A few projects...

I'm still in the process of getting together a cold weather wardrobe for Miss S.  It all of a sudden got really cold (for November) and snowed about 10 inches here.  I wasn't quite prepared, so I got to work sewing up a bunch of long sleeved tee shirts.  They aren't too interesting; they're just very basic long sleeved tees.  I used a pattern that I've used for myself a lot: Jalie 2805.  It is really a pretty great basic tee pattern.  It goes from size 2T up to like a size 22 in women's.  These are five of the nine I made (the others are either being worn or in the wash).  They went together so, so quickly.  It think I spent maybe a total of 5 hours over a few days.  They're going to get some good use this winter :)

I also finally made the Apple Picking dress that I've had cut out for about a month and a half.  I made this dress last year in a cotton flannel and it was a really great winter dress, so I made it again in a cotton flannel, but a different color.  This fabric was left over from the lining of a Minoru jacket that I made for myself, but haven't blogged about yet.

I wasn't sure if it was a good fabric choice, because it's a bit subdued.  When I finally got it sewn up and tried it on Miss S, I decided it was actually really, really cute.

I used blue buttons to pick up a little bit of blue in the flannel, as well as to add a little more color.  It went together great, as always with an Oliver + S pattern :)  I'm pretty happy with it

I also made the Penguin Backpack from the Little Things to Sew book.  I've wanted to make this backpack ever since I saw it.  I thought it was adorable, but was a little intimidated by the thought of sewing a backpack.  We're going to visit my husband's family for Thanksgiving, and I wanted to make a little pack so Miss S could carry toys and snacks by herself for the plane.

True to Oliver + S form, the instructions were excellent.  I used a denim for the body, then some quilting cottons I had in my stash for the beak, feet and belly pocket.  I ordered the slider hardware on the back from Pacific Trimmings.  They were reasonably priced and shipped quickly.

I used some vintage blue glass buttons for the eyes and lined it with a blue printed cotton.  I was pretty happy with how it turned out, and it was actually quicker and easier to sew than I expected.

I've got a School Photo dress in the works, and another Fairy Tale dress in the planning stages.  We'll see if I can get them finished soon!

A Girly Field Trip Tee

I was excited when I saw the Oliver + S Field Trip Tee and Pants pattern released, but mostly excited in anticipation of using it if I ever had a little boy.  Then I decided I'd give it a go as a girl pattern.  I had two coordinating knits in my stash that I got from Girl Charlee (I love this site for knits), that I had already used for other projects for Miss S. 

I loved the little floral and figured it would make a pretty girly looking tee shirt, in spite of the more boyish styled tee.  I actually love the raglan sleeve style shirts, and I love it on girls.  I was pretty happy with how this turned out.

It was a really fast, really easy sew.  It literally went together in about an hour, start to finish.  My pocket topstitching is not perfect, but oh well, right?  The knit is also a little off grain, which makes the pocket look a little crooked, but I'm pretty okay with that.  I've got at least another version in mind, and maybe more, since it is SUCH a quick, easy and fun sew.

Oliver + S Fairy Tale Dress: Dorothy Version!

When the Fairy Tale dress came out as part of the new fall pattern release from Oliver + S, it immediately went on my list.  It's classic shape and adorable details caught my eye.

Since Miss S doesn't know much about Halloween yet, I can still decide what she'll be, rather than hoping she'll go along with her mother's suggestions.  I've been planning to dress her as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.  I figured this pattern, with it's classic details would perfect for a Wizard of Oz dress.

Since it's a quite involved project, being a fully lined dress with crinoline, I didn't want the dress to be just a Halloween costume.  I wanted her to get some additional wear out of it, too.  I plan on adding a little ruffly white pinafore or apron, along with a basket and little dog to finish the costume out.

I don't know if I'm getting away with doing double duty, but she did wear it to church on Sunday and only one person mentioned that it looked like a Dorothy dress...so maybe I'm not getting away with it.  Oh, well, I'm going to pretend that Dorothy wasn't the only one who ever wore a blue and white gingham dress and  keep dressing her it anyway.

