Kid's Clothing Week Round Up

Last week was Kid's Clothing Week. KCW means one thing for me usually. I make grandiose plans to sew for the boys all week and in reality, fabric does not get cut out, my machine does not get turned on and nothing gets accomplished.

I was determined to be successful this time. So I didn't sign up.  I figured signing up would alert the gods of sewing that I was planning on participating and that would mean I would be dead in the water from that moment on, they would shut me down instantly somehow.

I set the bar low for myself.  Instead of making a list of five or six items I made a goal of sewing two pairs of pyjamas. One for Little Man and a matching set for Baby Boy. Easy Peasy.  How hard could it be to finish on deadline?

Before diving into the kid's sewing though I really wanted to get my Honey Blouse done first because I was planning on wearing it to a party last weekend that I ended up not able to go to in the end anyways (thanks to my 42 year old back that likes to think it's 90), so I got a bit of a late start to the kid's projects to begin with.

I am happy to say I did finish!  Last Thursday. Only four days late.  I call it a win.  Whoot!!!!!! Success at last. That so rarely happens for me with KCW. Ok, ok. I realize KCW is supposed to mean at least one hour a day for that particular week, but whatever. I have lower standards... And after all, better late then never (or not at all), right?

I had the fabric and the patterns picked out well in advance.  I decided to use a vintage Simplicity pattern for Little Man that I used to use a lot for J and N when they were little.  (Vintage.  Ha ha! It's c1974.  That would be three years younger than me... Does that mean I'm vintage too?) I could make that pattern in my sleep I've done it so many times before and it makes nice comfy jammies.  For Baby Boy I used my standard go to Kwik Sew pattern that I've also made about a billion times now, and just altered it to match Little Man's.  The fabric I had picked up early in the spring and have had sitting in my stash waiting to be used for months. I made a size bigger than they really needed in hope that since summer is half over already they will still be able to wear them next year. Of course this likely guarantees growth spurts of epic proportions over the winter months.

I was provided with motivation to finish in the manner that about once every five minutes Little Man would ask if his digger jammies were finished yet. Once his were done, he asked about once every five minutes if his brother's were done. (I had told him he had to wait for Baby Boy's to be finished or it wouldn't really be fair). Nothing like an incessantly demanding child to light a fire under you to get things done if for no other reason saving your sanity. (PSA: if you do not want to be harassed do not tell the child what you are making...)

I finished late Thursday evening long after they had gone to bed, so last night was finally the night they got to wear them. Both were very pleased.

KCWC and a Crafty Roundup

So... Last week was Kids Clothes Week Challenge. You know, the challenge I always say I'm going to do and then for one reason or another I don't do anything sewing related all week.

This fall I was determined to be successful. And while I may have not made the entire seven hour challenge I did get a good five hours in, which is a good five hours more than I've ever managed for KCWC.

I even did a little baby hat pattern up too (which I'll try to get organized and show you later on this week). So all in all I'm calling it a success!

Here's my two completed projects for the week (I also almost finished a pair of pjs for Baby Boy but had some technical difficulties with the Goodtime Gal machine - hopefully it's just in need of a new needle because Old Faithful is still on the fritz and needing repair. I'd be ever so sad if I had no machine. Eeek! Doesn't bear thinking about!)

Fishsticks Designs lap gown from the Little One Layette pattern and self drafted hat pattern - yet another baby gift for a friend!

Tinkle Time Pocket Trainer (slightly modified) for Baby Boy

I've been busily sewing and knitting prior to KCWC too. Remember the doll Mei Tai I showed you a few weeks ago? It was part of a birthday swap gift for my October Mamas group on Rav. Now that the birthday girl, her mama and her brand new baby brother have received their parcel I can show you the rest. I knew the little one was getting a baby doll so I set to work making a wardrobe. I used a vintage (although I hesitate to call it vintage when it's 40 years old, ahem, which makes it younger than me...) pattern for the dress, cape, sunsuit, and romper, a 20 year old pattern for the tee and jeans and modern patterns (modified slightly so they would match) for the toddler and doll pjs. The sweater and booties were free patterns from Ravelry. The diapers are my own design.

A new wardrobe for dolly

Matching toddler and doll jammies!

For baby I made a flannel swaddler blanket using an online tutorial I'd found when expecting Baby Boy, but never got around to making. Too bad too. He was the swaddling king when he was tiny... I was really happy with how it turned out and think I'll add it to my list of baby gift possibilities!

Snuggly soft swaddler

For mama I made a mug rug and coffee mug sleeve thinking they might come in handy with a new baby in the house!

Mug rug and sleeve

Let's see. What else was there? Ah yes! Some knitting!

First up another baby swaddle blanket for a gift. This one is a quick knit on big needles with big chunky yarn. I used the Button Up Baby Wrap pattern available on Ravelry. It fits Blue Bear just right!

Wrap knit in a soft wool/cotton blend

I also knit a pair of socks from my "Summer Mama" friend Joeli's new book, Tiny Treads. I test knit Sandman and am really pleased how they turned out! I was also really excited when another Ravelry friend gifted me a copy of the book as a surprise! Thanks again Sally!! I'm definitely looking forward to trying out more of Joeli's patterns!

Baby Boy loves his Sandman socks!

So that's about it for me, but before I go I have to show off the beautiful handiwork of a couple of my friends! First up is the sweater vest (which coincidentally is another of Joeli's patterns "Pepo Pie") that was knit by my friend Lin as part of Baby Boy's birthday swap parcel - both baby boy and I love it!

Looking like quite the little gentleman in his vest

I also got a wonderful fall surprise in the post a little while ago from my friend Kim! Aren't these socks perfect for conjuring up thoughts of all the very best things about fall? Leaves turning colour, candy corn and very best of all pumpkin spice lattes?

Love my fall socks!!!

Thank you Lin and Kim for your gifts of beautiful knitting!!!