Upcycled Hoodie

I had recently gone through my kids' wardrobes and handed down the clothes that no longer fit certain children, threw out the raggedy, stained clothing, and stored others.

In the process, I realized that my oldest son had only one sweater left.

One.

And, he wasn't impressed by that fact.

 

 

My husband I had gone through my husband's clothes some time ago and had saved some clothes that I thought could be upcycled.

A grey sweater was one of them.

 

Now, to find the perfect pattern to turn my husband's large sweater into a sweater small enough for a seven year old.

I found something that I could use as a jump-off pattern in one of my Ottobre magazines--pattern #40, issue 4/2013.

The only problem was that he wanted the hoodie all in the same color.

And the pattern pieces would not fit.

 

So, instead of using the hood for the pattern, I carefully seam ripped the hood off the original and re-used it as it was.

It had to be eased into the neckline as it was a bit larger than the neckline.

The pocket was also not in the pattern so I drafted my own for that as well.

(The pattern has in-seam pockets.)

 

He loves it.

It's comfy especially with the super-sized hood!

And, it turned out to be relatively stylish other than the mark you can see where I took the front pocket off the original.

KCW Day 6--Lazy Days Lounge Pants

Day 6.

In a bid to get some variety in his wardrobe, I made my 3rd son a pair of sweats out of one of my husband's old sweaters.

Actually--out of the sleeves, waistband, and hood. The rest is still salvageable for another project!

 

 

I sewed up Gracious Thread's Lazy Days Lounge Pants in a size 2. 

It's perfect for the weather we're having today--snow.

 

 

The inside of the pockets is a thin knit from one of my old tanks.

I wish I had put that on the front inside part of the pocket, not the back, but I learned a lesson for next time!

 

Even the drawstring is taken from the old hoodie!

 I love a good upcycle.

The waistband from the hoodie became the cuffs and waistband on this.

They are a little narrower than the pattern pieces, but my son didn't need the full width anyway!

 

And, that's it for KCW for me--I'm taking Day 7 off!

 

KCW Day 5--Tree Climber Trousers

 Next up--the Tree Climber Trousers from Go-To Patterns (affiliate link) for my 3 year old son!

 

This little man is just that--little. I made the size 18 months with 2" added to the length.

To make it not sound so bad, I tagged them with a size 2 tag.

The only other modification is that I left off the back flap for the pockets.

 



 

The fabric is a denim-like fabric from our local Fabricland that I bought about a year ago.

I also used it for my diaper bag.

 

He's pretty happy about the pants and I'm pretty happy he has some pants that fit him again.

All of his were getting too short but he definitely could still wear them for width.

I have at least one more pair of pants planned for him--possibly two.

 

 

KCW Days 2 to 4--Offbeat Oxford and London Pants

Days 2 to 4 !

 

First, I sewed up Terra's Treasures' Offbeat Oxford. (affiliate link)

I love the off-centered, curved placket!

I left off the pocket flap, but otherwise, I followed the pattern exactly.

 

 

Next up was the London Pants from Petite Kids Boutique.

I think this is around the 6th or 7th pair of these that I've sewn.

I love all the details.

 

The only modifications I made on these is I left out the bottom lining and the tab. I also drafted a different pocket for the back instead of the faux tabs.

 

Both fabrics I received from a friend who was clearing out some of her stash.

As soon as my son saw the plaid fabric, he grabbed it and excitedly told me I could make him a Sunday shirt out of it.

How could I resist that?

Of course he needed pants to match, right?

 

Are you sewing along for KCW? What's on your list?

I'm working on some pants for my third son now...

On-the-Go Chalkboard Notebooks

I've had an idea to make the kids a coloring/drawing folder for long trips.

When I saw the chalkboard fabric over at Canadian National Fabric, I knew I had to give it a try!

 

 

As I started to browse their awesome selection of wovens, the Wild Horses collection from Michael Miller popped out at me.

The colors would go beautifully with the black of the chalkboard fabric.

And, to add to my certainty, it came in a 'boy' color and a 'girl' color.

 

Matching solids were soon found--Art Gallery's Pure Elements in Pansy and Fresh Water.