What do I have to say about this pattern...well, it's a little time consuming, but the end result is so adorable I think it's worth it.  It almost kills me with cuteness :)  It seems simple, but is so well designed.  The proportions and shape of the collar, the fullness of the skirt, the wide hem, the tulip sleeves, the built-in crinoline, the trim and bow at the waist all add up to a really special dress.

The pattern says it is a fitted bodice and recommends making a muslin, but I didn't (I'm a risk taker ;)  I made a size 12-18 months, even though Miss S is 21 months, she fits into the 12-18 month measurements better.  I actually ended up cutting about an inch off the bodice length.  I'm happy with the fit of the bodice, but I wouldn't call it fitted.  In fact, I'll bet Miss S will be able to wear it next spring as well.  So if you're unsure or if you do want a fitted bodice, I'd definitely recommend making a muslin.

I used a lightweight cotton voile for the lining and a light blue tulle for the built-in crinoline, which you can see in the picture below.  It adds some nice fullness, but is not overly exaggerated for everyday wear.  It reminds me of a classic little girl's dress from the 50s or 60s. I think I'll definitely make it again, sometime, because the result is just so darn cute!

Gray Velveteen Sunday Brunch Jacket

The Sunday Brunch Jacket and Skirt pattern was one of the first patterns that caught my eye from Oliver + S.  This was before I had any kids, and was not interested the least in sewing for kids (oh, how times have changed :).  I saw this pattern, and the Jumprope Dress, though, and couldn't help but notice how adorable they were.

So it's been on my list to make for a long time.  I was a little intimidated by it, but I shouldn't have been.  It's just as well drafted and has just as excellent instructions as the rest of the Oliver + S patterns, so even though it appeared trickier, it went together beautifully.  I used a charcoal gray pima cotton velveteen that I purchased from Fashion Fabrics Club.  This velveteen is absolutely gorgeous!  When it arrived, it was a little stiff, but after a trip through the wash, it came out incredibly soft and plush.

It has the added bonus of having a beautiful print on the back side, which worked out perfectly for an unlined jacket like this.  It's got a little burgundy, mustard and cream rose print, which I think adds a nice detail.  I know no one will see it, but I still really love it.

The plush velveteen will also make it a lot warmer to wear, even though it's not lined or insulated with anything else.

Because of the reversible print, I went to the extra work of binding all the seams.  It wasn't difficult, but definitely took longer than if I had just serged the seams.  I do love the extra touch it adds, though.  I bound all the seams with a warm yellow polka dot quilting cotton I had in my stash.  The instructions for the bound seams are great and result in a very professional finish.

I really debated what to do with the buttons.  I knew I wanted fabric covered buttons, but had a hard time deciding between covering them with the velveteen side of the fabric, covering them with the reverse printed side, or covering them with the yellow polka dot.  In the end, I decided on covering them with the velveteen body fabric, because it just looked so luxurious.  I think I made the right choice, but I may end up making a little flower pin for the outside just to add a fun touch.

I'm really pleased with the final product.  I think it will be a great fall jacket and, being a neutral, will go with a lot of different outfits.  It will also be practical for an almost-two-year-old, since it's cotton and can just be thrown in the wash.  I kind of wish I had one myself :)

Oliver + S Playdate Dress for Autumn

I really love seasonal sewing.  I think it's no coincidence that pattern companies (well, and fashion) have big releases in the spring and the fall.  I'm always so excited to see new patterns coming out, and I'm very inspired by the change of seasons.  Often, though, the excitement hits before the weather changes.  I can't very well be dressing Miss S in wools and jackets when the weather is still averaging 80 degree highs, right? :)

I made the Oliver + S Playdate Dress in a lightweight cotton, with fall-ish colors as a transitional dress that she can wear now, and when it gets colder with tights.  I've had this piece of fabric in my stash for a long time.  It's actually a really nice, super smooth pima cotton, I would say comparable to Liberty.  I got it at Fashion Fabrics Club a couple years ago, and I think it works great for this dress.

