Thursday 27 March 2014

a lullaby collection

The arrival of the new Oliver + S lullaby layette pattern was very timely because I wanted to make some baby clothes for another workmate expecting her first child.  My workmate convinced me to start this blog because she had one and it seemed to be very popular.  She was also having a lot of fun writing about her sewing adventures.    Although she decided about two years ago that it was no longer her 'thing' to write a blog, I still hold her responsible for getting me started and I feel we have a bit of a bond (A sort of bloggers' bond or a sewers' bond).  So, of course,  I had to sew her something for her baby!

I had already cut out another of Spacefem's space captain bodysuits and I quickly sewed it up

I heard recently that in the "Star Trek" shows it was only ever the cast members wearing red who were eliminated….


But I also wanted to have a go at making the bodysuit included in the Oliver + S pattern.  What I particularly like about this pattern is that it is intended for woven fabrics.  I have lots of these as well as a number of non-stretch knit fabrics which would obviously work for this pattern, too.   

I had another cotton quilting fabric from the Woodland series by Natalie Lymer for Cinderberry Stitches left over from the sparkle punch quilt so I used that fabric to make a bodysuit to go with the jacket  

size 12-18 months

jacket and bodysuit ensemble


When I picked the mustard-coloured bias binding for the jacket I hadn't realized that the fabric I used for the bodysuit had yellow dots over it.  So I was delighted when I realized how serendipitous this was… And then I discovered I even had yellow snaps!


front placket and neck bias binding


snap placket


The only thing I did differently from the pattern instructions was to make a box pleat at the back rather than pressing the fold to one side. 


back with box pleat and lots of wrinkles!


I'm pretty happy with this pattern and how this bodysuit turned out.  Perhaps, even a little more than happy.  However, I realized that the fairy fabric I used probably wouldn't be the first choice for the expectant mother because she is having a boy!    So I made another one…



size 12-18 months


This time I used a Robert Kaufman flannel, Daydream Girl,* for the bodysuit and a spotted creamy quilting cotton for the bias binding and front placket.  I made the long-sleeve version, and sewed the box pleat in the back again




And the snap stash had some ivory snaps to finish off the bodysuit.


front placket



snap placket


I hope these will prove useful and get a bit of use.  If so,  I will probably make many more of these bodysuits because they are a bit different to what is on offer in the shops and the sewing patterns available.  I have some Michael Miller Dino Dudes fabric stashed away for just the right pattern and I think this is it.


 Finally, I also made up the trousers in the pattern set.  I used a denim fabric and yellow topstitching thread.

size 12-18 months
back view

back pockets



I'm a little ho-hum about these but I think it is because of my fabric and thread choices.  The pants on the pattern envelope look much better than these and I think they would look good in a (non-stretch) sweat-shirting fabric or even a ponte knit.  I might even be able to find some in the stash….




* not a very manly name but a fairly 'safe' fabric choice nevertheless


8 comments:

  1. These are all fabulous, what a lucky friend.
    xx N

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    1. Thanks Nicole. I love sewing kiddies clothes and it is good to be able to make something special for special friends and their children. I always worry that people would rather have something shop-bought rather than homemade... It can be difficult to get the balance right sometimes, I think! And make the right sort of item for the recipient (eg not everyone would want to dress their baby in a Star Trek onesie!)

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  2. I never would have envisioned the pants in denim but it works so well! The whole set is awesome.

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    1. Do you really think they work in denim? Like I said in the post, I'm a little uncertain but I realise everything looks different when they are being worn anyway. Thank you for the compliments.
      My grandmother - who taught me to knit and sew - always said that new mums would just be grateful for lots of clean clothes when the baby arrived!

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  3. I agree the pants look pretty good. Just imagine a big nappy-covered bum in there filling out that crotch and it all starts to look quite cute. The sewing is perfect,as usual. They are lucky friends

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  4. All the outfits you have made are gorgeous... the recipient will love them! Clothes for babies are so special. While I was pregnant with my daughter I loved shopping for her (I knew the 'her' thing) and spent a lot of time at home just fondling the wee bits I'd made and bought. I still think that making clothes for my daughter or nieces, etc, is a way of showing them how much I love them, especially if they're well-made and fun. Just like your creations! :-)

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  5. All of these outfits are adorable. And even though you feel so-so about the denim pants, I said "Ahhhh!" as soon as I saw them. What kind of thread did you use for the top stitching? It looks thicker than normal thread. Thanks for your inspiration and guidance!

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    1. What a lovely comment, Natalie.

      I used a Guttermann topstitching thread and a size 100 needle. I'm a big fan of this thread and Guttermann seem to have the best colour range. I use it all the time to take up my own jeans and they look as good as the bought ones, I think. I lengthen the stitch too which is something I've copied from my jeans and other RTW items.

      I hope that helps

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