Summer Brights [part of the Knock it Off series!]

Today I’m super excited to be part of the Knock it Off series at Elegance and Elephants.

I’ll admit, I have a hard time shopping for regular priced clothes for my kids. Not only do kids outgrow their clothes ridiculously fast, but seriously… $25 for a pair of shorts that they’re going to get mud all over in five seconds? Um, no thank you.

So with a combination of upcycling and from scratch sewing, I knocked off this GAP outfit for my five-year-old [ahem, five and a half...].

I am loving the bright colors of spring! I had some green denim from JoAnn’s that was perfect for these simple flat-front shorts.And I added some faux back pockets, just for fun. :)The sweatshirt was upcycled from an XXL hoodie that I snagged at a thrift store a long time ago. It’s suuuuper soft. Upcycling tip: use existing pieces of the garment to create your own. I re-used the hood and part of the pocket. I also cut off the waistband and re-attached it onto the bottom of my sweatshirt. Such a time saver!The hoodie wasn’t a henley, so I added the placket and buttons. I did my stitching in a green thread to match the shorts… just because I liked the green so much.The gingham shirt was one that had been retired from my hubby’s closet. Have you ever sized down a button-up for your kiddos? So easy.

Place a pattern piece [or a folded shirt] on top of the button-up shirt. If your pattern piece is for knit fabric [like mine was], give some extra seam allowance. Cut around the pattern piece, cutting through both the front and the back. DO NOT cut through the button placket or the collar. Leave those in-tact.

Note: Unless you’re making a shirt for something super formal like a wedding, you can most likely get away with leaving the collar in-tact for an older child. Or if you have a smaller child, use a smaller shirt. It will be a little big, but not so noticeable that you need to go through the trouble of messing with the collar.Cut off both sleeves and cut them to match your sleeve pattern piece [or use a shirt that fits your child]. Re-use the hem of the sleeve to make it an even easier sew.

Enter super fancy graphics…

Unfold the body of the shirt and the sleeves – sew the sleeves on. 

Sew along the bottom of the sleeves and down the sides of the shirt. Seriously easy.

Thanks for popping in today! Happy sewing. :)

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Classic Polo from Peek-a-boo Patterns

Is it wrong to love a shirt? Because I totally do.

And the baby wearing it. Obviously.

The Classic Polo, this newly released pattern from Peek-a-boo Patterns, is my new fave. How did I not know how easy it is to sew a polo shirt?! Because it is ridiculously easy. Especially with Amy’s super clear instructions. Click here to view more details [affiliate link]I tested the short-sleeved version [the pattern includes both short and long sleeves] in the three month size on my [98th percentile for height] seven week old. Side note: newborn sewing takes scrap sizes of fabric and barely any time. Love.
I used some knit I had picked up at a rummage sale last year. I had assumed the stripes were horizontal, but when I realized they were vertical, it suddenly screamed vintage baseball. So vintage blue buttons were the clear choice.He’s a fan. I mean really, a polo shirt that’s super cute, and I can sew it up before the baby starts crying? Yep, I’m on board with that too.

And while you’re sewing, it’s Thrifty Thursday at Peek-a-boo Patterns, and these super cute convertible pants are half off today only.

Perfect for spring and summer! Click here to view more details [affiliate link]

Surfer Slacks

As promised, I’m sharing with you another one of the patterns I had the privilege of testing for the Pattern Anthology collection. [If you missed yesterday's post, read it here to see the Submarine Pullover!]See Kate Sew is another pattern designer that you’ve got to know if you have littles to sew for. She has such a great style. Her little girl patterns kill me with cuteness. And as a mama of two, she knows a thing or two about what kids like to wear. This pattern was, of course, no exception!
The Surfer Slacks are a super easy sew. I don’t think you need a lot of sewing experience at all to sew these, especially with Kate’s great photo instructions that are very clear and easy to follow. There is one pattern piece for all the leg pieces and the pants have an elastic waistband, so they sew up really quickly.

The cuff detail at the bottom of the pants is my favorite part, and a fun way to highlight a fabric. Plus, you can pull the cuff down as they grow and extend the life of the pants. Win! The main fabric I used is a lightweight corduroy, which will carry really nicely from winter to spring. If winter ever ends…

I tend to make my oldest pants that are much slimmer, since he is ridiculously skinny, so at first I wasn’t sure if I would like the fit. But after watching him in them, I realized that the looser, relaxed look works for him too. Perfect for my boy who is running, jumping, and moving all.the.time.

Speaking of fun details – how great are these back pockets?

Don’t forget, the Pattern Anthology has patterns for boys AND girls and is a limited time package that you do not want to miss.

