Summer PJs - Free Sewing Patterns

I love this seahorse print!

A few weeks ago I went shopping for summer PJs for Nik and I was disappointed when I realized that the cheapest price for 3 pairs would be close to $60.  I thought that was a little much for PJs that will probably only fit this summer, so I decided to make some (not like a have a shortage of fabric in my stash).

I pulled out some knit fabric from my stash and used two Fishsticks Designs Patterns.  For the tank I used the Tank Pattern and for the shorts I used the Mud Puddle Splasher Shorts Pattern.  Both patterns are well written and easy to follow.  These patterns are great for beginners sewing with knits.

I'm really loving how these summer PJs turned out!  If you are looking for more PJ patterns, you can check out these by Fishsticks Designs.

On a side note, this tank pattern is so much easier to sew than the McCall's Pattern that I tried last year during Kid's Clothes Week Spring 2013 (here and here).      

Selfish Sewing - My Plantain T-Shirt

This is a very late post (it kinda got stuck in my drafts, because I didn't have any pictures to post)

It seems I never make the deadline for online competitions, perhaps I should have made that my New Year's resolution...complete my sewing projects in time to enter the competitions!

This shirt is a free t-shirt pattern created by Deer & Doe.  They are a French company that makes lovely patterns, I simply adore their work!  When I saw this shirt pattern I knew I had to try it because it looked comfy and loose fitting around the middle.

My inspiration for this shirt actually came from a dress that I saw in a Victoria's Secret catalog.  I knew the dress wouldn't work for me (look at that neckline!) but I liked the color blocking so I copied the idea.

The Plantain pattern is easy to follow and well written, so even a beginner can have successful results.

Front View

The sleeves are a little long on me, so I need to shorten the length about an inch on my next Plantain.  I also think the heavy knit I selected makes the sleeve sag even more.

Sleeve

The neck wasn't bad sewing and I think I only had a small part in the band where I didn't stretch it enough.  The small gather is not noticeable enough to warrant re-sewing the neck bank (ain't nobody got time for that).

Better picture of neck band

I really love the cut of this shirt, it hides my postpartum middle without making me look frumpy.

Back View

I think my closet is calling for a few more Plantain shirts...perhaps with some more color blocking and/or pattern mixing.  ;)

Project of the Moment - Tee Time!

Sorry, I just had to think of a cheesy title...I couldn't resist!

My little man has been growing like a weed and all his t-shirts and pants are too small, so I decided to use my last weeks of maternity leave to focus on making him clothes.  I managed to make him a pullover sweater, a pair of shorts and two t-shirts.  It was a satisfying being sew productive ;)

While I was looking through my stash and planning out what to use for the t-shirts I wanted to make Nik, I noticed that I have a ton of striped fabric...I jokingly told my husband that I was turning our son into a pirate and making him pirate clothing with all the striped fabric...har har!

I made these shirts using knit fabric I bought from Girl Charlee Fabrics and Fabic.com.  I did have a difficult time locating rib knit fabric in bright fun colors so if you know a place where I can get some, please let me know.

For the shirt pattern I used the free Basic Tee pattern by Made. I love the way the tutorial includes instructions on how to make shirts from scratch, like I did, or how to make toddler tees out of adult tees.  I really want to try making a toddler tee from an adult t-shirt next time...I'd love to avoid having to sew hems!