My pattern recommendations for babies, dress ups and toys

So I know this isn't for clothes (my previous ones for boys, girls and dresses was inspired by Kids Clothing Week) but I had a few other reviews lying around and thought I would do a round up of those. 

The Babies first toys pattern is awesome with 6 different patterns in the one bundle. Awesome for new baby gifts.

This Superhero cape is a free pattern and I've made it so many times. Perfect for those toddler dress ups and best suited for age 2 - 5.

This bowling set is really cute and great for rainy day playing. I need to add some weights to the bottom of my pins as my two kidlets seem to just use the ball as a basketball rather than a bowling ball.

I make these Toolset and Saw for my markets and they are a huge hit. Perfect gift for baby and little boys. Although my Master 8 and Miss 6 still play with them when they drag out the blankets and chairs to 'build' cubbies.

Tommy T-Rex Dinosaur is a great one for boys. The first one I made is still sitting on my little boys bed. It just seems to be the perfect size to snuggle with. 

I love the Tilly and Tommy Elephant pattern. They are like little pillow. Really popular newborn gifts.

This Ninja Henchman pattern is another great one for boys. While I don't seem to have many clothing patterns for boys (and tend to just keep making the ones my son loves), I more than make up for them with the different toy options!

Do you crochet? This adorable Crochet little girls purse can be made in a few hours.

The Baby Owl Ribbon Tag pattern will always be my favourite - come on, owls are just too cute!!

What would you recommend? What is your favourite go to pattern for babies, dress ups or toys?

Kids Clothes Week: Day 6

And another pair of pajamas!

I'm not making excuses. The kids need them. They are quick. The kids love them. I love them. That's all.

PS - Another Spotlight end of season bargain last year. His choice at the time. 

Kids Clothes Week: Day 5

What you make for one .....

You make for the other!

Kids Clothes Week: Day 4

Disclaimer: I don't make a habit of taking photos at 7.30 in the morning on a cloudy day as we run out the door to work and school, with my phone. But today, I did! Can we use the excuse of Kids Clothes Week and I just want to share! Promise better photos of the next one.

Flosstyle Skittle Skirt

When this denim (and strawberry fabric and red picot bias trim and strawberry patch!) came in the May Sew Box Subscription, I just knew I wanted to make a little skirt for Miss 6. Now to find the right pattern. None I had would suit. Now she is getting a little older, I'm looking for patterns that will age with her and I will get some use out of. 

I remembered seeing this Skittle Skirt by Jessica from Flosstyle. Quick message to her to ask if it would suit with the denim ("Yes! Perfect!") and sold, download, print and go. 

The Skittle Skirt has four variations, for this one I chose 'Berry' with Bias Binding Internal Pockets and Bias Binding Side Trim. Options include internal pockets, feature external pockets, bias trim, lace trim - so much potential!!

She kinda rocks her own style don't you think!

The fit is great. She possibly needs a tighter waist elastic but she is a skinny little mini so probably not the 'norm'. I'll just use slightly less next time. Good today as she has the leggings on with her singlet and shirt tucked in. 

I'm thrilled with the possibilities of layering with this skirt for winter and will be making more for her for summer in light cottons.

The pattern is from size 5 to 16 (what!!) and actually that covers ladies 6 to 10 (not that I'm in that range). 

Notice the slight red glow as hubby turned on the car. Whoops. 

Will I make this again? – Absolutely. Possibly this weekend!

Will I make this to sell for Lil Pip? – not sure. I think older girls would love this style.

Pattern: Skittle Skirt by Flosstyle

Fabric: Every single part of this skirt came from items included in the May Sew Box Subscription box (Australia only)

Difficulty (1-10 scale with 1 being easy and 10 hard): 5 just a few tricky parts but I still consider this a beginner pattern - that intermediates and advanced sewists will love.

Time: Allow 2 hours for the first one but I think I could whip one up in an hour now. 

