one gigantic Fall 2013 KCW post

Hey ya'll.  I'm back again with a KCW report, and then I'll make myself scarce again for a while.

Behold, my Kids Clothes Week spoils:

If you aren't familiar with Kids Clothes Week, it is a challenge to commit to sewing for your kids for at least one hour a day for a week.  You aren't technically supposed to turn yourself into a one-woman sweatshop like I sometimes do.  I just get caught up in the sewing fever and can't help myself!  :)

Obviously, I spent a lot more than one hour a day sewing.  My house is a wreck and I think I averaged about 4 hours of sleep a night.  But my kids have some great wardrobe basics for fall and "winter" (we don't really do winter here in Santa Barbara), and hopefully they will be warm enough for our holiday travelling.

One way I was able to make so many pieces was to make multiples using the same pattern.  I especially love the Recess Raglan Tee for boys (I think Oscar has like 6 of them), but it is really cute for girls, too.  Hooray for unisex patterns!

If you follow me on instagram (homemadebyjill), you saw that I carved a fox and deer stamp to make my own printed fabric. I used animal images from the Silhouette online store, and a Speedball carving block.  I love how the fox shirt came out, and can't wait to print some deer fabric.  The shorts in the photo below were made with MADE's Kid Shorts pattern, earlier in the fall.

I have been using the Lil Leggings pattern by Lil Blue Boo for years, and I like the no-fuss knit waistband.  I usually add a bunch of length to the pattern because I like a full length legging, instead of capri.

Figgy's Banyan Tee is one of my favorite patterns for boys and girls.  The handkerchief hem is ridiculously cute on the girls pattern, and I just like the overall fit for both.  I altered the pattern a bit to make the cat sweatshirt, and used gold pleather for the details.

You couldn't read about KCW last week without hearing about the Bimaa Sweater, so here is my version of the cowl view.  Pretty sure I sewed that cowl on upside down like a moron, but it still looks cute.  Must get it right the next time (sleeping might help).

I'm kind of dying over this little jacket, The Coco Topcoat pattern from the CaliFaye Collection.  It isn't actually done ... need to finish the sleeves, topstitch, and add buttons ... but it is too cute not to share.  This is for Cora, and she looks so delicious in yellow with her blonde ringlets, I just might die when she puts it on.

Ok, the jeans.  JEANS!  Sorry, still feeling ridiculously proud of these.  I used the Skinny Jean pattern from Peekaboo Pattern Shop, and I can't say enough good things about this pattern.  I was feeling all intimidated, but it was really easy and came together looking so pro!  I like that the fit is a slim jean without being super skinny jeggings, which works really well on Ruby.  I got the stretch denim from the Michael Levine Loft in LA for like two bucks, so these jeans are a bargain, too.  This is a pattern I will be repeating (already have a pair cut for Oscar in khaki).

Made by Rae's Flashback Skinny Tee was thrown into heavy rotation.  I used it for the girl's mermaid Halloween costumes, made a three quarter sleeve top for each of the girls, and used it to draft twinners knit dresses for them as well.  Late into the week, Ruby pulled out this funky floral corduroy that she picked out at JoAnn's, so they became a pair of Parsley crazy pants.

Mermaids!  My friend Sonja and I picked up the sequin fabric on a LA garment district run early in the year and have been talking up the mermaid Halloween costume to our girls ever since.  We made two pink and two blue mermaids this week, and if I can keep it together for another two days, they will hopefully get some mermaid headpieces for the big night.  Because how cute would it be if Cora had a little octopus perched on her headband?  Really cute, I tell you.

The skirt is a really simple tube skirt with a knit waistband, knit lining, and chiffon ruffle.  Nothing fancy about the construction, but those sequins will take you a long way.

In other news, these girlies are kind of precious in twin outfits.  Hasn't happened since Easter, 2012.

