Free: April 2012 Archives
I had the pleasure of getting a head start on Fabric.com's newest Free Pattern Download by Create Kids Couture: Hannah's Pillowcase Bubble Romper. Seeing this pattern brought back memories for me. My mom told me that I used to run around in these rompers when I was my daughter's age. Though I remember that all of mine featured the classic 1980's rainbow and terry cloth, I loved them anyway because as a busy kid I was able to get dressed with one article of clothing. I am glad to be able to pass this onto my daughter. This pattern was quick and fun! I did make a few adjustments for my little one and since she has been wearing it I have a few more. I will share all.
First I did not make the
belt, either one. The reason for this was two fold: 1) I didn't think my daughter
would tolerate it and 2) I have a limited wiggle-free time to dress her so I
decided the time was better spent with socks, shoes or pony tails instead of
belts (though I think both belts are adorable).
Next, I chopped off the
top part of the romper right below the arm holes and stitched on a coordinating
fabric (if you follow suit make sure you add in a sew allowance when cutting
your coordinating piece). The bias trim matches the main romper fabric and I
made the tie for the top out of my remaining bias trim, making it the same
length as the thin tie. I also used the elastic at the legs since I don't have
a serger. But if you want to shirr, you could add 3/4 in. to the legs when
cutting, fold up ¼ in. press, fold up ½ in. press and then shirr the legs.
In the future (probably
this weekend), I will pull out the ties and make straps. I recommend, folding
down the front and back for the casing (before adding the bias on the arms) but
adding elastic instead (I am going to use 5-6 in. for the size 3T. Then make
the bias trim continue past the arm holes on the front and back to make straps
that tie. This allows for younger kids to take off the romper by themselves and
easily. The elastic still allows for the gathers but gives some room when
pulling the romper down for potty stops and the straps mean little ones can
pull it off and on by themselves without having to tie ties.
Finally, I want to add
some rows of shirring onto the romper right at the waist. This will give a
similar look to the belts but without the extra accessory. I am considering
just two or three rows but we shall see how many I end up with. I just want to
nip in the waist a bit since it so roomy.
I have to say that my
little one looks so amazingly cute running around in her romper that I know
more will be coming. It is perfect for hot days, playing in the sprinklers and
running to the pool.
I used Moda prints for my romper and think my next will feature Moda Dottie!!
UPDATE:
The Create Kids Couture Hannah
Pillowcase Bubble Romper is now available for download. And my pattern
modifications discussed above are finished and ready for posting. I was too
excited to wait for this weekend. First, I pulled out the one long shoulder tie
and inserted 6 in. of 1/4 in. elastic into each casing (one for the front and
one for the back) and stitched them in place. First I stitched up one end and
then pulled the elastic through the other end and left a little hanging out so
I could hold it tight while stitching and then trimmed it off so it was invisible
(very similar to adding the shoulder elastic to the Oliver + S Class Picnic top. Then I cut 4 ties, 10 in. long
and stitched them onto either side of each casing to make tie-able straps. The
elastic plus strap making it easy for younger kids to pull the straps off and
down for changing and potty breaks but doesn't ruin the styling of the gathers
and ties. You can stitch your ties tied to prevent them being untied by curious
hands.
Finally, I added 3 rows of
elastic shirring at the waist. I started 6 in. from the crotch seam but in
hindsight I wish I had measured higher, maybe 8-10 in. from the crotch seam or
halfway between the bottom of the armholes and the crotch seam. I followed the
instructions for elastic shirring provided for the shirred belt. I added 3 rows of stitching 1/2 in. apart. The shirring
worked great and looks super cute. My daughter loves this even more now that
she can take it off herself and I love the elastic waist that helps the romper
stay in place. Share with us your modifications on our Facebook page!
Who loves to clean? NOT ME.
Just the same, it has to get done once in a while. For me, that means it has to
happen when company's coming. Please don't judge me.
Because I'm a little hit or miss in my cleaning, I sometimes find myself
without the supplies I should have on hand ... usually in the middle of the
night, when I finally get my rear in gear. That means that many stores are
closed, and I'm probably too lazy to venture out to the ones that are open.
Sewing machine and scraps to the rescue!
First off, I made a cover for my Swiffer duster. The first sample is made with
my old standby fabric -- a t-shirt from the scrap bag!
First, I laid out a fabric rectangle roughly 10 inches square and three layers
of fabric thick with the Swiffer's duster arm on top, and outlined the arm with
a fabric marking pen.
Without the Swiffer on top, this is what the marking looks
like:
I stitched right over my marks, and
then testing the fit on the Swiffer. You want to make sure that it slides on
easily, but is tight enough that it won't fly off while you're dusting.
Next, I cut the cover into a fringe.
I also rounded out the top corners
of my duster.
Once all the fringe was cut, I felt
like it was a little long.
So I trimmed it all off by about 2
inches.
I immediately decided I wanted
another one out of fleece. If you've ever pulled fleece fresh from the dryer,
you know it can carry some major static. In this case, that's a good thing.
Static attracts dust!
As you can see, my fleece Swiffer
cover picked up a boatload of dust on its maiden voyage. (Please don't judge
the amount of dust I had handy for testing purposes.)