AND just to repeat what i said yesterday, I WAS GIVEN THIS PATTERN IN RETURN FOR TESTING IT AND GIVING MY HONEST FEEDBACK, BUT I DON’T GET ANYTHING FOR TELLING YOU HOW AWESOME IT IS – OR FOR TELLING YOU ABOUT THE PATTERN SALE. I JUST KNOW THAT YOU WILL DEFINITELY WANT THESE PATTERNS. :)

Submarine Pullover

If you sew kids’ clothing and you don’t know Shwin Designs, you are missing out. Shauna creates fabulous patterns for both boys and girls, and they never disappoint. One of my favorites is the Nowhere Man Pants, which I have made and used as a starting point for pants many times.

So when I had the opportunity to test another pattern from Shwin Designs, I jumped at the chance! This pattern is part of an amazing collection of patterns called Pattern Anthology – eight patterns by four designers [who are all so.darn.fabulous!] – but available for just a limited amount of time, only until March 24th!And like the other patterns I’ve made from Shwin Designs, this one was awesome. Clear instructions, great pictures, and seriously – look how amazing it is when you’re finished? I upcycled a men’s linen button-up shirt for the main fabric and had this super cute outdoorsy fabric [from Jo-Ann's] that my sister-in-law gave me for Christmas that I used for the accent fabric.Since I was part of the testing phase, there was some tweaking that needed to be done on the hood. So I added a band of fabric to the front of my hood [which is not in the pattern] to make up for that. I actually really love it this way, though, and would totally make it again like that in the future!
I loved how this pattern came together so nicely. I’d say it could be a bit complicated for a beginning sewist [but she has plenty of other patterns that would be good for you!] And despite my super uncooperative model’s face, he really loves it. He just hates to model for me. Even with bribery.

[See the Surfer Slacks here, which are also from the Pattern Anthology collection.]

and p.s. i was given this pattern in return for testing it and giving my honest feedback, but i don’t get anything for telling you how awesome it is – or for telling you about the pattern sale. i just know that you will definitely want these patterns. :)

Easy DIY Baby Pants Tutorial

With a house already full of boys, I haven’t had the need to buy much of anything for this new babe. I did want to make a few things for baby, however, and one of my favorite things to make is baby pants. Okay, pants in general are a fave, I’ll admit, but especially baby pants. Everything is much better in miniature version.

There are two things that I really love about sewing knit baby pants: they are a super quick sew and they take very little fabric.

Don’t have a baby to sew for? This tutorial is basically an updated version of my lounge pants, so you could easily make these for any sized kid.

If you know my crazy love for upcycling, you have to know that I adore using thrifted T-Shirts for baby pants. Not only does it make these even that much faster to make, it also gives you so many great fabric options. [the two pants on the right were both upcycled from thrifted tees!] And obviously, stripes are always a good choice…

1. Lay a pair of baby pants on top of your fabric/thrifted tee. You want to line up the outside seam of your pants with the folded edge of your fabric. Cut around the pants, giving yourself a little extra fabric around the side for a seam allowance. [for baby pants made out of knit, I make the front and back the same, but you can always make the back a little higher if you need some room in the booty]

Be sure also that you add some extra length at the top for the waistband. How much will depend on how wide your elastic is. I prefer to use fold over elastic like this:

for baby pants, since it’s soft and won’t dig into baby’s skin at all.

2. Sew down the inseam of each leg, with the right sides of the fabric together.

4. Turn the pant legs right side out. Pin the legs together at the center seam and sew.

5. Sew the ends of your elastic together. My elastic was about 14in. long, allowing room for overlap as the ends were sewn together. I don’t want my pants to be too tight, and I cloth diaper my babes, so I don’t need the pants to be super skinny. And my babies tend to be well over eight pounds. If yours are smaller, you might want to use less elastic.

6. Fold the top of the waistband over the circle of elastic and pin in place.

7. Sew the waistband down, being careful not to sew the elastic at the same time.And then sew up a bunch for all the babies you know, because it was so ridiculously quick!

C’mon, baby, you’ve got some sweet stripey pants waiting for you!

Comfy Rockstar Pants Tutorial… made from an unlikely fabric!

I have one of those three-year-olds who would live in sweatpants if I let him. He loves to be comfy. And really, who can blame him? Sweatpants are quite delightful. Especially when the windchill is below zero.

But as comfy as it is to spend everyday in sweats, sometimes that isn’t really appropriate. Also, let’s face it, it’s hard to pull off the rockstar look in sweats. Not impossible, but harder.

