Saturday, September 29, 2012

Lucy's Parade

I'm really pleased with how this little dress turned out. Alyssa loves the elephant and the kids playing. She was eager to get it on (she usually HATES getting dressed) which totally translates to a 'mummy/sewing win' right?! Oh and the collar I LOVE. I think I'm going to put collars on everything from now on. This was another Sew Sweet Pattern. I'm calling it Lucy's Parade.







Thursday, September 27, 2012

Sew Sweet Patterns Saffron Romper

I have quite a few of the Sew Sweet Patterns to try out. The Saffron Romper was next on my list.

I'm not going to write much about this one as I was disappointed with the pattern. The bottom fits well but the top was way to wide. It pokes out at the front and the straps slide off her shoulders. I have since taken in the back with a little pleat but because of the frill at the front have just left it as is.

I wanted a romper that could become a wardrobe staple for Alyssa over summer and especially for her to wear at daycare. This ones not it. I am however going to experiment with my own pattern (based on her measurements) that hopefully will 'work'.






Sew Sweet Patterns Harper Reversible Dress

I purchased the Harper Reversible Dress pattern mainly because I loved the fabric they used. It's Bukhara by Dear Stella House Designer, with the main side using Suzani in Multi and reverse using Fez in Multi (I think I like the reverse better, will post some photos soon). You can see the original here. The fabric was purchased from Hawthorn Threads. It's bright, bold and is something I'd usually steer clear of. I think smaller prints suit babies and toddlers better.


The whole dress is sewn inside out, apart from the hem. This way all seams are nicely hidden - perfect if you don't have a serger or overlocker. It was a little tricky to sew the curves but going slowly helps. I didn't get one curve perfect so I just stitched over the top of the original to correct it.

I accidentally cut the front hem the smaller size 9-12 months so had to shorten the dress. I still think its too long. I love dresses that are mid thigh. They are just that bit cuter.

Her Dad said she looked like a table cloth and Uncle, "like a 70's child"...besides that nonsense we had a fun morning in the sun at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast.




Thursday, September 13, 2012

A Sew Sweet Patterns Summer Romper variation

I loved how totally super silly easy the Sew Sweet Patterns Summer Romper was to make. See my first version here.

However, I wanted to make another one as although the pattern fits well it was not totally functional. The original pattern has a tie that is threaded through the top. It kept coming undone and I could tell it was annoying Alyssa.


I had some old fabric that needed using up and since it was totally cheap - I'm a bargain hunter when it comes to fabric (it's EXPENSIVE!) - I thought a romper would be good for daycare. Alyssa is attending three days a week so a lot of her wardrobe needs to be practical: 'I-can-get-filthy-in-this-and-mum-won't-freak' sort of thing :)

I think it turned out too cute for daycare. So the next day I made another one exactly the same.

I attached some trim to the top sides, front and back, and then turned it inside and inserted elastic. No annoying tie. It comes off quickly and is easy to put back on. I think this would be a good solution for girls who can dress themselves. How hard would it be to tie a tie on your shoulder? The only other change I made was to use an extra 2 inches of elastic for the ankle casing which meant that they still gathered in at the ankles but where not too tight.





High Tea at Alyssa's

This fabric was on special for $3 a metre at Spotlight. I thought that was cheap enough to practice making my first skirt (without a pattern - I figured I hardly needed a pattern to make a skirt right?). It actually turned out wearable!



The skirt is lined with a plain pink tana lawn. I used store bought bias tape for the trim and added a fun tie for the back. In the next photo you can see my first attempt at a pocket. It ended up making the skirt a bit stiff though. I contemplated removing it but couldn't be bothered in the end. She might use it?!?


Getting grubby:



I don't know why peoples reaction is always slightly negative 'oh-poor-you-now-its-all-on' when they find out your bubba is walking. It's totally fun! Alyssa really enjoyed helping herself to the reels of cotton in the shop today, taking them off the shelf and then putting them back on. Plus her summer wardrobe is going to be filled with skirts and dresses.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

The 'Raven Dress' from Sew Sweet Patterns

Possibly my favourite thing I have made for Alyssa so far - the Raven Dress from Sew Sweet Patterns is really simple to make if you are over your fear of buttonholes. I am, thankfully. I chose this pattern because of the back straps - they are seriously cute.

