Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Simplicity 2627

As I mentioned, Myra has a serious need for some summer gear, so I hit up my stash and came away with an impressive stack of cotton prints and jersey, all in a hot pink, green or orange colorway.  I decided to do a sort of SWAP for Myra in an attempt to make a wardrobe that was a little bit more mix and match.  This is my first piece of that.
I knew I was going to need a pretty simple pattern for this crazy print.  It is actually somehow even more bright in real life.  I've had Simplicity 2627 in stash for some time, as I actually bought it for Logan, but since I mostly sew Ottobre for him, it has been languishing.  I have to say that I actually was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this pattern.  The instructions were very logical for the Big 4!  The sleeves are even set in flat, and y'all know how I love that.  There was an excess of ease in the sleeve cap, so I'll shave off about a quarter inch next time and it should be fine.  It is a serious cheater placket, which I am OK with as long as I don't have to match any stripes or plaids across the front seam.  It made for a really easy sew.
And so cute!!  I'm definitely going to make this up in Logan's size.  I have noticed that unisex patterns tend to actually be designed for girls, so to make it for Logan, I'll make a few alterations to "man-ify" it for him.  If you look at a man's short sleeve shirt as compared to a woman's, you'll notice that the man's sleeve typically has a slightly extended shoulder with a longer sleeve that hangs almost to the elbow and has at least a one inch hem, which helps the sleeve to hang well.  A woman's shirt, on the other hand, typically has a fitted shoulder line with a shorter sleeve and a narrow hem.  This shirt is designed more along the lines of a woman's shirt, and in my experience, no matter how "manly" the fabric, your little guy is going to look a little girlie in a shirt like that.  So, just cut the shirt a bit bigger to extend the shoulder line, and cut the sleeve longer, so that it hits near the elbow with a nice deep (3/4 to 1 inch) hem.  You'll be glad you did!
Next up on the Singer will be some denim pants to coordinate with this top.  I find that I really enjoy sewing my kids clothes on that old machine.  Sitting at that table, knee to lever, machine whirring, I feel a bit of solidarity with the mothers who have sewn clothes for their wee ones on machines like this one.  I'm starting to really see the appeal of the vintage machine.  I also have to say, that girl can sew!  She is so reliable.  She may not be fancy, but what she does, she does really well.  And her buttonholes are a thing of beauty.

15 comments:

Tawny said...

I love this pattern. I use it constantly for my Logan. I used it to cut up daddy's pants to make jeans for Logan: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tawnybee/4195695137/
I also used it to make his Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtle shirt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tawnybee/3973883147/

It's been road tested a lot in my house. A few minor adjustments and I think you'll like it for boy's clothes as well :)

Michelle said...

So cute! Those little flower buttons are adorable.

wendy said...

Awww, that's so cute. :)

Is the blouse fabric Little Folks Voile?

amber said...

What a cute little top! The buttons are so perfect for that print. :)

Eugenia said...

That top is super-cute! I love those colours and the print is perfect for such a lovely little lady!

KID, MD said...

Thanks everyone!
Tawny - Logan is so cute in his jeans and shirt! I'm definitely going to make this up for my Logan!
wendy - The fabric is from the stash, but I think I actually got it at Walmart. Sometimes you get lucky! I've heard good things about the Little Folks voile though and have been thinking about giving it a try.

Angela said...

Adorable!!

Anonymous said...

Those colors are beautiful on her, and the buttons are too cute.

Pam said...

Ridiculously cute!!

judy said...

Very adorable and love the buttons!

Debra Martin said...

Too cute!

Keely said...

Very cute! I love the bright fabric, it's so cheerful.

gwensews said...

How cute! The blouse and Myra. I love her little pink sandals! What a fashionista she is at such an early age!

angie.a said...

Aww!! T his is SO cute! I love the little buttons!

kbenco said...

Oh that is so sweet! The print and buttons are perfect, and I love the pink sandals.

Have you tried the Burda patterns for Logan? There are some smart small boy things hiding in the line drawing sections, I don't have Ottobre, but find that the Burda patterns are much more true to size and have more fun details than the Big 4 patterns for boys.