Monday 29 April 2013

The end of KCW

I'm always sad to write this post because it's the end of Kids Clothing Week and I love the focus and purpose that comes with participating in this week. This year I managed to finish 5 pieces, I still have 3 in progress (hopefully to be finished this week) and I have a list of new ideas as long as my arm (not sure yet if that is a good thing or a bad thing).

Here are the last few pieces I managed to finish.






The "almost" finished category has the pieces for my little guy. Hopefully I can get those done this week but after a few mis-cuts...I'm taking just a little break to get focused again.


Tuesday 23 April 2013

KCW Day 2 - A little dose of spring

I had hoped to get some photo's of this skirt being worn. But other than a brief fashion show over pajamas we just didn't get there today. I had bought this twill fabric with the intent to line a spring jacket with it, thinking the white background stood a chance if it was facing away from the dirt that my daughter always seems to find. In the end I couldn't resist doing something to show it off, and since she loved it too AND it's not pink or purple here's hoping it makes it through at least a couple of wearings!


I used the simple skirt tutorial from MADE. I love the tutorials Dana writes, they were some of the first ones I found when I started sewing 18 months ago and while I haven't had a chance to use many of them yet they have stayed on my to do list for ages.


 
Of course I had to use my little tags again. That's all for today but I have more coming for tomorrow!



KCWC


Monday 22 April 2013

KCW Day 1

I'd already started cutting patterns and fabric but last night I had to put all my fabrics together just to get the hilarious "before" shot. Something about having a big pile of fabric, especially when I have a plan for all of it, makes me a little giddy and a little panicky all at once.


On the one hand I love having new pieces I've made go into my kids closets, there is nothing better than seeing them come out in the morning having chosen to wear something homemade (of course there is always the other side of that coin....I'm just choosing to pretend that doesn't happpen this week.) There is also the pressure that comes with having committed to all of these projects and the time it really takes to get from this pile to completed pieces. Either way...off we go!

Day 1, Project1 Complete!


This little dress & diaper cover set are a gift for a little girl we know. I fell in love with the simplicity of this sundress pattern when I found it way back when but this was the first time I've actually sewn it.


I paired it with a diaper cover using this tutorial from Dana at MADE. Because I chose to put the bias tape on the diaper cover (should've just done a ruffle...) the diaper cover took me about 3x longer than the dress. In the end I'm happy with the result, I think it's a cute, versatile summer set that can work as separates and grow with baby. I am looking forward to putting together a dress for my 4 year old soon!


And looking at the little brand & size tags...just makes me happy!

Happy sewing!

Monday 15 April 2013

KCW Planning

Are you stocking up on fabric for next week's Kids Clothing Week? I happen to have a pretty good stockpile of fabrics already so I'm now at the point of trying to decide what to make, and which fabrics to use. I have also realised my clothing list is pretty girl heavy so I may need to run out and find something suitable for my little guy.

Here is the list I have going so far:

1. Pink & Polka Dot Tunic (my design)
2. Coral & Polka Dot Sundress (my design)
3. Purple Halter
4. Chevron Skirt
5. Boys Spring Poncho
6. Girls Spring Poncho

Other ideas I don't have fabric for.... boys shirt (I really love the one here), unisex hoodie (something like this one), fabric headbands (nothing like a little scrap busting that can also work as loot bag fillers when birthday season arrives next month).

On top of all of this there are 2 tops for me I'd like to finish, plus 2 fantastic patchwork poufs I've been commissioned for based on this one we found on pinterest:


Do you pre-cut all your fabrics and patterns and use the kids clothing week as pure sewing time? Or do you do all your prep as you go? I have to confess that the previous 2 challenges I've really struggled to get all my prep done and usually end up with only one or two pieces completed at the end. I'm really hoping this week to have a good pile of completed projects ready for spring / summer this year so I'm planning to do all the shopping, washing and pattern cutting in advance. This way it becomes an hour of pinning and sewing each day. We'll see how well that works out! :)

Wednesday 3 April 2013

I can't wait!

KCW button

dates for spring 2013 kcw

I am so looking forward to this year's kids clothes week. I have been working on some of my own patterns this year and I can't wait to share them this April. Some have already made it into my etsy shop, others are waiting for a more formal debut.

Be sure to stop by the week of April 22 to check them out!