kids clothes, sewing with knits

a couple quick tees

Definitely got the itch to sew something for my girls after seeing all the awesome things people were making for their kids for Kids Clothes Week.  Did you join in?

I admit that I’ve lost interest in sewing clothes for my girls.  A few classic things is about all they’ll actually wear.  I really got over making things I thought they would like after seeing those pieces languish in the drawer and outgrown before they ever got any real use.  I kind of miss the days when they’d wear anything!  They do like things to be comfy so I try to sew with knits as much as I can and pick things that are easy to move around in.  I still have it on my list to make that one blue dress into a pattern, one of these days.

The Oliver + S Field Trip Raglan shirt just came out as a separate digital release and I had to try it!
It truly is a quick and easy pattern to sew.  And with the awesome tips and tricks from the Kniterviews series that Rae just finished up, I think anyone could give it a try and be successful.

I made this awesomely bright tee in a size 8.  It’s roomy and the sleeves and length were pretty long, but very easy to hem up.  I like that there’s plenty of length, always easiest to shorten something!  Just to be aware of that in case you’re sewing for a grandchild or neighbor or whatever.

I made the back a little longer because I like that look, everything else was just as written in the pattern.

For the little floral number I originally made it a size 6 for Emily.  But my Emily is a tiny little flower and it was pretty swimmy on her.  Just for kicks I threw it on Natalie and it’s so cute!  I love that the fit is a little more snug and fitted and the little skirt making it a tunic just kills me.  I just loved seeing her dance around in it.  The back neckline was a little itchy so I sewed on a strip of cotton twill tape (like you would see in most store bought tees).  That did the trick!

Anyway, two comfy tees.  Check!

Pattern: Oliver + S Field Trip Raglan
Fabrics: bright orange knit is from my local Hancocks, floral is Briar Rose from Heather Ross for Windham Fabrics

(I was given a copy of the pattern, but all opinions and thoughts are my own.)

kids clothes, sewing with knits

Seraphic Pants

Super excited to see Figgy’s Patterns coming out with a new collection of patterns!  Shelly was kind enough to let me try the Seraphic Pants and I love the way they turned out!

I chose to make a pair for Natalie because I know she likes a comfy pant.  They’re different from a yoga style pant and not a legging, but a great spot right in between.  I always seem to find knits I like for tops, but for bottoms I’ve had a harder time.  I used two colors of Robert Kaufman Laguna Stretch Cotton (that I ordered from fabric.com).  I like the way it highlights the seams and great cut of these pants.

I think they’re cute and stylish looking, Natalie might need a little more convincing though.  She likes her basic t-shirt and leggings most days.

Next I’m making the Celestial Tee.  Love the pretty front pleats.

Be sure to check out the whole collection!  I think the great part is that Shelly has spent lots of time sewing with kids and tweens and really has tuned into the things they like to wear.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving! ♥

sewing with knits

skater top

During the course of Project Sewn I did make one extra piece that didn’t fit in with the outfits I had planned.  I love it though, the color is just one of my favorites.  Ever since seeing Sophie‘s Lady Skater dress I knew I had to get that pattern!  It was so awesome.

I sewed my top entirely with my regular sewing machine and ballpoint needle and walking foot.  I was under too much of a time crunch to try and run out and buy matching serger thread.  The pattern is great and although I modified it to have a peplum-ish lower half, I really enjoyed making it.  Amanda gives great instructions and tips on her blog as well.  Including lots of info about sewing knits and different ways to modify the pattern.  Trust me, she knows her way around knits and how to design a pattern for women, so I highly recommend it.

Pattern: Lady Skater Dress by Kitchy Coo
Fabric: Random knit purchased at my local Hancock Fabrics

I’ll definitely be trying the dress version, I love the way the pattern flatters so many body types.
Oh, and I’ll be working on my Signature Style outfit over the next few weeks, couldn’t resist not being able to finish up!  Meanwhile, be sure to vote for your fave over at Project Sewn this week!

And last but not least I wanted to thank my little photographer.  Natalie was not only a trooper for Project Sewn, but she takes any picture that I’m in that you see here in this space.  She’s got a great eye, and I hope that she continues to be interested in photography.  Of course we do go through typical 7 year old type craziness, too! Lots of outtakes of me pointing and talking and being totally awkward, yeah.  Maybe I’ll post a few on flickr.

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