Sweet dress book, floral top

Hello. May is being unpredictable in its weather: pouring with rain one moment, and sunny the next. It makes planning what to wear rather tricky! Throughout the Me Made May challenge set by Zoe I have been noticing gaps in my wardrobe: I need more jumpers (that's okay, just made the bunny one), cardigans (need to learn to knit or find a good sewing one - suggestions welcome) and tops (as many of mine are RTW).

This is a top that I've made, and I am really pleased with it. The fabric has not sat around long; it was only bought a few weeks ago at Ditto fabrics open day. I just love how vibrant the colour is, it looks as if the the sun is bouncing off the flowers as I move.

Possibly need a sway back adjustment - what do you think? Or is that normal?

The pattern is from the Sweet Clothes book by Yoshiko Tsukiori. This is a great little book, and I just knew top G would make a good wardrobe staple.  It's obviously more of a faff to trace out the pattern, rather than just cut out your size from a commercial pattern. But it's worth it when you get 23 patterns for the same price as one indie pattern.  The sizing is usually very generous in Japanese pattern books, but I think that is for style reasons, as many of the designs are slightly androgynous. Not this one, though, it looked feminine and about right size-wise. But I did do a quick bedsheet toile, which taught me I needed to take a small wedge out of the neckline so that the top won't gape; plus, I lopped 10 cm off the length. I was really pleased with the fuss free shoulder - no gathering.

Folded a wedge out of the neckline

The make was remarkably speedy and I think part of the reason is that you put the sleeves in flat before sewing the sides. Maybe that's just psychological, but it feels easier and quicker!

Tucked in, probably how I'd wear it with a skirt.

Anyway long story short: I love it, and there will be more in the not too distant future; though I do have a long to-do list which is threatening to eclipse my sewing time. I shall try to accommodate both!

Bunny Jumpers

Greetings from a lovely sunny Sunday early evening. Today's been nice, but the weather in May cannot be guaranteed; indeed, some days have been so cold we've shivered. To that end, I have made some soft and fluffy bunny jumpers for me and the girl.

Bunny ears, obvs!

For her jumper, I used a vintage pattern previously used here, a simple Raglan sleeve sweatshirt pattern. Easy for her to put on without Mummy's help! This is important, as she is very independent.

It's almost impossible to get kids to pose.

My jumper is a Linden Sweatshirt. I have made an oversized one before here, but this one is the correct size for my measurements, for a tighter fit.  The first time around, I had real trouble attaching the neckband, as it just wasn't long enough for self fabric. So, this time I used some lovely grey ribbing, and it went on beautifully.

This fabric, as well as being uber-cute on the outside, is backed in the softest, fluffiest pile. My daughter says its like stroking a real bunny rabbit!  It was so soft, I almost left it as a piece of fabric and used it as a blanket! 

I bought this from Dragonfly fabrics in East Sussex. I went with the Hove Sewing Group, on a pilgrimage to their studio. I was determined not to buy too much, but their fabrics and patterns were just too good. I also bought the paper version of the Tova pattern which is on my make list for the near future.

Look how her scar is disappearing fast!

That's all for now. We will try not to wear our jumpers at the same time, but baby girl is very keen on us matching ("like sisters")!  So we may match once or twice, just for her.