When the SYSL assignment came about, I didn't immediately volunteer -- kids, life, lots of obligations & little time...then I realized that's exactly why SYSL is important. Every year, I make a New Year's resolution. Every year it is the same one. I'm sure you're thinking that I must not be very good at keeping this resolution if I have to repeat it every.stinking.year! And you're right...and to be honest it will always be a work in progress. Five kids, working mom, all the usual household & wifely things...why does that matter?
My resolution? To take time for me. To make time for ME. To do for me, and not just everyone else. To make the time to exercise, sew, read a fluff fiction book, sit in the sun instead of doing the dishes, take a hot bath & lock the door & make my husband deal with the "mom!!" when I'm needed the minute I do - whatever refreshes & recharges! And in doing so I have more to give, my tank doesn't hit empty, and I'm setting a good example for my children that being a parent doesn't mean losing yourself. Some days it does, to be realistic, but that is why I keep making that resolution - and it's ok to pick nice quick sews & versatile pieces to get the most out of your precious time!
I made the Pattern for Pirates raglan and Winter Wear Designs Aviator Pants (no pockets because these were a wearable muslin). And I'm in love with the pieces - I can still be a mom, but more pulled together than my usual jeans & hoodie! And did I mention quick? I made all three pieces in just an evening - from printing to finished pieces.
I originally paired the black & tan stripe (banded version) with the stretch denim that is black with a brown undertone to it. My teen daughters said "I think you need more color". It only took me a second of hesitation before I pulled out the hot pink print that I'd debated using. I just needed that push! (I knew they'd like it, so I used the other for myself...but they gave me that nudge. They're watching & learning!) And I now have two totally different looks from three pieces. And I'm proud that I took the time for me. Because I'm worth it! We all are. #sysl
Friday, February 20, 2015
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Bottoms Up Pants
Hello! I'm Melissa, mom of 5, and woman behind the scenes at Sassy Fras. https://www.facebook.com/sassyfrasdesign. Today I am reviewing the Bottoms Up Pants by "If Only Designs".
If we're honest, pants patterns for children are pretty plentiful. But patterns that are great for boys (these are unisex) aren't as prevalent. And ones designed for use over cloth diapers? Like hen's teeth! (and if you're not midwestern, or it was only my father who used that saying, chickens don't need dentists!)
I would rate this pattern as suitable for a beginner. You can do a plain pant, with no options, and the only skill needed is being able to sew a straight line! If you're a little more adventurous, you can add front pockets & also faux welt back pockets for added interest and either add a cuff or not. I did the front pockets, with a solid front instead of both pocket pieces the same, so they'd look most like his big brothers at that big brother's request. I added cuffs to break up the monotony of tan, but didn't do the welt pockets.
Other perks to the pattern: It can be made using wovens or knits, making it very versatile. Great size range - newborn to size 6 with 11 sizes total in that range. I made the size 6 mo. for my 8 mo old per the measurement chart(he was a preemie, so that's about right). Next time I'll make a size 9 mo with 6 mo length. The pattern gives great directions on how to customize the sizes to fit your child's build.
Directions are given for sewing machine or serger, there are no assumptions made about equipment or skill level, again making it suitable for a beginner. But, there are enough fun design elements & options to make this a good pattern for the more experienced.
The pattern is nested, and 14 pages of pattern pieces total. It includes a table to indicate which pages to print if you want just one size (which knocks it down to 6 pages of printing in many cases). I love that option!
Back to the cloth diaper part - they really do fit great over a fluffy tushy. They'd also work well for children who need a little more room in the booty for diapers or due to their build. The fact that they are designed with extra booty room means their construction is a bit different. As an experienced seamstress I went "really?" when I got to that part of the directions as it was a bit different than typical pants, but if you nod & agree, follow through, you end up with a pant that fits great, like intended. There is a reason for that difference!
Overall difficulty of the pants? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being "pull your hair out" hard, I'd rate it about a 2 or 3. If only capturing a shot of a mobile, yet not able to stand little one was that easy!! This is a pattern that produces a great result in a naptime, even if your child is a quick napper!
If we're honest, pants patterns for children are pretty plentiful. But patterns that are great for boys (these are unisex) aren't as prevalent. And ones designed for use over cloth diapers? Like hen's teeth! (and if you're not midwestern, or it was only my father who used that saying, chickens don't need dentists!)
I would rate this pattern as suitable for a beginner. You can do a plain pant, with no options, and the only skill needed is being able to sew a straight line! If you're a little more adventurous, you can add front pockets & also faux welt back pockets for added interest and either add a cuff or not. I did the front pockets, with a solid front instead of both pocket pieces the same, so they'd look most like his big brothers at that big brother's request. I added cuffs to break up the monotony of tan, but didn't do the welt pockets.
Other perks to the pattern: It can be made using wovens or knits, making it very versatile. Great size range - newborn to size 6 with 11 sizes total in that range. I made the size 6 mo. for my 8 mo old per the measurement chart(he was a preemie, so that's about right). Next time I'll make a size 9 mo with 6 mo length. The pattern gives great directions on how to customize the sizes to fit your child's build.
Directions are given for sewing machine or serger, there are no assumptions made about equipment or skill level, again making it suitable for a beginner. But, there are enough fun design elements & options to make this a good pattern for the more experienced.
The pattern is nested, and 14 pages of pattern pieces total. It includes a table to indicate which pages to print if you want just one size (which knocks it down to 6 pages of printing in many cases). I love that option!
Back to the cloth diaper part - they really do fit great over a fluffy tushy. They'd also work well for children who need a little more room in the booty for diapers or due to their build. The fact that they are designed with extra booty room means their construction is a bit different. As an experienced seamstress I went "really?" when I got to that part of the directions as it was a bit different than typical pants, but if you nod & agree, follow through, you end up with a pant that fits great, like intended. There is a reason for that difference!
Overall difficulty of the pants? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being "pull your hair out" hard, I'd rate it about a 2 or 3. If only capturing a shot of a mobile, yet not able to stand little one was that easy!! This is a pattern that produces a great result in a naptime, even if your child is a quick napper!
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