two of a kind

Yep, I have totally overstepped my boundaries on this one, and given in to the real nerd inside. The girls have mama made matching outfits (oh, how painful!). The thing is, they like dressing the same, and to be honest it is so much more time efficient sewing two of the same outfit...I didn't have to change the thread on my machine once!
The pants are 'Kim' pants from Farbenmix, and the tops are from Ottobre 6/2008...slightly different designs. One has shirring on the sleeves, and the other across the chest. Maeve's top is actually the same pattern as the apple shirt in the post below.

dye play

At 11pm a few weeks back (for some unknown reason) I decided to have a play around with the fabric dyes. This might have been ok for someone who actually knew what they were doing, but for me it was only my second attempt at dying...and not a good idea. I wanted to dye a few pieces of wool flannel and while I was at it threw in some white stretch knit, that I had cut into pieces months ago to make Grace a shirt. Here it is all sewn up and she kind of looks like spider woman. Its the same pattern as this white shirt.



Then I thought it would be fun to dye a white floor length dress (from a bag of hand-me-downs) for Grace as a princess/dress up outfit. This was a big hit and she has been wearing it everywhere...much to my embarrassment (its the kind of thing you hope no one asks if you made it yourself). I hung the dress over the laundry sink to drip dry for the night, which was fine apart from the fact that half my cloth nappies were sitting in the sink. I now how a crazy collection of pink speckled nappies.



Then I received this amazing hand dyed shirt in the mail from the very talented Sara! It totally put my efforts to shame and made me appreciate the amount of skill that goes into a good dye job. A true artwork- thankyou Sara!

kim pants #2

I finally got around to making Grace the second pair of Kim Pants by Farbenmix. She had picked out the fabric and trims ages ago. I have had them sitting there all cut out and waiting to be sewn for weeks, so it is nice to have them out of the way. This is a great pattern (instructions are a little lean though) and very versatile. I am thinking of making some denim flares with it next. The bellow pockets were not on the original pattern, they were and added extra.
Let me say, they are not exactly my style, but I tried to follow her direction and make them extra girly, because she does like things pretty...her only concern now is that people might think she is a clown! I think they have turned out pretty cute.

kim pants

Grace has grown so much since last winter, and seems to be needing an entire new wardrobe. I recently ordered a pattern from Crafty Mamas for the 'Kim pants, with gathers' by Farbenmix, and sewed them up for her in a khaki corduroy. I omitted the frills and kept them plain and simple, which I thought was practical and would go with most things. She informed me however that these were boys pants and she would like me to make some new ones (if only it was that easy!). Luckily, she seems to have forgotten all that, and the pants have had much use so far. The next time we were at Spotlight I let her chose some fabric so we can make her another pair. This was her choice and I think they will look very girly.
I will probably even add the frills for her, and maybe some bellow pockets to keep all her trinkets in. Not my choice, but I really want her to be a part of the design process.
I am really happy with this pattern, great cut, flared leg and slim fit.