Baby Ringer Onesie {Free PDF Pattern}

 Who is sewing a lot for babies?? I know I am. Seriously the girl went from wearing the same newborn clothing for the first 4 months of her life to suddenly out growing everything. So I started making onesies. They are surprisingly easy to make, come together really quick and there are some AMAZING knit prints out there that make adorable one of a kind onesies. (and really what is better than a baby in comfy knits?

 While I was making up the onesies with a cute little kimono style ringer sleeve, I thought you know I might as well just share the pattern. Part of what makes these onesies so easy is that there is no tiny sleeve setting, all the edges are finished with rib knit, and you can make the whole thing with a sewing machine, nothing fancy here (although I do love a serger with knits)

So here is the pattern:
Sizes 3m, 6m and 9m (making the pattern longer or wider would be easy enough)
(the first page is a little fuzzy but the pattern should be fine)

You will need:
1/2 yard knit
***I find the best knits (like the ones used above) at Girl Charlee
If you are brand new to knits, go with a medium weight cotton knit or cotton lycra, they are really easy to work with, nice and sturdy so they don't go all flimsy on you and get all wonky. If you are more experienced with knits, go for any knit as the body, they all work great.
1/4 yard Rib Knit
3 (size 16) Snaps (and snap tool)
Small scrap of interfacing (the sturdy stuff is best)
Matching thread
***Using thread that matches your ribbing is going to provide the best looking result.
Knit sewing needle. (totally recommended for best results)


Before you start:
The pattern has not been tested by anyone other than myself for my baby. She is currently wearing the 6m size. She is 6m old, 15 pounds and has a 16" head circumference. The fit is great on her with a little room to grow. If your baby has chubby arms or legs you may want to add extra room, or longer ribbing so it won't be as tight,  it fits my daughter perfectly but she is not super chubby.

A couple notes. I have a few comments that the ribbing is too short, or it won't stretch enough or that it makes too small of openings. Different fabric stretches differently. True ribbing has a lot of stretch and it is designed for that purpose.  Regardless of the pattern if the ribbing piece can not stretch over your child's head before you sew it to the neck then the shirt will also not fit. Same with the neckline of the shirt, if it doesn't fit before you sew the ribbing on then it won't fit after. The ribbing has to be shorter than the neck opening, and then stretched to fit. If you don't stretch it (and I mean really stretch) then it will lay all wonky and wavy.

The pattern is free to use, but not YOURS to copy, sell, or redistribute. You can link to THIS post, or pin from THIS page, but not from the pattern directly. Thanks!

 Ok let's begin. Cut your pieces out. Follow the direction of stretch and all the markings on the pattern. (it should look like so)

 We will start by preparing the ribbings. You will fold all the ribbing pieces the same way, basically folding them like bias tape. Fold them all in half the long ways, then fold the edges in toward the middle. Press Press Press. Using a little steam really helps to get the creases in there. Again do this for all the ribbing pieces, doing it at the beginning will save you from doing it each time you need them.

 Now with the front and back right sides together sew along ONE shoulder. Using my sewing machine I do sew with a small zig-zag stitch so that the seam has some stretch. You can also use a stretch seam if you have the stretch seam foot, or a straight stitch if needed.

 Open the top up and press flat.  Mark the center front and center back point.

 Now take your neck ribbing, and unfold the folds you pressed in. Now find the middle point, and mark it with a pin. Then find the middle point of each side. (or the 1/4 point) Mark with a pin. You should have 3 points marked.

 Now pin the ribbing to the neckline. (right sides together) Match up the center point with the sewn shoulder seam. Then match up each 1/4 point with the center front and center back of the top. Then match up the edges of the ribbing with the edge of the neck line. You will notice the ribbing is smaller than the neckline. This is fine.

 Sew the ribbing to the neckline following the top crease. Stretch the ribbing to fit as you sew. Stretching as you sew is what ensures that it will be able to stretch over the head without busting a seam.  I sew this part with a straight seam.

 Now place right sides together and sew the top edge of the ribbing down across the shoulder.

 Turn the top right side out. Double fold the ribbing along the same crease marks, so the folds are towards the inside of the neckline. Then stretching again as you sew, sew along the bottom edge to secure the ribbing in place.

 Sometimes, I miss some of the fold in back the first run through, (it happens) so in this case I simply sew a second line to make sure I secure the fold. The double line is a nice look just make sure to stretch it both times or you won't be able to get it over the head.

