Kids Clothes Week - wrap up post

I just realised that I've had this post as a draft, I just needed to add in a photo of the top I made for Jordan - all done and have finally been able to hit 'post'!.........

Yes I know that the Kids Clothes week was AGES ago, I am in catch up mode here - I just can't seem to find the time to blog lately!

In the end I didn't get as many items made as I really wanted to. I was off to a great start, but at the end of the week was my birthday, so I was spending one of my afternoons having a lovely lunch with my close friends, dinners out and then a weekend with my family.

I did get some another pattern traced off - two long sleeved hooded tops for my boys. I used Burda pattern 9664. Jordan was first as he seems to miss out from my sewing lately. He chose the fabrics from my stash and we flicked through some magazines for applique inspiration. In the end he wanted the skateboarder from Ottobre 1/2008.

I have some modelled photos, Jordan chose to wear this top for his birthday party with all our family, so will show those in my next post as it will end up being a bit photo heavy!

I have Jai's size traced off, just need to let him choose the fabrics and applique. I haven't been in a big rush as he has quite a lot of clothes at the moment. I was tidying up my walk in robe and found a vacuum bag of Jordan's old clothes that will fit Jai now. It is always nice to have new things though and I love how much my boys appreciate the clothes I make for them.

Natalie xx

Kids Clothes Week - Day 3

After braving Spotlight with 5 children (my three, plus my niece and nephew) I was able to get the much needed elastic required to finish off Cheriese's skirt that I had been sewing yesterday afternoon.
It is from Ottobre 4/2007, design #4. I made a size 86cm which I think is a great fit for now and also has enough length to last the year too.

Cheriese loves it and was happy to show off her new outfit's versatility.

It's great for pondering what she wants to play on in our backyard that closely resembles the local park
It's great for jumping on the trampoline
Even great for dinosaur loaded sandpits
Also great for playing with the sand
and most of all, perfect for blowing kisses in.
Seeing something you have made being enjoyed in this way is just one of the best feelings!
Now to work out what to make for my boys, so far I've spent my hour today taking both Jordan and Jai's new measurements (they both really have grown!) and flipping through my Ottobre magazines trying to decide what top to pick for them first. Planning on doing some tracing and cutting out tonight, so fingers crossed I have some progress photos tomorrow.

Natalie
xx

Kids Clothes Week - Day 2

I'm happy to report that I have a finished top!

This pattern came together so quickly - I didn't even have to use my unpicker once! This is a record for me. I did change the method of attaching the neckline binding though. I have previously used another Ottobre pattern that called for sewing the sleeves to the front and then one of the sleeves to the back, attaching the neckline binding and then sewing the back to the remaining sleeve. I found this so fiddly and hard to get this seam even and didn't think it looked nice. So I attached the binding for this top in the same way I would with my other patterns by attaching the sleeves to the front and the back and then sewing the neckline binding into a circle and stitching it, folding it over thus enclosing the neck edge and doing two rows of top-stitching to finish it off. I remember when I first started sewing I would try to follow the instructions to the letter and often found it a lot harder, but now I'm finding the confidence to do things my own way.

The only shame about this top is that it is just fitting her now, I made a size 86 but should probably use a 92 from now on...... my little girl is growing up.



Close up of the decorative flower hem edging, been wanting to branch out and start to use some of the 100 odd different stitches I have.
Here she is showing off her latest 'artwork'
good thing it is on the new door that hasn't been painted yet.... sigh......

I have her skirt all ready to sew up, but that will have to wait until later this evening or will be tomorrow's afternoon project.

There's also still 2 spots free if you would like to be part of my Pay It Forward too.

Natalie
xx

Kids Clothes Week - Day 1

I am so excited about this week and am hoping that the 1 hour a day becomes a habit as I've really missed my regular sewing time. Last night I traced off a skirt pattern that I have wanted to make since I first saw it - it is from Ottobre 4/2007, design #4. I've chosen a pretty floral pattern drill with a solid pink cotton for the apron part instead of the cord fabric the pattern called for as I didn't have any complimentary cord fabrics. I really want to use up as much fabric as I can for this challenge and will try to only buy things like matching threads and elastic as needed. To go with the skirt I've chosen a top from Ottobre 6/2008, design #3 "Elly" raglan-sleeve blouse. I have some nice dusty pink knit that is a perfect match to the pink florals in the skirt fabric.

Can't wait for Cheriese's afternoon nap today so I can start sewing!

Natalie
xx