Elephant Hoodie

A new hoodie for my 3 year old.  The hoodie pattern is adapted from Ottobre 6/2012 "kettu Pettunen". 

This is a lined hooded jacket using size 104.  The fit is great for layering and not too wide.

I used the flannel with colorful elephants print for the outer shell and soft micro fleece in hot pink for the lining.  All the raw seams are enclosed between the lining, even the zipper edge. So proud of myself : )

Cute details like crescent pockets which is also lined in soft micro fleece.  I omitted the knit binding on the pocket opening and just use the Sew both shell and lining Right Side Facing (RSF) and leave a opening to turn RS out and top stitch.  Do remember to add in Seam Allowance (SA) if you are doing this way.

The instruction is great but I was stumbled for a while on how to sew the sleeves together for the main and lining pieces but it was a good experience and I'll use that for future lined jackets.  I am especially proud of the sleeve cuff that actually works.  I didn't use the ribbing but the micro fleece that is really stretchy. Just remember to cut the cuff so that the stretch is across  for your toddler to insert her hands though!

The seams are all nicely concealed and not raw edges. If I've used a reversible zipper, the jacket can be reversible. But I didn't thought of it when I buy the zipper but it is still nice to conceal the ugly raw edge away.

If you are doing the same way as I did. Do remember to add in SA on the pocket opening, front facing and hood facing because you need to sew the main and lining RSF and turn RS out so SA is needed.

The hood is nice and big for her head.

Don't you just love the bright colors and cute pockets!

Blue fleece dress

Another Winter sewing for me!  Pattern is from Ottobre 5/2009 Tunic pattern.

I used some blue fleece that I got on sale from Spotlight at $4/meter for this dress.  Lengthen the sleeve to my wrist and added a inseam pocket. I used size 36 which is slightly bigger but good for layering I guess (good excuse for poor judgement : P)

I love the neckband which is quite unique. I use a decorative stitch on my machine to top stitch around the neckband.

The color for the dress went off when I use my handphone to take photo. See how nicely flat the neckline is on me even though it is big. Yes, I wore it to office today cause the air con is seriously cold...

Dress with a belt to clinch it in. Waistline seems to be rather high but I think it is a design factor. 

This one is without belt.  See the difference?

I think it is also very twirling too since it is so big.  I love the dress though but next time, I'll go one size smaller.  It is nice and warm. Length wise it is just nice, touching my knee. The skirt was gathered using clear elastic which I think is really useful for having evenly space gathers. I just zig zag the clear elastic onto the seam allowance of the skirt panel. Length of the elastic is the same as your bodice so your final skirt will match the bodice width! easy.  

I also clear elastic on the shoulder seams which help to stablise the seams. The clear elastic is from a shop at Textile centre. I'm always happy to learn new sewing techniques from Ottobre.

I will definitely sew this again, in size 34.  I added inseam pocket for the dress so it was really good to put in my cold fingers. Next time, I'll try using a lighter knit or lycra for this.  

Chevron Knit Tunic

Pattern from Ottobre 5/2009 issue. The one on the right.  I was thinking about making the coat on the left too.. Well, we'll see.

I've used a medium weight knit with chevron print for this tunic. I think I bought it from Chinatown or something. With only 3 pattern pieces, it was a quick sew.

I eliminated the 2 puffy pockets but added one pocket which I think it will be more interesting.

I love the way it was constructed.  I really learnt a lot from Ottobre's instruction, although I do have to get use to the wordy instructions with no graphic step by step guide. The clear elastic at the shoulder seams help to reinforce the area.  Bought these clear elastic from a shop at Textile centre.

I omitted the elastic casing at the sleeves cause I don't like the puffy feel. So, it was a bit wide and flappy but not too bad.

The neckline is gathered using the elastic. I like it that it is not too tight, like a peasant blouse.  The length is just nice and really goes well with jeans.  I also love the curvy hemline which is so pretty.

 I cut size 36 but could have gone down 1 size smaller but since I'm going to use it as a layering piece.  It's a basic tunic but oh so pretty and such a quick sew that I finish the tunic in 1 hour's time! So satisfying.

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