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. :)

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

Cool Cardigan… with mix and match patterns

Have y’all seen Blank Slate Patterns by Melly Sews? This girl is a fellow boy-mama and a pattern making machine.

I recently sewed up the Cool Cardigan for my oldest. And seriously, this pattern is fabulous.

I used the size 5 and it was mostly a good fit. My dude is RIDICULOUSLY skinny, so when I make it again, I’ll for sure take in the sides.

I had ordered both knit fabrics from Girl Charlee, and I really like it a lot, though the sweater knit turned out to be much thinner than I had anticipated [only because I failed to read where it said "lightweight" - woops!]. So I upcycled an old sweatshirt and lined the cardigan.

I love the combo of the argyle and stripes. The contrasting bands and pockets are a great feature. I omitted the buttons on the pockets, because I knew my 5yo would never use the buttons and they would end up just driving him crazy. Plus I only used three buttons instead of four, like pattern called for, because… well, I only had three matching buttons. ;)

As long as you don’t have prego baby brain like me, this pattern is a pretty quick sew. If you do have prego baby brain, just expect it to take a little longer, as you stare at the pattern instructions without understanding even the simplest of steps. [cut on the fold.. what does that even mean?! kidding. sort of.]

And p.s. don’t forget, today is the last day to buy the Sew Fab e-pattern bundle! I’ve never seen a pattern deal like this before, so if you haven’t scooped this one up, be sure to do it today!