Twist and Shout pants

I got to test the new "Twist and Shout" pants by Made by Jack's Mum.   These pants were really easy to make, came together nicely, and have a unique "twist" (literally!).     As you can see, the leg of the pant looks like its twisted, but its really just the way the front and back pattern pieces are shaped.   I used two colors of corduroy, but these will work in one color two, and can be made in other fabrics.   There are 3 different waist options, but I went for the faux fly, which has a snap (or button) that functions, but still pulls up and down with elastic.    They have an "extra long" option as well, which is great for slim kids and gives the option to roll up (so more room for growing)

I also added an "&" embroidery to the leg, as a nod to the name of the pattern!   

Pants, Pants and a Beco style doll carrier

I've been trying to make Levi some long pants for when we go to Tahoe.  Its too warm here most days to wear long pants though so its hard to get into "pants making mode".   I found this great fabric (in the form of a pair of women's capri pants from the thrift store for $1). so I made him some colorful skinny jeans: 

The shirt that I made him a while back matches perfectly, although it was a little short when I made it (the pattern is off).  He insisted on adding the Christmas tie.   

And my sister's friend gave me a basic, frumpy black sweatshirt that he didn't want, so I cut it up and made these!

I used the pattern from the above pants as a "size guide" but just cut these free-hand including the pockets.  I reused the sweatshirt waistband as the pants waistband.     The purple is left over from the harem pants I made. 

There are stripes up the sides and some color blocking.   

He had to throw in a spiderman pose.   

And I also made a doll-size baby carrier for my friend's daughter!  This is an SSC styled after the Beco carriers.  It has a clip waist and adjustable shoulder straps.   I think it turned out great and I think the recipient will like it.   

I still need to sew him some more cold-weather clothing, there is snow in Tahoe and its been 80*+ here!  

Recycled Jeans and top

 I teach sewing classes at JoAnn's, and one complaint I've heard from customers is that they spend a ot on fabric, only to screw it up when they are first learning to sew.   So I suggest that they look for other sources of fabric - its cheap, and a great way to recycle and practice ideas.   

Project Run and Play's week 3 challenge was an Earth Day challenge, so I used that as my inspiration.   Sometimes upcycled fabric can work for a final project too, and produce some cute, earth friendly results! 

This outfit was made from: a large yellow men's shirt ($0.50), a medium green shirt ($1), and a pair of jeans ($1).  Also a few scraps from my endless supply of scrap fabric, 4 buttons, a zipper, and a piece of ribbon.  

Here it is!

 

The back of the shirt has an applique of three little green flowers, made from scraps.  I just cut out some random circles, layered them and stitched around and around in a circle from the center out.   The stems are a satin stitch and the leaves are reverse applique, made with leftovers from the green shirt (more of those on the sleeve and hood)

 

I'm very happy with the jeans.  the color variation just comes from using different bits of the fabric that came from the original jeans.  They were a large adult size, so plenty of fabric for a 2/3T pair of jeans.  I used turquoise top stitching and button, and added a stitched recycle symbol.  The zipper is bright lime green, just because.

 

The back pockets were cut from the pocket on the original jeans, to keep the top hem.   One is embellished with a bit of ribbon stitched on, an easy way to add a distinctive touch without much work.   The stitching on the other pocket (TLSS, for "The Little Sewing Shop").  Its done in the same way as the recycle symbol, with a triple stitch. 

 

More ribbon embellishments.  I changed up the basic jeans patten by adding a bit of flare.   I just added triangular panels, but before I did, I sewed on some ribbon!

So as you can see, $2.50 worth of thrifted clothing, makes a pair of designer jeans that are one of a kind, and a fun top to go with it!