...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.

Baby in the Hood Jacket

I found the Baby-in-the-Hood Jacket from a (library) book called Handmade Beginnings by Anna Maria Horner. I photocopied the pattern and the instructions and put it on my to-make list. There are 46 steps so possibly a little daunting for the beginner sewer. Thankfully I had my Mum to answer my questions when I screamed HELP on a couple of the steps.

The jacket is fully lined with contrasting fabrics for the lining, button placket and hood. I decided to just use one fabric as my contrast, but with the "darling details" there are lots of opportunities to experiment with fabrics and colours. "Seeing sweet baby eyes and cheeks peek out of the hood is just irresistible" - a definite selling point!

The pattern sizes are quite small. I made a nine to 12 months. Alyssa is nine months old and its tight when she has layers underneath.

I have the green version of this fabric so when I make the next size here are a couple of things I will do differently:

• Add extra length. It's too short, especially when she is crawling it sits half way up her back
• Reconsider options for fastening the jacket. The buttons slip out of the loops, so possibly the loops are too long. I might try velcro to better secure the button placket
• Use a warmer fabric for the lining

Here are my favourite pics: