Here we are kicking off Week 1 of the 52 week challenge, sew something warm. Which comes just in time with the very cold weather here in Vermont! So I got started on both a top and pants for the littlest human in the house, since she appears to be the one in need of the most amount of warm clothing. I decided I was going to use some wonderful, cuddly blue French terry from Central TX Fabrics & Crafts Facebook Group (who has the best admin team and awesome deals on a variety of fabric types – and she tries to source from US companies) and some funky animal print French terry from Opulent Monsters Fabric and Pattern Facebook Group (there are custom prints, adult prints and LA fashion fabric- which is where this fabric came from). Even though I have been hording these fabrics when the Sweet Pea picked these it caused a bit of panic because even though I have had these fabrics for a while, I have never worked with French terry before.
So French terry has a bit less stretch to work with, in this case one is 2 way stretch and the other has little to no stretch. However both get more cuddly as they are washed, which makes French terry a great choice for the cold New England winters.
On a funny side note, I dread making cuffs. I would rather hem something any day over sewing cuffs then putting them on in the round. Because of this I have a tendency to do them first and get them out of the way so I am less likely to put it on the back burner and end up with an UFO (unfinished object). Does anyone else have issues with bands like me?
I love the construction of the Paradise Pullover and the way the pockets look with just a peek of color which you could use with fun contrasting colors. I opted for the collar with the front pockets in a size 3/4 (sizing runs 3/6m- 13/14) and doubled the waistband width to allow for a bigger band at the bottom.
The Sansa pants run 6m-12 for the girls and 0-30 for ladies. I am totally going to have to get me some more of the blue French terry so Baby O and I can be twinsies. They are the cutest flare shape and fit my tiny girl perfectly, even with using the French terry with less give. I did 2t waist (she measures the 18mo) blended to the 3t height and rise length (since she’s still in diapers.)
I truly loved making this outfit for baby girl because of the funky print but also because of the fit. The Opulent Monsters pattern is a nice gender neutral top that is slim cut, which is very nice for a more petite child , like Sweet Pea. Bella Sunshine Designs does a fabulous job drafting patterns and making sure that the pattern instructions are clear and well thought out. I love the slim through the thigh fit and look of these pants. What is even more impressive is that from taping to finished product this outfit took 2hrs and 3 minutes (it only took me 18 minutes to sew the Sansa pants, and I assume would probably take way less time if I wasn’t one to press my items all the time).
I am pretty sure that this outfit is a success since she saw it, said for me and immediately stripped down to put it on. I love the fit of the entire outfit and was pleasantly surprised at how much more stable in hand the French terry feels when sewing than a regular cotton lycra does- if you decide to make either item, let me know how it goes and what you think!
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Want to stay up to date on the rest of the blogs covered this month in Sewing by Ti? Check them out below!
Monday, January 1st: Introduction- Sewing by Ti
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Sunday, January 7th: Minn’s Things
8th Lilla Gumma
9th Threadistry
10th Very Blissful
12th Stitched by Jennie
13th Mermaid Mama Designs
Sunday, January 14th: Sew Like a Sloth
15th Sewing With Sarah
16th My Sewing Roots
17th Back 40 Life
18th Sewing With D
19th Ma Moose
20th My Heart Will Sew On
Sunday January 21st: Flaxfield Sewing
23rd Auschick Sews
24th Sew Sew Ilse
25th Seams Sew Lo
26th Kate Will Knit
27th Tenille’s Thread
Sunday January 28th: Sew Haute Blog
30th Sewn By Lone and With Love In Every Stitch
31st It Sew Colorful
It looks super cuddly and warm. BONUS if the kid wears it!! Great job momma!
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She loved it and wore the sweatshirt for 3 days and would have gone longer if I would have let her😂
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