bias binding I found in my stash with contrasting pink and white gingham cotton I cut from an old dress that I no longer wear. The cotton is lovely and soft. The dress came together very quickly! Baby clothes are so quick to sew, being tiny and all.

For the bloomers I used the old MADE diaper cover pattern as I already had it printed. However, the pattern and tutorial have since been revised to improve the fold over leg holes that the leg elastic is threaded through. I made the bloomers as per the instructions except for adding a few strips of ruffled fabric on the backsides. I cut stripes around 1.5" by 10". I used my overlocker to finish the edges before attaching.

Congratulations parents Steph and Damian, and big sisters A & A,  on you're two beautiful new daughters/little sisters!

Christmas Gifts For Nieces & Nephews

Another installment in Christmas gift sewing 2014. This time, the gifts I sewed for some of my nieces and Nephews.

For my youngest niece, V, I made the free Pleated Playsuit Pattern by Elegance & Elephants out of some left over quilting cotton and bird linen from her mum's Alice top. I cut a size 2 and followed the instructions baring two changes: I extended the short cuffs so they could be folded up and tacked down and used two rows of 1/4"elastic instead of 1/2"elastic because that's what I had on hand.

I love this pattern and will definitely make it up again some time. If only it cam in my size!

I made V and two older nieces, A & A, drawstring skirts using Melly Sews tutorial. I've made up this skirt before and I think it's a great pattern to sew for kids who you don't have the exact measurements of. The drawstring means they can always draw the skirt tighter or looser.

I made the girls skirts in various cotton drills and poplins from spotlight. They are super bright and fun. Hopefully the girls think so too. I especially like the way the folded over pocket flaps look on the stripey version. V striped down to get straight into her skirt during Christmas lunch. She seemed particularly keen on the pockets.

My nephews J and R received new MADE Kid Shorts as they have grown out of last years versions. I have definitely gotten my moneys worth from this pattern. I think I would've sewn at least 30 pairs now. 

I made these shorts from some cotton drills (green stars and black and white geometirc print) and cotton poplin (hot air balloons). I asked Tim to come help me pick out the fabrics for the boys as I really struggle to see "manly" fabrics among the sea of floral's, pinks and purples. I'm not sure if we hit the mark, but we tried.
 

Like last time, I added welt zipper pockets for the boys shorts in addition to back patch pockets. I used fabrics left over from Tim's Pooch PJ Shorts for the pocket linings so there is a little bit of fun in each pocket! I also added cuffs to J's pair of shorts as they are popular at the moment and I thought he might like them.

Thanks goodness another year of Christmas sewing is over! While these are all simple patterns they do take a bit of time to come together each year from planning to gifting. It is super fun sewing up clothes in such bright and sturdy fabrics though and I love seeing the kids in their gifted clothes during the year.

Birthday Pom Pom Tutu

After seeing a store version my sister, Nat,  requested a pom pom tutu dress for V for her 2nd birthday. I found these two images on Pinterest for some inspiration. It looks like pom pom tutus are, in fact, a thing, but they are rarely seen in stores or on the streets. At least, I've  never witnessed a pom pom tutu in the wild, until now.

I ended up making up V's outfit as I went along. I decided I'd make a skirt and dress that could be worn together (like a dress) or separately so that the skirt can be worn as a dress up.  

For the skirt I layered together a whole lot of soft white and purple tulle with the outermost layer a double layer, folded in half at the hem. I sewed up the back centre seam, filled the outer layer with pom poms, gathered the skirt and attached it to a glitter elastic waistband. As easy as that. Except that I kind of hated sewing the tulle. It shifted around and was incredibly hard to see. Some dodgy sewing was involved, but luckily V doesn't care one bit.

I used the Pretty In Peplum dress pattern as a basis for the dress. I cut a size 2, extended the peplum to be a circle skirt and attached it to the bodice. Instead of the intended neckline facings I cut a neckband to attach. I top stitched dress in purple thread to match the purple tutu. The fabric is a cotton knit with a simple but cute cake slice print.

V was a little confused as to why there were pom pom inside her skirt but otherwise it was well received. She looks ridiculously cute in her new skirt! Happy 2nd birthday V.

Some Selfless Sewing

I haven't felt much like blogging lately. I've a few things I need to get photos of but I've mostly been focusing on selfless sewing as it tis' the season afterall. So, I have a few bits and pieces to share with minimal text.

First up, my niece has out grown the MADE Kids Shorts gifted to her last Christmas so I whipped up a few more pairs from fabric scrapes. Dotty chambray, green cotton, and pineapples with yellow mini pom poms. They were all well received, most of all the green pair. I know I'm bias, but isn't the above photo just ridiculously cute?!

