More Christmas gifts

I so love this pattern.  It is so well drafted and I believe it gives you great results. 

Previously, I made the hippo and decided to give it another go as every little girl needs a giraffe.  

Just because this is a giraffe, there isn't any rule that he/she can't be a floral giraffe, right?

Both fabrics were in my stash.  For the eyes, I used plastic snaps.  I reinforced the area with interfacing, lined up both sides of the head and used my awl to punch tiny holes, both in the same location, so the eyes weren't wonky.

How cute are the proportions on this?  

 

Sorry, but the above photo won't let me turn it. 

As with any sort of pattern like this, cut and sew carefully and don't forget to press as you go.

I didn't stuff this one as tightly as I could have as I was hoping Elaina would want to sleep with it and I tried to make it somewhat cuddly.

I can foresee making the flamingo.  Why not?

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Simplicity 8614

How adorable is this pattern?  

That bow!  Those ruffles!  I immediately fell in love.  

I knew this would be adorbs on Elaina.  I had some leftover rayon fabric from I dress I made for me, and thought it was just enough for this little jumpsuit/romper.

 

It is really difficult to get a clear photograph of a busy little girl.  So bear with me.  

First thing you'll notice is that I left that big bow off the back.  I knew it would bug her.  And, I didn't have enough fabric for it.  It is still super cute.  Just a note on this outfit...there is no snap closure at the legs.  That means, yes, you do have to take the ENTIRE garment off to change a diaper.  WHAT???

How I wish I would have realized that prior to cutting this out as I would have immediately corrected that.  Plus, and this is minor, Simplicity baby patterns use a lot of zippers at the center back.  On a previous dress I made for Elaina, I redrafted the pattern so I could have snap/button openings at the front.  Has Simplicity not heard of the back to sleep campaign?  I used an invisible zipper as I think they are softer and more flexible, thus softer on your skin...should you need a nap.  Sleeping on a zipper or buttons doesn't sound very restful to me, just sayin!  

The bias tape at the neckline is vintage and from my stash--how else do you get vintage notions, right?  I will say that several years ago I was at an antique shop and found a treasure trove of rick-racks, bias tapes and assorted trims.  I have so enjoyed using them all!  Plus, this one was a perfect match.  

Any time I pulled out my phone to take photos, Elaina looked skeptical but also very cute.  If I ever make this pattern again I will put in snaps at the inseam to allow for easier diaper changes.  And, as cute as that bow is, unless it is for a formal event (wedding, etc.) I will leave it off.  

Elaina looks darling, as I knew she would!  

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Unselfish sewing Simplicity 1082

I was able to spend last week in Baton Rouge, where my daughter and her family live.  There was a day that was deemed by them, "Too cold to go anywhere and do anything," so we decided to sew up this adorable Simplicity pattern, 1082

                

See what I mean?  It is darling!  Since we are still working on de-stashing we found these the two prints in my daughter's stash and all the other notions needed such as safety eyes, fiber fill, etc.  

If you've never sewn a three-D animal such as this I will give you some hints.

Cut and sew with precision.  All seam allowances are 1/4".  Any sloppiness will result in a finish that won't look as cute as it can.

Mark all the notches, dots, small and large circles as those are pretty integral in figuring out the design.

No matter how much fiber fill you have, you'll probably end up using more than your first estimation.  This guy takes a LOT to get him to look nice and plump and without lumps or bumps.  I probably should have used more but we didn't have any so we left her as is.

If you don't press as you sew, then don't create this guy.  Seams need pressed open flat so they look nice.  This type of attention to detail will also help you match seams easier as you are sewing.

Use a high-quality quilting cotton or fabric to make these.  I would believe a thin fabric won't hold the fiber fill as well and it will look lumpy.

Granddaughter Elaina actually gave this hippo an unsolicited kiss when we showed it to her!  I hope she cuddles with it a lot.  

This only took a few hours to make.  I enjoyed it and can't wait to make the flamingo and giraffe.

Thanks for reading!

Sue :)

Ottobre 3/2013 #4--Harem-type pants for Elaina!

How cute are these little pants?



When I was looking for a few things to make for my little Elaina, I found these pants.  I just had to make them as how comfortable do they look? Perfect for 90 degrees and 70 or so percent humidity.

Yes, this is another pattern from Ottobre design 3/2013.  This is pattern #4.  This is sized for infants from 56 cm to 92 cm.  I made size 62 cm or for a 24 inch-ish baby.  Since they are so loose fitting, she will have plenty of growing room.  



These pants are super slouchy and full.  They literally hang low and that is how they are styled. There is so much diaper room that two little babies can hang out in one pair.

These take almost no time to make either and can be created with minimal yardage.  The drafting is clever as there is one center back seam, two inner leg seams, a waistband, and ribbing at the lower legs.

These would be such a great project for a beginning seamstress who has little people in her life she wants to sew for.

Did I mention that they are also darn cute?  I see more of these in Elaina's future!  BTW, it is tough to get a photo of an active baby!

Thanks for reading!
Sue :)