Monday, April 29, 2013

Kids Clothing Week Challenge Spring 2013 Review

OK this is strange. I feel like I should hop up and make something or be planning my next project not sitting on the couch typing. I really enjoyed last week. My house is much dirtier and my refrigerator is empty but worth it I think. 

The following are pictures of my accomplishments, oh and the clothes too.  I feel pretty good about the items I completed this week. I hope you like them too.



Day One - Box Pleat Shorts - Pattern by Crafting Zuzzy.




The weather has not been warm enough for shorts so she has not been able to enjoy these just yet. Hopefully, she won't have any major growth spurts before the weather changes and will be able to wear them through the summer too.


Day 2 & 4 - Ruffle Pants & Halter Top - Pants pattern by Modest Maven & Top Pattern by Oliver+S.







I really love these pants & the halter. I never planned on them being worn together but I kinda like it. The halter is a perfect fit with a little room to grow, maybe even next summer too (not that it matters I am definitely making this one again). The pants I was hoping would be capri's and as you can see they are a little big. They still work as pants and big just means they will fit her longer. I think Hannah would be OK with that. She really liked these pants, especially running in them.



Day 3 - Spring Coat - Pattern by luvinthemommyhood.





Hannah has worn this almost every day since I made it and received lots of compliments. I think its because the color makes her eyes stand out. Thank you Shannon for sharing this pattern.



Day 5 - Crop Baggie Pants - Pattern by Sessa






Sammy has worn these every day since I made them. They feel super comfy. As you can see they are a bit big so he should be wearing these for a long time. I need to make him a couple more of these.







Turns out my Sammy is the model in the family. I couldn't stop taking pictures of him. He is such a goof ball!




 The boys got some moves!


Day 6 - Comfy Knit Dress - Pattern by LBG Studio.





By far everyones favorite for the week. I must make her a couple more. I have the same fabric in blue & white with black poka-dots. She needs matching bloomers too. 



Day 7 - Swing Tank & Shorts - Tank pattern by True Bias & shorts McCall 5416.








The swing tank and shorts fit her perfectly. I can see this being worn a lot through the warmer months. They are both light and airy. 




I enjoyed doing this so much I am already planning my summer 2013 KCWC. 


Thanks for stopping by. Come back soon!


Darla

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Kids Clothing Week Challange - Day 7

This week went by so fast and it feels great to accomplish so much. For my final sewing day I completed two pieces. I can't tell if they were just very simple or I am getting faster. 


The swing top was made using the free pattern from True Bias. Used a fuchsia interlock knit for the top and a rayon floral for the shorts (which I used McCall pattern 5416). After I had cut out the shirt I decided on making shorts too. When reflecting on this I wish I had done the shorts in the knit & the Swing tank in the floral but didn't have enough of the knit fabric. Oh well, live & learn.

I was able to get Hannah to try this on and it fits really well. The shirt is pretty basic and the shorts seam comfy. 

Tomorrow I will post a Spring KCW round up of the kids wearing the clothes I made for them over this past week. Stop by and check it out!

Darla

Kids Clothing Week Challange - Day 6

I'm a little behind in my posts. I did actually complete something yesterday but just didn't get it done till late last night and didn't take pictures till today. So here it is....


 The Comfy Knit Dress. My husband says this is his favorite so far. I have to say I agree with him. True to name it really does seem comfy. I'm a little jealous actually, I want this dress for me. I'll have to look in to that. The free pattern is by LBG Studio. The two tier skirt is very full and great for twirling. I can see this being a favorite. The pattern also provides a single tier option with pockets. I plan on making it very soon and may be a couple more two tier ones too.



 I didn't bother with the button holes since the neck is large enough. Of all the free patterns I made this week I would have to say by far this was the best. And finally I have some pictures of Hannah in an outfit I can share.




 Next up, swing top and shorts.

Darla


Friday, April 26, 2013

Kids Clothing Week Challange - Day 5

I finally have completed something for my son.....


I made these cropped pants using the Baggie Shorts Tutorial & Pattern from Sessa and a 3XL polo from goodwill. I added a couple inches to the length and used the polo collar for the waistband. The pocket binding & the drawstring are twill tape.  Samuel tried them on right before bed and they were a bit to big in the waist so I changed the faux drawstring to an actual drawstring and that should be enough to keeps them up. With the exception of them slipping down they are really cute and not something you would find in stores everywhere. I am hoping to get pictures of Samuel in them tomorrow.

