Wow. Can you tell kids clothing is a major soapbox for me?? HA HA HA.
My solution was to buy a bunch of 24 month size pants that serve as kneelength leggings (at a thrift store) and some simple cotton dresses (thrift store) and then to sew.
This one, my favorite, turned out the best. A simple sweet pinafore, out of faded blue denim I found at the same thrift store that day. Sturdy and sweet - like my girl.
I cut the pattern from a dress she had outgrown (purchased at Costco last year, ha!) Just making it a bit longer, and the armholes a bit bigger. I figure she can wear this for another year (or two!)
Here are some pics and a "how to" Happy sewing!!
I unfortunately with this project did what I often do, which is to not start taking pictures until halfway into the project because I dont know if it will turn out or not.
So, the first few parts of the project go as follows.
Cut out your pieces as noted above, making sure to cut the skirt part on the fold (and cut two!) The bib is the other piece. You will need two for each because it will make a neat little pocket to stuff the gathered skirt into which can then be sewn up, covering the gather...but I am getting ahead of myself.
Now that your pieces are cut, take your skirt pieces and sew them together, now hem the armhole area (the top of the armhole will be formed by the bib of course) now gather the top of both skirt pieces, from armhole to armhole, with a simple running stitch. Next sew the matching bib halves, right sides together, then turning inside out. The bib with the longer straps goes in the back, to reach over the shoulder so the button can fasten in the front.
Okay. Now I have pictures for the rest.
the gathered skirt stuffed inside the bib (with edges folded under) ready to sew |
edges folded under |
the gathered skirt sewn into the bib. |
all ready for buttons |
figuring out button placement |
my hack job buttonholes, i have never had the patience to learn to use the buttonhole attachment...so i just do a zig zag stitch back and forth a few times...it works. :) |
the pinafore in action. i of course added pockets. all farm girls need pockets. |
and no, i didnt even hem it. 1) i am lazy and 2) it looks kinda cute frayed like this |
And now that I am writing this I am thinking....hmmm...maybe there is enough denim leftover...I kinda want one too. HA. Do you dare me??