Sassy Sundress with Shoulder Ties

When I was a young mom, I tried dressing my little girls in cute sundresses when the sun was scorching outside. Those cool dresses made it so much more comfortable for them to play outside. Now that I have grandchildren, I want nothing more than for them to spend their days playing comfortably too. So, if you're on the lookout for a cool new summer outfit for a baby, look no further. You'll want to download this free pattern here.

The pattern states it's a 24 month size but once you download it at full size image, would you please cross out the 24 and write 9-12 months instead? I goofed-up on the sizing. I discovered this error when I made it with a particular granddaughter in mind. When it didn't fit her, I tried it onto the next smaller granddaughter. It fit her perfectly. 

If you've opened the pattern, you'll notice that I added instructions right on the pattern with details on all the extra pieces you need to cut to make this sassy little sundress. 

The instructions are pretty simple. Simply sew together the four long shoulder ties.  After ironing them, add one to each side of the top of the bodice and baste in place.  Now sew the side seams of the bodice together.  Then pin and sew around the neck of the bodice making sure the shoulder straps are out of the way.  Turn this piece right side out and iron. 

Sew the skirt along the back seam to create a circle.  Add basting stitches to the top of the skirt.  Pin and then sew the skirt onto the bodice.

Sew the short edges of the ruffle into a circle.  Clean finish one edge of the ruffle.  Sew along the unfinished edge two basting stitches for gathering.  Gather the ruffle onto the bottom of the bodice, pin and then sew onto the lower skirt.  Iron and you're ready to try the sassy sundress onto your child.

So glad it fit this little angel.  This little girl has been one of my all around happiest granddaughters so far.  She always has a giggle or smile on her face. Yea, for happy children!  Especially ones who can play comfortably in the sun!  xoxo Grandma

Doll Sized Dance Bag

Do you know a child that loves to dance and likes to play with dolls?  If so, this doll sized dance bag is a fun and quick project to make for that child.  An added bonus is you've probably got all the supplies you'll need to make it right in your scrap pile. 

Supplies needed:

• 1 Fabric name tag: 3 1/2" x 1 3/8"
• 2 Front and 2 back:  4) 3 7/8" x 4 1/2"
• Sides:  2) 1 3/4" x 14 1/4"
• Strap:  20" of single fold bias tape or 10" of double fold bias tape.
• 1 heart shaped button
• Thread

* 1/4 seam allowance for this project.

1.  Sew or hand embroider "I ...... dancing" onto the tag.
2.  Sew tag to the center of the front using a narrow zig zag stitch.
3.  This is the stitch width and length that I use on my machine.
4.  Sew back to side then sew front to side. As you sew, clip a small notch at each corner.

5.  Clip all corner of the bag.  Sew the heart button onto the name tag.
6.  Repeat step 4 & 5 for the bag's lining.
7.  The bag will look like this.
8.  Sew the bias tape together. Topstitch close to the straps edges.

9.   Baste the strap in place along both top center of the bag's sides.
10. Pin the bag and the lining together, matching seams. 
11. Sew the bag to the lining leaving an opening in one of the sides to turn the bag. Turn the bag and iron the top of the bag.
12. Top stitch along the top of the bag.
Pin the opening together and either hand sew or sew close to the edge using a machine (not pictured).

Your doll sized dance bag should be finished.  Enjoy this simple project!  xoxo Grandma

Easy Breezy Summer Dress

While this adorable two year old was visiting a few weeks ago, I found the shirt shown in the photo below.  That's my oldest daughter wearing the teal shirt when she was pregnant with this little munchkin, pictured above. The shoulders hung on her so poorly, even when she was pregnant, that she never liked wearing it, so she donated it to my refashion efforts. Good thing too, because it makes a much cuter sundress than it ever did a shirt! 

After a little consulting with my daughter, this easy breezy summer dress was created.  The shirt transformed into a comfortable light and airy dress perfect for a 100 degree day, pockets included. Any dress that has pockets gets some serious bonus points. 

When it's 100 degrees, an ice cream cone is the perfect prop for a two year old. At least it was the only thing that kept her interest for longer than two minutes while her mom snapped a few photos. 

As you can see, I kept the original shirt's pockets in this gauzy dress.  I think you'll agree that pockets are perfect for little hands.  For this dress, I used one of my favorite patterns from Shwin and Shwin called Black Bird Tunic.  Instead of a tunic, I lengthened the pattern's skirt by about 10 inches to turn it into a dress. And see that cute button closure on the shoulder? It makes it so easy to slip on and off. You know how toddlers like approximately 10 costume changes throughout the day? This one is no exception. 

Last summer, I used the same pattern to create the Toddler Cascading Ruffle Dress for this same granddaughter. And if the shirt style looked familiar, it's because it happened to be the exact same style shirt in a different color. Occasionally, my girls and I have the same taste in clothing. Well, the fit never worked quite right for me either. I guess that's what happens when you order shirts online. And while we both liked the shirt, we both LOVED this dress. 

