Summer Sailors & Shirt Modeled

We had pictures done today for several occasions: Andy's 3rd Birthday, Davy's 1st Communion, and Rosie's 4 Dance Recital Costumes.

 

I got a few shots in the Brownie-Goose Summer Sailors and machine embroidered Shirt I made to match. The shorts are a bit snug, but Andy just had his check-up and he's about 90% for height and weight, so I guess I'll start making 4s now.

I love this pose and I don't think these shorts look too "girly" - do you?

This smocked fishy jon jon was one I bought at a tent sale last year. I had forgotten it was in the closet until a week ago. When I found it, I knew it would be perfect for a summer picture. I found out why it was on sale, too- one of the buttonholes wasn't clipped open. A quick fix at the studio! We got lots more great pictures, too- I'll be sharing the recital pictures soon.

Vintage Pattern Love: Dated Drawers

Underthings for children did not change much from the 1860s to the 1940s. They usually consisted of an underwaist and drawers, which buttoned together at the waist.

 Sometimes, these were a one-piece outfit known as a "combination" for obvious reasons.

These undie patterns from the 1900s to the 1940s are pretty easy to find.

I have always thought the drop-seats are so cute. When I first started collecting patterns, I got a 1920s combination pattern and I wanted to see if I could figure it out, having just the unprinted pieces and minimal directions.

I did figure it out! The combination I made is really cute and could even pass for a sunsuit. I never did all the buttons and buttonholes, but you get the idea. Above picture is the front.

Here is the back, with the cute gathered "back door". 

Another "necessary" for girls was the slip and panties. These patterns from the 30s and 40s are quite lavish with ruffles, lace, and hand embroidery. I don't know where Mommies found the time to stitch such confections for their little ones.

As we move into the 50s and 60s, the slips got the fluffy, ruffly, bouffant style- nowadays referred to as a petti-skirt (and worn sometimes as the outer layer.)

Isn't it fun to look at the beautiful fashions of yesterday? I am busily working on the directions for the pinafore pattern and getting ready for 4th of July!!

Horsing Around

Davy was invited to a friend's birthday party this weekend. She was turning 8 and loves horseback riding. He wanted to get her something "horsey" and I thought making something might be a nice change, since I never know what toys and books kids already have. I was in a rush, as usual, and the only fabric I could find with horses was at Walmart. I thought it more suited to a quilt than clothing, but I gave it a try anyway. The floral on the sleeves was also from Walmart and thought they weren't a set, I think they go together perfectly. I used the Footloose & Fancy Free Sew Adorable Blouse, size 8. I decided to shirr the sleeves and neckline rather than using an elastic casing. The shirring went so well, even though it was only my second attempt. I did 3 rows on each sleeve and the neckline. The hems are just a narrow rolled hem. Once this was done, with an hour before the party, I decided to make a pillowcase to match.

I actually liked both items more than I thought I would! I think with the sleeves in the floral, the top is great for a horse-loving girl. The party was at our "Dinner & a Movie" place. I stayed and watched the movie with Andy & Pete while Davy was at the party. We saw "Monsters U" and it was great! I would definitely recommend it for kids of all ages. In fact, my girls still want to see it, so I may be going again. The birthday girl seemed to like the gift, but it was so loud and rushed, that I couldn't tell for sure. I hope she did!