Phew, still with me?  Obviously, Ruby was the big winner this week, but there was a little bit for everyone. Oscar was the recient of a lot of un-blogged back-to-school sewing in September, and Cora has more hand-me-downs than a girl could ever wear, so they are all set.

I'm really grateful for KCW because it lights a fire under my sewing machine and makes me plow through my unhealthy fabric stash a bit (which is still overflowing, despite taking a bit of a hit last week).  Fabrics for these projects came from Girl Charlee, Fabric.com, upcycled clothes, and random stash.

Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!  xoxo

kcwc day 3: refashioned sweater hoodie

Last night's project was a hoodie for Oscar.  This is about the closest we get to outerwear in Santa Barbara, and he probably won't need it for another few months.

This hoodie is kind of a frankenstein piece - I rescued two of my husband's old sweaters from the goodwill pile that were still in great shape and chopped them up into a variety of pattern pieces.  Rae's Flashback Skinny Tee for the bodice, hood and sleeves from Heidi & Finn's Urban Unisex Hoodie, and a kangaroo pocket from  Go To Patterns' Signature Dress.   I slapped them all together and hoped for the best, and it mostly worked!  The fit is not perfect, but I intentionally cut it big (5T) so it would last a while.

Oscar loves the cozy sweater fabric (it is SO soft), and the kangaroo pocket.  I guess he's never had one before ... he thought it was really fun that his hands could meet in the middle.

Oscar turns into a complete weirdo for the camera.  I have a precious few seconds to snap a picture of him looking normal, and then he morphs into this:

I have about 20 pictures of him either flashing toddler gang signs or striking a super hero pose.  Then he wants to see them all in the viewing window.  I am hard-pressed to get him to just stand there looking sweet.

Oh, well.  At least he likes the sweater.

kcwc day 2: shirred pierrot tunic and failed leggings

For kcwc day two, I threw my to-do list out the window and made a pretty tunic for Ruby.  I'll get back to my boring must-makes tomorrow.  Between the hilarious sewing death match between Kristin and Rae, and the lovely washi pierrot Rae posted last week, I just couldn't resist.

Pattern:  Pierrot Tunic by Made by Rae, without the ruffle and substituting rows of shirring instead of the elastic casing.  She was throwing out sewing tips for this modification on instagram yesterday.  It is a ridiculously fast pattern to churn out, so if you are looking for a quick and easy sew, I recommend it.

Fabric: Anne-Marie Murphy for Cloud9 Organic, Maman, Les Petite Filles - this fabric feels like a dream, and is such a sweet print.  I knew Ruby would go crazy for the little girls and the baby.  Currently on sale at Fabricworm!

Ruby is not my most willing model, but she has reached that glorious stage where she is bribe-able.  While fruit snacks are not my #1 choice in photo props, they are totally worth the joy brought to this two year old.

So about the leggings ... my first kcwc fail of this session.  I know they don't look bad, but they are already in the scrap bin.  I cut them late at night with my attention divided between Gray's Anatomy and the stretch was in the wrong direction.  Wah, waaaah.  I sewed them up anyway, just to see if they would fit, and seams started popping on the first wearing.  Lesson learned!  Always pay attention to the stretch of the knit!  I'll remake them later this week.

The fruit snacks ran out, and so did Ruby's patience.  She hasn't caught the kcwc fever.  Can't you just read that look on her face?  Are you done mom?  Can I take this off now?

kcwc day 1: an explorer vest gift

This explorer vest wasn't for my own kids, but I'm counting it for kcwc anyway.  I'm a rebel like that.  :)

Our little friend, Jasper, requested a new explorer vest for his birthday. He's already outgrowing blue one posted last year, and with reports from his mom that he wears it all the time, I just couldn't resist.  It also doesn't hurt that this vest is one of my favorite boy sewing projects.

