KCW Day 1 & 2: Lego Rash top and swim shorts

I really wasn't sure if I would have a chance to join in with KCW this time around but things have come together and so far I'm doing ok, things could still fall to pieces later in the week though ;-)

I have been promising Mr A new togs with this lego fabric since I grabbed it in a destash over a year ago, but hey good things take time.   Then along came KCW with a toy theme, and Mr A's current rash top is falling to pieces so I finally got around to it :-)
For the rash top I fell back to my current favourite too pattern, the Fun Tee from Sew by Pattern Pieces.  This is drafted as a girls pattern but the fit is so fantastic that I simply altered it to a more 'boy fit' by straightening out the side seams to remove the waist shaping.  For Mr A I made a size 5 with 7 length, his measurements were between the 5 and 6 around so I sized down as this is for a fitted rash top.  The only other alteration I made was to widen the neckband, although I didn't need to lower the neckline as I thought I might.  The neck band isn't sitting too well at the moment but I think that will settle down once it's been wet.

For the Swim shorts I wanted to add the lego fabric as a panel down the sides so I used the Little Kiwis Closet Skinny Legs pattern as it already has this built in as a pattern option (and I was feeling super lazy).  I have also always found these to be a good fit on Miss M and I was hoping they would work here too.  I fully lined the shorts (apart from the side panels) with some random leotard lining I found in stash (I assume it came from Mum at some stage).  These are a size 5 cut to mid thigh length (I kind of guessed the length as I didn't want really short boy legs but didn't want them to go right down to just about the knee either).

And here it is all together.  I'm really pleased with the fit on, and I don't think there is any chance of losing him in the crowds at the pool!

The swimming cap I blogged about here, it's a fab free pattern from Sew by Pattern Pieces.

Most importantly he loves them!!

FO Legends Top by Sew Straight and Gather

Recently I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to test the new Legends Top and Dress pattern from Terri at Sew Straight and Gather.  There are so many things to love about this pattern but I think my favourite of all is the clean stylish lines and amazing fit.
The pattern is available in sizes 2y-14y for girls (here) and 02-20 for women (here), or you can buy a pattern bundle of both.  I tested the womens version in a size 2 drafted to a 4 int eh waist and 6 in the hip.  This brings me to my first point, because of the clean simple lines of this pattern adjusting to get the perfect fit and silhouette is super easy.  The pattern is drafted for the industry standard B-cup but instructions/links are given in the tutorial for doing a FBA if needed.  The pattern includes sleeveless, short and long sleeved options and can also be made as a dress with the skirt starting at the hip or waist.  I made the top (view A) with short sleeves and I'm thrilled with the result.
All this sounds great right but there is one more secret in this pattern, the front/collar piece is lined and the construction is ingenious leaving all the internal seams fully enclosed.  This makes for such a tidy finish which I love in handmade clothes.
I made my version in a grey/white poly/nylon/spandex stripe and lined the front with a white cotton lycra.  This top was made from an early version of the pattern and the collar has since been adjusted slightly to sit more smoothly round the back of the neck.  (Please excuse the slightly horrid photos).

I really do love this pattern.  I have since bought the girls pattern as it was just what I was after to complete an outfit I have in mind for Miss M, and I also have some lovely grape merino set aside to make a long sleeved top version for myself.  

Check out the tester gallery for the girls and women's patterns, there are so many amazing versions of this pattern popping up already.

Happy sewing. 

FO: Stinger Bodysuit by Sew By Pattern Pieces

I was very pleased recently to be asked to help out with testing the brand new pattern from Lauren at Sew by Pattern Pieces.  Introducing the Stinger Bodysuit, a fabulous swimsuit with zip front, three sleeve lengths and optional skirt, and comes in sizes 1-14y.  As always with Lauren's patterns the tutorial is very clear to follow and there is a lot of information about fabric choice and loads of helpful tips for getting a professional finish.  The thought of sewing a zip into lycra would send lots of people running for the hills but don't.  The technique used in this pattern makes it easy and there is a fabulous video tutorial for those who find visual instructions easier.  I love that there is a tab at the bottom of the zip for a nice finish, and a zipper guard to stop the zip rubbing, especially once the suit gets wet.
Down here in New Zealand while we are lucky to have lots of beaches and pretty good weather, we are also blighted by sitting right under a huge ozone hole meaning sun safety is a huge issue here.  My two wee monkeys are also blessed with fair skin, especially Miss M, who to add to that has decided wearing a tee over her togs at the beach is a no-go.  In comes the Stinger bodysuit, instant cover-up, no more risk of burnt shoulders and she loves it - woohoo.  I decided against making the skirted option this time around but it is super cute and I'm sure I'll be adding one to her wardrobe before long.
For Miss M I made the long sleeved version in size 4 with 6 length.  She adores it and couldn't wait to try it out on our next beach trip.  Disclaimer:  I got her to take her sunhat off for the photos ;-)

But wait there's more.  Along with the Stinger Bodysuit comes the Jellyfish Swim Cap, again in multi sizes, fully tested and the best part of all is it's FREE.  This is the best stash buster for knit scraps ever, there is no easier way to find your child in a crowded pool than for them to have a swim cap that stands out from the crowd.  This is a super fast sew, as in I made one while cooking dinner, and the kids love them.  Miss M had to have one to match her new swimsuit :-)

And of course Mr A was not to be left out.  I dug out some lego fabric and he is in love with his new cap and won't stop wearing it.  He was also super excited to have people comment on it at his swimming lessons :-)

So how do you get your hands on this awesome freebie?  You just have to pop over to Facebook and join the Sew By Pattern Pieces Sewing Circle group, easy as that!  It's also a perfect way to try out Lauren's pattern before you rush out and buy them all!

HAPPY SEWING :-)