For the record, I had chosen Verve Violet as a match, but she was kind enough to send me a better match along with it!

 

So I started making them, assembly-line style.

 

A snap pocket for the chalk.

(Yes, I know...that pocket flap sticks out a little more than intended...the drawbacks of doing assembly line style on a pattern/tutorial-in-progress!)

A pocket for the cloth.

 

And we were all set to go.

 

They definitely met with approval and had to be thoroughly tested out.

 

The chalkboard fabric is not listed at Canadian National Fabric anymore but it is still available by request if you contact her!

 

 

 

 

 



KCW Near Fail

I had very good intentions of sewing along for KCW this round.

But, those plans were dashed when first I dealt with a very sick little girl and then the last couple of days I've been sick.

Yep, not much sewing happening here.

 

Here is what I did get done in the short 'reprieve' this week.

 

6 pairs of boxers for the boys.

 

 

I know--only 4 are pictured--the other two were hijacked as soon as they were finished.

 

I think they're a hit.

 

Blue fabric is from the thrift store and the other fabrics are all scraps.

That counts as upcycling right?

 

 

Shake It Up! Contest

(This post contains affiliate links. I get a small commission if you buy through those links. Thanks!)

 

Ok, so I usually never watch pop music videos.

Like NEVER!

But, I thought it'd be fun to join in this contest, so I watched one--Shake it Off.

I was reminded why I don't like watching them.

But, all that put aside, here is a screen shot of what was my inspiration for the outfit I'm entering:





 

And....here is my version:

 

I used the Peek-a-boo Skinny Jeans for the orange jeans and the Alex & Anna Winter PJs for the top.

I couldn't resist adding a little something to liven up the shirt--so I used my free Corsair Applique pattern, traced it on freezer paper and did a freezer paper stencil.

 

Fabrics for the top are from Girl Charlee and the denim for the jeans is from Canadian National Fabric.

 

 

 

 

 

Skinnies and a Bimaa

It's KCW and I wasn't really planning on sewing along, but thought I'd pop in with a couple things!

My oldest son needed a Sunday outfit for fall and winter. 

 

 

I used the Bimaa for the top, and let him pick which collar option he wanted.

I used a ponte de roma knit for the main (from Girl Charlee (referral link)) and a knit from Fabricland for the collar and cuffs.

 

For the jeans, I used Peek-a-Boo's Skinny Jeans (affiliate link) in a nice denim from Canadian National Fabric. 

 

I sized up, thinking he'd need it with a non-stretch fabric.

I shouldn't have--it's a little saggy in the butt.

But, they'll be warmer than his linen pants for the upcoming winter, so we're all good. 

 

As a side note--I lost my camera cord during this last picture, and I could NOT find it in the leaves.

I enlisted all the kids and told them they'd get $2 if they found it.

My oldest found it and was quite pleased to add $2 to his piggy bank.

I was quite pleased to have my camera cord back (and I reminded myself to CLOSE THE CAMERA BAG!!!) Ha!

 

Orange Skinnies and a Marc Shirt

So...

This post is rather exciting for me!

Rather, I was excited when I received the orange denim in my mailbox...

And, I'm super excited with the results!

 

 

Canadian National Fabric is a new-to-me shop which I found as I was looking for Canadian shops that sell Art Gallery Fabrics. (Yes, those are some of my favourite!)

But, when I saw their selection, prices, and shipping costs within Canada, I knew they'd be a go-to shop for me! Seriously--$3.50 shipping and over $50 shipped free?!

 

Anyway, I talked to them, and they sent me some fabric to try out and share with you all what I thought of it. I must admit, I ordered more from them and you'll be seeing their fabric pop up on the blog more frequently, I'm sure.

 

So, the first thing I sewed up was these jeans.

 

They're bright, they're fall-ish, and they are soft yet sturdy.

I wish I could wear them.

But, they're for my youngest son.

And, I'll just have to be content to admire them on him.

 

The pattern I used is Peek-a-Boo's Skinny Jeans (affiliate link).

I sewed up the size 2, made an adjustable waistband for my super tiny 2.5 year old, and did the top stitching in a contrasting blue.

The jeans sewed up very nice and relatively quick.

