Something for B and Pattern Testing

As promised, here are a couple of things that I've made for B, but never blogged about.  First up is Peek-a-boo Pattern's Skinny Jeans in size 3.  This girl is growing so fast that it is already getting a tad short on her.  These photos were taken a couple months ago when the length fit perfectly.

 

 



I embroidered bees on the back pocket.  Bees are kinda special in our house:).

 

View of the front and cute little toddler bellybutton.

 



 

That shirt is Oliver & S Sailor Top that I made for S when she was 3 ish.  I went to put it on B and it  was too short already.

Recently, I tested a pattern for Heidi & Finn.  This is the Sporty Maxi Dress, soon to be released.

Really quick sew with a great fit, slim on top with a flared hight-low hem.  B just rocks the Maxi, is all I can say.

Spring KCW 2013: Skater Dress

Ok folks, my last finished project for KCW: the Skater Dress  from Kitschy Coo.

I made a size 5/6 and it is obviously way too big.  So we will save this for next summer; definitely sizing down is a good idea.  On the other hand, the pattern is super easy with very clear instructions.
 
Honestly, with these knit dresses, most of the time I don't even read the directions anymore, but this time I did.  She gives some good tips on sewing with knits and walks you through hemming with double and single needles on a regular sewing machine, and even has instructions for coverstitches.

I might add some sort of embelishment to this dress.  Maybe some machine embroidery?

All in all, this KCW has been the most productive yet.  There were two days when I didn't do my hour, but more than made up on those other days when I did 4 to 5 hours.  I stuck with very simple and easy projects that I knew would get a lot of wear, and concentrated my effort and energy on replenishing S's wardrobe.  I made a total number of 7 items: 2 pairs of leggings, 1 pair of shorts, 2 dresses, and 2 tops.

Come back tomorrow when I will show you some stuff I've made for B!  One of which includes pattern testing for Heidi & Finn...

KCW Spring 2013: Beachy Boatneck and GoTo Leggings

I started watching the second season of Downton Abbey last night at around 9pm.  Before I knew it, I was on Episode 4 and it was past 1am. 

In the 4 hours that I was so engrossed in Downton Abbey, I did manage to complete this outfit for S.  The top pattern is Blank Slate's Beachy Boatneck.  Such an easy sew and the fit is roomy and comfortable.  I love the boatneck and 3/4 length sleeves.






I used a really soft, light-weight jersey.  Even with the longer sleeves, I think that this top will take her through the summer because of it is so airy and light.

The leggings are from the Go To Leggings pattern that I used to make this one.  This time I added the pocket option  in the same fabric as the top and shortened to the capri length.

S is as happy as I am about her new outfit.
   

Spring KCW 2013: E & E's Bubble Shorts

 Day 3 of KCW brings us to the Bubble Pocket Shorts, the latest from Elephants & Elegance Patterns.  To go along with yesteday's Ruffle Top Tunic, I chose a buttery yellow linen blend that I found as a remnant at JoAnn's.  I love browsing in the remnant and red tag area of JoAnn's; sometimes I can score some beautiful fabric for a steal. 
  
 The top is tucked in so that you can see the cute bow detail at the waist.    

I honestly can't wait to see the next E & E pattern release.  Wouldn't this outfit look so cute with a fedora hat instead of the gigantic flower:)?

Spring KCW 2013: E & E's Ruffle Tunic

I can't tell you how much I love this top.  The pattern is designed by Elegance and Elephants.  Heidi is one of those talented designers that I've been following for a while and when she released her first pattern, The Ruffle Top, I jumped at the chance to buy it, and at a nice discount too.


The fabric is a beautiful voile by Anna Maria Horner that I've been saving forever.  I'm so glad I finally had a chance to use it.

The finishing on this little top is pristine.   The stitch in the ditch method of attaching the bias around the neck and armhole gives it a beautiful and clean finish without being too fussy.  Perfect!

The back is equally lovely.

 

Now I want one in my size!

Spring 2013 KCW: GoTo Anywhere Dress and Leggings

It's that time of the year again: the Kid's Clothes Week Challenge, otherwise known as KCW.  As with years past, I have no specific plans;  I'm a fly-by-my-seat kind of sewer anyway, and this week is no exception. 

This outfit is the Anywhere Dress and GoTo Leggings designed by Andrea Pannell of The Train To Crazy. 

 

The leggings have the peekaboo hole and bow in the back; a detail that I just love and I think  really completes the outfit.  I chose the elbow sleeve option with cuffs for the dress.  S is wearing a size 5 and it fits her perfectly. 

Both patterns sewed up really quick, a couple of hours per piece from start to finish.  The leggings would have gone even faster without the peekaboo detail. 

 

PS: Sorry about the blurry pics; my model was not in a cooperative mood that day.

School Photo Dress

 
I have a stack of Oliver & S dresses to make.  This one is the School Photo Dress in a Denyse Schmidt floral.  I love the little details in this pattern: the kangaroo pockets, the sixties style collar, the full lining.  I opted to make view A with the view B sleeves and added the pompom trim to break up the print. 

This was my first time installing an invisible zipper.   With Liesl's guidance, it was easy peasy, and I love the clean look of it. 

This is such a sophisticated, yet sweet dress.  There's another one for B in the works.

Simply Lovely Casual Lady

 

I recently got to test a couple of new patterns by Go To Patterns.  I love Andrea's style, simple but so chic.  I was so excited to try out this recent pattern, called the Simply Lovely Dress.  It is now available for free through April to those who are on their newsletter email list, so hurry up and sign up! 

 

 

 I changed things up a little bit in this version.  The skirt is fuller, 30 inches, and has four rows of elastic instead of just the one called for in the pattern.  I used quilting cotton, but you can also make this in knit.

This one is the Casual Lady.  I made the top view in a beautiful charcoal ponte knit that I found as a remnant at JoAnn's.  The hand is dreamy, soft with just enough weight and drape. 

 

I can see myself making and wearing a whole lot more of both patterns, especially because they are h really quick sews and can be finished in a couple of hours. 

 

By the way, if you buy the Casual Lady Pattern, the proceeds will go towards funding and raising awareness for global sex trafficking victims.   You can find out more here.

An (Un)Birthday Flashback Tee

 
I made S's birthday shirt yesterday, except that her birthday was 2 months ago.  Actually I had no plans to make any kind of birthday t-shirt.  My friend had asked me to embroider a name on a similar shirt that she had made with appliqued butterflies on a number 3.  S saw me working on it, and I think that she thought it was hers because the name also began with an S.  Oh the disappointment and the tears when she found out that it was not meant for her.  The only way I could pry it out of her hands was to promise to make her a similar shirt, this one with her own name on it and a number 5.  instead of appliqued butterflies though, I went with an embroidered design.

The pattern is made by rae's flashback tee with a few modifications:  puffy three quarter lengthsleeves, and bands on the hem and the gathered sleeves. 

 
Ok, now back to regularly scheduled sewing, which might include a couple  of things for me.