Toile Dish Towel Skirt

I made this skirt based on the tutorial for tea towel skirts that I found on the Dollar Store Crafts blog. I created the pattern by outlining one of Elyse's current skirts. It was quite simple to make, because I used the finished hem on one side. I needed to hem only one side of the skirt to keep the pattern upright. And it was easy to sew casing at top to run elastic through. For detailed instructions, click here for a tutorial to make a skirt out of cloth napkins. 

The Ava Top-made with love by mommy

I wanted to challenge myself to make something completely from scratch, creating my own pattern. I had the perfect fabric for my attempt at a loose fitting top for Ava.

How I made it:

(1) created pattern by tracing a loose fitted top by folding shirt in half, allowing a good 1" seam allowance on all sides (advanced sewers usually need only 3/8")

(2) folded fabric and traced the pattern against the fold -cut two pieces

(3) Turned right sides together, pinned in place then stitched the seam armpit to length of shirt, using straight stitch. Later reinforced seam with zig zag.

(4) Then, stitched the sleeves and collar.
*At this point, I had Ava try on the shirt. The bodice fit fine but the arms were way too snug.. :( So, I thought I'd cut seam 5" from edge of sleeves,to create an open flare-like sleeve, then stitched either side, creating an outward 'V'.

(5) I stitched a hem at the bottom, then decided to add a pull tie to the bottom. So I folded it up one more time to allow room to pull a tie through. I used some turquoise ribbon trim from an old pair of PJ's.

The review: a nice feeling of accomplishment. I love the fabric, and Ava loves the shirt! (yay!) If I make another shirt, I will sew the sleeves separately, making sure they are the size and shape I want them. Plus, I think it will be easier to try a different style of sleeve. I would also use a softer cotton fabric.

Upcycled knit shirt into ruffle capris

Thanks to my sister-in-law, I acquired a long-sleeved knit navy shirt. The front side had a screen print, but there was just enough fabric on the back side of the shirt to make a size 2T ruffle pant, from the pattern I downloaded on youcanmakethis.com. It's a Jocole pattern with multiple sizes for these everyday ruffle knit pants. 

Here's go-around 2-I made a pair of capri (without the ruffles) for my 5-yr old daughter. If I do it again, I'll need to enlarge the pattern slightly, since she's more of a size 6.

I cut the length so the natural hem of the shirt would be on the pant. Worked out great! Happy with how they turned out. I'm having such fun making these clothes for my girls!

My first attempt at wannabe Matilda Jane ruffle pants

Shuffle for Ruffle

I'm SO excited. I actually danced after my first attempt at ruffle pants actually turned out-well they turned into capris. But, I still think they look adorable on Elyse. I followed a pattern I purchased from youcanmakethis.com. It's an awesome site with a variety of patterns available to purchase. You can even download some free ones! Great for starters-like me. The patterns include step-by-step tutorials, which have really helped me.



LOVE the ruffles and am now making some pants for my 5-yr old, Ava. Will post pics-hopefully soon.