The Baby Poncho

My friend came to me with a printed out version of a photo of a product on the internet. It was an Inuit-styled poncho for a little one. She asked if I could make it. Being me, I said "sure" and off we went.

So, she measured the baby as I'd requested:

-arms straight out, fingertip to fingertip AND wrist to wrist

-crown of head to base of neck

-crown to toe

And, I used my most basic cloak making patterns (slightly modified to accomodate a baby's big head), hood patterns (we did have some difficulty with this), and went to work.

My friend ordered the fleece from a retailer online. When it arrived, I matched it with 1/4" double fold bias tape in baby blue, and utilized a white, knit frog closure for the split.

All in all, my first attempt was just super-simple. I did learn, however, through the process of measuring, that babies are generally much longer than they are wide, so the traditional concept of a poncho being nearly a perfect 1/2 circle doesn't work for their bodies. It becomes more of a rectangular shape with milder curves on the corners.

Have fun! Sew and Live with abandon and CREATE in fearless love....

Think Spring: The Tangerine Baby Doll

We've had such an incredible winter, I just couldn't help but start on some spring clothing, with the near 60 degree temperatures today! This is Butterick Pattern 5375:

Now that the 80s styles are back in, I can't rock the short denim mini and leggings like I did as a teen; but, I love the babydoll dresses with leggins and ballet slippers! Its figure-skimming lines and clean, slight a-line skirt are flattering for everyone.

In honor of the coming Spring, I chose one of my favorite colors (I do love all things orange - tangerine, melon, cantaloupe, etc.) -- tangerine. Its bright and sunny.

I used a simple, two-way stretch knit (remember to use seam binding or interfacing, or you'll make yourself psychotic). I double-stitched all the seams for extra stretch and longevity.

And, because I had leftover fabric, just for kicks, I tried out a new pattern and made matching hip-hugger panties. I used apricot colored hem tape to finish off the edges and muslin to line the crotch.

This is Mccall's pattern 5651:

The cami and slip are nice patterns, but the bras have little or no support, so they are not for women with cleavage. I've tried lining them with pre-formed bra cups, but no real luck, yet. I'll keep at it!

Next on the table is a reaper cape for my son for his Renn Faire outfit for this summer. More on that later!

Check this out:

Tammy's Dress Photo

Just thought I'd put up a quick pic of my sister, at the final fitting for her dress. The flat lace isn't laying flat around the neckline, so I'll need to tack that down on the edges, but otherwise, it came out beautifully!

And, here's one of my niece now with the hook n eye closure on her skirt:

Tammy's Dress Complete

YAY! I finally received the beautiful lace I found on Ebay. And, now, have a completed dress for my sister. Here is the lovely 2 3/8" flat lace around the sleeves:

And, the complete dress:

You can see the split oversleeve and the inner sleeve, with the contrast lining. Very similar to the dress I did for my daughter, but with some modifications.

You can see the front insert panel of the contrast color (in this case, ivory). And, finally, you see my husband holding up the dress, without the hangar:

You can see that the lace on the waistline and collar is different. Its an ivory to match the off-white contrast.

And, remember, its just a modified version of Butterick pattern 4571. I eliminated the laced back and replaced it with a fold-over hook n eye closure (to allow for bra wearing), added a fold-over bussle to the back rear, and made the skirt fuller for a more defined a-line appearance.

If you like this, check out:

My sister's dress

Ok, well, its coming along. I've got the bodice attached to the skirts, and the sleeves are put together. But, I cannot attach the bodice to the sleeves because I totally thought I had bought the flat-trim lace, but NOPE. I must've either forgotten or mislaid it. Both are possible. LOL.

In the meantime, here it is, without sleeves, trim, or hem. Its a modification of Butterick pattern 4571. I love this pattern! Its so versatile!

This time, I've widened the skirts to make it more flowing, removed the eyelets from the back and am doing a fold-over hook'n'eye closure, instead. (This will allow my fairly well-endowed sister to wear a bra with the dress.)

You'll remember the bodice, alone, which I finished about a week ago:

This is the true color of the fabric (kelly green). I'm not sure what happened on that first picture, up above. The color got all whacky.

At any rate, I'm currently on ebay bidding on flat, lace trim, so that I can attach the sleeves to the bodice. Then, it'll just be the trim, bottom hem, and hook'n'eyes on the back for closure. The hand-stitching will not be short, so I expect to be working on this project for another week or so (since, you know, its impossible to give up my day job!).

If you're interested, check this out:

Storm Complete

Thought I'd share a photo of my niece in her outfit, at her final fitting. You know, you just cannot do something justice without hanging it on the body its meant for! So, here is my niece looking at herself in the tri-mirror in their bathroom, dressed.

You will notice the waist is loose. That's because I had it pinned to attach the clasp. The bodice fit perfectly! Was so delighted!

I'm thinking she was looking pretty pleased with herself as well!

Fitted my sister's bodice, also, need to take in and modify. It was initially supposed to be laced, but I think I'll do eyelets instead, so that there is overlap. And, I've modified the skirt to make it fuller.

And, off we go!!

If you're interested, check this out:

My niece's outfit FINISHED

Ok, its finally done! The bunched skirt was a challenge. The pattern calls for plastic o'rings, but I just couldn't make that work with the historical concept, so I made a few modifications:

1. I used ribbons to bussle it up, rather than o'rings. 9 ribbons are placed on the outside of the underskirt and the inside of the top skirt.

2. I couldn't justify a zipper, either. Plus, my niece has a tiny 25" waist and more ample hips, so I added a finished back open seam with eyelets and pink ribbon lacing to match the top.

Here's the finished project:

You can see the the underskirt is navy blue satin to match the bodice. The overskirt is a turquoise. Both are bridal weight satin from a steal deal on ebay! ($2/yd)

And, here is the finished set:

So pleased with the result! Now, it just needs the clasp on the back of the skirt (I'm using a stainless steel frog closure), but it must be checked for exact fit. With the back to back blizzards we've had in the Mid-Atlantic, and my previous strep throat, I haven't been able to have my niece over for her final fitting, but I'm expecting that to happen this weekend! So excited!

Now, its on to my newest project. Sneak peek:

It will be something very similar to this for my sister. Butterick pattern 4571. (You'll remember this from the modifications I did to this pattern for my daughter's dress not long ago.)

Except, this will be in kelly green and ivory bridal weight satin for my sister, with white lacing ribbon up the back in 24 eyelets. Antique lace trim will finish it out. 

So far, I've only got the bodice lined and together. Here it is:

You can see how absolutely beautiful the color is! More, as it comes together.