Sew: Kwik Sew 3045 Polka Dot Jumper

Oh look! I made something!! I've actually made a few things in the last few days. So watch this space.

I spotted (!!) this jumper knit at Clegs one afternoon when I popped in to grab lining and thread. Isn't it always the way?! I couldn't leave these cute polka dots so I grabbed 2 metres with no plans at all. It didn't take me long to work out I wanted to make a raglan sleeve slouchy jumper. Kwik Sew 3045 looked like it would work a treat, so I grabbed it at Rathdowne's 50% off pattern sale last week. I also went back to Clegs and grabbed 50cm of the reverse print to use for the bindings. Best decision ever. I love them.

I made a few adjustments to the pattern to get the look I was after. I scooped out the neckline by 10cm at the front and 2.5cm at the back. In hindsight, this was probably a bit too much. I made a size L according to my measurements but ended up taking the side seams in an extra 1cm. Lastly, after popular demand on Instagram, I omitted the hem band and simply turned the hem up before using a twin needle to finish it.

Easy as! Now I'm in polka dot heaven. It's soft, cosy and slouchy, all in one.

Project Details
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3045, size L
Fabric: Polka Dot Interlock from Clegs
Alterations: Scooped neck out, took an extra 1cm of side seams, omitted bottom hem band, shortened sleeves by 2.5cm

In terms of the contrast bands, I used an 8cm wide strip that was 80% of the neckline. I originally used 85% but it was too slack. 80% worked perfectly. For the arm bands, I used the pattern piece but add 2.5cm to the length so they weren't so fitted. I also removed 2.5cm from the sleeve length. I could possibly have taken more off but they'll be fine.

I now just need a bit of cold and wet weather to be able to wear this jumper! I'm sure it is just around the corner...

L x

Sew: Kwik Sew 3604 Kid Pyjamas

Project Details
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3604, view B, size M
Fabric: Robert Kaufman Dr Seuss cotton from Britex Fabrics
Notions: Buttons from Clegs

How cute are these pyjamas?! Mr N is super pleased with them. The fabric is a souvenir from Britex Fabrics. I have just enough left to make Mr H a pair of boxer shorts. I'm really enjoying sewing for others lately. It is an added bonus when the recipient is ecstatic with the result. Win, win!

L x

Sew: Kwik Sew 3416 Swimmers

Mary over at Idle Fancy had a great discussion going recently on sewing, blogging, plus sizes and body image. I used to have great issues with my body image. I've always been taller and bigger than most girls, now women, around me. I used to struggle with this greatly. Shopping was a nightmare and enough to send me home in tears. Over the last few years, I've come a long way in accepting my body for what it is and most importantly, for what it can do. Looking back, a major turning point was starting to blog about my sewing. There's something about the sewing blogging community that is supportive, encouraging and ever so accepting of women (and men) of all shapes and sizes.  For that, I thank you all. 

Two years ago I never would have considered showing anyone photos of myself in a swimsuit. And here I am, showing you my latest swimsuit. Actually on my body!! 

There's something about a simple black swimsuit. Some would call it boring, but I think they are stylish, practical and oh so classic. I used Kwik Sew 3416, now out of print, and a matte black lycra from Rathdowne Remnants. Thanks must go to my Mum finding me a copy of this great basic pattern. 

The only alteration I made was to lengthen the body by 2.5cm. I lined the whole suit with a black mesh swimsuit lining. The straps were made as per the pattern and aren't really strong enough to support the weight of the suit, especially when wet. I will go back and re-do them to include elastic. Next time I will reduce the elastic length in the top back by 5cm. It is a touch too loose.

Project Details
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3416, view B, size L
Fabric: Black matte swimsuit lycra and mesh lining from Rathdowne Remnants
Alterations: Lengthened body by 2.5cm

I really like Kwik Sew swimsuit patterns. They do such simple but classic styles.

I have enough of this black matte lycra to make another suit. I'm thinking another bombshell swimsuit with the halter top. I also have a piece of the beach print swimsuit fabric from Tessuti which I think will be perfect in this simple style of swimsuit. I'm hoping to make it up before the end of summer.

