Kids Clothes Week 2013

Are you sewing along for KCW?  This is the first time for me,  and I’m determined to sew every day. I’m still working on my stashbusting as well, so it will work out nicely. My son is dating a lovely girl with three young children, whom I refer to as my ‘adopted’ grandchildren. I have plans to sew several summer outfits for each of them, and my granddaughter MacKensie.  This afternoon I put the finishing touches on skirts for MacKensie and Lexi.  The fabric is a poly-cotton that has been in my stash for about a year. It doesn’t show very well in the pictures, but it is white with red, blue and yellow flowers and green leaves. One day I will learn to take pictures in daylight, I promise.  The colours are always so washed out otherwise! It really is quite pretty fabric,  perfect for Spring, if it ever arrives. I plan on making both girls tops in a coordinating colours, once I find something in my stash that I like for them.

I only took a picture of one skirt, because they are both the same, except for size. This one is a size five, MacKensie’s is about eighteen months. They were super easy to make and probably took me about three hours to make both. They are lined with crisp white sheeting with a lace edged tulle ruffle.  The waist has a self ruffle with a button at the center front to make it easy for little girls to put them on properly. It is difficult to see in this picture, but the little dark blob is actually a cute little charm. I found them here,  'Hand Made' charms on Ebay.

I am finding that ‘shopping’ from my stash a lot of fun. I have forgotten what lovely fabric pieces I have stashed away, and each time I search for a piece for a particular project I am thrilled with what I find. Tomorrow I plan to make a top and shorts for Lexi, with remnants from  this  outfit I made for MacKensie before she was born.

Happy Stitching!

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What Were They Thinking?

Have you seen the  "You Can't Judge An Ugly Vintage Pattern By It's Cover"  party at  Simple Simon and Co.?   The idea behind the party is that many ‘ugly’ vintage patterns may have some redeeming qualities if you look hard enough.  That is absolutely true. Fashions change over the years, but many things stay the same or return in some shape or form.  Vintage patterns are a fabulous way to bring the past to life, and to put your own spin on current fashion trends.
As a vintage pattern seller, it is easy to say that I have at least 1000+ patterns on hand at a time.  There is usually something on the pattern that can be used, a skirt, a dress or top, even a sleeve style or collar can be adapted to another current pattern. Vintage patterns carry a wealth of information that newer patterns don’t.  Sewing techniques, tips and style ideas abound.
But sometimes, it is very difficult to see the positive for the all to obvious negatives in a pattern.

At first glance, this 1985 Vogue 9238 Maternity pattern looks shapeless and ugly.  But lets look at it a different way.  The skirt is a simple shape that is very wearable today.  The pants are a little short, but that isn’t a big problem, just lengthen the hem!  The vest, well, maybe we’ll leave that out of our wardrobe.  On to the tunic/dress.   Take a look at this current pattern,  Vogue 8771.

Anything look familiar?  The sleeves!  Granted there is a slight difference in shape, but overall the style is the same.  Shape the sides of the tunic from our vintage pattern  and pair it with a belt and skinny pants. You have a totally up-to-date look!
Moving on to our next pattern,  Butterick 6319.  Look past the 80’s hair and headband, and what do you see?  Flashdance?  A bad 80’s exercise class?

Lets look again. Look at the components individually.  A basic tank top or tankini top shape, a basic underwear or bathing suit bottom, tights or leggings, a basic tee.  Keep in mind that the pattern pieces can be altered slightly to change the fit and style, and the possibilities are almost endless!
At the beginning of this post I said that most vintage patterns have some redeeming qualities.  Most.  Not ALL.  The last pattern I’m going to show you is a 90’s Butterick 4820 Maternity pattern.  If you can see the potential in this pattern, please let me know. It is one of the few patterns I have ever come across in the 1000’s of patterns I’ve owned that just screams  ‘WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?’  I don’t know about you, but when I was pregnant I FELT like a beachball.  I didn’t want to LOOK like one too! This is my entry to Simple Simon's ugly pattern contest.

So now you can see the advantages of a vintage pattern.  Look past the poor illustrations or photos on the covers of some of them, and look at the ‘bones’ of the pattern. Everything may not be as it seems at first glance.  I like to look at the line drawings first (usually found on the back of the envelope) to see what you are really getting.  Let your imagination soar!
To find your perfect vintage sewing pattern, go to my shop,  Stitching By Numbers,  or check out one of the fabulous vintage pattern shops of my Etsy teamies from  Pattern Patter!  Please check out our shops on Wednesday March 20th, for our HUGE BLITZ PATTERN SALE for 20% off in my shop and others!

Happy Stitching!

Sewing For The Season

The Stashbusting theme for March is sewing for the season change.  I sewed this little outfit for my granddaughter in February, but no matter, it fits the theme!  I have a few more items that I’m anxious to sew for her for the coming warmer weather that I’m hoping to get to soon.  I love this little outfit!

Unfortunately Iphone pictures at ten o’clock at night in the bathroom aren’t all that flattering.  Surprisingly enough,  the colours are fairly close to the real thing.  The only difference is that the pinks are closer in colour than they appear.

I used Butterick 5017,  but added ruffles to the pants.

The fabric is adorable.  MacKensie loves cows,  so the little cows on the fabric are a hit.  The pink and white polka dot fabric is cut from a pillowcase,  also from my stash.  These little outfits don’t take alot of fabric, but every bit counts in my stashbusting quest!

Happy Stitching!

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