Monday, April 29, 2013

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...

Friday, April 26, 2013

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.
   

Thursday, April 25, 2013

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:)?

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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!

Monday, April 22, 2013

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.