I am in the mood for knits so I have a couple of those in the works and hope to have them completed tomorrow.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Kids Clothing Week Challange - Day 4

I think the completed item for today is the cutest thing I've made ever. 


This sunshine yellow ruffled halter top is a free pattern from Oliver+S. It was so easy to make and includes 5 sizes (18mo. -  10/12). Its a guarantee that I will be making one of these every year for the next several years.

Next up pants & a t-shirt for Samuel. Till then, goodnight!

Darla

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Kids Clothing Week Challange - Day 3

I am sitting here doing a mental check of how I think things are going and how I feel. So far I am really happy with everything that I have made and very excited about things I still have planned to make. I am so inspired by all the awesome things I am seeing the other KCWC people are putting together. So inspired that I have already started putting together lists for the summer KCWC. I'm a little sad that my daughter is not cooperating with the photo's. Although, she seems to like the clothes. I will get my husband to help me with the photos this weekend till then the hanger shots will do. Which brings me to my completed day 3 item....




The spring coat I have been talking about is done. I used The Keaton Coat pattern from luvinthemommyhood. I love this fabric. I helped my niece make a laptop bag a few weeks back and she picked out these fabrics. They were super cute for her bag but I just new I had to make this coat with them too. I'm glad I did. 




Don't you just love the big chunky button. I had a hard time deciding between this green button and a dark brown button. I'd love feed back, what do you think green or brown? 

I found only using the one button that the inside front was slipping down and the coat was looking a little hap-hazard to me. I added a hidden snap to the inside front of the coat and it did the trick. I also hemmed the sleeves some since they were a little long for her now but Its roomy enough I think if I let out the hem it will still work for next spring too.

I love this coat. It is exactly what I wanted for Hannah. So far I think this is my favorite of my items. Next up is a halter top for Hannah and I must make something for Samuel I am thinking pants & t-shirt. 

Till then, good night!
Darla

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Kids Clothing Week Challange - Day 2

Day 2 complete. My one completed item for the day is the ruffled bloomer pants. The free pattern & tutorial is from Modest Maven
I found the fabric, which has almost a denim look to it, in the remnants bin. However this particular location does not do a very good job including fabric information with their remnants so I am not sure exactly what it is. I love it though, it washes well and does not appear to wrinkle much. This pattern was fun to put together. I think they came out very cute. Only concern is they are little big. Which is a good thing I think. She will probably get more than one season out of them. I just need to take in the elastic a bit for now. Next summer they will probably fit perfectly as capris.
I also made some progress with her spring coat which I hope to complete tomorrow. 
Good night!
Darla

Monday, April 22, 2013

Kids Clothing Week Challange - Day 1

My first day of KCWC was very productive. I managed to complete the stripped banded box pleat shorts shown below using this tutorial and free pattern. I tried to get pictures of Hannah in them but every time I pulled out the camera I received a loud "NO!!!!" and she would run away. Oh well, I will have to try again another day. 
I also just completed a pair of ruffled capris and have started on a spring coat. You will have to wait till my next post to see those. For now good night!

Darla

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Busy little Quail

Since the beginning of the year I have been sewing up a storm. This post is a gallery of most of my creations over the past few months. I decided to skip all the diaper covers, leggings and bags I have made. I figured those are pretty unexciting.

You will have to forgive some of my photography. Hannah moves fast and doesn't like to cooperate, so some of it the lighting may not be the best or perfectly in focus. Settle in, this is a marathon post.


This first one is a boy's 2T button down shirt I stole from my son Samuel's closet that I converted to a summery blouse for Hannah.


I didn't use a pattern on this one. I started by removing the pocket, collar & sleeves. Then I took a 24 month shirt that Hannah already had in her closet and made a pattern. It had an a-line shape to it so I ended up trimming the shirt a little down the side seams to resemble the same shape. I took fabric leftover from the original sleeves for the little cap sleeves. I made a wide hem all the way around the neck. Pulled the elastic through closed the hem opening and wha-la done!


I have a couple more of these in the works that will be a bit different. I may post these tutorial style.


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The next one I used Buttrick pattern 5629 is from a pattern. I really like the ric-rac trim detail on the top and the pant legs. 

