Bimaa Sweater Blog Tour: Bad Boy and Girly Girl style

When Sarah invited me to participate in the Bimaa Blog Tour, I was beyond thrilled. Her designs are so fresh and original, and her sewing is gorgeous, no matter what she's making. The Bimaa sweater is so fun and funky, but still totally practical for everyday kid wear. I totally love it.

So naturally, I made it twice. These two kids couldn't be more different in temperament or style, but this pattern works perfectly for them both. Gotta love that!

I made Myra's first. If you can't tell from the pose, Myra is all girl. She loves pink, princesses and all things girly. 

But she's still a kid, and her clothes still have to take a beating. Myra's Bimaa started with this fun pink cheetah/heart print french terry. I got it from fabric.com a couple of years ago, and I've been saving it for the perfect project. This was definitely it!

I made Myra the shawl collar style and made no size changes. The pattern is designed with a slim, sleek fit, and that is exactly what I wanted for this top. Myra and I both love how it turned out, and she wears it constantly.

Then there's Duncan. He's my tough guy. A man of few words, he prefers to speak with his fists.

This skull print french terry was a perfect fit for his personality. Mix it up with the hoodie variation of the Bimaa, and it's exactly him.

To get a more manly fit for Duncan, I used a size larger than his size based on his measurements. Since the pattern is drafted to be long, I also shortened it to the next size smaller. For Duncan, who is a size 3T, I made the width a size 4T and the length of both the body and the sleeves at the size 2T.

I also widened the cuffs and waistband, which I made out of this awesome chunky sweater-y rib knit. Isn't that stuff great? Super tough, right? But also super warm and cozy!

But can we talk about this hood for a minute? Seriously, it is the best thing ever. You may recall my singing its praises when I made Myra's Trixie costume, but it is just as amazing for an everyday hoodie. I lined Duncan's with a supersoft rayon jersey, and it is so cozy.

You know, if I can ever talk him into wearing it for more than 45 seconds... Seriously kid?? That's the snuggliest, best fitting hood ever!

The other feature of this hood that I really love is the way it wraps to the front to fill in the neckline. You can see that it doesn't bind at the neck at all, but lays nice and flat against the chest, but still with a nice smooth line around the face. It's really beautifully designed.

So, there you have it. Two Bimaas - one slim, sleek and girly, the other big, buff and manly, both from one awesome pattern. 

What do you mean you don't have this pattern already?? Run over to the LouBee Clothing shop and get it!

Big, bad Duncan is waiting... 

And while you're at it, be sure to check out the other bloggers participating in the tour! There are some seriously talented ladies here. I am truly honored to be among them. I'm sharing today with Alida Makes, so be sure to hop over to her blog.