Monday, January 24, 2011

Jumpsuit and Frock

 I spent the day sewing.
I made three outfits today. 
Another culottes for Lilly, a jumpsuit for Rose and a dress for Fern.
My back is sore, I forgot to get up and stretch.
 Book: Ten to Teens
Pattern: Jumpsuit

 Fabric: Poly cotton from the Oppie
Made For: Rose

 Book: Dresses for Your Daughter
Simple Pattern with Variations.

 I even added the flower pocket detail as Enid designed.
I added the winged sleeves, flared skirt and collar.
The fabric I found at the op shop.

.This dress came together beautifully.
Fern loves it.

 A real vintage pattern and the fabric is probably as old.
There was an option to add a gathered skirt but I think the flared one looks nicer.

 My little vintage girls

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Culottes

 I spent the morning jamming plums, baking homemade sausage rolls and making trifle.

 But I had that bored, restless feeling. 
That can only be soothed with a good crafting project.
I spen a happy hour browsing my Enid collection.
Looking for something I've not made before.

 I drafted up the pattern.
Then searched through the piles and piles and piles of fabrics,
looking for something just right.
Not too heavy, not too light. 
Not too dull, not too bright. 
Not too plain, not too fussy.

 I'm not sure who gave me this fabric or which Op-shop I bought it from.
But it's perfect!

 I made the culottes almost just as Enid said.
Next time I'll leave out the zip in the side,
as Lilly had no problem getting into the culottes with the zip fastened.
 The perfect little outfit for my tomboyish little girls.
No showing your knickers when you jump on the trampoline, 
climb the gate or  over the fence.


The buttons came from the op-shop.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Baby's Sunsuit

 I've not made this one before.
After seeing THIS and THIS version by Vicki I had to give it a go.


 To avoid forgetting to add seam allowance when cutting. 
I find it easiest to draft the seam allowances onto the pattern before I cut it out.
A french curve and quilters ruler make drafting a lot eaiser.


 I'm using a pillowcase to make Heather's Sunsuit.
 I bought a pair for $1 at the op shop.
The other I made into a peasant Dress.

I made the dress too long so shortened it with a tuck.
Yep, it's crooked.


 And here's the sunsuit all sewn up.
I followed Enid's instructions
 I think she likes it.


 It's a nice fit too
Pattern: Baby's Sunsuit
Book: Play Clothes
Size: 9 to 18 months
Fabric: Pillowcase
 This is one of my favorites, I think I say that for most of the Enid's I've made.
Book: Play Clothes (Pink Cover)
Design: Overalls For Crawling.


 I found this printed drill at the Op-shop in Pirie
There was just enough to cut the overalls out, I had to piece the facing.


 Enid's pattern are all drafted for cloth nappies. so lots of room for clothie bums


 I've lost count of the number of times I've made this one.
So simple so cute and so cool.

Book: Sewing is Simple
Design: Girl's top and Pantie set

 Thsi little top has a lovely swing to it.


 I added two snaps to the back instead of a single button.
Using snaps makes this little top reversible.


Enid was such a gifted designer.
I can spend hours just flicking through my collection.
Which I think is complete now!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Pre-School Pinnies

Pattern : Pre-School Pinnies
Book: Enid Gilchrist's Play Clothes
Fabric: Clear plastic, quilting cotton
Size: Three to Four years

Another very quick and easy smock to make for the preschool kidlets. This is a great number for the children to use as they can easily slip it on and off themselves. I've used 4" of elastic at the sides caught in whilst sewing on the bias trim. I followed this pattern to the letter and it worked beautifully and made up quickly. As for size, this fits my tall 4 year old daughter well and I feel it would work nicely on children aged from three to five.

"Enid Gilchrist","art smock"

"Enid Gilchrist","art smock"

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Enid - Wrap around skirt

Wow it's been a long time between posts!
I think I've finally collected every Enid published.
Still like to trawl the op-shops, Ebay and Oztion looking just in case I have missed one.

Today I got a little sewing time in and drafted a skirt for Lilly.
It's a little old fashioned and still kind of cute.

Enid designed her patterns with measurements to use for drafting.
It was her own unique drafting system.
Very easy to do with a little practice.
Most designs start with a central vertical line off which you mark the vertical measurements and lines off. There are guide lines to help you draw the curves.
Enid's earlier books used woven fabrics as stretch fabrics weren't available.

I used some corduroy to make this skirt and lined it with chambray.
It's actually the skirt on the front of this magazine, but not as short and the straps are longer.

I really like the way it fastens at the back and it's so easy to make.
I think when I make this again I'll get rid of the straps.

I've cross posted this on my Mad Quilter Blog

Apologies

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