Monday, September 2, 2013

Back to school jumper remix

Have you ever started a project and for about until years later. Yes, I mean years. About 3.5 years ago I got it in my head that I was going to start sewing clothes for my oldest daughter. I had a need to create and she needed some new outfits. The only things I knew about sewing and my sewing machine was what I taught myself. I used to scour the craft store for the patterns marked "easy" because I was afraid to try anything different. With the McCall's M5684 jumper pattern and some adorable pink flannel material I started cutting our what was probably the 3rd or 4th dress I'd ever made Maddie. After I got the pieces cut I got side tracked and now fast forward 3.5 years and here we are. 
Two nights before the first day of school I was looking through all my patterns for something that I could make my Abby for the first day of preschool. I started opening old pattern totes and this pattern and cut out pieces caught my eye. I knew that Abby was about the same size now that Maddie was then so I decided to finally put the jumper together. I didn't mark any of the pieces so I got the pattern pieces back out to match them up and that's when I ran into a problem. 

NONE of the pieces matched. The cuts weren't straight and there were too many of some pieces and not enough of others. I started to put it back in the box when I though better. I've come a long way in the last 3.5 years with my sewing skills. I could figure this out. I set aside the instructions and set all the pieces in front of me along with the picture of the envelope as inspiration. 
 I started with pleating the front and back pieces then adding the outer side of the top piece. Next came the straps and then the lining piece. I just top stitched around the bodice from there. The buttons are supposed to be in the front, but the buttons I chose were bigger and the straps were wider than the ones pictured so I decided they looked better in the back. I didn't even sew up button holes, I just put the straps over the back where I wanted them and sewed the buttons through both pieces.  
 The dress turned out similar to the one in the picture. It's somewhere between a 4T and a 5T in size as well. I finished the inside a little bit nicer than the pattern instructed, but it's nice to see how far I've come since I started sewing for my little ladies. 

I'll leave you with Abby's version of a silly face. 

Have you ever had a sewing fail turn out better than expected? 

Linking up at: 
What Kids Wore Wednesday 

14 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, that is adorable. How fortunate it took you 3.5 years to finish. And, I love that you were able to see what the seamstress from 3.5 years ago did (with cutting) and were able to correct it and figure it out. Impressive!

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    1. My mom just brought over a dress that my dad half finished 22 years ago for me. It's never too late to finish a project. lol

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  2. Those big buttons in the back are perfect for this look. Great job sewing off the cuff! It turned out great.

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  3. OOH pink plaid and giant buttons. She looks adorable! I am so glad you didn't put it back in the box!
    Great job Momma!
    with love,
    -Jo

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    1. Thanks! Buttons are like bows, the bigger, the better. lol

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  4. Looks super cute. Love the big buttons in the back!

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  5. super cute! I love the big buttons on the back! I went with the classic plaid pjs :o) EMily

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  6. Great job! It's always nice to see how far your sewing is advanced. And I have to say that I just love the silly picture! My kids are masters at taking those! ;)

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  7. Love this...and the story...it makes me feel less crazy...I've been finishing up some projects that I started for Grace (5) to give to Ruth (2)...so it's taken me 3 years to get around to finishing those as well.
    -liZ

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    1. Crazy? No. I'm finishing up a dress that my dad started for me 22 years ago that is just the right size for my 6 yr old. lol

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