So, enter the most unlikely fabric choice for a boy… Jeggings! Not something that usually screams “boy.”

Jeggings fabric [I picked mine up at Joann's] is comfy and stretchy like sweat pants, but has a nicer more “jeans-y” look to it. The perfect way to pull off the comfy rockstar look.

Tips for working with jeggings fabric:

• If you have a serger, use it.
• If you don’t have a serger, use a stretch needle and a stretch stitch if you have it.
• Remember that it has a LOT of stretch to it, so choose your pattern/size accordingly.
• Don’t get locked in to thinking it’s just for girls. :)

Start out by finding a pair of pants that fit your boy well. [or girl... girls can wear comfy rockstar pants too] You want to find a pair that is a slim fit. If you don’t have one, find some pajama pants, but keep in mind that you’ll probably want to widen the bottom of the leg a little.1. Trace one leg of the pants, up to but NOT including the waistband. Make sure the stretch of the fabric goes horizontally and that you allow for hemming at the bottom.

I made all four pieces of my legs virtually identical, meaning the back doesn’t go up higher than the front, as you’d typically find with pants. If your kid has a bigger backside or still wears cloth diapers, you may want to trace separate back and front pieces, making the back higher. However, keep in mind that the fabric is very stretchy!

2. Cut all four pieces out. Then pin and sew up the long outside seam and then up the inseam. Repeat with the second leg.

3. Pin and sew the two legs together at the center seam.4. Measure the width of the pants. Cut two rectangles for your waistband that match that width and are about two inches tall. Pin the right sides together and sew the short ends.5. Measure your little one’s waist. Cut a length of 1 1/2 inch elastic that is slightly smaller than that number, so it’s snug around their middle. Sew the ends of the elastic together to form a circle. Then fold the waistband pieces so the seams are inside and tuck the elastic in.6. Pin and sew the waistband around the top of the pants. Avoid sewing the elastic. If the elastic is pulling on the waistband, it will help to stretch the fabric slightly so that it is laying flat. But don’t stretch the fabric too much!7. Fold the bottom up and hem, using a longer stitch length to allow for stretch.

Now your little rockstar has a pair of pants that are so comfy, he’ll ask you if they are pajamas. [true story] But they look a lot nicer for playdates and preschool!
Be sure to come back tomorrow when I’ll be sharing the rest of this rockstar look, inspired by a super fun 80s song. See you then!

 

linking up with Make it Wear it

The Grandpa Inspired Look – sewing along with PR&P’s boy week

Well I’m sewing along with another week of Project Run and Play! Really, how could I not sew along with boy week?

I decided to sew for my three-year-old, because honestly, I don’t do that often. Poor middle child. Plus, he’s my most reluctant model.

As I lay awake the other night [seriously, pregnancy insomnia? I'd like to sleep while I can, thankyouverymuch], I knew exactly what I needed to make for my middle man. Inspired, once again, by this photo:

My grandpa seriously knew how to rock the plaid pants. Instead of going plaid this time, though, I went argyle. Argyle! I seriously love this fabric.

The pants are made from this yummy Kaufman 21 Wale Cool Cords Argyle Brown that I got from fabric.com. It’s a self-drafted pattern based on another pair of his pants, and they fit him exactly the way I wanted.

The shirt is upcycled from a men’s tee and self-drafted as well, though I wish I had made the neckline a little bit higher. This dude of mine has a large head and since I don’t sew for him terribly often, I always overcompensate.

Then to take the grandpa inspiration to the next level, I sized down a thrifted sweater. I used the existing neckline, which meant I had to move a button up. It ended up a little bit big, but he should be able to wear it for awhile.

The pants also have a little flare at the bottom [which I could not capture for the life of me, since he was being oh-so-cooperative].

Flat front, elastic back. Best style for a three-year-old.

He really was a fan of the clothes. Maybe just not a fan of me….

And then he realized just how crazy his mom is for making him stand in front of the open door in twenty degree weather.

 

Linking up with Make it Wear it on The Train to Crazy.

Stripes and Polka Dots – sewing along with PR&P

Have you been following along with Project Run and Play? If you aren’t familiar with it, it’s an online sewing/design competition for kids’ clothing. It’s super fun and introduces you to lots of fabulous kids’ clothing designers/bloggers.

Along with the competitors, they have a weekly Sew Along where those of us not part of the competition can enter our own outfits. The outfits should go along with the theme for the week. This week the theme is Stripes and Polka Dots.

If you’ve read my blog… well, ever… you probably know my love for stripes. For myself, for my boys. Especially for my boys. I have a ridiculous amount of striped fabric in my stash right now – especially knits. [seriously, someone may need to come over for an intervention soon]

The pants have both stripes and polka dots – the teeny polka dots are tucked away in the pockets and waistband. I love the two together.

