Cushion Delight!

I've been trying out different types of cushion covers lately..

Velcro closure 

Super secure and real nice fit.  The pillow form measure 20"X20" which I got for $4.90 from Ikea. The pillow form is quite loosely filled so when I cut the fabric, I use 20" square so that it will be more form fitting. I love how this one looks so cheery and bright.

Invisible Zipper closure

The zipper closure is applied to the bottom of the cushion cover before I sew up the 3 sides. For the front, I join the 2 fabric together and sew a piece of red satin ribbon over the seam line for added interest. This one is so sweet.

Envelope closure

This is a 14" pillow form from Ikea.  It's a steal at $1.90 each.  The pillow form is more tightly packed, so for this one, I cut the fabric with 1/4" seam allowance.  Also, with envelope closure, if you sew the cover too tightly, the back will not lay flat.

Sewing cushion covers are so easy and quick. I sew up the 3 covers in just a night of sewing, including cutting.  I think I prefer the zipper closure because it is really neat and so easy to change the pillow.  Which do you prefer?

Kids Apron

I love love love this kids apron or bib.  This is a bigger size for kids who are learning to eat by themselves. The pattern is from  Cucito Spring 2013 issue.

The pattern piece is included in this issue and since it is only 1 size, tracing was a breeze.  Detailed instruction is given on how to sew. 

The back close with velcro and all the edges are bind with bias tapes. I use the 1/2" satin bias tape that I bought from Textile centre even though this call for a double fold bias tapes. So it will work, just be very slow and careful when you sew.
 

I cut the print upside down : (
but baby will get to see the print right side up when he wear right?

I made the blue bib for my colleague boy. Hope the boy will love the print.

Since I've already cut out the template, must well mass production right?

So I made 2 more for my brother-in-law's twins.  The print is so cute and cheery don't you think? I have used the same fabric but cut them differently so that they are not exactly identical.

The elephant cotton is from a shop in Chinatown and was told that this was from Japan so the price was higher but it was thick and holds the shape well.  I back the bib with a waterproof fabric that I got from Daiso and bind with Red satin bias tape.

For the other one, I bind with yellow satin bias tape.  With a different cutting layout, the bib looks very different right?

I hope the kids love their new bibs.  My 4 year old says 'Wah! So pretty." and she even tried them on. It fits, can you believe it? So, bib will last till 4 year old if they so desired! hahaha...

New PJs for 2014

I'm happy that I was able to keep the tradition of home-made PJ for them every Lunar new year. This time, I decided to make a knit PJ in dress which is more comfortable for our hot weather.  I've adapted the pattern from Ottobre 4/2013's Circus Horse dress using size 110 for my 4 year old.  Instead of a gathered skirt, I just lengthen the bodice and flare out to make a slight A line dress with raglan sleeve.

The star print blue sweatshirt knit is from Spotlight and the white knit (not sure of the content but it is thicker) is from Fabric.com.  I love raglan sleeves as there is no need for setting of sleeves.  Ottobre is great as they give the measurement for the neckband so it was really helpful.

For my older, I use the same Ottobre issue's Ruler - striped raglan T-shirt as my base.  The 134 is slightly tight for my tall 9 year old.  I also lengthen the bodice to make it A line dress.  Added the kangaroo pocket.

The knit is really thin and but she loves it.  Next time, I must go 1 size up if I'm making a dress as PJ should be more loose fitting.

Like her sister's PJ, the raglan sleeve is really a breeze and I really like how it fits them so well.

I've bought some cute cotton print with colourful mermaids and originally had intention to make them PJ out of it. I even bought Oliver and S PJ pattern. So, maybe this year, I will make 2 PJs for the girls.