I love how this dress looks so comfortable and cool making it a perfect summer dress.  xoxo Grandma

Swimsuits for Dolls

Summer is officially here and even though this doll doesn't swim, she still needs to look stylish in a new swimsuit ...

Or two. Or three. You can't have enough swimsuits, right?

If you'd like to turn a child's swimsuit into a doll size one too, go to this post.

All of these swimsuits were reclaimed from swimsuits my children were throwing away.  You know how an old swimsuit is after a wearing it for a summer filled with water activities. By the time the summer is over, those swimsuits are worn out and snagged.  

So, if you want to make a swimsuit for your doll, forget about purchasing that expensive Lycra fabric. Just use the fabric from old swimsuits to make a swim wardrobe for a doll. You can even work around those worn out areas.
  
Your doll will love her fashionable swimsuit and I'm positive a child will have fun with this necessary summer wear for their doll.  xoxo Grandma

Nautical Romper

One of my favorite fabric trends this season just screams summer to me! Have you all caught on to chambray yet?  Well, if you're looking for the perfect fabric for a summer romper, you'll want to try chambray cotton... better yet, try it with a nautical print, like this one I used to create this romper. 

Chambray is like a denim but it's smoother and light weight, making it perfect for summer. Better yet, the more this fabric is washed, the softer it becomes. How can you go wrong with that?

You may recall seeing me using a different nautical chambray cotton a while back to make a dress for another of my granddaughters, which you can see here.

For this romper, I combined this anchor chambray fabric with wooden laser-cut anchor buttons.  These buttons came from a fabric shop near Boston.  I love how they add accent to the front of this romper.

For the ties I added navy bias tape.  I have this compulsory need to keep toddler's shoulders covered and protected from the sun, so I added cap sleeves edged with more navy bias tape.  

The pattern used was McCall's 4136.  It really was an easy pattern to make.  I adjusted the fullness out of each of the legs by deleting about 3" from each leg to make the outfit look more contemporary.  To find this pattern you can go here.

Since I took these photos at the beach, I fully expected this independent toddler to get wet.  I just didn't realize how wet she'd get.  Which was fine because she had a great time digging and splashing in the warm China Sea.

Have fun sewing on chambray cotton this summer and if you get the opportunity, go to the beach whenever you can and get wet!  xoxo Grandma

Linked to: Project Run and Play, May 

Awesome Airplane T-shirt

There's nothing better than creating something for a little child that they are passionate about. This little boy lives on an Air Force base and loves planes. So, I searched the web for an image of an airplane I thought he'd enjoy. So, if you're up for putting a smile on a little child's face, then follow the easy steps below! 

First, copy your image onto a blank word document and then stretched the image to the size you want it.  Print off two images of the design you want.  One image will be your pattern and the other will be used for placement of the pieces. Cut apart the image into pattern pieces.  Now, take those images and cut them out of scrap knit fabric.

Then use spray adhesive and temporarily mount the fabric in place onto the t-shirt.  

Use a fabric pen to draw any detail lines onto the pattern pieces.  To help machine embroidery work best on t-shirt fabric, add tissue paper or tear away interfacing to the inside of the t-shirt.  Using a zig zag stitch, stitch the design in place adding all details.

The above image is how your t-shirt will look from the wrong side of the t-shirt once all the machine embroidery is finished.  Go ahead and tear away any of the tissue paper or interfacing you want, cutting all loose threads as you go.

And, that's it! Pretty easy, right? The hardest part of this entire project is simply selecting the perfect image for the shirt!  Enjoy making these awesome t-shirts for any child with these easy steps.  xoxo Grandma

You might like these projects:

Boys & Bugs Shirt

Everyday Tank Tour - SF Baseball Style Shirt

Designing Boys Shirts With Bleach Pens

Breezy Summertime Outfit

I know we just entered Spring, but I am in need of some serious summertime inspiration already. Maybe it's because I've been spending the last month on a tropical island, visiting my daughter who just had a baby. And I've been soaking up all my visits to the beach trying to forget that its still winter back home. Whatever the reason, I am ready for some warmer weather to stick around. So, if you're ready to kick winter to the curb too, then read on... hopefully you'll be inspired to whip up something to wear in the hot, humid weather. 

The best fabrics for keeping one cool are breathable, breezy cottons.  So, for this outfit, I took full advantage of loose fitting cotton fabrics so my granddaughter can stay cool this summer.

When I broke my arm this winter and couldn't sew,  all my sewing projects got pushed to the back burner. So, I went to the library and checked out a lot of books to keep me busy. Quite a few of these books were about sewing. I came across a book called, "Little Girls, Big Style" by Mary Abreu which was filled with loose fitting cotton clothing ideas and patterns for children.  As soon as my arm healed, I started sewing this little toddler outfit to take to my granddaughter, who lives with her family on a muggy, humid tropical island.

Just look at those cubby arms and that toddling, independent child.  She is loved so much!

These are beautiful Chinese gardens that we visited in March.  The garden isn't in China, but can you guess where they are?  Hopefully this cute, little girl will stay cool in this breezy outfit this summer. xoxo Grandma



Linked to: Threading MY Way, Project Run and Play