Sewing

I had hoped to finish up last week’s flurry of sewing with a sweet photo of my little ones wearing their mommy-made outfits. Unfortunately, my kids don’t take those kind of pictures, but rather strike a sort of “princess-warrior” pose whenever I hold the camera up to them. 

I mentioned the details of the outfit on the left already. On the right we have an Oliver + S  ruffle halter and a pair of red gingham shorts inspired by the Oliver + S Puppet Show pattern (now discontinued). Since the actual pattern is no longer available, I did my best to copy it by using a pair of existing shorts as a guide, then pulling them in some on the side and finishing the edge with a bias trim (I omitted the pockets due to time constraints). You can see the effect a little more closely below.

The fit was perfect and the shorts are so cute on!

I have no idea what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. I tell them, “just stand there and smile” and this is what I get.

So that does it for me with the kids sewing for a little while. I never did get to the nightgowns I was hoping to make, but I do have the fabric so perhaps I’ll find the time for them in the coming weeks.  Things are going to be busy for the next couple of weeks as the end of the school year and the end of their dance season approaches. The days will be filled with recitals and picnics and various other “end-of-year” productions.

I always look forward to summer as a time for relaxation and just a general slowing down of the pace of life.  This year we’re really keeping things simple with no camps and no trips. Just a laid back summer where we get to enjoy all the goodness of time. Sounds great doesn’t it? What are your plans for the summer?

Things are still in full production mode over here, but my gracious, I’m starting to lose some steam!

This set is for my oldest little girl, who will be 5 next month and loves tea parties more than anything else in this world (excluding Grandma). She aptly named this her “tea party shirt and skirt.” I used Steam-A-Seam for the t-shirt appliqué, but I think I’ll still stitch around the outline.

The skirt is a 3-tiered ruffle skirt with a flat front and elastic in the back. I used this tutorial to help get me started, then just added another layer of ruffles above the base ruffles (does that make sense). The skirt is a slightly big on my little girl, so I’ll need to adjust the width of the layers next time.

Up next is a coordinating outfit for the 3 year old and then action shots! Speaking of shots, don’t forget to check out the Elsie Marley flickr group to see all of the goodness that the other folks are making. I’m going to do a round up of my favorites at the week’s end.

See ya soon!

I’m back with another day of kids clothes! While I didn’t post yesterday, I was still productive and spent my hour (plus) of “sewing” mostly cutting fabric and getting a pattern ready for Meg’s knot shorts. I’m still not sure if my pattern is right, but I”m really hopeful that it is because I think they’re some really stinkin’ cute shorts!

For today I was able to finish up these skirts. I used the no-hem method, but used a smaller band at the fabric and covered the seam with some old jacquard ribbon.

And actually, they’re not completely finished. I needed to take advantage of the daylight hours for pics, so I glued the ribbons on until tonight when I can stitch them down permanently.

I can’t believe we’re on day 4 already! I still have so much to do and I can’t possibly see how I can finish it all in 3 more days. I’m hoping I can put together one more outfit for each girl and a set of nightgowns. Guess I better get crackin!

Be back tomorrow!

I’m back today to share with you the results of another completed dress for the Kids Clothing Week Challenge. Now both of my girls have another dress to add to their respective wardrobes

It’s the same dress as yesterday’s. I usually try to make two of the same thing, but in different fabrics so that everyone feels equal there are no questions as to who’s dress is who’s. 

I really love these dresses. They’re pretty and girly and comfortable, and my girls seem to love them too.

Plus, they’ve got pockets, which always makes them happy. 

I don’t think I’ll get much actual sewing done tomorrow. Unfortunately my sewing time is going to have to be spent running out to JoAnn’s to pick up a few last minute things (such as a pattern for some nightgowns I saw in the Elsie Marley flickr pool).  Perhaps I might still be able to get some WIP shots to share with you.

Are you participating in Meg’s challenge? If so, be sure to say “hi” in the comments so I can come by and see how your week is going!