Next on my cleaning checklist: mopping (yerg).
For this recycled cleaning wonder, I started with a towel that was no longer
fit for its original use. First, I set the mop on top of my trashed towel and traced it using a Sharpie. The fabric marker wasn't working fantastically with the heavy texture on the towel.
If you're really reluctant to ditch a towel, just a little bit of terry cloth will work fantastically.
Here's the outline without the mop in the way:
Next, I cut around my outline, leaving roughly 3/8 of an inch around the outside.
Next, I used the towel as a pattern piece to cut a matching piece of fleece.
I stitched through both layers, just outside the marker line. Here's the fleece side after stitching:
Next, I drew a rounded shape for my cutout area on the fleece, leaving several inches on each end of the cover.
I cut along my marker line, being careful to only clip the fleece layer. This revealed my gross stained towel underneath. Yay?
Next, I flipped it right side out, and stretched it over my mop! The stretching is why you use fleece for the top layer instead of another layer of towel. It has enough give to go over the shape of the mop, but keeps everything taut while you're cruising along the kitchen floor.
Here's my Wet Jet mop in action!
And here it is, covered in glorp!
If you like to dry mop, an all-fleece version is perfect.
Now that I'm all equipped with custom, reusable, washable cleaning covers, I'll admit that I'm slightly more enthusiastic about chores. Slightly. I think I mostly get excited by the fact that it's a great recycling project that makes actual use of things that would otherwise be trash. AND it will save on cleaning as well, which is a huge win. (Seriously, who wants to spend money on disposable cleaning supplies when that money could go to new fabric?) This is also a quick-as-a-wink pair to whip up -- less than 30 minutes and you're ready to clean like a pro. These could also be made into housewarming gifts in custom colors. Just make sure you also give the recipient something cozy and maybe delicious -- it can't ALL be cleaning supplies!
Happy spring cleaning!
I love the Nancy Dress/Skirt Pattern (Evidence here and here). I have made 2 and I wear them as soon as the temp hits 70 deg and wear them into the fall with leggings. I wear it as a skirt or a dress and love it especially as a skirt folded over. I continue to love it in my second trimester because it fits and is so nice to wear pulled up for support or folded over. Since maxi anything is all the rage now I knew I had to modify my favorite clothing item into a maxi skirt. I love it and have gotten so many compliments so far. I hemmed mine about ½ in. above my heels so it just skims the floor and puddles on the tops of my feet. It swishes wonderfully when I walk and looks divine with just a tank top and cardi with a chunky necklace. Or you can pop on some pearls, a t-shirt tucked in and some glitzy sandals for a date night. Any way you wear you feel fabulous and sexy just by slipping on this long knit skirt. Here's how to make your own.
First, download and print the Nancy Dress Free Pattern Download and assemble your pattern. Then measure from the top of your hip to the floor. You can do this by taping your measuring tape on to the wall and marking it with a pen/pin when standing next to it right where the top of your hip bone hits. Add 2 in. to this measurement. Extend the length of the skirt pattern piece from the Nancy Dress until it matches this measurement (This will customize the skirt to your height). Your skirt will probably need from 2 to 2.5 yds of jersey knit fabric in the pattern or color of your choice. Cut out your pattern pieces and assemble according to the pattern instructions but using a double turn 1 in hem at the bottom. This will give it weight so it drapes well, hangs just right and swishes while you walk. Pin your hem before you sew it so you can determine if it is right for you. Some like their maxis a little shorter than others. Try on your skirt and turn around to you can see from all angles and take a few steps to see how it feels. Adjust as needed.
P.s. It is perfect for windy beach vacations!
I know I am not that far into my pregnancy but since this is my second child, I am showing sooner and already find my pre-pregnancy clothing uncomfortable and I am ready for some maternity wear. This transition occurred just as I was prepared to pack away my family's winter clothing and bring out the warm weather wear. As I did this I happily discovered many of my favorite pieces from my previous projects could easily carry me through most, if not all, of my pregnancy. I will share with you which I am rocking currently and which I plan to modify for later wear when I am much, much bigger.
First up is my current favorite (Heather
Ross Mendocino Sundress) because it is so comfy plus so chic. I instantly feel
pulled together and lovely even though I am still suffering from morning
all-day sickness. I cannot live without the pockets either which make it great
for storing sippy cups, phone, keys and various rocks and flowers picked up on my
many walks outside with my daughter. The elastic shirring means it will grow
with me (everywhere it seems) and I don't show yet when wearing this dress. Free
Pattern download from original post, click on link above.
Second, I am loving my Infinity Dress in ITY Knit. It is so easy to switch it up to hide or show off which ever parts I need to hide or draw attention to (to distract away from another area) since I am not in the "oh your pregnant, how wonderful" stage, more like the "I wonder if she's pregnant or just hitting the ice cream a little too hard" stage. Given this, having a dress that I can change each day and with my mood makes me feel like my old self: a million bucks. This dress can take me from school to a wedding in just a few minutes. The stretch of the ITY will accommodate my growing belly in style and comfort.
