Ottobre tank and shorts

Ottobre tank and shorts
Originally uploaded by beach_mom_3

Yesterday, I really should have started dh's Father's Day gift (hammock) but instead finished these shorts and made this top for B.

My mom has had the surfboard fabric in her stash for at least a year but I could never decide what to make from it. A top for P would be logical but I worried that an all over print was a little babyish for him. Though after further thought I've decided to make a tank for him with navy blue binding on the neck line and the arm holes. But that's for another day.

The top is a modification of the free Ottobre Design tank top. Basically, I kept the top half of the pattern the same and cut a separate bottom half that is an A-line and also wider than the top half. I gathered the bottom half before sewing it on and then topped the seam line with ric rac. The neck line and arm holes are finished with FOE.

I had originally cut out a size 92 but forgot to take into consideration that stabilizing the seam line across the middle with interfacing would take up all the stretch. I basted the sides of the original top and tried it on B and barely managed to pull it on. The side seams then popped when I took it off her! So, I cut a bigger size out and even added about an inch on either side to give a bit more ease through the bodice. If I make another tank like this I'll probably use clear elastic to stabilize the seam and see if that helps.

The khaki shorts are my second attempt at this pattern (Ahoy shorts, 03/09). I omitted the belt loops and tie but otherwise followed all the instructions. It's a great pattern for basic shorts with pockets.

Summer Clothes

More sewing of clothes for the younger girls...

The above outfit started out for B but ended up too big for her. I had high hopes for the shorts but even on MG they are too wide through the hips. Maybe next year they'll fit better.

I had a bit of trouble with the hem in part because I was being lazy and didn't feel like using the double needle. I really should rip it out and redo the hem line so it isn't wavy. Back on my list of things to do.

These were the first pattern that I tried from the "Weekend Sewing" book. They are simple pants, nothing fancy. I love the striped fabric.

Watermelons!

Nothing says summer more than watermelons. I'd come across instructions for hand stitching watermelons on fabric to make potholders months ago and thought the design would be perfect on a white t-shirt for the girls. I had the materials and the idea but somehow never got around to it. Then, last week I saw Gymboree's new line Watermelon Picnic and knew that it was time to make the shirts.

This is what I made: