Kids Clothes Week |day 6|

excuse the wrinkles, please!  

I am so excited today!!! It's day 6 and I have been following the challenge just like I should. The only thing different I've been doing is that I have been sewing for more than one hour most of the days, but that's okay, I guess. One more day to go, but before that, I am also excited because I have finished my third Phresh Blazer and I keep falling further in love with it everytime I make a new one. I am not someone who sews the same pattern over and over, and if I do, it means I really love that pattern. It has happened a few times in the past*, other than that I guess I haven't done more than 2 of others I own. It doesn't mean I don't like the others, it just means those are my top choices. Anyway, I guess you got it, right?! I see a future full of these sweet little blazers since I believe I need to sew one of these for every little girl around me. And there are a few, that's for sure! 

This latest one was made for my daughter's best friend, as I told you yesterday. Mariana is turning 4 tomorrow and she's such a beautiful and sweet little girl. Not to mention how smart she is too, so I am pretty happy that these two are friends. Mariana (this is actually the name we had picked in case S. was a girl), reminds me of the 1900's ladies, she's got a pale skin and very dark (black) hair. She looks sweet, delicate and fragile and that's just beautiful. I wanted to make her a blazer that would match that image and the Phresh Blazer couldn't be more perfect for that. 

I cut the pieces for the blazer, out of a women's suit jacket. For the facings I used left overs from the skirt I cut to make my daughter a Mara Blouse (last project in this KCW edition, I hope), and I used self made bias tape to finish seams. For the back ruffles I used a vintage lace I was offered a long time ago. I love it, it's one of those things you don't want to use because it's so beautiful, but since I decided to destash the trims too, I have to use whatever I think will look better in every project and this was just the right decision. 

This time I did the 3/4 gathered sleeves option, just like I did in that first one I haven't blogged about yet. I skipped the pockets this time but sure included the ruffles. Since I used lace for the ruffles and I had enough left, I thought it'd be a good idea to add it to the sleeves too. I just turned 1/4", and then the same again and pinned the lace on the wrong side, sewed them together and voilá, it was just what I had pictured in my mind. The button is one of my personal favourites too, I took it out of some old clothes before I sent them to the garbage bin. When I finished, I tried it on my daughter just to have an idea of how it'd look like, but of course it was too big for her, although she's only nearly 5 months younger than Mariana, her friend is much taller than her and I made it a size 5, I rather make it too big than too small. Now, I just hope she'll love it as much as I did. G. is really happy that I made it for her friend, my daughter's always so proud of her mommy, and she actually tells me that often. How cute?!

* patterns I use the most (and nope! nobody is paying me to mention them): the Bumblebee Dress and Top; Small Fry Skinny Jeans; The Rowan Tee; Billy Bright Eyes Snappy Tee Shirt and the (free) Izzy Top. 

Kids Clothes Week |day 5|

After posting yesterday (late, very late at night) I decided it was a good thing to take clothes out of the closet where I keep my to be refashioned clothes to search for the perfect thing to use as a new Phresh Blazer. It took me a while and I have made a huge mess out of my sewing space, but at least I found it. It was a suit so I had plenty of fabric for the whole thing, it had sleeves, it was just slightly stretch and a very good quality fabric. I worked more than one hour on this today, but I can't precise how long exactly because I did it in parts. I know I cut the pattern pieces from one single part of the suit so I spent a little trying to figure out how to best cut it, then after lunch I had the back of the blazer ready and by noon, all that there's left to do is attaching second sleeve and add bias to the hems. Tomorrow, my daughter's friend will have a brand new blazer done. *big smile on my face* I didn't even touch the Mara blouse today, I was too excited about the blazer to be honest. 

Kids Clothes Week |day 4|

There's just one thought in my mind right now. It is exausting trying to sew along with KCW, plus all the rest going on in one's life. I didn't get to sew anything today. I did use my one hour for the matter, but it wasn't actually sewing. I changed my sewing plans for the week. My daugher's best friend (first one!) is having her 4th birthday these days, and that's an awesome excuse to sew another Phresh Blazer. I spent a long, long time trying to figure out how to display the pattern pieces in the fabric just to find out that I am not one to make miracles and no matter how many turns I'd give it, that blazer just wouldn't fit in the piece of fabric that I wanted to use. I then searched through my refashion piles and I got frustrated because the way I last organized them isn't that good after all, it is hard to reach a lot of the pieces and they are not all easy to see either. That's important when you are looking for something very specific. I don't want to use a light fabric, I want something that's rather stiff, with a little amount of stretch, with sleeves... and on it goes... it's not being easy so far. 

Before that, I was able to cut a Mara Blouse. Unfortunately the skirt wasn't enough for the sleeves and I will have to sew them in a different colour. I am crossing my fingers that I will like it after all. 

Kids Clothes Week |day 3|

On the third day, I was able to have something finished. Even with plumbers breaking my walls, working all day around, and everything. Of course I still feel very satisfied. I am facing the truth though, I won't be able to do everything I dreamed of, but that's fine. I am keeping the goal of sewing for at least one hour every day, just to make things right this time (I always sign for KCW, but most often I don't follow the rules). 

Let's move on though. The outfit for my baby boy is now complete. I used a men's XL shirt (dark green) and just a few pieces for details and contrast from a women's XXL shirt, for the two pieces. So... 

The Shirt

I used the Rowan Tee pattern from Titchy Threads, and I did a different version from the previous ones I made (one for the test, one of the tour). I was happy that my baby already fits the smaller size (6-12M) and I got to make a boy version this time, and also try the hooded one since I messed up with it when I did the test. I used the original hem for the front and back pieces, and did a regular hem on the sleeves. I used a zig zag stitch in all my seams because I was too lazy to switch to the twin needle. This version has a kangaroo pocket on front, which is a feature of the Rowan that I hadn't try before. I've added patches in the elbows because I love the look and I thought the contrast fabric should be seen a bit more than just in the hood lining. I thought it would be bigger on him, but apart from the sleeves that are still too long, just like every shirt on him, even rtw, it fits great. 

The Pants

That's not much to say about it... I was able to save the original men's shirt sleeves after cutting all the pieces for the rowan, so I knew I had to make a matching pair of pants. I used a rtw pair to draft the pattern and make this one. After finishing I thought it'd be a bit too large on him, but apparently he's bigger than I think he is and it was the perfect fit. I added patches on the knees too - or so I hoped, they are a little off. Again, because I wanted the lining fabric from the hood to stand out too. I was afraid that by making both pieces with the same fabric it'd turn out too boring, so I patched everything away. The fit was spot on. 

What about you? Have you been sewing along KCW? What are you working on right now?

Kids Clothes Week |day 2|

And I am still happy! I didn't cut anything new today - which was in my plans - but I did manage to almost finish one of the dresses (it is so close, but I am not sure if I want to finish this during KCW anymore). I was also able to almost finish the Rowan tee I am sewing for S. Why didn't I? Well, I ran out of matching thread, and from all the greens I have, no other would even come close to this fabric. I need to get some more to continue this project. The shirt only needs the sleeves hems to be finished and the hood should be attached too. Then it's done. The pants are ready. Those contrasting patches were a last minute decision... But I will talk (more and detailed) about each piece after I get some decent modeled photos (probably only after KCW). 

Kids Clothes Week |day 1|

Today's kicking off kids clothes week, again. I am determined to sew a few items through these next days and I believe I am off to a good start. I don't have a  finished item yet, but that's ok, because I was able to sort through patterns, assemble and cut more than one thing. I've actually started by cutting two dresses, I used fabric from my stash for the bodices, but the lining is made out of white sheets. So it counts as upcycling - of course, not only do I want to sew along this week, I must respect the theme (upcycle) or it wouldn't be me, right?! Then, from a shirt from V. I was able to cut a Rowan Tee for S. and I had enough left to cut a pair of pants too. Happy! Now I have to go and sew these all! I have more things in my plans so I should not waste precious hours while the kids are asleep. You should expect a week of daily posts (but I can't promise I won't fail), but not always a finished garment. 

Girls BundleUp Tour

I am one of the latest bloggers joining the BundleUp tour, so, I guess by now, you've already seen all the patterns in the bundle and have probably get yours too. If not, or if you don't even know what I'm talking about, let me tell you. This is a bundle sell of 11 patterns at a fraction of the cost, in this case especially designed for girls. The more patterns you buy, the more you save. 

Today I get to tell you about three patterns included in this bundle. I was a (happy) tester for two of them, and I did get the third one for free for this tour, but all opinions are my own.

