Neat Beat Pant=Skinny Jeans

Ever since her big sister got a pair of skinny jeans, M has been begging for a pair.  I had the Neat Beat pants, 06/09 #17, on my to-sew list and since the pattern is a slim fit (hooray!), I thought I'd give it a try.

This pattern delivered!  I used a stretchy lycra/denim from JA's.  The pattern's smallest size is a 110 and I usually sew a 98 for M with additional length.  I used the 110 but skipped adding seam allowances and the results were just what M and I were envisioning. 

Well, mostly.  M wanted them even skinnier!  But mom wants her to be able to get them on with no help so this is as skinny as we're going.  K has had no struggles with putting her skinny jeans on but my friend, who is a middle school PE teacher, has shared some humorous anecdotes about girls trying to get in/out of their skinny jeans while dressing out for PE.   Skinny jeans aren't a whole lot of fun if you're struggling to get in/out of them.:)

I'm going to take the next 5 days or so off from blogging/sewing and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family.  

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Baby Deer top from Otto

B was in need of a neutral top that would work with various colored bottoms she has.  I pulled out an off white jersey that I had and the Ottobre Design 01/03 #16 long sleeve shirt pattern in a size 98.  I added an additional 2 inches to the bottom hem.  The off white was a little too boring so I used brown ribbing for the neckline and brown thread for the hems.

It needed a little extra something to pep it up so I pulled out Ottobre Design 01/08 and traced off the baby deer applique.

I usually do appliques at my mom's house because she has all the wonderful notions that make applying appliques so easy.  But this time, I did it all at home improvising with fusible interfacing on the inside of the shirt and a glue stick to hold the deer on the front of the shirt while I stitched it on. 

I think the pants are already ready to be retired as they're looking short.  I swear M and B have both shot up an inch at least in the last month.  Stay little for just a while longer, please.  Mommy has lots of little girl patterns I want to sew!

Complete Ottobre Outfit for M

Ottobre Design 04/09 #16 and #12

I finished up the Tulip pants (#12) on Wednesday and M wore the complete outfit to school this morning for her Super Citizen of the Month assembly. 

Being a little lazy, I took the size that my mom had traced off earlier in the year (a 92) and added length to the legs and a little in the hip/waist area.  M is still quite slim and need no extra ease but B's build is stocky so extra width is needed.  I used buttonhole elastic like the pattern calls for so the pants should work for both girls.  For a month or two.  M has grown again since I last measured her and really could have used an extra inch in length.  As it is, I did a rolled hem and the pants are just long enough. 

Shot of how the front and back leg panels are different lengths

M and I are both happy with how the entire outfit works together.  

Sewing for my Boy

P was running a bit short (literally) with pants.  He's down to 3 pairs that definitely fit and one that's a little iffy these days.  So, I really have to stay current on laundry or else P won't have any clean pants.  I pulled out the Oliver + S Sandbox pants pattern that I previously used and added about 4 inches to the length.  Using some of the fabric I purchased for my birthday a few weeks ago, we ended up with...

The fabric is a super soft, brushed twill from The Fabric Fairy.  I had a little trouble finding a suitable fabric for the pocket linings and the waistband.  P is 9 and a half and I have to be careful that I don't pick too juvenile of a print or he won't wear it.  Luckily, I found a great color match and decent print at JA's.

Yesterday, we travelled on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and spent the day on the Eastern Shore.  We were lucky enough to see a ship passing over the first tunnel.

On the Eastern Shore, we visited several wildlife refuges and walked on the trails.  BK wore her hoodie (I fixed the pockets) and it was the perfect weight for the cool day.

WWII Bunker

Salt Marsh

M & B at Kiptopeke State Park

B looking for wildlife

The perfect end to a perfect day.



The post where I once again...

...point out all the mistakes I made with another completed project.  What is it about not being able to simply enjoy a finished project?  I'm happy with how it looks but can't help but highlight where I screwed up!

Nightingale Tunic, Ottobre Design #16 04/09

I made this for M in a size 98.  I finished the tunic a couple of weeks ago and was waiting to complete a matching pair of Tulip pants in a dark blue pin cord before sharing a picture.  However, I haven't made any progress on the pants beyond cutting them out.  I pretty much faithfully followed the pattern.  I did add a little length to the frill pattern piece so that it ruffled better.

My mistake was in the invisible zipper.  Recently, a lady at our church gifted me with some of her sewing supplies.  She is no longer physically able to sew and none of her children or grandchildren are interested in sewing so she thought of me.  I have masses of zippers and trims in my sewing room now plus several smocking plates and patterns.  I decided to use one of the invisible zippers that I had on hand even though the color doesn't match.  After all, since it's invisible the only part that shows on the outside is the zipper pull and that can be changed with a little bit of nail polish.  My mistake is that I didn't line it up correctly and the zipper doesn't go all the way to the top. 

It's not a tragic mistake.  I sewed a little hook and eye at the top and when Miss M has it on, no one will be the wiser.  ;-)

Finished Hoodie, Kind of

Kitschy Coo Hoodie

Even though I had the fabric set aside for what felt like forever, it still took me over a month to start this hoodie.  I used the pattern I won from Amanda over at Kitschy Coo and let me tell you, it's one great pattern!  It's clearly written in the same clever tone as her blog and has loads of pictures to help illustrate the steps.  I can easily see more hoodies from her pattern in my future.  Thanks again, Amanda!

The only thing different I did was add a little elastic to the front of the hood.   B-saurus likes her hoods to fit snugly and it was an easy adjustment to make.  

I was in such a rush to get a picture of B wearing her hoodie that I haven't *technically* finished it.  I still need to stitch the opening in the side seam of the lining closed.  If you haven't noticed, the pockets are not lined up perfectly.  I was sort of aware of that when I turned the hoodie right side out but I wanted to go ahead and get a picture up while there was decent light.  So, it's a good thing it's only kind of finished since I can go back and correct my oops.

Halloween 2010

M wanted this...

Chasing Fireflies

And Grandma gave her...



The sewn pieces are "Dora Balloon Skirt" from Ottobre Design 06/07 #14, "Lily" leggings OD 06/07 #28, and "Viserrys" shirt OD 04/08 #11.  Finding large pink feathers locally proved to be a challenge.  My mom found silver feathers that were intended for Christmas decorations and using pink spray-in hair color painted them pink.  M loved her costume! 

All the kids

P chose to wear his football uniform, B is wearing a pink poodle costume that I picked up at the Goodwill Outlet, M is a flamingo, and K chose to be a vampire.  The dress she is wearing is one Grandma made 5 years ago when K dressed up as a witch.  It still fits, albeit it's a little shorter.   We had beautiful weather (upper 60s) and a great time roaming the neighborhood with friends.  Maybe next year, I'll get my wish of having the family dress up as the cast from Gilligan's Island.