 Now for the sleeves. Unfold the ribbing and sew it (right sides together) to the sleeve edge. Stretch as you sew. Repeat with the other sleeve as well.

 Now with right sides together sew from the edge of the ribbing curve around the armpit and go down the side.

 Now the same way you did the neck ribbing you will do the sleeves. (they are smaller so it it a little trickier, if you need you can fold them and sew before you sew up the sides.)

 Press the interfacing to the bottom of the front piece. Then fold up the bottom edge 1" and press then sew in place.

 Then in the same way we have sewn the other ribbings add ribbing to the bottom of the onesie. Start at the bottom front edge (don't sew along the fold) then go around the leg and back and around the other leg stopping at the other side of the front bottom piece. Stretch as you sew again.

 Now for the snaps. I use the Dritz  Snap Fasteners in white, with the tool. They are easy and quick.  You place the bottom (white with spikes) in the tool then place your fabric on top where you want the snap to be. (center of the bottom front) Then press the first layer of the tool down to show the placement. Add the top snap piece. Then close the tool and hammer until it's flat. Then you are done!

 Add three snaps to the bottom front.

 Then add three snaps along the ribbing of the bottom back and you are done with a Onesie!

 Put the soft and comfy knit onesie on your baby and they will be as happy about it as you are.

 Or at least they will look super cute in the one of a kind onesie with way better prints then you will find in the store.

 And really who can resist little baby bums in onesies? I can't and during the hot hot summer heat we call the onesie a whole outfit. But in the winter or colder weather, pants and a sweater are great to wear with it.

Now off to sew a dozen more for this growing little girl...

If you make some too add them to our flickr group I would LOVE to see them!

Stars and Stripes Baby Romper {Free PDF Pattern}

 Hey it's the day before the 4th of July and I actually made patriotic clothing for all the kids! Although it will be a while before I share the other two since it is part of a secret project (mysterious...) Just a hint you may get sneak peeks by following instagram hashtag #patternanthology or #alphabetcollection you know because it's coming :) I did however, finish, photograph and put together instructions for Penny's romper.

 This sweet little babe just turned 6 months old. 6 months! Where does that time go? She is getting so big (literally she jumped from the 3rd percentile to the 40th) She is just our peaceful sweet happy little baby. Sewing for her these days is a lot of fun, and totally needed since the girl is finally out growing her clothes and in desperate need of new ones, sewing is a little easier than shopping since all the kids are home for the summer :)

 If you remember I shared this free pattern for the summer breeze dress and said I had more variations coming. Well here is variation number one. A romper, I didn't add the pattern piece for the romper part, but it's really easy to make and then you can use the bodice from the summer breeze pattern.

Pattern can be found here
Instructions for the bodice assembly can be found here

(Pattern is 3-6m)

 So for the bottom part, instead of the skirt make a large rectangle. To make the rectangle, measure the waist and times it by 2. That will be the width of the rectangle. For the height measure from the under arm down to the crotch. Add about 4 inches for ease in wear. Cut 2 rectangles this size. Now to cut in the leg curve part I followed a pair of pants that fit, I simply traced the curve on to both sides. Then with right sides together sew both pieces together from the top to the crotch. (follow the black dots.

 Now turn them right sides out and turn the seams so they go down the center. It will look like a really big pair of shorts.

 Make a bodice by following the steps here for the summer breeze dress. Now you have a bodice and bottom.

 Gather the shorts and sew it to the bodice like the summer breeze dress.

 Then hem the leg openings of the shorts by turning them under 2 times and sewing in place.

 Now you will want to measure the front and back crotch. Make a rectangle that is the width of that measurement plus 1" and 4" thick. (make 2 one front one back)

 Next shirr the bottom leg openings. Need help with shirring? Check out this post.

 Next press both edges along the short length in by 1/2" and then fold them in half length wise and press.

 With right sides together sew the rectangle to the crotch curve. Sew one to the front and one to the back.

 Add snaps to both side and you are done.

 Now you have a cute little romper perfect for summer, you could even extend the legs longer and make it into pants for fall if needed.

 This cheeky monkey was perfectly happy with a summer romper

Red white and blue just look perfect on her.