The explorer vest is a pattern included in the book, Oliver + S: Little Things to Sew, by Liesl Gibson (it's the best resource ever for finding little kid gift ideas).  I made the bellowed-pocket version, which makes the pockets extra roomy for storing treasures. I like to to use a contrast fabric on the bellow piece, so they stand out more.

But my favorite part of these particular pockets is hidden inside.  I found an adorable crocodile ribbon at a local fabric shop and thought it would be the perfect peek-a-boo surprise inside the pocket.  It's a little extra fun without being too cutesy.

To add the ribbon so it has a clean seam, I recommend sewing it to the front pattern piece before adding the bellow piece in the bellow section of the pattern, step one.  To find the right placement on the pocket, do the pressing from step 2, and use the press line to line up the ribbon.  With the fabric still open (you don't want to sew it down yet), sew the ribbon to the front pocket piece along the top only.  Then begin the pattern steps at the beginning again, adding the bellows.  When you hem the pocket, you'll sew along the bottom edge of the ribbon.   I hope that makes sense to anyone following the pattern!

I also made Jasper a little explorer ID and stuck it in the pocket.  Heidi, at Sew.Craft.Create recently posted an FBI dress up ID (there is a printable!), and I practically copied her point by point, substituting explorer stuff.   I used picmonkey.com for the fonts and little graphic - it is such an awesome replacement for picnik!

Of course, there are more crocodiles inside the big back pocket.  They are just too cute.

Happy birthday, Jasper!

kcwc is coming!

The fall installation of Elsie Marley's Kids Clothing Week Challenge is only days away.  Are you joining in?  What do you have planned?

Earlier this week, I sewed up a pair of big butt baby pants (pattern by Made by Rae) for a little friend's birthday.  He is not a baby and is on the slim side (no big, diapered behind), but these pj pants still look cute well beyond the baby stage.  With a bit of lengthening, the 2T pattern works just fine for older skinny kids.  I lengthened the main pattern piece about an inch and a half, and added a 3 inch contrast band to the bottom.  It was a quick and easy sew, and got me really excited for next week's sew-a-thon!

I'm really enjoying the kcwc community pinterest board - have you checked it out?  It is awesome.  A little too awesome.  It is making it very hard for me to narrow down my "to make" list to a reasonable length.

On my "must make" list:

• a shirt, pants, and robe for Ruby's Halloween costume
• a hoodie or jacket for Oscar
• something extra-sweet for Cora from my sewing for girls pinterest board.  I've had a lot of pinning going on, but not nearly enough sewing.

This is just what I needed to break out of a sewing lull.  kcwc.  yay!

kcwc days 5, 6 & 7

For kcwc sewing days 5 and 6, I worked on a second baby blessing dress (for a friend).  There are just a few finishing touches to do, like sew on the buttons and snaps, hem the skirt, and finish the sash.  Which means ... I should be posting the pattern and tutorial soon.  Yay!

 

For day 7, I made a pair of Big Butt Baby Pants to coordinate with the floral kimono.  The pattern is by Made By Rae, and is available for purchase HERE.  I love this pattern!  It is really easy and the pants are too cute.  I made the version with the fold-up cuff.

 

Phew ... the Kids Clothes Week Challenge was inspiring and motivating, but a real challenge.  All that sewing!  I had trouble sticking to just one hour a night (once I start a project I just go, go, go).  So while I don't think I'll keep up this pace, this challenge really helped me get back into a sewing groove, and I have all these new ideas swimming around in my head.  And stacks of fabric that need attention.

Thanks, Elsie, for the motivation!  I'm looking forward to the next challenge.

kcwc day 4: floral baby kimono

In the words of my mother-in-law, this fabric "spoke to me."  Does that ever happen to you?  Another kimono was not on the agenda for day 4, but as I sorted through fabric for my next project, I saw this floral print.  And it asked me to please make it into a kimono for my newest little friend, Harper.  I am powerless against my fabric's demands.

