Some Much Needed Pants and a Very Productive Weekend

It was a quiet weekend around here, with 2 of the 6 out of town, so I had a productive Saturday. First up, I made this jumper for Sophia...go check out my review of the pattern over at Sew Cool for the Tween Scene.

 I also managed to whip up 3 pairs of pants for Clara. I used the Oliver & s knit pants pattern that comes with the Nature Walk Pullover. It's a great pattern and these pants are really easy to make. When I say whip up, I really mean it. From start to finish I was able to get all 3 pairs cut out and sewn in 2 hours. The serger helped it go a little faster, but still...3 pairs of pants in 2 hours!!!! Can't beat that. 

 I wish I knew my types of knits better, or at least paid attention to what I was buying, but I don't. All of the fabric came from JoAnn's.

 This one is my favorite pair. I used the opposite side of the fabric to get the contrast of the band. The knit is super soft and comfy.

 This pair is Clara's favorite...purple polka dots, need I say more.

 This one is a heathery red and super soft as well.

 I do love the Oliver & s patterns and this one is no exception. Easy to follow, clearly written directions, they never fail.

 However, I found a big mistake in this pattern. I'd sewn up these pants once before and thought it kind of weird how there wasn't a front and back specified.  This time around I paid a little more attention to the pattern and there is clearly a back and front to the pants, but not labeled or even mentioned in the instructions.  The rise is different and makes a big difference in how it fits. Once you have the pieces cut out, you'll notice the difference in the length of the rise (crotch seam) for the front and the back...just make sure you piece them accordingly.  Other than that, a great pattern. 

And now my not so little gal has 3 pairs of much needed pants, just in time for the weather to turn cold here.

Linked up here:

Resurrecting a Favorite

 I had to go and look for a picture of me tonight and ended up going through a lot of pictures.  Partially because I was just going down memory lane and was having fun remembering the memories that went with the pictures, but also because there aren't many pictures of me.  Sad, huh?  Why do we as the memory makers and recorders let ourselves out of those records?  Well that's a post for another day.  What I wanted to post, was this awesome jumper I had made for my then 9 month old little girl.  This was from back in 2009 and I hadn't ever really posted a how-to. 

 Probably one of the easiest projects I've ever done that got a ton of compliments. 

Here's what you do...first you have to hunt down a sweater that is at least 80% wool.  It can be any kind of wool, but it has to be that high of percentage so it will felt and shrink. This one was a pretty Pendelton wool sweater that someone had already accidently shrunk and then sent off to Goodwill.  So scour those second hand stores and don't forget to check the men's racks too.  You just need a neat looking sweater that is wool.

Second, throw it in the washing machine, put in a little soap and wash with HOT water.  I wouldn't put anything else in with it, because it sheds a lot.  Then you throw it in the dryer.  It should be good and felted by now and be a couple sizes smaller.

Third, find a jumper, dress or shirt to use as a guide when cutting it out.  Lay it out and cut, but don't forget you want a little overlap at the top of the shoulders.  I also used the bottom edge of the sweater so I didn't have to worry about hemming it or anything.

Fourth, sew up the sides.

Fifth, snip little button holes (because the wool is felted, you won't have to do anything else to your cuts), just make sure you measure the buttons and not cut too large of holes. Sew on the buttons. Part of the reason I loved this jumper so much are the vintage blue buttons I used on it.  I just wish I had better pictures of them.

Last, if you really want, blanket stitch around the neck and armholes.  You could use contrasting thread to make a statement.  I kind of wished I had used something that was a little more noticeable   But you don't have to do this step, it's just decorative   Since the wool is felted, it won't fray or anything like that, so you can consider the edge finished once you cut it.

Depending on how big of a sweater you find, is how big you would be able to make a jumper.  This was a women's medium sweater originally and I was able to get a jumper for my 9 month old little girl, who has always been in the 90% for height, so you might say this could fit a 12 month old.

Now's the perfect time for one of these though.  It was a cute outfit with a turtleneck onesie and cute tights or leggings.

Here's another jumper that I've made. It takes a lot of fabric, so it costs a little more, $40. It overlaps in the back so there is only the button closure in the back. Unfortunately, I can't do the monogramming. The friend that I made this for gets it done somewhere else and I put it in the jumper.

Recent creations

Ruffled, knit skirt

Poplin jumper with shoulder ties, lined bodice and pockets with vintage accent buttons.
Khaki twill jumper with lined bodice, matching buttons and pockets.

Standard School Attire

Interested in purchasing standard school attire?

Here are some examples of what I offer: