Looking through my #emmas2018 list, despairing that somehow it is now August, and thinking of all the things I hadn’t achieved yet for this year (let alone the fact that a lot of those goals would have to go by the wayside now we will be travelling for the remainder of the year) I saw the “sew one item a month for the girls” and cringed. I most certainly have not achieved this one! But then, upon reflection, tut-tutting to myself that as usual I need to look at what has been achieved rather than what hasn’t, I looked in Harriet’s wardrobe and saw that I have actually recently completed two sewing projects for Harriet. Huzzah! No mean feat, poor second child rarely gets anything new or sewn/crocheted especially for her, so these little pretties are an achievement worth noting I thought.
First up: long overalls, using the Tadah Vinties pattern. I have used the Vinties pattern before for Eleanor (in about a size 0 I think, with short elastic cuffed/bubble legs) as well as being my go-to boys pattern. Having made the pattern a few times before these were reasonably quick to make – once you’re familiar with how a pattern comes together and ‘works’ it is all a lot smoother sailing. The front and back yoke with the straps I quite like the construction of in this pattern, generally you can get it to line up all pretty neatly – which is saying something for me because I am far from a perfectionist sewer! I really wish I was, but…I’m not. I am a lot more fussy when it comes to sewing for other people’s children rather than my girls!
I did the little ruffle flutters on the straps of Harriet’s overalls, an extra step in the process but always worth it – so cute! The fabric I had stashed away for goodness knows how long (possibly years!) which I originally bought from Spotlight, but I really loved for Harriet – I tend to dress her in a lot of purple, and do love a good smaller/detailed floral pattern. Over a long sleeved pink top and with her pink gumboots, she has been stomping up a storm in her new overalls. You can’t see in these photos because of her gumboots but the legs have elastic in them. The long overalls were a great Winter option – I’m not sure if you can make Vinties in a heavier fabric like cord or denim but would like to try. The Tadah Pattern Party group on Facebook is full to bursting with ideas and inspiration, if you should be so inclined.
Next up was a romper using a Brindille & Twig pattern – which I have used before for the romper which Harriet wore at her first birthday party. This pattern is super easy and quick to make up, being the second time I’d made it was also quicker again. The only trouble I have with it is getting the leg elastic casings to sit/fold just right…it actually is designed to not work out perfectly, but ends up looking okay once the elastics are in and it’s all gathered. But whilst you’re folding and ironing and trying to wrestle it to your will – a few grey hairs can sprout or choice words be muttered! I didn’t do the snap crotch on this romper, basically because I’m too lazy for that sort of fiddly sewing, so when Harriet’s wearing this and needs a nappy change the whole romper has to come off, no big deal though.
The fabric I used for the romper was a blue and yellow floral I got from Dizzy Daisy (again, sitting in the stash for awhile!) I knew Harriet had her yellow shoes this would go well with, as well as navy tights. My girls do tend to wear a lot of navy and mustard, because: um, love! I’m hoping this romper may still fit Harriet in Summer to wear without tights or with a short sleeve ruffle t-shirt under it. This romper pattern is great for that – my girls would wear it year round in Winter or Summer, any versatile clothing like that I love to make, as I know it will go the distance and hopefully be worn and worn and worn…like this romper seems to be.
So, there you go – turns out I have been sewing, and have found some sewjo just in time to pack away my sewing machine – ha! Despite looking at the looooong list I have of things I would have liked to have sewn for the girls this year, I’m choosing instead to look at the things that I have done.
I’m so guilty of doing this, are you? Can’t see the forest for the trees sometimes.
What have you been sewing? Or not sewing?
Tried the Vinties Overalls or Summer Romper patterns? Firm favourites here now.