The sizing must be off on the pattern. I ended up scrapping the pants from the pattern. The waist was too short and with the diaper her pants wouldn't stay up. The pants shown here I made a pattern using pants that fits her well. I thought the top was a too short also so I added the white band. I think I actually like it better I think it shows off the detail. 





Seems like Hannah enjoys this one.

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This is Prudent Baby's Snappy Toddler Top. They have a free pattern and tutorial that was easy to follow.  I have also figured out how to enlarge the pattern so I see using this one over and over again. 





I must point out, up to this point I had spent all of $7. The shirt from Sammy's closet = Free. The teal gingham fabric was a remnants = $2, Ric-Rac = $1 & pattern $2. 8 pack of Snaps I found on clearance = $2 (& I only used 2) & the fabric I had in my stash from over a decade ago so we will call that free. Considering you can barely get one article of clothing off the clearance rack for $7 and I've got 3 shirts & a pair of pants, this is shaping up to budget friendly craft. 

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The Nunny Dress (Hannah calls bunnies nunnies.) This is another store bought pattern; New Look 6018. This is a pretty nice pattern to buy. It includes patterns for leggings & a long sleeve t-shirt too. The fabric is a baby corduroy I found in remnants bin for a couple bucks. I made this one size larger then she is now in hopes that it will be perfect this fall and through most of next winter.
This pattern also include different dress embellishments options. I like the simple look of the pockets on the camel color baby corduroy.  The bunny appliques came from a left over clearance crib bed skirt from pottery barn that I bought to make the valance in her bedroom. I couldn't resist adding them since Hannah loves bunnies. She gets so excited when I pull this one out for her to wear. 




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This one is McCall pattern 5416. This pattern was recommended by another blogger as her new favorite pattern so I had to try it when I found the pattern on sale for $1. Its easy to follow and the shirt is pretty cute but I wouldn't go as far as saying its my favorite. It doesn't have much for the lining so I will have to see if it starts creeping out the armholes and neckline after some wear. I didn't have enough fabric to make the matching short since this was another remnants fabric find for 50 cents. I love remnants! The pockets on this are so cute.





This was the face I got on the last photo I took. "All Done" was her final word on the matter.

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(Ooops, I just realized how wrinkled this dress was when I took the picture. Sorry about that!) 
The Geranium pattern from Made by Rae. This is an awesome pattern! So worth the investment. The pink dress is one of two that I have made. The pattern has different style options for the sleeve, neckline & can be a dress or tunic. I'd have to say this is my current favorite.
I love love these little pink flower buttons down the back! The ruffle sleeves are finished with a zigzag stitch so they have a bit of a rough edge. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about that but I think I really like it. 





Such a pretty baby.


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The Geranium 2. This is also the pattern from Rae Hoekstra of Made by Rae. Did I say how great this pattern is. I could help but do another version right after the last one. This time I used the faux cap sleeve,  the cutout neckline and the patch pockets. I just realized I must have thing for pockets cause this this the third outfit I've made with patch pockets.
I shorted the skirt on this one so it is some where between the dress and the tunic. I thought the dress was a little long on Hannah for everyday play wear.
These red buttons really pop. I don't think the picture does them justice. The fabric again was another very cheap remnants find. Not sure it was the best choice for a play dress since it wrinkles so easily. I made matching red leggings which you can kind of see below. Those were made from an old red t-shirt of mine using the pattern from the New Look 6018 pattern that I used for the nunny dress above.

Hannah was not interested in photo's for this one. It is a shame too cause it is so cute on. These were the best shots I was able to get.



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This is a dress version of the snappy toddler top by Prudent Baby. I made this one size larger than Hannah is now since her current dress wardrobe is busting at the seams. It looks pretty cute with a white long sleeve shirt underneath so it should work great this winter.  
I love this fabric which is also a remnants. It is a pretty heavy woven cotton. And two more snaps from the $2 clearance pack. I made black leggings to match which are really big right now which you can see below.  I highly recommend the snappy top pattern and tutorial. So far both of my projects have come together quickly and look great.






Well that is it for my completed projects. I have a few currently in process; a pair of shorts, carpi's, jeggings & a tunic. Those will be posted over the next week or two.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my sewing for my cutie pie!
Darla