Phresh Blazer by Winter Wear Designs
Let me start with the first one I tested, and let me tell you, one of my favourite patterns ever!!! It was so hard to keep it secret after I did my first (test). I have discovered, as I was putting clothes up in her closet, that I love to sew outerwear for my girl. So it's no surprise that I love this pattern so much. This is the cutest little girls blazer, sizes 1-14, and there are many options to make it your style. It is fitted, long or 3/4 sleeves, gathered or straight sleeve, with or without ruffles on the back (the most adorable feature I know, I skipped them for this one but have done them in the first blazer - which I will be blogging about soon). With or without welt flap pockets. Pattern recommends fabric with some stretch, but you can really use any fabric, just size it up one number. The first blazer I made was a 2T, but it turned out too tight on my little miss because she - apparently - grew in a few weeks since I had measured her. For this one, because I was using a not so stretchy faux leather, I went with size 4 and it's great. I did the straight, 3/4 sleeves option here, and I added the pockets too. The colour blocking on this one is my own, I refashioned leftovers from a coat and it wasn't enough so I had to grab another coat to finish, which was already cut, but it was a different colour though. I didn't have enough of any of these two to make the sleeves one colour only, so I had to get creative and added a band to each sleeve, and prayed that it would work. For the facings I used the same fabric I used for the pants, and I used a black homemade satin bias tape. Because the faux leather doesn't fray, I didn't bother to finish my edges. Little miss loved it too. When I was laying down the clothes for her to put them on, she realised there were two new mommy mades so she asked me "Are we taking pictures, mom?". I couldn't help but smile. 

Freestyle Harem Pants by EYMM
After testing the blazer, the chance to test the pants came along. As soon as I read "harem" pants, I jumped at the oportunity and was so glad I was picked. It was a pattern that I was really missing in my stash. I love the harem pants look, either on my kids or myself, and the only pattern of the same style I had didn't go many sizes up. This one goes from NB to 18T and includes a 18" doll size too. How great is that to get your daughter and doll matching?! And if you are petite as I am, you can even make a pair for yourself too. Actually, I got the bug of making either this or the blazer (or even both) for myself. Who knows?! Anyway, there are 3 lenght options for this: pant, capri or short. You can also do a regular hem, add elastic or use a cuff. There are pleats on the front. The waist band has two options too, one straight or curved on front. Two rows of elastic on the back (in my size, other sizes might have more). I opted for the pant lenght, elastic hem and curved waistband, which is something I love. I didn't use interfacing in this one but I might next time. This is a size 3T and the fit is spot on. I used a vintage satin from my stash. It was there for years and it was given to me by my MIL. I wasn't sure about this fabric print ever since, but because of the drape I tried it on. I wasn't sure at first, but I guess I've learnt to like it. Honest opinions, please?!
Ps - if you'd like to get a version with pockets, click here for a tutorial. 

For the photoshoot we used her new boots which she loved, and we styled the outfit with a rtw shirt, a handmade beret my mom made her (I have a matching one =D), and a scarf I made her, out of leftovers from a previous refashion. It was actually made a long time ago, but I have never blogged about it.

"Adeline" Knit Ruffled Cardigan, Top and Dress by Foo Foo Threads 
I've said this many times before, I know, but I am saying it again. I am not a very ruffly person. I like them here and there, but most of the times I avoid ruffles. When I first saw the "Adeline" pattern though, I was sure I wanted to sew this up, because I saw the potential beyond the ruffles. Hence, my non-ruffled-at-all version of this pattern. The "Adeline" comes with multiple options, and you can make a cardigan (hello!), a drop waist dress or a top with it, with an adorable peter pan collar. As for the sleeves, you can make them gathered, long (with or without ruffles) or short, and even sleeveless. It ranges from size 0-3M to 10Y. It is meant for knit fabrics and the bodice is lined.

For my own, I choose to make a cardigan and I skipped the lining in this one because it was already a sort of heavy knit. It is a refashioned piece too, of course. I used a woman's sized shirt to make it. For the collar, I also used a little piece I had left from another recent refashion for the boy. When asked what she liked best, contrasting collar, or the same fabric, my daughter picked the contrasting, so grey up it is. I used bias tape made out of the same fabric to finish the front pieces and also the collar inside. I opted to add only one button on top to close it instead of a full row of them. I like it this way.

Little miss wasn't so much in the mood for a photoshoot this time. Dad and I both tried to take some nicer shoots but even ourselves, we weren't feeling very inspired. Perhaps because the weather is changing again and a very cold wind was coming. This time we used a rtw shirt and handmade shorts, a refashion from 2013 (and yes, they still fit all along).

It was a pleasure for me to follow up and be part of this tour. Here's a list of everyone who has been blogging about the patterns in the bundleUp. Believe me there have been great things shown, you don't want to miss all the great work from this talented ladies.