Project of the Moment - Reversible Jacket

I had the most difficult time selecting fabrics that I like that were fun and cute (not plain) but also boyish.  I searched my local stores and didn't find anything I really loved so I started looking online.  I ended up buying the majority of my fabric from Hawthorne Threads, they have so many fun fabrics and they make it super easy to find what you need. 

For my son's reversible jacket I wanted the print to be colorful and fun but not a "in your face" kind of print so this is what I selected:

For the main fabric:

Source: hawthornethreads.com via Ashley on Pinterest

For the lining:

Source: hawthornethreads.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I guess you could argue that there really isn't a "main" fabric since it is reversible. I don't know where I went wrong but the jacket didn't really come together as nicely as Deborah's did in her videos. I mean...the jacket looks ok but I had to redo a few parts, I think it's because the 14" zipper I selected was a little too long.  I also didn't have fun installing the zipper, but I must say that my zipper sewing skills are improving. If I ever make the jacket again, I'm going to try using a fully reversible zipper so it's easier for Nik to put on and take off (right now he still needs help so the one sided zipper is fine).

Now that the jacket is finished I have one more "big" project (a dress) and two smaller ones (a bib and a bonnet...but I don't plan on making the bonnet), which should be easy (except that the dress calls for buttons...eeek!).

On a side note, during my break from sewing the jacket I went through Nik's clothes and put away what he out grew and put 18MO and 2T clothes in his dresser. He is definitely set in the clothes department for quite a while...in fact he probably won't need new clothes until the beginning of next year. Which means that I can start making clothes for me without feeling guilty. ;)

Project of the Moment - Overmost

When I signed up for the Sewing for Kids class I was giving a syllabus with a list or projects and I had no idea what an overmost looked like so I googled it.  In my search result I found Deborah's pattern.  She explains that they really don't cover all, they only cover most...so true!

Front View

At first I thought these might be a lot of work but they really weren't.  They were very simple and easy to make, everything was straightforward.  I actually enjoyed making these because they are so darn cute!  The pattern is written so that they can be reversible but I decided to not make them that way since the other fabric I selected is white.  I couldn't resist the bunting pattern fabric, I just had to use it so I bought it to use for the lining.  

Outside Front Pocket

Front View and Pocket

Back View with Pocket

Buckle Strap

Elastic Back

Inside Lining

Originally I had envisioned making these out of baby blue fabric and using the bunting fabric.  I was a little afraid it might look too girly so I contacted the lovely people at Hawthorne Threads and they said they didn't think my selection was girly but that I might want to consider a darker fabric since I was making them for a toddler. 

The color I thought of using for the outer fabric:

Source: hawthornethreads.com via Ashley on Pinterest

With this as the lining:

Source: hawthornethreads.com via Ashley on Pinterest

And this is what I ended up using for the outer fabric instead:

Source: hawthornethreads.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Instead of buttons I used the Dritz Overall Buckle For 1.25 Inch Strap (2 Per Package) - Antique Brass. I opted for traditional adjustable overall buckles for two reason, one, my little guy is growing like a weed and, two, I really haven't practiced making button holes. I guess I just need to sit down one day and practice so I'm ready to add buttons to the dress I'll be making soon.

I really like the way these came out in the end, they look super professional!  I can't wait to make some more for Nik.