I've been wanting to try Melissa's drawstring skirt tutorial since she posted it. I made up a size 2 in some really fun fabric. My niece loves this skirt and I'll definitely use the tutorial again and again for her as well as my older nieces as the tutorial goes up to a size 16 girls. I'm not always a fan of tutorials that require maths, measuring your self/ child, or drafting pieces but this one really couldn't be easier. A sizing chart is even provided. 

I made much smaller pockets than suggested ( I cut 5x6" rather than 6x9"). I also find the drawstrings a little tough to tighten through the single hole so next time I'll make two button holes, one for each end of the drawstring.

Finally, I promised one my sisters a simple loose fitting summer top for her birthday. We have the special linen put away while we try out a few pattern styles and sizes. First up is the Marilla Walker Maya pattern which I made not long ago for myself. I cut the smallest size but I could see from the measurement chart that it may still be too large.

I made the top from stash fabric: the front is a white and navy voil from spotlight and the back is a lightweight cotton from The Cloth Shop. Unfortunately the fit is just too large, even for a boxy top. Next time I will fold out some width at the centre front and back before cutting into the fabric. My sister also asked for added length. I added 1.5"on this version but next time I'll probably add around 3"total. Bedsides some fitting issues, it's a very sweet top and hopefully it will get some wear. 

Next up is some sewing for me (yay!), probably following my Xmas sewing. I'm sewing some Katey and Laney patterns and hoping to also get some photos of previous makes this weekend. So, who else is sewing Christmas presents out there? Only for the children in your life, or adults too?  

Pattern Testing: The Sweet Simple Dress

A little while ago I pattern tested for Allison of Freshly Completed. Today, Allison released her girls dress pattern The Sweet Simple Dress. The pattern is exactly that, sweet and simple.

It's a peasant style dress with puffed pleated sleeves and no closures. The pattern is available in sizes 0-3m to 4t and includes a heap of customization ideas and tips to make your dress unique. Shorten to a tunic, add a bib ruffle, hem ruffle, contrasting hem.. oh and wouldn't pom pom trim look cute! One of the best things about this style dress, imo, is that it will fit as a tunic and maybe even as a top as the kiddie grows. 

I made a size 18m for my niece V in some stashed cotton. I initially made it without any customisation details, but decided to add a strip of ribbon for some visual interest. Doesn't V look super cut in her dress, and in general?!

The Sweet Simple Dress is beginner friendly and an incredibly quick make. It would make a great project for a beginner sewer wanting to make baby gifts or whip up some some dresses for their own little girl. The PDF pattern can be purchased here. 

Navy Moss With Heart & Horse

I wear my Denim Grainline Studio Moss Skirt all the time, at least a few times a week. I love my Liberty cord Moss but its not quite as wearable as my denim version. I set out to make another cord version with a bit more modesty so it would be suitable for work as well as play.

I cut a size 10 with no alterations from a Navy Cord I had in my stash. For the facings and pockets I used left over fabric from my Full O'Heart Dress. I love the way the patterned fabric looks against the navy.

I sewed up the skirt quicker than ever, this is my 5th version and it's pretty ingrained in my memory now. The only changes I made were to sew the hem facing pieces on with a slightly larger seam allowance as I find the Moss mini a bit too mini, but the lengthened version just a tad to too long. I also stitched in the ditch to attach the waistband and hem facing, rather than hand sewing. Seriously, who out there is hand sewing that shiz, and why oh why?

The insides of the skirt are a bit of a mish-mash. I overlocked a few seams and then I temporarily broke my overlocker. Don't worry, it's in perfect health now. But, in a rage, I finished the rest of the skirt on the sewing machine. I really wish I had of remembered to reverse the pocket lining so that the heart fabric was right side up from the inside of the skirt.

My only issue with the skirt is some severe puckering at the waistband and hemband. I think the cord must have stretched out as I was sewing so I couldn't get it to fit the waistband and hem band pieces properly. I know I could have gathered the pieces in a bit more but I just didn't have the patience for it. I've never been a perfectionist and I'm not going to change now. In the future, I must remember to stay stitch my skirt pieces.

Not much more to say about this skirt. Despite the puckers, I hope it gets as much wear as my Denim Moss. It debuted today at my nieces birthday party (here's the horsey part). For my nieces birthday I made her a gathered elasticated skirt. My sister told me to think horse when looking for a gift. I couldn't find any horsey fabric in store so I went online. There are so many horse themed fabrics on Spoonflower but my favourite was this one: "All the pretty little horses".  I love that its mostly grey but with some really lovely pick, yellow, orange tinges.

The package came this week (3.5 weeks from order date). Thankfully a gathered skirt only takes an hour to make. I only bought a metre of fabric. I used the whole width of the fabric from the skirt. For the length I estimated based on the waist to knee length cited in size charts of Aussie kids clothing stores. I bought some special silver sparkly elastic from Darn Cheap for the waistband. I think it turned out great. Perhaps slightly big as Ava is lean and long.