L x

Sew: Kwik Sew 3149 Kid Shorts

Not much to report about these shorts except that Mr N is very happy with his "LA shorts" and that I have about 10 more pairs to sew before Christmas.... 

Project Details

Pattern: Kwik Sew 3149 shorts, size 4

Fabric: Check cotton shirting from Mood Fabrics LA

L x

Sew: Kwik Sew 3149 in Liberty

Being the mother of two boys I get a little stumped when it comes to what to buy for a girl. I was cutting out another Vogue 1027 in this beautiful Liberty jersey when I realised that it would make a great gift made in to a little tshirt for one of Mr N's first friends. Once the dress was cut out, I managed to squeeze the pattern pieces out. Just.

Miss L was turning 4 but is quite petite (I think every child is petite compared to my two bruisers). So I made a size 3 as the pattern is quite wide and simply lengthened it by 2.5cm. I opted to use self fabric for the sleeves and neck instead of contrasting rib binding. I think it looks very sweet.

Project Details
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3149 view B, size 3, self fabric binding
Fabric: Liberty Granton Cotton Jersey in Red from Shaukat
Alterations: Lengthened by 2.5cm

I stitched this up in about half an hour late on Saturday night, finishing the hem with a twin needle early Sunday morning. Nothing wrong with last minute stitching... If you have little kids, this pattern is invaluable for the basics.

I am very grateful for two boys as I don't think I could hold myself back if I had girls. Imagine all the Liberty dresses, shortie shorts and tshirts I would make?!

L x

Sew: Kwik Sew 3149 Boy Shorts

Mr H is forever in need of new shorts. Just plain navy or denim. He has so many shorts made of funky patterns but some days call for normal, ordinary shorts.

Plus my stash was in need of a good cleansing....

Project Details
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3149, size 3
Fabric: Navy cotton drill & ocean zin linen, both from Tessuti (left over from Colette Clovers and Vogue 8805)

I really like the navy linen ones as they are lightweight and cool on these hot summer days.

L x

Conclude: KCWC Spring 2012

 

After 7 days of sewing for my boys, I am exhausted, totally over threading elastic and my hands are stained blue from excessive amounts of dark denim.

Here's a tally of my KCWC efforts:

Mr N

• 1 x denim Burda 9793 shorts
• 3 x mixed Kwik Sew 3149 shorts
• 2 x denim Burda 9793 pants (need elastic)

Mr H

• 2 x denim Big Butt Baby pants
• 2 x denim Kwik Sew 3149 pants
• 3 x mixed Kwik Sew 3149 shorts

Cut out & ready for different thread in machine

• 1 x grey hoodie with navy trim
• 4 x printed Kwik Sew 3149 boxer shorts
• 1 x Kwik Sew 3149 t-shirt
• 2 x grey drill Burda 9793 shorts

All the denim was from my favourite denim supplier, Kelani Fabrics. I love the denim they have available and I even use it for myself and for homewares. The cotton prints are from good old Spotlight & Lincraft. The boys chose them!

I still have 4 metres of denim to cut out for Mr N's pants. He loves denim pants that are soft and worn. He refuses to wear any other pants, including 4 pairs of perfectly fine navy cord pants. His current set are getting too short. I have discovered the trick of including a 10cm hem which I roll up twice in 5cm sections and hem with a basting stitch. When his socks start showing, I let them down one 5cm section. When his socks show again I let them down 4cm and leave a 1cm hem. This gives me time to make a new set...

Mr H did really well in this KCWC. As he is the second child he hasn't needed many clothes until now. The hand-me-downs are very worn or I altered them (pants into shorts) for Mr N at the time. So it was time for Mr H to get some new stuff and stop looking like a hand-me-down kid.

I also cut out another Vogue 1250, Simplicity 2250 jacket and the Colette Hazel dress in a border print. Bring on some selfish sewing!!

How did everyone else go with KCWC? I thought it was great motivation to sew for the boys and get them ready for Spring & Summer. I probably just need 2 weeks...

L x

Update: KCWC Progress

5 days in to the Kids Clothes Week Challenge I have completed 8 pairs of pants & shorts. Phew! Plus I have another 8 pairs cut out and ready to be sewn up. It is very cold here in Melbourne so the shorts will not be worn any time soon.