I was dying to make a little dress for Alyssa and to use the heart fabric again. I love this fabric! I used the cream version in a sunsuit here.

I included a couple of pics of the dress on the hanger. My little model has been sick for what seems like months and is in no mood for photos, also its a teeny bit big but will be perfect for her to wear in a couple of months.








Ikea AGEN Children's Armchair Cover

The AGEN children's armchair from IKEA looks great in the photos on their website so I made a special trip to IKEA to purchase it.

Because of the 'special trip' I bought it, otherwise I may have passed. It didn't look very comfortable and was in desperate need of a cushion or cover.

It took a couple of goes to get the pattern right. The first was hideous and I binned it straight away. This was the final result:


...and possibly after all my hard work its still not very comfortable because Alyssa spends no time sitting in it. It looks cute in her room however...


Summer Romper from Sew Sweet Patterns

I was looking for a quick and easy pattern for a summer romper for Alyssa. After seriously-unsuccessfully making one from a free tutorial that involved drafting my own pattern I decided that I am still very much reliant upon a professional pattern.

Sew Sweet Patterns specialise in childrens patterns for beginners and their summer romper is probably the easiest thing I have made. And guess what, if fits Alyssa perfectly! I was very happy.



Here is the link to purchase the pattern: http://sewsweetpatterns.com/item_77/Summer-Romper.htm - It's good value at $6 you get patterns sizes 6/12 months to 6 years. I bought two more patterns from Sew Sweet Patterns and can't wait to show you how they turn out.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Knit dress with bib front

I enjoyed sewing 'The Katy Dress' so much that I decided to make another dress. This one was inspired by the Oobi Kitty Dress (http://oobi.com.au) and that*darn*kat's Bib Front Tee Tutorial.

I didn't have a pattern and I decided what to do as I went. I had no expectations. I used some left over material and wasn't too concerned if it all went sour.

I reused my basic pattern pieces from 'The Katy Dress' which gave me a starting point. This is a super easy quick dress to sew. I didn't hem the bottom as the knit rolls up nicely and adds to the fun.

My only regret is not taking a photo of the dress before Alyssa wore it. Her Dad and Grandad minded her for a couple of hours today. The result: a grubby baby with a couple of holes/rips in the skirt.




The Katy Dress

'The Katy Dress' was sooo super easy to make. I wanted to find a free knit dress pattern or tutorial as my girl is so close to walking and I'm desperate to get her out of tights and tees (the only thing practical for a crawler). Jessica from craftinessisnotoptional.com has step by step photo instructions on how to create this dress. The ruched/gathered sleeves add a nice detail and check out her version for the tie around the waist.


I love free patterns especially as sewing is an expensive hobby. Check out my Pinterest board: Babies & Girls Patterns & Sewing Inspiration. Most of my pins are free patterns and tutorials.

Birdie Sailor Pants

I have gone crazy with Pinterest in the last month bookmarking all my favourite patterns and inspiration  for things to sew for my girl. I have also made a discovery - there are not many free babies and girls patterns on the internet but there are a tonne of free tutorials. With a quick trace of an existing tee or pair of pants you have a pattern!

Check out my Pinterest board here: Babies and Girls Sewing Patterns and Sewing Inspiration

I wanted to make a pair of pants that were more than a standard pattern with an elastic waist. They had to have an interesting feature. The Sailor Pants from The Girl Creative were perfect. I use some birdie corduroy and bright yellow buttons purchased from Spotlight.






Do you want to make these? Find the instructions for the free Sailor Pants Tutorial here.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

...another Baby in the Hood Jacket

I couldn't resist making another Baby-in-the-Hood Jacket and had some left over fabric which was just perfect.




This time around I made it longer and used snaps to fasten it together so it could be reversible. There are fake buttons on each side.













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