Free dress day at school

Her 'teacher' look

Kids Clothes Week: Day 3

I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed this pattern yet. It is one I have had for years (actually here is one pair I made back in January 2012 and I’ve come a long way as a blogger lol).

I honestly have made this pattern so many times. I generally make the kids at least one or two pairs of flannie pants each winter.

I finally finished these and Master 8 wore them straight away. To quote him this morning:

“They were so soft and comfy to wear to bed mummy”

They are quite wide leg, I could probably get away with make the size 6 for Master 8 but with the extra length. He is a skinny mini though so not ‘normal’ in terms of sizing. But what is!!

The pattern is from 6 months to 10 so you’ll get plenty of wear out of them. They also have a little dolls pattern too as a bonus. Miss 6 has started talking about an American Doll (there are Australian versions) so I might start making some clothes now I think.

I'm loving myself with the pattern matching. I know, I know - simple but it is just another thing to remember lol

I've made three pairs of these so will share them throughout the week. Boring but hey it's just an hour a day for 7 days - and this is what they needed!

Both kids tend to just wear a regular long sleeve tshirt with these. Whatever they have in the cupboard.

Will I make this again? – I’ve been making them for years so will for more to come

Will I make this to sell for Lil Pip? – nope, this one is just for us

Pattern: Easy Fit Pants by Scientific Seamstress – YouCanMakeThis and Etsy

Fabric: Fabric is a bargain buy at the end of winter last year, from Spotlight

Difficulty (1-10 scale with 1 being easy and 10 hard): 2 as it is a very basic pant pattern. No adjustments for the back and front so one single piece. Lots of opportunities to mix it up with ruffles or cuffs.

Time: I would allow 1 hour from start to finish. A very quick sew.

Kids Clothes Week: Day 2

This counts as clothes right? Under the guise of ‘accessories’ perhaps?

The Reversible Headband pattern by my gorgeous friend Robyn from Sewing the Seasons is pure genius. You know that moment when you think ‘wow, why didn’t I think of that?’ and then for a bargain price, why bother when Robyn has done all the hard work and you can just buy the pattern! Who can’t afford $2 right (well $2 US and $2.62 currently AU with exchange rate).

This is a quick and easy sew and has so much scope for adding your own flair. In fact, my version with this pretty ribbon is quite simple compared to the ones Robyn has on her pattern page – go take a look. I will be make one with Ric Rac soon … oh and maybe picot trim on the edges ... and there is that cute crochet lace I've never used ... endless!

Will I make this again? - Absolutely. I can totally see myself whipping these up all the time. Wouldn’t they be a cute birthday gift?

Will I make this to sell for Lil Pip? – maybe, would make a great addition. What do you think?

Pattern:  Reversible Headband

Fabric: Fabric and ribbon from the February Sew Box Subscription 

Difficulty (1-10 scale with 1 being easy and 10 hard): 3 as it really isn’t hard at all. This was the second one I made and the first I didn’t do so great. I’ll share that later in the week for you and the reasons why!

Time: I would allow 30 minutes. A very quick sew! Would be great if you made a couple at the same time.

(Lil Pip has received this pattern from my gorgeous friend as a gift with no obligations. I reviewed because I want to share my experiences!)

Kids Clothes Week: Day 1

It is not likely I'll be able to maintain a week of clothing blogging (who am I kidding, most are pre-planned, made, photographed and scheduled!) but I will try.

Kids Clothes Week this year is a travelling theme. Not sure I'll really follow that theme but rather just aim to make a few things for the owlets!

Day 1: new pajamas for Master 8

Master 8 needed some new pajamas so I went back to my trusty Alex and Anna Winter PJs pattern by Peekaboo Pattern Shop (see review). 

The pattern only goes to size 8 but as you can see with these photos, I might get away with adding some length for a couple of years - he goes up rather than out!

Camera still on the blink so excuse the iPhone photos. I did the best I could. 

He loves when I make him things and we get to 'model' as his sister does it so much. This photo was what he suggested ('Up against this blank wall mummy'). Not the best lighting but buddy, sure, I'll do that!