Mr H was very happy with his new pants. Mr N is waiting patiently for his.

I also popped in to Lincraft yesterday and picked up a few metres of fleece to make Mr H some lightweight jumpers. He is a bit of an undresser so needs a few jumpers with no zips. Anyone got any plain hoodie pattern suggestions? I couldn't find a simple pattern. Everything is a bit too fancy. I was going to wing it from a tshirt pattern and a few RTW hoodies.

Project Details
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3149
Fabric: Lightweight denim from Kelani Fabrics (love this denim!)

This Kwik Sew pattern is an absolute winner. I've used it extensively throughout the last 4 years for both boys. It includes pants, shorts and a t-shirt pattern. Very handy.

In other news, since it is kid week, Mr N is going in next Tuesday for a service. Tonsils, adenoids and excessive ear wax is being removed. Wish me him luck! And poor Mr H has just been diagnosed with severe long sightedness and subsequent squint, so we've spent the day going from the ophthalmologist to the optometrist. Any suggestions on how to get a not-quite two year old to wear glasses?! Help!

What a week?! Now where are the bubbles?! The drink type, not the bath type...

L x

Sew: Kwik Sew 3609 Bathers

What do you call them? Bathers, togs, swimmers, swimsuits, bathing suit? As I grew up in Queensland, I'm inclined to call them togs. But whenever I sew them, I call them bathers.

We're off on a tropical island holiday soon, so it was time for a new set of bathers. I made the Alison Swimsuit by Burda Style last year for our beach holiday in Japan. It was ok if I stood straight up but was hopeless with two kids hanging off me. It was one step away from a wardrobe malfunction resulting in the ladies popping out!

There is not a huge range of swimsuit patterns available but Kwik Sew has a few. None really took my fancy but I liked the top of the Kwik Sew 3609 and thought I could merge it into a one-piece using my RTW and Alison bathers as guidance. I used the pants and top from Kwik Sew 3609, modifying the skirt section to merge it into the pants but retain the same shape to attach to the top. I added 20cm to the centre front and 14cm to the centre back of the pants pattern, shaping the top of the pattern piece to mimic the skirt pattern. I then just drew a curve extending the side of the pants up to meet the top of the skirt pattern. This all worked remarkably well.

Project Details
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3609 - modified
Fabric: 1m floral swimsuit material and 1m black swimsuit material (for lining) from Rathdowne Fabrics
Notions: 2m x 8mm wide swimsuit elastic & 2m x 12mm wide swimsuit elastic
Alterations: Modified to make one piece using Alison pattern as a guide

Excuse the excessive amount of photos, but I really found it helpful to study other people's pictures when sewing these up. I was zooming in on the stitching and trying to work out how they finish swimmers. So I thought I'd help my fellow sewists out and include lots of photos.

Previously, on my Alison bathers, I finished the leg seams with a double-stitch but this caused a bit of a ridge and they weren't very comfortable. The finish is nice but the comfort was not. This time I decided on a triple stitch zig-zag to do all the top stitching and securing the elastic.

If you haven't sewn a swimsuit before and are a bit hesitant I encourage you to give it a go. They are quite a quick project and really not as hard as you think!

Helpful Links

• Creative Chicks - Sew Your Own Swimsuits
• Sew Forth Now - Dive Into Swimsuits
• Sew Blooms - Chanel + Swimsuit

From woolen capes one week to bathers the next! Life's never boring around here. So this is my first photo from my WIP photos yesterday. Next up the black & beige pleats!

L x

Sew: More Kids Pants

The latest batch of kids pants is done. More Kwik Sew 3149 and Burda 9793. I think I've finally finished sewing this winters kids pants. Once I finished them all, I then had to take them all up again before he would wear them as Mr N likes to walk around à la Huckleberry Finn...

L x

Sew: Kids Tshirt

 

I've lost count of how many of these tshirts I've made. Simple, quick & easy.

 

Project Details

Pattern: Kwik Sew 3149 Size 4

Fabric: Thick cotton knit jersey and rib trim from Spotlight

L x