2019 First Post Featuring an Old Make

Leave a comment January 13, 2019 apinchofsewing

Hope it’s not too late to wish you a Happy New Year! This is my first post of the year. Nevertheless, what I’m sharing is in fact something made quite a long time ago however, only had the opportunity to take pictures during the Christmas holidays.

I made M this outfit to match the one I had previously made for F (previous post) but, bearing in mind her own style. M doesn’t like ruffles that much anymore, but has agreed on an Ida Blouse by Ikatee in white, because it looks good with jeans! In fact, I have to agree with her. So much so, I also bought white fabric to make one for myself.

The blouse was made in size 8, without modifications and it fits pretty well. Like the one I made for F, I’ve chosen the long sleeves option but, this time I changed the way it closes at the back and used ties.

Instead of using fabric for the ruffles, I used Broderie Anglaise and in my opinion, adds such a lovely detail. The main fabric is a plain off-white shirt fabric from Mike Tecidos and it worked well for this project.

I know M’s idea was to wear the blouse with jeans but, I also made her trousers that she can wear (or not) with this blouse. The pattern is the Graphite Trousers by Made by Toya.

For the trousers, I also made a straight size 8 without modifications, using the same corduroy previously used for F’s pinafore and Liberty Ava for the ties.

Hope you had a good start of the year!

A Summer outfit for F

Leave a comment May 24, 2018 apinchofsewing

F is in need of some Summer clothes as most of hers from last year don’t fit anymore and therefor, will be used by M. On the other hand, I know that if I have coordinated outfits for the girls, those will get more wear. So, for this Sew Crafty Design Team Project, I used some fabrics that I love and know it will easily coordinate with M’s outfits.

I’ve been wanting to make the Laurel Blouse by Jilly Atlanta for some time now and Sew Crafty has this gorgeous dobby cotton lawn and, as you most likely already know, it’s one of my favourite fabrics.

According to F’s chest measurements, I made a size 6 but added some length as her height fits in a size 7 and the fit is just right.

The fabric is not as light as some dobby cotton I’ve worked with, but still lightweight and nice to work with.

The pattern has the option for lined yoke or finishing with bias and I opted for a lined yoke as I prefer the way it looks. Just realised, looking at the photos, that I need to redo the front yoke lining. It is not laying right and it is bothering me… my fault!

To complete the outfit, I made the Graphite Shorts by Made by Toya using Essex Linen from Robert Kaufman and I do wish I had a pair of shorts like this for myself!

Like the previous ones I’ve made her, these ones are a size 7 without alterations. She really loves these shorts and asked me to make some more. She definitely feels very comfortable wearing them. Can’t blame her!

The fabric is a mixture of linen and cotton, was very good to work with and we’re both very pleased with how it turned out. I honestly find it perfect for summer projects.

I’m sure she will want to wear this outfit a lot! She already asked if she can take it to school in the next non-uniform day. 😊

New shorts for F

1 Comment April 9, 2018 apinchofsewing

You probably already know Toya and her unique style. The news is she recently started making patterns for kids, well… maybe it’s not that new since this is her second pattern already. Anyway, Toya released a new trousers and shorts pattern and we like it a lot.

The Graphite Trousers and Shorts were even approved by my picky daughter, M, as well as by F. Totally a wining!

I really like the style of the trousers, with front pleats and optional tie. They are super comfortable and stylish.

The pattern is available in sizes 2 up to 12 years old as trousers, cropped length or shorts. These will get a lot of use all year round.

Shorts always get a lot of wear around here. Even during winter, (except on those freezing cold days) paired with tights, so I tried the shorts first, to wear with knee socks during Spring. I also made a version in chambray for Summer but haven’t photographed yet.

For F, I made size 7 based on her hip measurements and although she is a size 8 for height, the shorts fit her perfectly.

The fabric used is a Liberty corduroy bought at my local haberdashery that, unfortunately, closed recently. The fabric worked very well for this pattern and will be perfect for a trousers version during winter.

The pattern instructions are detailed and helpful, as well as the illustrations.

During testing I’ve seen some great versions and I honestly can say that I’ll be making more for my girls. Now, if only there was a ladies version…

I’m picturing a next version in seersucker. Do you recommend any shop that has some with nice quality 100% cotton? 😊