I used a yellow polka dot for the flat piping around the yoke, for the hem facing and for sleeve bindings.  The  original pattern doesn't call for sleeve bindings; it only calls for a hem on the sleeve, but I wanted to use the yellow print again, so I decided to make sleeve bindings.

I used a covered button for the keyhole opening at the back neck.  Also, rather than make a fabric loop, I cut up a hair elastic and sewed it on.  I read about this tip somewhere, but I unfortunately can't remember where I read it, so I apologize to the original inventor.  It's a great trick, though, because it's stretchy and can accommodate various button sizes, and you don't have to go the hassle of making a fabric loop or thread chain.

I wanted to pick up the lavendar color in the print, so I used some little purple flower buttons that I found at Joann.

I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out and I think it will get some good wear this fall/winter.

Here's a preview of some upcoming projects: above, the Fairy Tale Dress, Wizard of Oz version...

Fuchsia corduroy Hopscotch Skirt...

...and a Sunday Brunch Jacket out of the mos gorgeous, soft double-sided velveteen.

Puppet Show Shorts for KCWC

These Oliver + S Puppet Show Shorts are the other two items I made for KCWC.  I made this pattern three times last summer and loved them.  This year, I made them in 12-18 month size.

The first pair is black/white woven linen from Joann.  I bought up several pieces of this a few years ago and I really love it.  It's quite lightweight and the weave gives it a really great texture.

I actually used the same fabric and same trim for this pair as a pair I made last year.  They went with everything and Miss S wore them and wore them.  

These shorts go together surprisingly quickly.  There are only five pieces: the legs, pockets, pocket trim, waistband and leg binding.  They are such a fun, easy sew, especially after you've made them a few times.

The next pair are made from a medium weight chambray, also from Joann a few years ago, with a trim left over from a shirt I made last month (which I will hopefully get around to posting).  Again, these went together really quickly.  I actually didn't participate in KCWC according to the rules.  I sewed these shorts on Tuesday and Wednesday, and they took about 1 1/2 to 2 hours each.  Then I sewed the Jumprope Dress on Thursday and Friday and it took probably 3 hours total.  I didn't sew on Saturday or Sunday or Monday, because there was too much going on.  So even though I didn't follow the rules exactly, I still got some summer things made that I needed to make, so I'd consider it a success :)

Miss S loves the pockets.  She puts her cars in them :)

I'm planning to make about three more pairs of these shorts for summer.  They are really so fast and fun to make, and I love the result.

Jump Rope Dress for KCWC

I know that Kids Clothing Week Challenge was last week, but I did sew this last week, during the challenge.  I just didn't get around to photographing or blogging it.  That's kind of been the story of my life around here. I have been sewing, but it's photographing and blogging that bottlenecks...I have the makings of an awesome blogger, huh?  ;)

This is the third time I've sewn the Oliver + S Jump Rope Dress, this time in size 12-18 months, and I still love it.  I'm even getting faster at sewing the placket.  I think this is my best placket yet.  I love the details on this dress.

I used an aqua cotton gingham that's been in my stash for a couple years now.  I saw it earlier this year and thought it would make a really fun spring dress, combined with a coral-y pink.  So I finally picked up a fat quarter at my local quilt shop and decided I'd make it during KCWC.

I have to say, this totally reminds me of a housedress my grandma used to wear.  It looks very much like a grandma dress to me, but I love it.  It guess I kind of have granny taste :)

It looks really cute on as well, and Miss S has decided that she loves pockets, so she walks around with both hands in the pockets.  It ends up being a little dangerous, because she's not super steady on her feet yet, so if she happens to trip, she doesn't have anything to break her fall.  Apparently, she doesn't care, because she keeps putting her hands right back in the pockets.  Silly girl...

 I do have a couple other items I finished last week that I'll get around to posting, hopefully this week.

The Little Bear Cub Hood

When I first saw Oliver + S's Little Things to Sew, I wasn't too excited.  I didn't think I'd like making accessories and toys for kids and babies...but I was wrong :)  I should have known that anything with Liesl's name on it would be delightful.  I know this sounds cheesy, but seriously, it's like her patterns are magic.  Everything she designs is absolutely adorable, and the way the patterns are drafted and the instructions written, they're almost impossible to mess up.