The pants are loosely taken off Shwin & Shwin’s Nowhere Man Pants [which I've made before and love]. I say loosely, because I just traced this pair and made it a slimmer fit and didn’t pull out my pattern pieces at all. I also lowered the pocket pieces down a bit, to show off the polka dots a bit more.

The shirt is a self-drafted pattern, and the polka dots were painted on using a jelly jar. I kind of want to paint everything this way now, that’s how much I love how it turned out.

I’m also in love with the mustard knit I used for the neckline and cuffs.

I don’t think I would have paired stripes and polka dots together without the Project Run and Play inspiration, and I’m so happy with how it turned out.

Have you been sewing along? I think next week is Boy Week, so I’m hoping to have time to sew an outfit to join in on the fun again!

 

*Linking up to Make it Wear it at The Train to Crazy*

Boys Will Be Boys: Name Bean Bags Tutorial and a GIVEAWAY! [giveaway is now closed]

My three-year-old is really into letters right now, so we’re working on recognizing his name. Yep, that’s the teacher in me… giving my kids educational toys for Christmas.

Click here to see all the posts in this series.

And I know that the nerdy, educational parent part of you wants to help your littles learn their letters too!

Supplies:

• Three coordinating fabrics
• Chalk or water soluble marker
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Coordinating thread
• Needle
• Scissors
• Fray Check
• Beans, rice, or poly-fil to stuff

1. Cut three squares of your fabric for each bean bag [only two squares are shown... obviously]. The size you cut will depend on how big you want the bean bags to be. Mine were cut about 5in x 5in.

2. On one of the three fabrics, draw out your letters, using either chalk or water soluble marker.

3. Carefully cut the letters out.

4. Put one of the coordinating fabrics behind the letter cut out and pin the fabrics together.

5. Straight stitch very carefully around the letter. Using a thread that doesn’t coordinate will make more of an impact and make the letter stand out a little more [in other words, it's way more fun]. But if you are worried about your sewing mistakes showing, use a coordinating thread color that will blend in.

6. Put the three fabrics together, right sides together. Zig-zag stitch around all four sides, leaving an opening to turn the fabrics right side out.

7. Cut around all four sides with pinking shears to stop the fabric from fraying.

8. Turn right side out.

9. Stuff with beans, rice, or poly-fil [the poly-fil makes it more of a pillow than a bean bag... but pillows thrown across the room are much less dangerous in a house full of boys]. Hand-stitch closed.

10. If you’re using a fabric that will fray, apply Fray Check to the cut edges of the letters. [Fabrics like knit or fleece will not fray, however, and you wouldn't need to use it]

Now you have a fun way for your boys to learn their letters and recognize their name!

I’m super excited about today’s giveaway. Elizabeth from Sew Chatty is giving away this aDORable elephant softie! [this giveaway is now closed]

Seriously, SO cute. To enter the giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment telling me who you would get this little lovey. That’s it!

If you want an additional entry, like Sew Chatty on Facebook and leave another comment to let me know. The giveaway will be open until Sunday.

Now don’t forget to head over to Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy to see the awesome tutorial Stacey has today. I know my boys will LOVE this one.

P.S. The Fabric Fairy giveaway closes tonight and the See Kate Sew pattern giveaway is open through tomorrow!

Handmade from Head to Toe [a new outfit]

Even though we’re in the midst of the Boys Will Be Boys… gift series [which I'm totally loving, by the way - I hope you are too!], I decided to break from the tutorial posts.

If you are a sewing mama, you might be with me when I say that sometimes, you just have to sew for your littles.

Even if that means letting your toddler rip apart your scrap bin so that you can do it.

But when you come out on the other side, and you have an outfit that is pretty much exactly what you had in mind, it’s worth every second of clean up.

With some tweaking of my overall pattern, I made these pants with soft, comfortable grey corduroy [that I've used before on these pants].

The pants are fully lined with this fabulous fabric.

He’s wearing the shoes I made from the pattern I shared this morning. Once again, he thought they were not worthy of photographing. I disagreed, but you know how it is arguing with a 16 month old.

At least the shoes are nice to look at, even when they’re not on baby feet.

The shirt is upcycled from a men’s XXL T-shirt snagged on clearance at Target. I modified the Lil’ Long Johns pattern to make the tee, since I really liked the fit. [ironically, the shirt I upcycled for those PJs was also found at Target on clearance... I scored the mother load of XXL T-shirts that day]

Hooray for new outfits!