Herringbone Denim Jeans

Guys, I made a pair of jeans. And they are amazing! I was fortunate enough to pattern test the Small Fry Skinny Jeans by Titchy Threads. And let me say that the pattern is wonderful. The instructions are so detailed, there are lots of options and they have the potential to look so professional! Laura just released the pattern so go check it out!

I really took my time with these. I wanted to make sure I was doing everything properly and was trying to be as perfect as possible. I'm so happy with how they turned out (minus the uneven back pockets). I would say it took close to 7 hours. Flat felled seams and top stitching are serious business! It was my first time using top stitching thread and switching back and forth was very time consuming. But the results were worth it!

I used an adorable stretch denim with a herringbone pattern. I top stitched all seams, used flat felled seams, half fly (no zip), inset front pockets and sewed size 18 months. No problems getting these over his diaper (need to try with his cloth diapers, though I hear theres plenty of room for those). The fit is perfect. I am so excited to have a pattern I can use for both kids and I can use for many years to come!

I highly recommend this pattern. These are the best pair of pants I've sewed. I can't say enough great things about this pattern!

Cozy, Hooded Coat

When I started sewing a few years ago, I never thought that I would be able to make the clothes that I am sewing today. I made a little dress for M, before she was born, and it was riddled with mistakes.

I made a few more simple things after that. Then I found this coat pattern. It had all the the things I had never done before.  Sleeves, fully lined, buttonhole, top stitching. But it was so cute I had to try.

I made one, then another, then a few as gifts. I added a hood, some applique, and even did a custom one based on M's specifications. It was so simple and so adorable. After sewing this coat, I knew I was up for more challenging things.

She finally outgrew her green, hooded jacket so it was time for another. The pattern only goes up to a size 4 so I guess I need to learn how to alter patterns! Because this is definitely a favorite in our house.

Here's my newest version. I lengthened the sleeves since I want this to last her at least a year. I made an error with the hood size and I figured it out once it was completed. Oops! Luckily I have some amazing sewing friends and got some great advice on Instagram. That's how I ended up with this adorable contrast band on the hood and going along the neckline. I may add a snap so it will stay closed but I love how it looks folded down as well. 

The Little Mademoiselle Coat by ManiMina Studio. Size 4. Outer is corduroy and its lined with a cozy flannel. And of course, her personalized wood button looks perfect with these colors!

Now we are ready for some rain and puddle jumping!

Christmas Outfits for H and M

This was originally posted as a part of the 12 Days of Christmas over at Craftstorming. But these pictures are just too cute and I had to share them here as well!

I love Christmas. The lights, decorations, the smell of the tree, the Nutcracker, spending time with family, Christmas carols, I could go on and on. Since Mi was born it has been fun figuring out our own traditions in addition to the ones we celebrate with our extended families. This past summer M took ballet lessons and has been in love with ballet ever since. I found a short(er) Nutcracker ballet and I'm taking her in a few weeks. I hope this can be a new tradition for us and that she loves it as much as I do!

When I was planning the outfits for my kids I found a polka dot home decor fabric in my stash. And knew immediately that I wanted to use it for M. Then I searched for coordinating fabric for H. Not the traditional red or green but with a touch of those colors. I wanted outfits that they could wear throughout the next year.

One Christmas, when I was little, my mom made my cabbage patch doll and I matching dresses. I absolutely loved wearing that dress and took her with me everywhere that day. Side note, I don't remember my dolls name! Here is a picture from Christmas Day.

After I sewed M's dress I ran across the picture above and decided that she needed a matching dress for her baby doll. I surprised her with it right when I started the photo shoot and she was absolutely smitten! I found a free pattern and tutorial for her American Girl Bitty Baby and I think it took me as long to sew as the dress I made for Miette! So cute but I'm not sure how many clothes she will be getting for her doll. I made M the Debbie's Birthday Dress by SewPony. I have had this on my list of things to make to since I purchased it quite a few months ago and I knew that it was the perfect match for this fabric. I sewed a size 5, kept the design simple since the print is so bold and I used a thick red piping where the bodice meets the skirt. I absolutely love it! I paired it with blue tights and sparkly brown shoes. Because she is really into sparkles lately.

My baby boy. Gosh, he's pretty adorable. I re purposed a women's sweater for his shirt. I knew it would be perfect for him and I love how it turned out. I used my tried and true Charlie Tee pattern, size 18 months, but this was the first time using long sleeves. The fit is just perfect. His pants are a blue corduroy and I used this skinny jeans pattern. He normally wears cloth diapers so I sewed him a size 2T but with a shortened length. Oh boy, these do not work well with a bulky cloth diaper. So he now wears disposables with these pants and the fit is great!

 

These shoes. So cute! I found them, before he was born, at Old Navy for only $.47! I wish I had them in every size because they look adorable on him.

I love these kids. They are so funny and they love each other so much! I'm excited to spend another Christmas with them and can't wait to start making new traditions.

 

Thanks so much for hosting such a fun series Suz and Laura! I can't wait for the kids to wear these outfits on Christmas Day! Please check back to see all the beautiful creations by these wonderful bloggers.

Johnny B Good Hoodie // Pattern Testing

I was dressing H for church this morning and put him in this shirt.  And then I realized I never shared it with you! 

I made this a few months ago (I was able to test the pattern) and the weather is finally cool enough for him to wear it.

This pattern is part of the Winter Wonderland Collection by Pattern Anthology. It has an option for a collar, pocket and short sleeves.

The pattern also provides instructions for making a shirt or hoodie using fabric or up cycling a long sleeve button down. I chose to use this shirt I had in my stash.

 I used the existing cuff, button facing, hems, and pearl snaps and that saved a lot of time!  I added the contrasting yoke and shoulder details, which I adore!

I think he may need a few more of these in his wardrobe. Maybe one to coordinate with daddy? So cute. 

Pattern: Johnny B Good Hoodie

Size: 12-18 months

Fabric: Used a thrifted men's shirt. Hood lining, back yoke and contrast details were from linen fabric in my stash.