10 Summer Ideas to keep kids busy and happy

Summer is in full swing around here and that means one thing around these parts... I hear "I'm BORED!" At least 20 times a day... that is unless of course something super fun and exciting is planned every moment of the day. Hitting the pool each morning is not enough to keep these little minds occupied anymore. So incase you are in the same boat and searching for summer activities to keep the little ones happy, and entertained and possibly even learning a thing or two here are 10 ideas we are pretty fond of. (most we have actually done and LOVE some are still on the to-do list)

1: Painted Garden
2: Kiwi Crates (once a month fun kits!)
3: Exploding Chalk
4:Popsicle Chalk
5:Homemade Sprinkler (the kids love this one)
6:Recycled Jet Packs
7:Sun catchers (lovely and awesome)
8:Paper Parachutes (fun to race)
9: Water noodle games
10: Spatter painting

What are you doing to have fun this summer and keep those little minds happy?

The Heather Top {New PDF Pattern}

 Well after long last I finished a new pattern! I swear you guys a third kid takes more time alone than the first two together... or maybe it's just because she is a baby and I don't want to miss those sweet smiles, and giggles and general discovery of the world around her so I get distracted more easily. (and tired oh boy am I tired no more late sewing nights for this mama) Anyway I am getting off topic... because I am excited! The Heather Top is done and here with still enough time for summer sewing!

 This sweet and simple tunic which is one of my new favorites is so easy to make, the curved facing detail sings to my soul and just makes me happy to see. In fact if you have followed along here for awhile or sewn a pattern or two you will notice I have quite the infatuation with curved bodice lines. It's a detail I just can't resist and add a little pop of piping like this pattern has and I just get weak in the knees.

The cut is a cute and swingy A-line which is perfect for a comfortable summer top and adds just enough style and shape to not be boring.

 Cute little button straps makes the top (or tunic if you rather) easy to wear which makes kids happy, or at least my kids happy.

 Little pockets are perfect for storing little treasures. This little girl is in love with little toys and figurines (the baby calico critters are her favorites) she loves to stick them in her pockets and bring them everywhere she goes so they can experience the world right along with her, and sing songs in the car with her you know whatever the day may bring. So little pockets are a must for her.

 This tunic was made from a pinstripe linen from Joann Fabric, and a sheer cutout fabric that I backed in white also from Joann Fabric.

 The pattern comes in the sizes 6-9m-8years so naturally I made one for Penny as well. (only I did trim the width just a touch since she is in 6-9m length but 3m width)

It is just as sweet and cute for a little babe. (honey bee floral print from Joann Fabric as well)

You can find the pattern here in the shop

Hey June, It's June! Pattern Tour

 Guess what? Today is the kick off of the Hey June! It's June! Tour! What's that? You say, well... The lovely and talented and mighty hilarious Adrianna from Craterhours and Hey June, released another fabulous pattern. You may recall I am a fan of her awesome patterns and have made them Here and Here (and a million more not-blogged but often worn times) Her patterns are awesome, so well written and detailed, I just love them. Her style is always this awesome mix of clean modern looks and vintage feminine charm.

 The Edelweiss is no exception. It's both modern and vintage, and clean and frilly and it can be customized in so many different ways. For this one, I made the top version. (it can also be a dress) I made a size 3T for Abbey since she is pretty thin, and I should have added some length perhaps (I didn't) I wasn't really thinking about it even though the pattern suggests that you think about it since I made a smaller size for her chest, I should have added more length for her height.  For now, it's perfect (especially with shorts) and that's all the matters.

 I also made the pieced bodice version, since it's fun to add a little pop of color or detail so why not. I love the denim and the ruffles and the sweet butterfly print (Hello Pilgrim by Lizzy House which I have been hoarding) I love the way it all came together.

 Abbey loved it too, she was all giddy and happy when I was making it... then she got sick before we photographed it and well, she just stayed sick, so we took the pictures anyway, just with a little less glee. She did ask if she could sleep in the shirt, which means one of two things; one that she was feeling so under the weather that she didn't want to change she just wanted to go to bed, or two that she loved it so much she wanted to wear it forever. I am going to imagine it was the latter, even though it probably wasn't.

So are you in love the the Edelweiss? Who am I kidding of course you love it, and you want one, so here is where to find one
Check out Hey June and follow along over at Crafterhours for more Hey June! It's June pattern tour. (because then you can see everyone else's awesomeness as well)