Joyful Sewing

Seriously, is there anything that could bring more joy than sewing clothes for little wee people? I can't think of anything.

I was pretty thrilled when I came across this uncut, brand spanking new baby pattern that doesn't have the over-the-top eighties vibe of most patterns found in the second hand store shelves. As a matter-of-fact, this is actually a current Kwik Sew pattern, K3982. Once I noticed that it was uncut and everything seemed intact, it was an easy decision. And I had a new project on the list.  

The pants were the first item I wanted to make and I have to say that it's a quick make. The front and back are in one piece as there are no side seams. This makes things a lot easier to piece together. Just sew the crotch seams, then the inner leg seams and finish the hem and waistband. Easy peasy and so darn cute. You can whip a pair of pants up while the little one naps. Seriously. And even have time for a shower.

But I digress...

Next up was the little shirt. A little more time consuming than the pants but an easy make as well. 

I love that the pattern includes all sizes up to 24 months.  The projects was sewn mostly on the serger since the seam allowance that it calls for was 1/4 inch, I thought why even bother with the sewing machine. Only the hem and casing were sewn on the sewing machine. I love that this pattern gives you the length to cut for the waist elastic. I don't usually find this information on kids' patterns and for someone who doesn't have a child handy to measure, this is valuable information to include in a pattern. McCall's are you listening?

The fabrics are light-weight cotton knits that will be perfect for the upcoming hot summer days ahead. And the elastic was a light-weight fold-over lingerie elastic that was the perfect weight and softness.

The Stats:

Fabric:  1 metre

Pattern:  Kwik Sew 3982

Elastic:  18 inches

Snaps:  4 small

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, tracing paper, pencil, pins, thread clippers, scissors, iron, ironing board, sewing machine, serger, interfacing tape, measuring tape, hand needle, walking foot and threads.  

Happy Sewing!  

Why?

Why, did it take me so long to make this dress? This pattern was a gift from Kisha.  Thank you!  And ever since I laid eye on it, it has been on my want-to-make list. It's a 2015 release. It's been that long!  

Every summer, I would think about sewing it up and then something pushed it's way ahead of the line. I'm just glad that I finally made it because my goodness, it's one comfortable dress and best part besides that double collar is the fact that it has pockets! I love a dress with pockets. I lengthened the hemline by three and three-quarter inches and raised the position of the side pockets an inch. Otherwise, the fit is perfect.  

The main fabric is a cotton with a wee bit of stretch.  The under collar and the under side of the upper collar is a lightweight sateen fabric. 

The Stats:  

Fabric:  2.5 metres (main and contrasting fabrics)

Interfacing:  1.9 metres non-fusible

Pattern:  Butterick 6185 (Thank you Kisha!)

Additonal Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, scissors, pins, iron, ironing board, hand sewing needle, thread, seam ripper, sewing machine, serger, walking foot, and a screwdriver.  

Happy Sewing!  

Top Ten Reasons for Sewing Your Own Panties

Once you find a panties pattern that you like, I don't believe that you'll ever to back to shopping for undies. I have two patterns that have become my go-to panties patterns. Madalynne's Simplicity 8229 and Simplicity 8228 are my favourite panties patterns.  And Gertie's Butterick 6031 is another pattern that I would recommend trying out. But if you don't have a favourite pattern there are a lot of free patterns found online and tutorials for creating your own pattern from a favourite pair.  

1.  You're in control of the fit. In my humble opinion, there is nothing worse than ill-fitting undies. But once you have the sizing just right, you'll never have to worry about wearing ill-fitting undies ever again!     

2.  You get to pick the fabric. There are some fun lace fabrics out there that would make some cute undies if lace is your thing.  And then there are some organic cottons that are quite lovely as well. Or how about giving a new life to an old t-shirt and have some fun with pattern placement.  

3.  It's easy.  Seriously, easy.   

4.  Sewing is relaxing.  

5.  Sewing is fun.  

6.  Making panties for your family will make them happy.  

7.  You're in charge of quality control. I don't know if you've noticed but they don't make things with the higher quality of days gone by.  But when you sew, you're in charge of the quality control.  

8.  And think of all those beautiful and fun elastics that you can choose!  

9.  Prefer the leg elastic on the outside, no problem when you're sewing your own panties.  You have complete creative control.  

10.  It's more economical to make your own undies.  It doesn't take a lot of fabric and it's the perfect way to use up small scraps that you might have laying around after another project.  

Happy Sewing!