 

And always a silly photo! Suits the fabric - rock star!

I can't remember where I got the grey knit. The guitar and the ribbing both came from a Facebook Destash Group. I have enough of the guitars to still make something in future. Awesome to find something cool for boys that isn't covered in skulls!

Who is joining in?

My dress pattern recommendation for girls

In preparation for Kids Clothing Week - for me and you if you are inspired! - I've covered my boys patterns, and general girls patterns (tops, skirts and shorts). Today I have a few dress patterns to look at. 

The Brynnberlee Brooke Dress is just a darling little dress. Before you fall in love too much, is only available in size 18months to 5. Sob sob. My little Miss 6 is too big now. The pattern is a vintage pinny style so designed to be shorter, above the knee. 

The Brynnberlee Emily Dress is also available to size 5 but with the shoulder ties and the aline look, could possibly run a little older. I think if I added an inch or two to the length it would work for my little Miss but she is a skinny mini so don't need the width at the the chest.

This photo just makes me smile. She is so little here! The Kate’s Dress goes to size 8 and as you can see really suits cord or denim. I've seen some great examples with the contrast yoke in cotton fabric. 

The Pristine Swing Dress was my lesson in learning about reading a pattern and following the seam allowance - go read and find out why!

The Janey Jump Around Dress is a free download pattern and a really simple make. 

Debbies Birthday Dress by sewpony Vintage is just adorable. Available in size 18 months to size 7 so I better make another couple before Miss 6 outgrows this one too!

Don't forget the Tumble Tee has a long length option too. 

My (first) Hour basket by Kelby Sews

If you live in Instagram like I do (it's a thing right?) then you couldn't escape the new craze sweeping the world - the hour basket or one hour basket (check out #hourbasket or #onehourbasket).

I'm sure Kelby Sews innocently posted her tutorial in March, never realising the potential. But ya know, it is a really good tutorial. Great size and perfect for so many things. 

Here is the first one I made with denim that came in my April Sew Box Subscription box. I actually reversed the denim (a bag making tip I picked up somewhere - probably Amy from Ladybugs and Daisychains or maybe Emma from For My Little Monster on one of our sewing days - edit: it was Emma, thank you!!). I love the look of the grey tone rather than the regular blue denim look. 

Teamed with a basic black and white print, it is just perfect for my growing fat quarter collection. 

Just a few things I changed:

• added a little strip of batting to the handles with a couple of lines of quilting to help those handles stay up
• I added fusible fleece to the lining on this one rather than the denim, just to help with sewing
• I also basted the handles before attaching the lining. Yes this extra step probably took me over the hour but it is how I make bags so a natural thing for me

So expect to see a lot of these - with a few nappies for the new mum gift, for my own sewing room, filled with toys for my kids or many other ideas!

Have you made one yet?

My pattern recommendations for girls

Last week I shared my favourite patterns for boys, today I have a few for girls. Obviously there is a lot to choose from so I've split them out. Next up will be dress patterns.

Not my my usual pattern review but a few notes on changes I made to these Sailor Shorts pattern that I made for the last Kids Clothing Week.

I made this Molly Skirt for Christmas. I must get it out again for winter as teamed with tights and boots it would look super cute. Free download on this one!

Possibly the most worn item in her wardrobe, and the one pattern I would recommend starting with if you haven't sewn with knit before. The Twirl Skirt is available up to adult sizes!

I've made The Ananda Pants in knit and fleece with a knit yoga waist. More a relaxed fit and my Miss 6 loves them. 

The Ceci Shorts are really cute with the little tie at the hem and the bubble pocket.

The Star Boat neck tee is a lovely wardrobe staple. 

You will see this Tumble Tee in my dress round up as it comes in a long length. On my list to make again for my little Miss. 

Such a girly little top - the Girls Ritzy Ruffle Top is perfect for layering in winter too.

And don't forget the Alex and Anna winter PJs (and summer version too). I haven't made these for little miss yet but is on my to-do list this weekend. 

Hope this helps.