The Play Pants from Kikoi Patterns

The beautiful early fall weather lasted longer than expected this year. Warm, sunny days; cold crisp nights; leaves falling all around in a multitude of colors - It was wondeful! Then BAM! The cold, dreary days of autumn took over and seem to be holding the sun hostage. Bleh! That is when I quickly realized I have almost no pants that fit my little bean sprout anymore...Play Pants to the rescue!

These pants were a great fix for my problem of unpreparedness. The Play Pants is a newly released pattern from Kikoi Patterns. It is an easy sew pattern, in sizes 2 - 9 years, made for knit fabrics.

Keilana most often wears a size 5 but she is growing faster than I can keep up with (as if this post wasn't already proof of that). So I chose to make a size 6 for these. 

I made them from some super soft hemp and organic cotton blend french terry. It is so soft actually that I wonder if there is some bamboo in it. I have had it forever and honestly don't remember the exact fiber content. It also has a lovely weight, which is why I chose to use it. It is kinda heavy, but not too thick, so it isn't bulky.

Another bonus - I was able to use up some tiny knit scraps that I had no idea what I was going to use for. Keilana likes to look in the pocket to see what desserts she can find on the fabric. Fun! :)

These are super quick and very easy to sew up. I generally use my serger with knits even though I know it won't fray. I just like the serged finish. But I actually made these entire pants without touching my serger once. This fabric presses nicely so I had no problem.

The pattern has a nice straight leg that isn't too wide nor too narrow. 

The waist is encased elastic....quick and easy!

As the name implies, these are a great play pant - quick to sew up and allow for comfort and movement. I have my doubts as to whether the off white color will last long, but I have some dye in my crafty mama arsenal if they don't. Ha!

Thanks for visiting!

I Made It: the Jarvis Top

I was looong overdue for some boy sewing. So, when I was asked to sew up the Jarvis Top I was super excited to oblige. In fact, I made two!

The Jarvis Top was just released, along with the Ryder Trousers, and is on sale for 25% 'til Thursday at midnight (PST). The sale is for all the patterns in Made It's Craftsy store, woohoo! How I wish I could make them all...perhaps in time ;)

What stood out to me right away about the Jarvis Top was the clean lines and the modern look. It was love at first sight!  Made It Patterns is definitely a fashion forward designer!

The pattern can be made with short or long sleeves. I couldn't decide, so for Jonas I kinda made both. I cut the guitar print to a short sleeve length. The black fabric I cut at the cut from one inch above the short sleeve mark down to the wrist. Then I just sewed them up together to make a faux layered look. Both fabrics are a cotton interlock knit.

I was sold on the Jarvis Top right away with the asymmetrical yoke. The front of the shirt is all one piece with the yoke and button placket inserted. I have to admit, I wasn't sure how nicely I would be able to pull this off, but the instructions were very clear. And, well, you be the judge...

Do you love it as much as I do?! The yoke and collar lines are clean and yummy, just like the photo in the pattern. I love the technique the pattern follows to achieve this look. It is easier than you'd think!

However, photographing these two boys together...not so easy! See the look on their face in the photo above? I am not even going to show you the series of photos that ensued after this one! Bah, brothers...

They are so cute! But when I ask Jonas to put his arm around Ethan and pretend they are friends the following picture resulted.

That is SO not what I meant by "put your arm around him"!

For Ethan's shirt I played around with the pattern a bit more. 

 Ethan is on the upper end of the size range (2-10 year), but instead of trying to make it wider for his thick chest I went with the slimmer look instead. It goes well with the modern feel. And he just loves it! He was begging to wear it to school today. (Hooray for the win!)

 I split the front of the shirt and made part with a guitar print and part in a solid red. Then I made the long sleeves from the same red fabric. Both of these are a cotton jersey blend fabric. Actually, the gray yoke and collar is a cotton jersey blend too on this one.

This is an intermediate level pattern. To make it you must have knowledge of sewing with knits and be able to sew button holes. Don't let the yoke and placket keep you away. Even if you have never made them before I feel you should be able to follow along with the well written directions.

^^^ That was alittle spy action for you! ^^^ :)

Okay, back to the pattern. I was able to print the pattern up without problem. Taping it together was almost effortless! Seriously, the lines matched up perfectly. You have to love when this happens! And the fit is great. I would definitely recommend this pattern to anyone who has a boy in the size range.

These last photos are just for fun! I am just so happy the shoot worked out today.

I love these boys...even when they attempt to corrupt the pictures with obnoxious looks. Ha!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Please check out Made It Patterns on Facebook and Craftsy! I look forward to seeing more of these awesome patterns!

Debbie's Birthday Dress pattern from Sewpony

The Debbie's Birthday Dress pattern from Sewpony is wonderful! It was inspired by one of Suz's favorite childhood books, Debbie's birthday party. So I think this pattern was destined to be a classic!

*The pattern is on sale! Check the bottom of the post for details ;) *

My little model was rather uncooperative, so please forgive the grumpy pictures.   ; )

Debbie's Birthday Dress is a vintage style sleeveless A-line dress with two main views. View 1 has a separate bodice with trim and view 2 has a center split front, peterpan collar, and pocket. 

There is a simple one button closure with button loop in the back. I made view 1 with a few minor modifications. 

Before I forget, let me tell you that I was able to make this dress in a size 5 from a 1 yard remnant that had pieces already cut out. How sweet is that!

The pocket isn't part of view 1 but I just couldn't resist it. It is fun to mix and match different views!

I also added in some piping along the neckline, bodice bottom, and pocket. 

 I couldn't find my lovely lace trim for the bodice, so I made a pintucked panel instead. The little buttons on the front  play on the pop of red in the panel fabric. 

We decided to fly inside for a hot cocoa break...

...but the Kiki bird landed on the swings instead.

And, what do you know, now she's all smiles!

The Debbie's Birthday Dress pattern has a lined bodice but it was super easy to put together. Suz provided great directions and pictures in the pattern. And I love the way she made the bottom of the dress to keep it from puckering when it is hemmed! Genius, I tell ya!

Thank you Suz SO much for the great pattern! 

***And, heads up readers, the pattern is on sale for just $5 through the end of October!***

  It is available in sewpony Vintage's Etsy shop. You are sure to enjoy it!

And that wraps up my Kids Clothes Week sewing for fall. But I won't let that stop me. I have lots more fun fall sewing in line!

Girls Scarf Neck Cardigan; KCW sewing

So, yeah, I am totally going to do a drive by posting of some of my Kids Clothes Week sewing.

These are made from the Girls Scarf Neck Cardigan pattern from Swoon Patterns (formerly known as Paco Bean Patterns).

Enjoy! :)