Flirty frocks

Once the school holidays had arrived and the school uniform was put away for 6 weeks, I found that most of mini Fuzzyfinger's clothes didn't fit!  After taking stock of the situation and passing on what were mainly pristine clothes to friends, the drawers were looking a little bare.

If like me, your child is tall for their age (at 5 my little sweetpea is regularly mistaken for a 7 year old) you may have experienced this same trouble.  I have to buy clothes in  for 6-8 year old, depending on the shop of course and their sizing.  Why do shops vary so much for children and adults alike?  Another good reason to make your own as then your clothes fit like a dream!

The problem I hit then is a lot of the clothing in larger sizes isn't really that great or suitable for a 5 year old. I am not a fan of novelty slogans, strappy tops and too short dresses. Snd don't get me started on the colours....

Using this great book, Absolutely A-Line by Wendi Gratz, I have made up a couple of simple but gorgeous A-line dresses that are bothe the perfect length and in lovely colours.  This has also been a great way of using up some of my fabric stash of those bits that are too big to throw out but not quite big enough for adult garments.  I can also tinker around with using some pretty trimmings and practise techniques too.

I love the vintage feel of the chambray skirt section completed with the heart motif bodice - the broderie trim just finishes it off nicely.  This one is lined with the striped shirting and the back is closed with a hook and eye with a decorative button.

 

Restricted by a slightly smaller scrap of this lovely striped shirting  (used for my first Sorbetto top and bought for me by mum from a remnant pile), I made a shorter bodice section with a longer skirt.  I finished this one with a simple ribbon loop and button closure.

Continuing my tradition that I seem to have started,  I made a lovely twirly circle skirt for mini Fuzzyfinger's birthday.  What little girl doesn't love a skirt that twirls...

Summer top

What with all this beautiful spring weather we have had (this really better not be the extent of our summer!), I have been inspired to make this super easy Colette Sorbetto top, available as a free download.  I have been following one blog in particular for some time now, and following this post on her version, I decided to add some extra length to the top as I seem to have a longer body and add extra length to any cardi, top....

As the top only uses less than a metre of fabric, you really can't go wrong and would be a good pattern for first timers.  There really is nothing more satisfying than practising as you go and being able to come out with an item as a reward.  There is also no limit to the details or personal touches you can add to this top and I love some other examples of this top on this blog.  


My wonderful mum recently bought me a remnant of some great Paul Smith striped shirting on her recent visit to the NEC Birmingham.  Just my luck this clashed with the weekend of the craft fair I did plus the hottest days of 2012....


I had to face using bias tape (aargh! first attempt a few months ago was disastrous!) to edge the neck and the sleeves of this tape.  Instead of using the method of using this best only attempted bu expert sewers, I went back to basics and used the slightly lengthier method that produces the best results.   More haste less speed as they say....

I have had this gorgeous, very old length of dainty crochet flower trim sat waiting for the perfect project and the dusky pink stripe and beige fabric needed just a bit of a feminine slant.

I pinned the string of flowers inside the bias tape on the front of the top only before sewing.  The addition of three buttons that were just too perfect to be true on the vertical pleat section gave the top some gorgeous details that helped lift the fabric.  You can't see from the photo but the buttons are cream with a sweet dusky pink daisy.

And voila!  A unique vintage style top that is just so comfy and wearable.   I will definitely be making more using this pattern although there are a few minor modifications I would make.  And I also think sleeves would also be lovely and as I love a challenge, I think I will draft my own to add.   The possibilities are endless.....watch this space.....