Friday, October 2, 2009

Baby's summer tunic and bloomers

Have been working on this little number for the past week. The top is the Toffee Tunic from the Summer issue (3/2009) of Ottobre. I love this pattern, it was so easy to make up (although I always struggle a little with getting the the gathering even), and I love it more because I learnt a new skill - "shirring" or using elastic thread. The end of the capped sleeves are gathered with the elastic thread, which is so much easier than the last dress I made (here) like this where I had to fold over, sew and then thread elastic through. There's a fantastic shirring tutorial here, if you've never tried it, do, its so effective. The pocket detail is also really cute.
I did have trouble with finding the perfect matching buttons. I find I am so particular when it comes to finding buttons and the stores just never seem to have the right ones. After a few days of visiting every haberdashery store in the vicinity, I finally came across an old work shirt, slightly stained that was a perfect chartreuse colour (and from my own pile to go to the op shop!). So I pinched the buttons from that which I was very happy with.
The shorts/bloomers, were then made by refashioning the shirt (as it really was the perfect matching colour. I used the sleeves and made then into legs! This is what I did:
  • Traced a pair of bloomers I had already to cut out the sleeves
  • Sewed the two "arm/legs" together at the front and back
  • Put on a new waistband
  • The leg bands were already finished, but I made two incisions at the back and inserted elastic into the band so they gathered a little around the thigh (assumingly a one year old's thighs are not as big as my upper arms).

Because a lot of the finishing on the sleeve/leg bands was already done, they were whipped up in no time. One completed summer outfit - tick! Here it is in action.

6 comments:

  1. What a lovely little outfit, with some thrifty recycling too - excellent job! Great post!

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  2. Hi there! I have found my way here via Retromummy.
    That top is so sweet, I love the fabric and the detail is gorgeous. Great idea to make those bloomers, I have not seen that before, well done!

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  3. That is some FABULOUS refashioning Pam. I love how you made the bloomers from one of your shirts. Such a great idea. And the top is beautiful. In fact, the whole outfit is just gorgeous. Wow!

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  4. Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm having fun seeing all the beautiful creations you've made. That's a clever idea re-using the sleeves of your old shirt to make bloomers. It's a lovely outfit.

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  5. oh, this is just the sweetest thing! I love the fabric choice (great color), the chartreuse. Very cute!

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  6. Oh you're a clever one Pam. I just had to have a squizz and the top is beautiful... really really something. Love the bloomers too, very inspiring!

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