Knot Bow Romper

 Last week I had the pleasure of being one of the testers for the Coral and Co. Knot Bow Romper. Lottie and I headed over to our favorite Melbourne fabric store, perused the knit section and, as always with this wonderful shop the perfect fabric was tucked under and between a few bolts and when it emerged we both agreed on something (- for the first time this month)! Fournagers - however will I cope when the real thing comes along?! This pattern was simple and easily laid out and stitched up in no time. Other testers claimed 30 minutes, Ive been solo parenting this week so if I stitched my real-time sewing all together - albeit it was in about 30 second increments - Id say it would add up to roughly the same. If you will be making this and you have kids younger than school age at home I would give yourself 24 hours ;) 

This romper is perfect for summer and one of my favorite types of outfits for little ones- an all in one, it covers all the bases of an ensemble with one swoop move and getting dressed is sorted! Its a bit chilly in Australia for this at the moment but luckily for us were getting 2 summers this year - off to America in 6 short weeks! - so this romper will get a lot of love these upcoming seasons! And best of all - it's free! Get yours (in sizes 2-8) here. 

Sew: Kids Clothes Week (Day Four)

For day four I sewed up a bright rainbow colored skirt to lift our moods from the gloomy Melbourne weather. I picked up Tiny from play school and when she tried it on and I took her outside to take a photo, she immediately started dancing and singing in the rain, which then made me do the same. Cheer up mission accomplished! 

Quick and Easy tutorial here ---------> Here.

Sew: Kids Clothes Week (Day Two)

On day two of Kids Clothes week I got to test out a new pattern I've been working on, basic kiddo leggings. I met for lunch with a dear friend and between us we had in tow 3 little ones aged 1, 2 and 3 ... Lottie was wearing a pair I stitched up earlier but Jack and Billy's were sewn up in the morning and I'm pleased to say the fit was perfect and they withstood a morning of jumping, diving, sandpits and breakdowns and they still looked great. Yay! Overall a lovely day of sew, play and adorable little munchkins. 

Sew: Kids Clothes Week (Day One)

Today is the first day of Kids Clothes Week, a collective sew-a-long in which you pledge an hour a day to sewing and creating for your favorite little ones. Throughout the week I will be sharing home-sewn goodness and updating the ever-growing Tiny Lady's wardrobe along the way. Honestly this couldn't have come at a better time, last week when I dropped her off at play school I turned around for a final goodbye wave and saw that I had sent her into the big bad world with her pants high above her little ankles. Shame Shame mama bear... 

I got a little over excited and started my week this weekend, which you may have noticed if you popped in here yesterday. Due in part to the above circumstances I pulled out one of my very favorite patterns and a piece of floral print fabric loveliness I purchased a few weeks back. These pants were made with the HOSH pants pattern by LouBee Patterns. This Pattern is a staple to have on hand because you will always find a funky little stretch fabric that would look AMAZING in these. The waistband is made with buttonhole elastic so it stretches and grows with them and the fit is perfection. I purchased this PDF pattern about a year ago and when I received it in my inbox I emailed Sarah, the designer, asking her where she got the fantastic fabric she used on her example pair. She immediately emailed me back giving me her favorite online resources and where to find the best deals - That's what I call customer service! I'd give these pants (and Sarah herself) 5 huge golden stars. 

Now, for those Pants... 

Verdict: She Loves!

Sew: Leggings (Pattern Coming Soon!)

If I had to chose one staple in the little one's wardrobe (and mine for that matter) it has to be leggings. They're pants, warmth under a skirt, comfy pajama bottoms, an under layer on a snowy day and something cozy to slip into after a swim. They're the everything item you can never have enough of. Watch this space for an upcoming simple and great fitting pattern which will be debuting soon! 

Sew: Bucket Hats!

Summertime is a busy time with a toddler, we're swimming and playing and visiting and pretty much always on the move. Up until last week we only had one little red sunhat which was constantly being left at play school or the grandparents or occasionally tossed out of the pram leading to long treasure hunts and ending in a hot, disheveled mama. I decided last week to rectify that situation and pulled out my box of scraps and got to work. I struck gold and found the BEST pattern for a reversible sunhat and went a bit crazy on the late night sewing sessions. Best of all - it was FREE! Having a little girl is so much fun, she woke up in the morning and saw them sitting on the table  ... 

"Hat Mummy? Cuuuuuuuute!" Thanks Tiny.

Oh! and the pattern is here ----------> Bucket Hats.

Sew: Baby Doll Basket

A very special birthday present is finally complete (a month late, but with all of the February festivities it was a perfect end to the craziness of the month). Tiny loves her babies, she cuddles them, scolds them, feeds and loves and hugs them. Then when it's time for bed she wraps them in a tea towel, gives them a snuggle and a smooch and rocks them to 'bed'... Only there is no bed. When I saw Dana's newest pattern - the Baby Doll Basket - I knew just what this little lady would love for her big day. 

The pattern comes in 3 sizes, includes a mattress and a pillow and instructions for making a blanket. Dana walks you step by step through the whole process with loads of tips and photos making the whole sewing experience clear and easy. There are a lot of pieces to cut and a few thick layers to get through, but overall it was simple, fun and the finished product is oh so sweet..