sewing with kids

I made this top, See Kate Sew's Pippa Peplum Top in under 2 hours from start to finish.  There's an adult version too, and she's having a sew-along on her blog.  But honestly, it's such a simple and straightforward pattern that I  hardly even needed to read the directions. 

Oh, and look!  S got a sewing machine for Christmas.  This is the one she got.  Its a Janome 3/4 size Hello Kitty sewing machine.  I admit, I am a sucker for hello kitty and that color.  We started lessons the day after she opened the box, then her friend (her birthday twin) joined us for a 3 day sewing camp.

 

I used a couple of blogs to help with lesson plans.  Ikat bag was helpful with the types of projects that 5 year-olds can handle.  I referred a lot to this post.   Welcome to the Mouse House has an ongoing series on teaching kids to sew with a lot of good info and tips. 



 

 

The girls completed one project per session, which lasted about 2 hours each.  They were super-motivated and such great listeners.

 



 On the last day of our sewing camp, both girls completed this skirt.  It's a very simple reversible skirt with an eyelet trim and elastic waistband. 

Of course, they both needed a lot of help and are not totally independent, but I'm pretty impressed with the progress they've made.   

Catching Up and lots of Pattern Testing

As per usual, I've been sewing up a storm but not blogging!  So I thought I would catch you all up on my latest projects.  I've been doing a lot of pattern tests lately.  It's fun, gives me a goal and a deadline, apparently things I need to stay motivated, plus I'm helping out fellow sewists and designers.  So here are some highlights!

Amelie Clothing (formerly Kikoi Patterns) Reversible Vest

 

 Shwin Designs Every Little Thing Dress

 

Rabbit Rabbit Creations Harem Pants 

Amelie Clothing Blue Blouse

 

Another Amelie Clothing Reversible A-line Dress

Heidi & Finn Coco Jacket

 

Stitchwerx Lane Raglan Tunic and Essential Leggings

Shwin Lucille Top

 

Ellie Inspired Butterfly Dreams

 

Shwin Designs Martha Bubble Dress

Peekaboo Patterns Lily Knit Blazer

 

 

Ok, that's enough for today.  I have so much more to show you but now I have to go peruse the Black Friday deals.  Most of these pattern shops are having spectacular sales today and this weekend.  Go check them out! 

Pattern Anthology's Winter Wonderland Collection

 

You guys, I don't know how this happened, but I got to test not 1 or 2 or 3, but 4 of Pattern Anthology's Winter Wonderland Collection.  First up is the Holly Pants, designed by Andrea of Go To Patterns.  These pants were originally made for B in a size 4.  They were a little too loose and long on her, so I tried them on S, and whadda ya know, they fit her perfectly.  I think this had something to do with the fabric that I chose--a really soft brushed cotton with silver thread running throughout.  Although not a stretch fabric, there is a lot of give in the looser weave.  I love the pleats and tapered legs, the belt loops and flat front and elasticized back waist.  So stylish and comfy at the same time.    

Next up is the Sweet Bonnie Top from Shwin Designs.  In the process of testing this top, I actually made two, one in interlock knit and the other in rayon challis.  B is wearing the knit version.



Honestly, I just can't resist a peter pan collar.  The back has an exposed zipper that gives this top a modern flair.

Here's the woven version that I made for S.  She didn't like the top at first, because, gasp, there was no pink or purple in sight.  It took about a day, but she came around eventually.  

And one of my favorite items that I've ever made, this is the Amarylis Dress by Blank Slate Patterns.  I just happened to have this black and white gingham taffeta in my stash.  The construction of this dress is absolute genius.   And bonus,  it's totally reversible!  If there is such a thing as perfection, this pattern is it for me.

I love the back equally as much as the front.

Ok, back to Shwin Designs.  When Shauna asked for volunteers to sew up the size 8 for the Johnny B Good Hoodie, I had to give it a try.  It's such a cool shirt, and surprisingly easy.  The hood, the cuffs, the shoulder placket, I just love all the details.

I made this for my nephew.  He's such a cool dude in his hoodie.

Well that's it!  You can find the Winter Wonderland Collection here.  There are 8 patterns altogether; the complete collection comes out to be $5 per pattern, a really great deal for all the mix and match options you get.  Since the tops have both long and short sleeve options, and the Holly Trousers also can be worn as shorts, these patterns really will carry you through all the seasons.

Phew, it was so much fun sewing up these patterns.  Thanks to the designers for such an awesome collection and for letting me be a small part of the process.

KCW Fall 2013: The Tinny Dress

Last day of KCW was yesterday; I actually finished this dress Saturday night.  This is S's costume for Halloween.  In case you are wondering, she is a Rockford Peach, made famous by the movie A League of Their Own.  The Rockford Peaches were part of an all-girl baseball league that played during World War II.  Their story is pretty inspiring and empowering for little girls.

When we started brainstorming Halloween costumes, I showed her a picture of this dress, from the blog, One Little Minute.  She was on-board immediately.  The hardest part was looking for a pattern that would work.  I searched for a while, and found one on etsy that was $15 (yikes!!!), but the cost was too steep, especially from a designer that I didn't know very well. 

Then I remembered the Tinny Pattern, from Straightgrain.  The pattern had all the features that I was looking for, the circle skirt, a fitted bodice, and even an option for an open collar.  Plus it was already a part of my pattern library.

I changed up the bodice to include the asymmetrical buttons on one side.  I did this by simply cutting the front bodice pattern piece down the side at a slight angle.  I then cut two mirror image pieces using the off-center pattern piece, and another set for the lining.  Because of the opening in the front, I omitted the invisible zipper in the back and instead cut the back piece as one, taking out the seam allowance.

   

I also added the belt loops and a red belt.  Let's not forget the Rockford Peach logo in the front and the patch on the arm.  A quick google search led me to etsy and this shop.

I spent most of the day working on B's costume.  More on that coming soon!

Fall 2013 KCW: Stripes and Flowers Bimaa Sweater

A super-quick sew this morning while the kids were in school,   this is the Bimaa Sweater by LouBee Clothing.  Be warned though, this sweater is slim-fitting to the point of tight.  I made a size 5, since that was what S measured on the size chart.  Next time I will size up to a 6 for sure.

The floral knit is a thin, t-shirt knit and might be too thin for the cowl; it's a little too droopy in my opinion. 

But S loves it and so do I.  Cute and quick, what more can you ask from a pattern?

S is in desperate need of some pants.  I can't decide whether to go the quick route and make a few pairs of leggings, or spend a little extra time and make her a pair of peekaboo skinny jeans.