Third in my go-to maternity wardrobe is my Kwik Sew Knit Pullover dress that I modified with a scallop hem. Not only it this dress knit (stretch!) but the gathered waist features elastic meaning it is great for showing off a svelte waist when not pregnant and fitting around a growing belly when you are. The wide tank straps allow me to wear any bra I like which can vary on a day to day basis. This dress is nothing but relaxing to wear because it is just one item of clothing and I am ready to go with a pair of sandals.
Lastly, I already have the HotPatterns Cabriolet Dress/Skirt in Wool for winter but I am planning on making it in cotton for this summer. With the ties I can wrap it under my belly and as a dress I can have the ties go under my décolletage and above my belly giving me some definition but mostly style and comfort. I am torn between a bold busy pattern or a subdued floral (like Shannon's, click link above). Both shout summer to me. I guess I will just have to make it in both! This is a Fabric.com Free Pattern Download!
Things are already hot in Atlanta, so I'm definitely ready for summer clothes. I am eager for flowing, breezy style that doesn't drag me down when the temps are climbing, so a tropical skirt is perfect for my sewing mood right now.
The trick with maxi skirts, for me, is that I'm ... shrimpy. I stand 5'3" on a good day with perfect posture, so most maxi dresses or skirts drag the ground on me unless I make some alterations. This pattern is perfect for such alterations because of the multiple tiers. The trick is ensuring that when you make changes, you maintain the seam lines so everything still matches up. Here's how I do it on a project like this one:
First, I assembled the pattern as intended. Here is lower middle tier piece at its normal length:
When it came time to shorten the pattern, I pulled the taped pieces apart (I use an inexpensive athletic tape for assembly -- it comes apart without much struggle, but it also holds well):
Then, I reassembled the pattern piece so that the overlap between the two pieces of paper was much greater, shortening it by several inches:
To even out the outside cutting edge, I trimmed the excess paper that prevented a smooth transition from one piece of the pattern paper to the next:
Here's the altered pattern piece, with the small piece I trimmed off sitting next to it:
I did the alteration for the middle two tiers. I determined after measuring the original pattern that I wanted to take between 4" and 5" off the total length of the skirt, so I divided that between the middle two tiers.
This method ensures that the seams that join one tier to the next all stay intact. Hooray!
I also wanted to try altering the pattern in a way that makes a shorter skirt, but maintains the design lines of the original.
I decided to use the top two tiers of the skirt as-is, but then I wanted just a short tier after that to finish below the knee around mid calf. To make my third, shortened bottom edge pattern piece, I traced the lower middle tier piece, and then used the lower tier piece to determine the length of my traced piece. Again, I used this approach rather than using the existing lower layer to make sure my seams all matched up.
I chose a pink eyelet for this version, and I wanted to take advantage of the scalloped edge on the fabric, so I cut it as my hem. Here you can see how I cut the pieces for the lowest tier of this version right along the finished edge of the fabric. 
I never like to waste a good thing, so I cut a 2" strip along the second finished edge of the eyelet and worked it in between the lowest two layers of my skirt:
Here's my finished second skirt. The eyelet seriously needs a slip under it, or, as I plan to do, an underlayer worked into the skirt itself. 
As always, my favorite thing about the Hot Patterns free downloads is how versatile they are. I don't feel guilty hacking away at a pattern to customize it, because I can always print a fresh copy. (I use the paper scraps for notes so I don't waste, I promise!)How will you make this summer skirt uniquely your own?
It comes as no surprise that I am quite pleased that Fabric.com has added a kids clothing designer to our growing line of Free Pattern Downloads, Create Kids Couture. The first pattern released for free download is the Marilyn Slim Fit Peasant Dress & Top which I made this past weekend and loved. I was surprised to find what a fan I am of a well placed ruffle especially when the model is so especially cute in well placed ruffles.
First, this was a pretty quick garment to stitch up. The pattern is easy to cut and assemble with most of the pattern pieces rectangles that you cut out according to your size from the chart provided. The only piece you need to print and cut is the sleeve cup. The directions are a snap given that you are provided with pictures along with your instructions. This is a fun pattern to experiment with different fabric combos too because you can opt for just one fabric for the whole garment, 2 fabrics (one for the body and another for the sleeves and ruffle) or go crazy with 3 fabrics (one for each the body, sleeve and ruffle).
I am a really big fan of the elastic neckline. It creates a very soft shape that doesn't shift and my little one found comfy. PLUS, it can be stretched for larger heads or so you don't mess up those braids you spent 15 min persuading your little girl to "sit still" for. I chose not to add elastic to the arms because my daughter ending up not liking it (though today she might like it) and I thought it was too puffy. The plain sleeves look just as beautiful. I created the top length and am very pleased with the length. It is just right for a top though if you omit the ruffle (which I will try the next time I make it just for a different look) I will add 2 in. to the body to compensate. Despite the "Slim Fit" in the name, I found this dress very roomy for my preschool that still sports the toddler big round belly. She didn't feel confined or restricted in her movement. The top was a big hit! You can also try this pattern in a knit. Just cut a size smaller and cut the stretch widthwise on all pieces.
