Summer Sewing! Kids Shorts!

Will they look back at these photos and the Summer of 2014/15 as the daggy Summer their mother made them half a dozen pairs of shorts out of any bit of fabric lying around? Okay. Probably.

But so far I haven't resorted to matching shorts for the twins nor have I sunk to the Von Trapp family level of using curtain fabric. Not yet anyway.

I have cut up and recycled two wrap around skirts though.... The pattern was too high-waisted and too short at first... but I think I've made the adjustments now. How many more can I make before our beach holiday???

Keep forgetting to show you all this dress...

Yes! I finished it. This tunic dress - which I started way back in April or May  - was from a vintage pattern...  

And yes, you may have noticed that the one I made has lost it's sleeves. Hmm. I did start making the sleeves....but then I thought it would be more flexible as a tunic pinafore and would fit the girls for longer....well that's my excuse anyway and I'm sticking to it.
 
I keep forgetting to photograph the twins when they wear it so I seized the opportunity this morning when Wanda wore it.

Mind you.... getting a photo of Wanda isn't that easy..she hardly ever stays still!

tiddely pom pom poncho

 A snuggly poncho from a recycled jumper/sweater.

You will need: 

1 large jumper/sweater

coloured wool

sewing machine

fork

scissors

Here is the jumper I started with. First up I cut off the sleeves - they became matching leg warmers. Next I cut the neck because my little girls didn't like the rolled neck ( I did!). I zig-zagged the edge, folded it, pressed it, pinned it and sewed it on the sewing machine with a straight stitch.

Measure the jumper on the person you are making the poncho for. Let it fall and drape how you want it to sit. Mark where the elbows are with a pin. Mark the length you want in the centre of the jumper.

Now lay the jumper flat and carefully cut from the just outside the neck in a straight line to the elbow mark.

REMEMBER TO PRESS WITH AN IRON before you cut or sew it! 

Make a curved (or straight for a triangle poncho!) line to the centre measurement and cut. Repeat on the other side - fold in half to match.

With right sides together, straight stitch the side seam to the elbow mark. 

Finish seams with a zig-zag stitch. DO THE STRAIGHT STITCH FIRST TO KEEP IT FROM GOING WIGGLY!

Press the curved hem with a steam setting on the iron. Pin the hem. 

Sew with a straight stitch then a flat zig-zag to prevent it un-ravelling.

Now the fun part! Raising the cute factor to the power of POM POMS! These little pom poms are made with a fork. That's right. A fork. Yeah! It's revolutionary! We've all done that, right? Just in case, here is a link.

Place the pom poms where you want them and hand stitch them in place using a wool needle. 

Now rug your little one up all snug!

Free Crochet Cardi Pattern

Is it official yet? Is it officially cold? Should we pack away our sandals and our shorts? Sadly, I think so.
I am NOT a winter person. BUT! I am a crafty wool person and the cold weather does inspire the hook and needles to come out and get hooking and click clacking.

Here is a free pattern from lionbrand called "Flutter Baby Top"(You will need to make register with them to access their free patterns but it's worth it. There are heaps!)This jacket/cardi all made in one piece. Nifty huh?

The pattern is for sizes 3 months up to 4 years: made with Babysoft 5 ply and a 3.25 mm (or US F-5) (see picture from the pattern below) 
TO MAKE IT BIGGER: I used 8 ply and a a size 5 mm hook or (US  H-8) to make it for my daughter who is 6 years old. I added some rows to the length which I found was easy thanks to the diagram. It worked a treat!

(and its also fits me as a little 3/4 sleeve bolero.) What woolies are you making for winter? Or are you in the Northern Hemisphere and crocheting cotton? CROCHET HOOK SIZES AND CONVERSIONS METRIC SIZES(mm) US SIZES UK/CANADIAN 2.0 - 14 2.25 B/1 13 2.5 - 12 2.75 C/2 - 3.0 - 11 3.25 D/3 10 3.5 E/4 9 3.75 F/5 - 4.0 G/6 8 4.5 7 7 5.0 H/8 6 5.5 I/9 5 6.0 J/10 4 6.5 K/10 1/2 3 7.0 - 2 8.0 L/11 0 9.0 M/13 00 10.0 N/15 000

Trying this free online sewing pattern for girls

 This free peasant dress pattern for little girls from size 18 months to 6 years is really easy.

I made it as a short sleeve dress and added patch pockets and tie. I'll be making more of these! I've already made it as a little top for the twins - might try a long sleeve version next with side pockets....and yes, may even make one for myself...but I really must stop dressing like my 6 year olds!!!