Ottobre, with Sprinkles on top

So many things I should be sewing, but I really wanted to make this cute outfit from the 06/2016 issue of Ottobre. So I put the practical on hold in favor of the cute.

Myra's a fan. I'm always happy when something I created makes her want to dance.

Both pieces are packed with adorable details. The top (06/2016, #29, the Shy Eyes tunic) has a triangular shape which comes to points at the side seams. The flattened hemline is filled in with an adorable ruffle. The fabric I used is a digital printed jersey from Kitschy Coo, although I got it a few years ago so this print is no longer in stock.

Just in case sprinkles and ruffles weren't enough cuteness, I added a graphic decal to the front. The black is glitter and the shadow layer is pink metallic. It's hard to see them in photos, but there are also large multicolored, flocked sprinkles surrounding the words.

The pants (#30, also from the 06/2016 issue) are a slim leg style with an elastic waistband. While they are similar in shape to the Jalie Elenore pant, there are a few critical differences that made me want to try these out. The fabric is pink stretch corduroy left over from these jeans. It was nice to get the last of that out of the stash, but it is a very soft corduroy, perfect for comfy, kid pants.

From the rear, the inset heart was the detail that made me want to sew these. So cute!! Also a huge pain, but worth it. I think it's adorable and so does Myra. You can also peep the cute little keyhole in the back neckline of the tunic. Ottobre doesn't miss a trick. I love all the great details.

Another nice feature of these is functional front pockets. I did some hearts as the pocket topstitching, just for fun, and because I feel like Vera's decorative stitching is sadly underutilized. Myra likes them. Hearts, ruffles, sprinkles and glitter can't lose! She's already worn it two days in a row, so It's a win for sure.

LouBee Clothing Shandiin: Tunic style

Last post, I showed you Myra's favorite Shandiin, but  here was the one that started it all!

This is the tunic length with button (or in this case, snap) opening in front. The cat print is a quilting cotton from Joann, and the black is voile from FabricMart. Boy did that voile make nice bias straps! So flexible.

That keyhole opening in back is just stunning. Even on this early version, the fit in back is lovely.

In the testing process, the placket was narrowed and the fit through the armholes refined, but you can see that even the first version is very wearable. Myra loves it.

We both really like the tunic length. It hits just past her backside, and it looks perfect with leggings and slim pants. She likes to wear this with her Hosh Pants, of course.

It's one of her favorite school outfits - Shandiin and Hosh. She really likes how comfortable and cute this combo is.

Wait, you don't have this pattern yet?? Myra wants to know what you're waiting for! Go get it now!!

Ottobre 06/2012-3 & 06/2008-2 baby outfit

One of my friends is having a little baby girl. After 3 boys, she's very excited (and a little nervous!) to be welcoming some pink into their family.

I thought this little set was nicely girly, but without making her big brothers want to run and hide! Both fabrics are from Chez Ami. The floral print is a cotton/lycra jersey and the aqua is a coordinating interlock. It's so soft I want to make my entire wardrobe out of it. Perfect for a wee princess.

The tunic is from the 06/2012 issue of Ottobre. It's very simple, but with some fun details.

The body of the tunic is gathered into a sweet round yoke, which is finished with a knit binding. The neckline is snug, but the binding has a lot of stretch, so it should be easy to get onto baby and comfortable to wear.

The full sleeve is gathered into a hemmed cuff. It's a pretty little detail. A full sleeve is lovely, but gets in the way sometimes. I think this is a nice functional compromise.

The pants are a basic legging pattern from the 06/2008 issue. I've made them quite a few times now. In fact, I think I've made a pair for every baby gift I've given for the last several years. Leggings are such an essential baby basic.

For this pair, I finished the leg opening with a binding, rather than a plain hem. I think this is a nice look and ties the two pieces together well.

I hope the sweet princess and her mom like her new clothes. I can't wait to meet her!

Kitschy Coo Penny Pinafore, in the Jungle!

It is with great sadness that I submit my final make for Jungle January.

It would probably not surprise you to know that this is absolutely my favorite themed sewalong. I'm so grateful that Anne is willing to be our valiant leader.

For my coup de grace the month, I used my absolute favorite pattern, the Penny Pinafore by Kitschy Coo.

For this version, I used ponte knit in an ocelot print for the front and sleeves, and black ponte for the side panels and bands. I just love the way this looks colorblocked.

Looks great from the back too. Isn't that a fun print? I'm so glad I bought a lot of it. You'll see it again.

And so I bid adieu to that month of fabulousness that is Jungle January. But fear not! We love the jungle around here. It doesn't ever truly leave us. Just hibernates for a little while.

Penny Pini, tunic time

I know, I've made a few of these...

You will too, when you get your hands on this pattern. The dress is fabulous, and the tunic length is getting near daily wear around here.

This is, of course, the Penny Pinafore from Kitschy Coo. This will be make #6, and there are more coming.