I had some left overs but not nearly enough to make anything for myself so I decided to make a smaller skirt to pop on Etsy, then I caught the bug and made to others. Kids clothes are such a  fun and quick make between bigger personal makes.

Sewing Tid Bits

The last couple of weeks I've been sewing lots of small pieces off and on so I thought I might share a few photo's. I know this isn't the most interesting of posts but I like to record most of my creations as a bit of a sewing diary.

1. I made a wonderful friend a Sorbetto top and Madeleine bloomers PJ set. I wasn't sure about what to make her and finally decided the night before her birthday that PJ's were on the agenda. The next day I sewed like crazy and even threaded the leg opening ribbon on the train on the way to birthday dinner. I only managed to get a photo of the top. I made them out of a Rayon fabric which I love! Might have to buy some more for myself. Check out the post on my own PJs.

2. I've been getting into pattern testing quite a bit lately. I really enjoy the small insight you get into the pattern development process and stages. I'll share more about what I've been sewing and the new patterns soon.

3. My sister made a last minute request for a pig costume for my nephew J's fairy tale dress up at school. He went as the big bad pig. I used the School Boy Vest by Sew Much Ado. I omitted anything fancy (back ties, pockets) and extended the back to have 'tux tails' and a sewed on a piggy tail. My sister bought me a fat pipe-cleaner for the tail which I encased in fabric, sewed on, and twirled. For more info on the Schoolboy Vest check out my full post.

4. I've also been sewing more Measure Twice Cut Once Georgiana Knickers. I've even started using some pretty trim! I made these knickers from Anna's Rigel (will post soon) and my Alma blouse left overs. I think that's enough knickers until I buy and try out the Charlotte Knickers (fuller brief).

And that's about it for now. Next up I'd like to try the New York Cape and a Gertie Blouse.

Sew Much Ado: Schoolboy Vest

I’m really excited to share this post. A few weeks ago Abby, from Sew Much Ado, put the call out for pattern testers for her fabulous Schoolboy Vest PDF pattern and I was lucky enough to be involved. The pattern was designed for children sizes 6m to 12 years and would be a fantastic addition to any little man’s wardrobe. And for that matter, it would also be super cute for girls too! I tested the size 8 for my 7.5 yr old nephew, J. The vest came together so easily and doesn't he look smart?!

The pattern includes instructions for either faux or real welt pockets as well as a back tie. The vest ends up looking really professional but the pattern is beginner friendly. Abby holds your hand through each step.This was my third time inserting welt pockets and it went perfectly.The instructions for the welts were the clearest I've seen so far. Another tricky part of the vest for some might be making the buttonholes and positioning them correctly. Well, the pattern includes a button hole guide which you can use after the vest is made up. No stress about chalk markings disappearing. Every step in the instructions is also accompanied with a colour photograph to look at if the words just aren't making sense for you. What more could you ask for?

I made J's vest out of 1/2m of a wool blend for the shell and the lining I made from one of his Dad's old Men's shirts. You need so little fabric that it's quite the little stash buster. J is not a big guy so he has plenty of room to grow in the size 8.

 

The vest I made is quite classic looking, but some of the testers made very modern, colourful versions. Some made gorgeous vests for little girls. The vest can even be made reversible so you could do serious on one side and fun on the other. Check out the cuties on the pattern label Abby designed. Anywho, I highly recommend the Schoolboy Vest, whether you are looking for a pattern for your little boy or girl  for special occasions or just for fun!

source: http://www.sewmuchado.com/2014/03/schoolboy-vest-pdf-pattern-is-here.html

Thanks for letting me test out this wonderful pattern Abby, I had a lot of fun making it and also interacting with you and the other testers. Can't wait to see more vests popping up on the blogosphere.

Oliver & S Bucket Hat

Just a quick post showing the hat I made my Niece V yesterday. My sister had mentioned she was looking for a new hat for V with a drawstring strap so I thought I'd whip one up using the free Oliver & S bucket hat pattern.

The pattern comes in 6m to 8 yrs sizes. I made V the small (12m-2yrs) in the fruity cotton fabric I used for her Christmas present with purple insides. The pattern only has three pieces and comes together super quick. the only tricky part is sewing around the small curves. Also, I hate hand sewing so it was a little annoying having to sew the inside hat into the shell hat.  

 The only alteration I made to the pattern was to sandwich a cord made from the self fabric into the sides of the hat to act as a strap and pop a drawstring closure on there.

It turned out super cute but on the small side. V will need the next size up in no time even though she's only 16 mths. Overall, this is a great free pattern!