Oliver and S Swing Set Top

This is one pattern that I have had my eye on for ages but couldn't justify buying because elder daughter would only have been in the largest size (5T) for a few months. 

Both the skirt and top are just beautiful with lovely sweeping curves and gathers, and with the wave of hot weather currently hitting the UK, I gave in and bought the digital version for L.

I thought she would be okay in a 3T but upon re-measuring her, she falls into the larger 4T, which is a pity as it shortens the life of the pattern considerably. 

The fabric is a special meter that I have been saving. It is from the Cat Nap collection by Lizzy House. I love it and have been looking for the right project. I also have this print from the same collection, I have seen that made up into a Swing Set Top and it looks pretty spectacular!

There is plenty of room in the size 4T. It fits her with enough ease to let the breeze float through on a warm day. The bodice fits over her head without needing to undo the buttons for the time being but it is nice to know they are there for when she grows.

The best detail for me about this top is the curve of the bodice, isn't it sweet?

I found three buttons shaped like leaves in just the right colours which suit this fun print.

At first I thought the straps would be a little on the short side. But if you happen to think that too while making it up, rest assured, they are just right.

Butterick 5639: A Summer Dress For Me

I finally made this pattern! I bought it sometime last year after tracking down the pattern behind this pin. There aren't many reviews to find of this dress but I did read Corinnea's post which was super helpful.

I made the view on the far left which has a v-neck front and lovely deep pockets. I actually had the same reaction as Corinnea when I turned over the pattern sleeve and saw that the back of the dress was straps. I was expecting more coverage but since it is warm weather I decided to just go with it.

The pattern calls for faille, crepe or stable knits but I didn't have anything on hand that wasn't already earmarked for something else. This is made up from a dress polyester that feels pretty nasty so no harm done if isn't perfect.

The end result is not bad. I need to make a few tweaks to get the fit I want but this is a good start. First off, the neckline is a bit risque for me. That will need to come up about an inch next time. 

I would add length on at the top end of the panels under the bodice to give my waist a longer line, but not too much else I won't be able to reach the bottom of those pockets!

The gathered center panel feels a little poofy but for a sundress it is perfect. I either need to reduce the width a touch or do away with the gathers altogether. It wasn't until I had finished that I found this pin where the gathers have been taken out and it looks great.

I am surprised how comfortable I feel in a red dress. Apart from the low neckline, I don't feel like a harlot at all! So even though this is just a practice, there will be more red options in my future.

The back straps are quite lovely after all despite my scepticism. They remind me of the Colette Lily dress.

Look how deep these pockets are! I love them. Anyone with children knows how valuable a dress with pockets is, and these are perfect! 

Little Things to Sew: Explorer Vest

This is my eighth project from the Little Things to Sew Book (I still haven't got a picture of that tutu to show). It is one project from the book I thought I would never sew up. 

I thought my daughter was too girly to want this but recently she has become very interested in all things nature and bug-like. 

I chose my fabric carefully to match the hat that she already has (which used to be mine). I picked a sand coloured cotton for the outer fabric and a soft flannel with a fun camping print for the inside.

The flannel makes it incredibly snuggly. This might even get some winter wear!

I had some fun with details on this. I was worried it would look too boyish so tried to make it girly with some bug appliques.

A flying ladybird....

And for the back, a beautiful blue butterfly.

I was thrilled to find this butterfly. I had searched the web for appliques and they all looked a bit babyish, but this one is fancy and we love it!

I used silver and blue thread for the running stitch on this one.

The flannel is from Fabric Rehab. The camping print was too appropriate for me to resist buying it. I have just enough flannel left to trim a pair of PJ's which is now a project to be saved for the winter.

I had a heck of a time finding coloured snaps for the vest. I didn't want to use buttons because this will probably be used for dress up play and so it needed to be easy to do up.

Eventually about 2 weeks after finishing the project I found these red ones from Jaycotts. 

Back in February I treated myself to some fat quarters of Makower fabric which turned out to be great for this project. I lined the front pockets with these cute bees and little chicks.

We had a lot of fun playing about in the garden for some photos. Amazing how we manage to have so many props lying about the house already!

This outfit lasted all day. We even went to the shops in it.

Making the bellows version of the pockets (you can just make them patch pockets, which is easier), gave them so much capacity. We discovered that the bug book fitted perfectly into the back pocket.

So there we have it. An unexpectedly delightful thing to sew, which is going to get a lot of wear.

Green Bee Sally Romper

This might be the most cheerful looking post I have ever written. How can you not look at that fabric and feel happy?

The very lovely Jenna from Just Sew Jenna let me try out one of the patterns on my wishlist. The Sally Romper by Green Bee Patterns. I have never sewn with this pattern company before but have seen many lovely examples of their patterns. I was really pleased with how this came together, it was a nice smooth sew.

There are 2 views to the pattern, there is a dress version as well as this romper. Now I have made this, I am itching to try the dress version. I already have it traced off in the right size so why the heck not?!

Since we are just clear of potty training I thought I would steal another idea from Jenna and use press studs for the placket instead of buttons, which could take too long and be the potential fine-line between wet and dry. These would be so much quicker in an emergency!

I sewed up a size 4 with no alterations. She was in between a 3 and a 4 so I played it safe and sized up. I love how it sits on her, she looks very comfy. I can also spot her easily on the playground in these colours, although getting to her in time before she runs off is another hurdle.

It did occur to me when making this pattern that is it quite versatile. The romper is fantastically cute and so I assume the dress will be just as adorable. Also, before attaching the bodice and shorts together, I noticed it made a very sweet blouse. Maybe by dividing the waistband and turning it into the bottom hem, I could get a sleeveless top out of the pattern as well?

I will confess to making a bit of a schoolboy error while tidying up the threads. I snipped a hole in the bodice. Tell me you have been there..... After giving myself a mental Gibbs style slap to the back of the head, I did a bit of applique work on the offending patch. Three petals on the orange flower on the right hand yoke seam are matched up with fresh fabric and covered by careful stitches. Hopefully nobody will notice.