Who said that nothing in life is free?? Well, they are partially wrong - LOL! My hairdresser decided that she was calling it quits in the sewing department and from now on is only going to quilt. SO....she gave me a huge bin of fabric. I divided it up with a few of my friends and then decided to get to work on my kids summer wardrobe. Okay, so since my time is priceless, I can't even factor that in to how much these outfits cost, but I probably spent a few dollars on buttons, thread and elastic, but otherwise they were free!
This outfit is a New Look pattern http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=14031 . It was pretty easy, just a little time consuming learning a new pattern. I usually adapt all of my patterns to line them, but I didn't do that with this one. I just made my own bias strips so it would blend better. For directions on making your own bias tape click here http://www.savvyseams.com/techniques/biastape.php .
This is a Martha Pullen romper pattern http://store.marthapullen.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=13&category_id=7e391af2206f7dbba46f97ce85f5296a . I, personally, think that the applique patterns and fabrics pictured in this book are a little dated, but the pattern is a classic - both the girl and boy pattern. This was a small strip of blue and white striped seersucker that I appliqued a tugboat on with my embroidery machine.
This is my adaptation of the popular pillowcase dress http://www.everythingsewing.net/pillowcase_dress_how_to.htm . I have to be honest, though, and say that I've never used a real pillowcase to make one of these. Okay, so instead of doing a casing and running the ribbon through it, I cut the neck in a scooped pattern, then pulled it like you would a ruffle. Then I made a binding for it and sewed the ribbons on both ends underneath the binding. I'll post step by step directions if anyone's interested. Anyway, this is her favorite one. She loves the rosebuds and the bows on the shoulders.
