CHRISTEPHI

It was dark and rainy all day today.  Great weather for sewing…not so good for taking pictures though!  You can see the shorts I made Miss M yesterday in action here.  She complained about them being too poofy, but she did say they're comfortable. I hope she'll wear them…she's a tough one to please! Today I made the "Seesaw" ruffle sleeve top from Ottobre 3/2012 (#17, size 110).  Miss M doesn't like the length.  She feels like it's too short and constantly pulling it down.  It actually does fit her well, but I'll probably make it a bit longer next time to suit her. I didn't bother finishing the flutter sleeve edges.  I just left them raw.  I also didn't use clear elastic for the gathering of the fluttery bits…just regular old basting stitches.  I've never had very good luck with clear elastic for anything other than stabilizing a shoulder seam. And here's a modeled shot of Little Guy's striped tank top.  Aaaand…I ju...

Last night after I saw how cute the mesh tank top turned out, I went ahead and cut out another tank from the same striped jersey I used for my maxi dress . It's the same pattern as the mesh tank top (Ottobre 1/2013 #15).  I cut the back as one piece instead of having it yoked. I also cut the lower edge straight along a stripe instead of curved.  The neck and armholes are self-bound. Today I made a pair of banded shorts for Miss M.  The original pattern has ruffles on the bum, but I was afraid that would be too babyish for Miss M, so I left them off.  The band is fully interfaced quilting cotton and the main fabric is a lightweight twill with tiny white polka dots. The pattern is Ottobre 3/2008 #3 in size 110. I couldn't get actual modeled shots today and tomorrow is supposed to be stormy, so no promises on getting any soon. My plan tomorrow is to sew a little flutter sleeve top for Miss M and maybe a pair of sweat shorts for Little Guy.

It's that time again! Time to break out the warmer weather clothes and take stock of what my kids already have and what they need.  I already know Miss M is going to need a few things. I'm working on putting together a manageable list.  So far I know Miss M wants modest shorts and a nightgown or two.  I also know she'd appreciate any number of cute & comfy dresses.  Perhaps a maxi dress? Here's what I'm thinking for Miss M: Ottobre 1/2013 tank top lengthened and made A-line for a nightgown. Ottobre 3/2008 ruffle-back shorts, lengthened an inch and without the ruffles. And if there's time Ottobre 3/2012 just because I know Miss M loves this style! I have some ideas for a maxi dress, but if you know of anything outstanding, leave me a link in the comments! Oh how I love to sew!

I've done so much sewing for Miss M and hardly any for Little Guy. I decided to rectify that. He has plenty of t-shirts that fit right now, but he's short on pants, so I decided to make him a pair or two. I've never done a fly zipper, so I decided to try one.  It turned out pretty well, considering! I made the "Alma corduroy pants" (Ottobre 4/2008, #6).  I cut up a pair of women's pants and used twill tape that had been in the lower leg of the original pants instead of cutting new belt loops.  The waistband is a bit of blue chambray I had left over from another project.  I made size 68 to fit Little Guy's waist.  I think the pattern is meant to be full-length pants, but it turned out to be more like long shorts. But I knew that because I measured the outseam and inseam before I started! This is his "I'm not so sure I'm ready to be awake" look.  Can you believe how big he's getting? I never ...