The fabric is Solitude by Kokka.  Pattern again from Habitual.

kcwc day 3: baby kimono

 For kcwc day 3, I sewed up a simple baby kimono using a free pattern from the blog, Habitual.

Very cute, although the 0-6 month size is no match for my sumo baby - she is almost overflowing the little top already.

No worries, I'll just make another in the next size up.  Definitely in a more feminine print.  I have a yard of Amy Butler's Lotus Morning Glory that would be perfect for this project (of course I remembered it after the fact).

This is a great pattern, because it can be easily modified - I can see it in long sleeves, sleeveless, as a dress, lined for cozy fall jacket ... endless possibilities.  And how cute would it be in a knit? 

kcwc day 2: baby lounge pants

I kept things really simple for day 2 and made little baby lounge pants.  I used a sweatshirt fabric and hand-appliqued the little jersey heart.  I didn't bother to hem the legs - they'll curl up a bit when washed.

Comfy, cozy ... just like baby clothes should be.

 

I drafted my pattern using a pair of Ruby's store-bought pants.  Learn how to do it HERE at Made (hmmm ... maybe I should rename this week the Made tutorial challenge).

kcwc day 1: dana's 90 minute shirt

My project for day one of the Kid's Clothes Week Challenge was Dana's "90 minute shirt" from the blog MADE.

I don't know why it took me so long to try this out.  It is ridiculously easy and cute, and there is nothing I love more than a plain t-shirt.  I foresee several more of these tee's to be added to Oscar's wardrobe.

Find Dana's Pattern Making Tutorial HERE and the 90 Minute Shirt Tutorial HERE.

spring kcwc day 1

Here are the results from last night's Kid's Clothing Week Challenge efforts - a little peasant top and leggings for Ruby.

The top was made from the Sweet Little Dress pattern by Leila and Ben.  I shortened it to tunic length and left the elastic off the sleeves to change things up a bit.  The fabric is Amy Butler's Lotus Wall Flower in cherry.

The leggings are a Lil' Blue Boo pattern, which I lengthened, widened to a straight leg, and added decorative buttons at the ankles.  A very fast pattern was made even easier by reusing an old pair of yoga pants, so I didn't even have to hem them.  I love that.

Also, this photo is courtesy of my new camera, which arrived just this afternoon (yay!).  Thanks for all the camera advice.  I stuck with my trusty Canon PowerShot, but upgraded to the SX130 IS.  I have only tested it a little bit so far, but it seems great!  Sorry to disappoint you SLR diehards ... I just can't face the thought of one right now.  I already haul two kids and an overloaded diaper bag everywhere I go ... I don't have the strength for a camera bag, too!  :)

kids clothes week wrap-up

See that big pile of kid clothes?  I need a nap.

I was going to try to get some photos of last night's clothes in action, but I was informed by my children that I "have enough pictures."   I figured it was time to wrap this week of sewing madness up.  The baseball tee and circle skirt are for Ruby and the sun hats are for Cora.

Cora is my fair child, so it is really handy that she loves to wear hats.  I used Oliver + S's free bucket hat pattern and widened the brim a la A Little Gray.

All in all, I made 25 garments during Kids Clothes Week.  Two items pictured here were sewn ahead of time, but I also made two things not pictured for my nephew's birthday this week.

The name of the game for me was mass production.  I stuck with simple patterns, not a lot of embellishing, and no complicated closures - elastic and stretch knits all the way!  Thank you to my serger and double needle ... I couldn't have done it without you guys.  There are still a few things on my list to make, but I think it is time to slow down the pace.

I'm not sure what inspired the sewing frenzy, because I don't usually get so carried away with Kids Clothes Week.  But both Oscar and Ruby were actually in need of new clothes, so it is nice that they have lots of items to mix and match.

Hope you have enjoyed my whirlwind posts! If you want to see what I've made for Kids Clothes Week in the past, click HERE, or check out my kcwc label (located in the Labels section of the sidebar).