Wednesday 5 June 2013

Sunday afternoon family fun

We have a rule in our house that on Sundays the girls aren't allowed to use their electronic devices - no iPods, no laptops etc.  This often leads to cries of 'I'm bored', but it does force them to think of other ways to amuse themselves.

Paige and Georgia have been hanging out in my sewing room with me (and often without me!).  They've been cutting up scraps and making cushions as well as pillows and sleeping bags for their toys.

Paige has been so keen to do some 'proper' sewing that I thought we'd give PJ pants a go.

I pulled out my trusty copy of Butterick 5853 and cut out an XL (10) with the width of a L (7-8).

Paige did all the sewing herself and was so incredibly proud of herself.  Check out the posing!



Because pj pants are the sewing equivalent of comfort food I whipped up a pair for Georgia and Caitlyn too.


I used the same Butterick pattern for Georgia in the same sizes with an extra 1.5 inches added to the length.  I ran out of standard waistband elastic so I used some cotton lycra and made a yoga pant style waistband.  Georgia loves them and I love that I've used up all the scraps from my koi pj pants.


For Caitlyn I used some cool printed cotton poplin (I think) that I picked up at Spotlight in Ballina. I used Simplicity 3577 in the child/teen large and added 2 inches to the length.  Due to a fabric shortage I didn't have enough for the waistband casing (and no elastic) so I cut the waist at the height of the medium size.  I hope this makes sense :)

 
I ended up using a soft spotty elastic for the waistband.  Due to Cait's long legs I couldn't even hem these properly, they're just overlocked!  That child is nearly as tall as I am.


I've been doing quite a lot of simple batch sewing lately but I have plans for a couple of winter white garments and I need to finish my nephew's quilt, we'll see what pushes to the front of the queue :D

Saturday 1 June 2013

Leggings bonanza - the annual re-stock

It's that time of year where the weather has turned cold and the kids want to wear leggings with everything.  Only last year's leggings are now a good couple of inches too short and the store bought ones don't fit.

Good thing Mum can sew.


Really - they're leggings so there's not a lot to say.  I used Ottobre 1/2009 #32  for Paige and Georgia and Ottobre Women's pattern (2/2008 #16) for Caitlyn and I.  I added little ribbon tags at the back to make life a little bit easier.


This time I also made a shorts version (with a 2 inch inseam) to wear when I play netball.  I can't believe I've purchased two pairs similar to these in the past.  I can get three pairs out of a meter of fabric which only set me back $18.

It has taken me over a week to write this post!  Being the master procrastinator that I am, I'm writing this post now instead of working on an assignment.  OK, I'm off to hit the books. I'll write a quick wrap up post for Me Made May soon and then hopefully there will be some new clothes to show you.