 

To make a complete outfit for Sunday, I whipped up the Marc Shirt from Filles a Maman.

 

The blue fabric in the shirt is also from Canadian National Fabric, which I ordered from them myself.

I used it for the shirt but also for the pocket lining on the jeans.

The knit fabric is from Girl Charlee (referral link).

And, the snaps are Kam Snaps.

 

As is usual with Mel's patterns, the Marc Shirt sewed up great and the sizing is quite accurate!

My son is quite petite, so even the smaller sizes are a bit big on him, but that's to be expected.

My hope is that he'll actually grow enough to fit into it this year.

 

And, because I had a very willing model who wanted to go stand by every tree, I have some more cute pictures to share!

Watching the neighbour's tractor and machinery go by.
Definitely a boy!

A huge thank-you to Bebe over at Canadian National Fabric for the great fabric!

 

Make sure to stop by there and have a look around--their prices and shipping are AMAZING!

 

School Boy Vest and Bosco Bowtie

A couple of weeks ago, we received some great news--we had a new nephew!

So....I had to sew something up.

 Of course.

 

 

For the cute little man, I thought a cute little reversible vest would do the trick.

 

Add in a sweet little bow-tie, and we're all set!

 

 

The vest pattern is the School Boy Vest pattern from Sew Much Ado.

I made it in a nice linen that I had in my stash from long ago--I believe it's from Fabric.com.

And, the snaps are Kam snaps--thanks to my friend Jess from Gracious Threads for the brown ones!  

 

And, the bow tie is the free pattern from Sis Boom--the Bosco Bowtie.

I did make it a little different than the instructions say--I used less hot glue as I didn't feel that it would be as strong compared to being sewn.

The fabric is from my local Fabricland. It co-ordinated perfectly, even though I didn't buy it for this purpose!

 

 

I love how it turned out--hope my sister-in-law likes it as well!



Boy's Perfect Pattern Parcel--Small Fry Skinny Jeans

When I was invited to join in on the Perfect Pattern Parcel tour, I was thrilled!

And, it couldn't have come at a better time--my oldest had worn a hole in his Sunday pants...again.

In comes the Titchy Thread's Small Fry Skinny Jeans.

 

 

I was a little rebellious and sewed them up in a nice linen.

It worked out great, and he loves them!

 

 

The detailing on the pants are amazing--flat-felled seams, lots and lots of top stitching, a coin pocket, belt loops, adjustable waist (a must-have on any and all pants sewn for my kids!), etc.

 

And, he can even play soccer in them after Church with his friends. Perfect!

 

 

Make sure to go and get this great bunch of patterns--you make your own price!

It has a value of around $48 or so dollars plus, if you pay over $26, you unlock the bonus pattern which bumps up the value to over $60.

More than a 50% discount!

So, hop on over and get your parcel!

 
  If you choose a price greater than $26, you get the Knight Hoodie Pattern free!  
 Make sure to stop by all the other amazing bloggers on the tour!   Parcel #4 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, August 22 casa crafty || Lulu & Celeste || Keep Calm and Carrion

Saturday, August 23 Max California || Amanda Rose

Sunday, August 24 little betty sews

Monday, August 25 Kadiddlehopper || Radiant Home Studio

Tuesday, August 26 La Pantigana || Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts || Friends Stitched Together

Wednesday, August 27 Make It Perfect || Modern Handmade || GYCT Designs

Thursday, August 28 Needle and Ted || Mae & K || Mimi's Mom

Friday, August 29 Pienkel || Once Upon a Sewing Machine || Friends Stitched Together

Saturday, August 30 FABulous Home Sewn || Gray Skies || The Crazy Tailor

Sunday, August 31 Nine Stitches || Max California || Oliver's Fancy || Friends Stitched Together

Monday, September 1 a happy stitch || lady and the gents || Our Family Four || Swoodson Says

Tuesday, September 2 verypurpleperson || Things for Boys || The Crazy Tailor

Wednesday, September 3 Our Family Four || Rebekah Sews || a happy stitch

Thursday, September 4 Sew a Straight Line || la inglesita || Made by Sara || Knot Sew Normal

Friday, September 5 Knot Sew Normal || Gracious Threads || Sofilantjes || Max California