I made the Warm Hood from the Little Things to Sew book.  I also have the mittens half sewn (meaning, I have one mitten fully sewn and one not started.  Awesome, I know :).  I made it from a cream-colored blizzard fleece I bought at Joann.  I would have loved to use wool, but Miss S has eczema and I've read that wool can irritate it, so I used the polyester fleece and lined it with a light pink flannel.  I love how it turned out.  She looks like a little bear cub when wearing it.

It went together so quickly and so easily, and it keeps her warm.  This would be a great baby gift...I'll have to keep it in mind.

Blog posting might be a little scarce for the next month or so.  We're getting ready to move into a house that requires some remodeling and we've got to be out of our current place by the end of the year, so it's looking like it will be a little crazy for the next little while.  Hopefully things will calm down after that (but really, does life ever calm down?)

Oliver + S: After School Top and Jeans

I was excited to get this pattern when it came out, because I was looking for a basic top and pants, with some cute details, like Oliver + S is famous for.  I sewed both the top and pants in size 6-12 months.

I found this red print at my local quilt shop.  It's from the Henry Glass Anthology line.  I love this color of red, but generally look awful in it myself, so I decided to use it to make Miss S a cute little top.  The scale was better for little people clothes, anyway :)

I used flower shaped mother-of-pearl buttons for the front and back closures.  I got them from the same Etsy seller that I've bought a lot of my other buttons from.  I like that they echo the shape of the little flowers in the print.

The pattern went together pretty quickly.  It was drafted beautifully and all the parts together well.  I was a little disappointed in the fit of the finished product, though.  It is not the fault of the pattern, it's just that I think this style is probably better suited to larger sizes.  The neckline was a little wide (no doubt to get it over babies proportionately-very-large heads), so when being worn, it looks a little too large.  I do love the style, and will definitely try it again when Miss S is a little bigger.

I made the little pants out of a lightweight blackish denim.  I ended up shortening them a little, which I probably should have done before I cut the pattern pieces, as the piece at the bottom side of the legs ended up much shorter than was originally designed in the pattern.  I'll have to try to remember that next time...

I love the little details on these jeans.  Aren't the ruffled pockets cute? :)

I used a heavy topstitching thread on these pants, the same as I used on the Sailboat Skirts.  It makes them look more jeans-like.  I think this pattern would work equally as well in a lighterweight fabric for less jeans-looking pants.

All in all, I think this is a really cute outfit, but it probably won't get much wear from Miss S, due to the wide neck on the top, and the fact that I usually dress her in knit type pants while she is still little for comfort.  I'll definitely pull this one out again as she gets a little older.

Warm Winter Dress 2: Oliver + S Apple Picking Dress

This is the second dress I decided to make in the relieving-my-paranoia-that-Miss-S-will-freeze-to-death series :)  I made the Oliver + S Apple Picking dress in a warm flannel.

 I wasn't so sure about this pattern when it first came out, but I took another look at it, and I'm glad I did.  It has some really cute details and I think it's especially cute in the teeny tiny size.

I was reading the back of the pattern, looking at the recommended fabrics, and I saw that flannel was recommended.  I wouldn't have thought of using flannel for this pattern, but I think it worked really well, especially for a warm winter dress.

I found this cute brown and pink flannel at my local fabric shop.  They are mainly a quilting fabric/sewing machine dealer, but in the back room, they usually have a random, but fun, assortment of fabric.  I was originally looking for a gray and pink plaid flannel, but they didn't have one, and I like this just as well.  It seems like all the dresses I'm making are unintentionally in the same brown and fuchsia color scheme.

I made View A with the 3/4 length sleeves and double ruffle at the bottom.  I love the cute little gathered sleeve...

The neck bow and double button placket.  I used some small, cream colored vintage glass buttons from the same seller on Etsy that I used on the Sailboat Skirts. 

I really like how it turned out.  I think it will be comfortable, easy to move in and WARM :) Stay tuned for Warm Winter Dress #3...