The fabric this time is single jersey. The floral print is cotton and the solid navy seems to be a rayon/cotton blend. Maybe a bit of lycra. It was given to me. Both fabrics are fairly lightweight and drapey. Despite being so different from the versions I made in Ponte knit, these fabrics still work very well with the design.

I love how curvy these panels make me look!

I'm dressed for the snow in my Penny Pini, paired with these jeans, as well as hand knit fingerless gloves and a hand knit lace cowl (which was designed and knit by my sister).

I think I'll be off to sew another. You got this pattern, right?

Kitschy Coo Penny Pinafore - Mother/Daughter version!

Of course, the Penny Pinafore had to have a pint sized equvalent. Introducing the Mini Penny Pinafore!

Here they are in tunic length and with long sleeves. The pattern includes options for three lengths in the adult sizes and two in the girls' range, as well as three sleeve lengths. Myra is wearing a size 5Y and I am wearing a size 3. This was my first version for myself, so I've made a few minor fit tweaks for later versions, but I'm really pleased with how well it fits me here without alteration.

The pattern is based on the Skater dress/Lady Skater block, so you'll find the fit is about the same, and any alterations you needed on the Skater are easily transferred to the Penny Pinafore, but with the added fit options provided by the panel seams.

I made our tunics from a mid-weight Ponte knit from fabric.com. It has maybe 10-15% stretch, so you can definitely get away with using those heavier knits for this design. Stay tuned though for a look at how it works in a thinner jersey and in some other lengths.

Myra and I are both very happy with our tunics. They are comfortable, cute and super fun to sew! In fact, one of these whips up in about an hour, whatever length you make!

Come on, Myra. Let's go make a couple more Penny Pinafores. What are you waiting for? Go get your pattern! Here is the Penny Pinafore and the Mini Penny Pinafore. Download your PDF and get sewing!

Ottobre 03/2011-12 sort of

A few days ago, Myra pulled some fabric out of my stash and insisted I make her a dress. I love that my children see clothes when presented with fabric. It makes me happy.

I did mean for it to be a dress. You know when they say measure twice and cut once. Well, I may have only measured once...

The pattern is from the 03/2011 issue of Ottobre. I used the "Happy Animals" lap tee (#12) and shortened it to her waist, then added a gathered skirt. Which I should have made longer. So it could have been a dress. Oh well, it's a darn cute tunic.  Can you see the other stupid thing I did?

Here is the back. Can you see it now? I bet Sascha knows... So, aside from my stupidity (if you couldn't figure it out, I sewed the lap backwards - it's supposed to lap over in the front), Myra really loves her new tunic, and I really enjoyed sewing it. See all that binding?? My coverstitch machine did it all in about 20 minutes, counting setup and me figuring it out. Seriously amazing and awesome!!! I'm still figuring out the ins and outs of the binder, since it came without any instructions. Thanks goodness for Debbie and Belinda's amazing tutorials!! I'll post a little of what I learned in a couple of days, once I've gotten some good pictures and figured a couple more things out.

'Til then, we'll be avoiding the paparazzi.

McCalls 5500 and New Look 6641

I'm blogging these two together because together they will be worn.  And the tee shirt is boring...

Here is the combo as it will (hopefully) be worn.  We may add a belt, but Logan hasn't been a fan in the past, so that may not happen.  The tunic is McCall's 5500, made of cotton broadcloth from Fabric Mart.  This pattern actually did call for a lining, but I used bias tape here.  Mostly because I didn't want to add an extra layer, as staying cool is an issue, even in November.

The applique is made of some leftover green shiny stuff from this jacket.  I didn't like any of the applique patterns that came with the tunic pattern, so I used an online coloring page to roughly outline a dragon shape.  I think it looks pretty cool.  Logan loves dragons.

The tee shirt is from New Look 6641, which I have used for tees before.  I really only used this pattern to save myself the hassle of adding seam allowances to an Ottobre, but I repented while I was sewing it.  Ottobre patterns are so much better drafted and I HATE 5/8 seam allowances on knits.  I've learned the error of my ways.

Ottobre 04/2004-3

Now that the temperature has dropped for real around here, it is time for some serious winter sewing.  I love fleece.  It is fun and easy to sew and just so cuddly!

Here is the tunic to match Myra's red pants.  Overall this is a simple pattern.  The pockets were a bit tricky, but only because they are round and I was silly and decided to line them with silky fabric.  They're nice inside.  The worst part was that dang binding.  I think this was mostly my fault, too.  Sort of.  The pattern calls for ribbing, but I couldn't find any red ribbing anywhere!  I couldn't even find cotton interlock in the right shade of red.  So I ended up using a poly interlock that was slick and wouldn't stay put.  It made for a difficult binding to press and sew.  Despite hand basting, it slipped all over the place.  It took 4 attempts and it still isn't on right.  I just gave up on it!

I still think it is pretty darn adorable on Myra.  I love those little gathered sleeves!  The collar is really great.  Since it is two layers of fleece it is nice and puffy so it keeps her wee neck warm.

Here's a view where you can see the pants with the applique.  When she stands up, it just peeks out under the hemline.