thornberry

Back in 2007 I did a review of the Little Hip Skirts pattern by Favourite Things.  I liked this pattern so much at the time that I made three skirts for Clare from it and bought the adult size to make one for myself (which coincidentally I’m wearing as I type this post).  Two years later I’ve pulled out the pattern to make Clare another skirt in the next size up.

This really is a terrific pattern.  You’ve seen the fabrics before and I used every little bit in this skirt.  There are ten panels making up the skirt, so the hemline is a significant diameter while the shape of the panels and the pleating means that it isn’t bulky around the waist.  High twirlability without bulk.

I was very happy with the effect achieved by alternating the panels.  The waistband is fairly wide and is elasticised at the top.  Clare wears it on her hips, as always.  She like the belt loops and tie belt.

I used the size 7/8 for this pattern – if you make it you really do need to measure your child and check which size the pattern says you should cut.  I usually sew a 6 or 5 for Clare but in this she definitely needed the 7/8.

Take one invitation to a disco 7th birthday party.  Add a request for sparkles.  Search out some lycra and stretch foil sequin remnants from GJs Discount Fabrics.  Mix in New Look 6797, entirely inspired by a disco party top made by Nikki.

And you end up with this:

Clare decided to have the ties knotted at the back rather than at the front.

The sequinned fabric can be a little scratchy, so it is underlined and bound in the hot pink lycra on the top and some stretchy slinky gold something I found in the stash for the skirt.  I left the sleeves as is – a little bit sheer, and not too scratchy because of the loose flutter shape.

A leftover piece of fabric made a super quick headband – cut to length and tied.  She was very happy and has headed off to the party with a huge smile on her face.  Apparently “Groovy Girl” is going to be there providing some dancing lessons, and there will be a mirror ball.  Oh to be six years old turning seven!

Now this is what I called a tried and true pattern!  You can see earlier versions here and here and even here.  And I suspect that it is going to get another whirl to make Christmas presents for my cousin’s daughter.  This is View D/E, made in a size 1 for my skinny little Stella (who is almost two and a half years old but has no fat on her whatsoever).

The fabric is yet more of the $2 per metre bargain cotton from Spotlight you’ve seen before here, with the facing in a superb Kaffe Fassett print that matched perfectly.

And the most exciting part?  Stella wore it today and I even managed to snap a quick photo.

Perfect for today’s very hot weather!

New Look 6281 is now out of print, sadly.  I made this pattern for Clare a couple of times when she was much younger, and pulled it out late last week to give myself a quick-fix satisfying dress to sew for Stella.

The main fabrics are all Kaffe Fassett quilting cottons, and I wish I could remember what the lining stripe is!  It’s such an easy pattern to put together but looks quite effective with the fabric blocking.  The bodice is lined, so armholes and neck are smoothly finished, and there’s a simple (vintage) button and loop at the back.

Sadly, Stella is not half as compliant as Clare when it comes to modelling my latest creations.  Maybe one day I’ll get a photo of her wearing this!  Summer seems to have started early here in Melbourne, so dresses like this are ideal.

I’m a little behind with blogging/tweeting/emails at the moment, so my apologies.  Busy sewing/crocheting/keeping house/working/ferrying children/catching up in real life.  Steadily working my way through my pre-Christmas list.  And regularly going to the gym – gasp!  I’m actually enjoying it.  Now, pick yourself up from the floor!  Four visits a week, one with a personal trainer who makes me work HARD.  Starting to feel some muscles developing and maybe even a little less flab.  One month down, here’s hoping that I can keep up the momentum.