FREE Printable: Child Measurement Chart

I've only got 10 days until Christmas and what better to do that make an overly elaborate measurement chart? 

I thought it would be lovely to have all of Lucy's measurements in one place.  I usually keep her measurements in my head (not reliable!) or scribbled on random scraps of paper in my sewing drawer.  She knows exactly where my measuring tape is and wanders around the basement draping it over herself. I hope to periodically reprint and update the chart as she grows and include the pages in her scrapbook as she gets older.

Since I've spent so much time lovingly making this cute chart, I thought I would share it with fellow seamstresses/sewers who might find it handy.

Click here to download the

FREE PRINTABLE Child Measurement Chart

The PDF file will print at full size (8.5" x 11").  For personal use only.

Copyright 2010 OwlyBaby.  All rights reserved.

If you'd like to share this file with your friends and family, kindly link back to this page and give credit to Owly Baby.  Thank you!

FREE PATTERN: Garden Party Dress

I'm so excited to share the pattern I've made for the Garden Party Dress.  
 

 

















 

It is partially lined and features a curved yoke, back button placket, gathered skirt and cap sleeves.  I've also included the pattern pieces for a peter pan collar or long sleeves.  It's a one-of-a-kind dress, so I only have the pattern pieces I drafted for a size 18 months dress.  

If you would like to share this pattern please link to this page and kindly give credit to Owly Baby.  Please do NOT use photos of my family.  Thanks!  

Garden Party Dress - Size 18 months ONLY

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE PATTERN

You will need:

1 yard of fabric for the skirt (I recommend lightweight fabrics)

1/2 yard of fabric for the bodice, lining and cap sleeves

2-3 buttons

scraps of interfacing

I've included minimal sewing directions and pattern assembly instructions on the pattern pieces.  

Share photos of your finished Garden Party Dresses in the Owly Baby Flickr pool!  I'd love to see what you've made!

NOTE:  This pattern is for personal use only.  Please do not redistribute, copy or make items to sell from this pattern.  If you have questions about the terms of use, please email me at owlybaby@yahoo.com. 

Easy French Press Cozy

Spoiler alert.  Kristin Ruud do not read any further.  I realize the title has already done some damage to the surprise.

When my sister in law asked for a french press for Christmas I was more than happy for a reason to shop and browse at Crate and Barrel.  They have such beautiful displays!

The press on it's own was nice - but I thought all the stainless steel and glass could use something a little more "homey".  

Before:

After:

Much more cozy!

This is the back/inside.

Can you see me taking the photo?

It's not a totally original idea, but it's fast and easy.  I wish I would have seen this blog post over at craftsylish before I started!  I did essentially the exact same thing - using 2 buttons and narrow elastic instead of ribbon closures.  I also didn't quilt the cozy.  

I made the cozy 6.25" x 11.5" and I think it fits perfectly!  The french press is a BODUM Original (made of glass) and is available at Crate and Barrel.

Taffeta Mess Christmas Dress

The first attempt was a fail (see photos later in post).  

But - I kept on and now I'm finished with Lucy's Christmas dress!  

The yoke and sleeves are chiffon and the bottom is a sheer silk blend. 

Of course I made room for branding.

I love the oval buttons - it makes the dress feel vintage-y.  The green buttons are from a local shop - Digs.

The green fabric was a little too sheer.  

For modesty's sake I had to whip up a little white slip to wear underneath the dress.

This dress was definitely a process.  It started out innocently enough - I was inspired by this dress we found at Macy's.

I loved the curved yoke, velvet and taffeta and the tasteful ruffles.

So...I picked up some flocked taffeta for 60% off at Joann Fabric.  It was my first experience sewing with taffeta.  I'm not very eager to try again!

The fabric was very stiff and though it's easy to work with - it doesn't drape AT ALL!

Here's the first attempt (IE: Taffeta Mess)

Yikes - I don't like showing my screw ups!  The stripes are wacky and the collar had a mind of it's own!  I showed it to my husband in a fit of exasperation and he said "Is that for Lucy?  It's 3 times her size?"  The skirt stuck out at a 45 degree angle all the way around!

So - out with the collar and in with the chiffon.  It was my first time sewing with chiffon and I LOVE IT!  It drapes so beautifully.  It frays and it's a pain to cut and sew because it's so slippery - but it's worth it.  

I love the end result.  One last parting shot:

I'm working on a not-quite-matching maternity top for me.  It uses the very last scraps of the same fabric.  I literally have nothing left of either fabric after these two creations.  My 3/4 sleeves were even cut on the cross grain - just so I could have enough fabric!

NOTE:  If anyone is interested I can post the pattern for the dress.  I think I'm going to call it GARDEN PARTY Yoke Dress.  It feels like it could work for any season.  

I only have the pattern for the size I made - 18 months.  

I haven't decided yet if I'll grade the pattern for larger/smaller sizes.  

The dress was very easy to make after the first disaster.  

Blizzard = Projects Finished

 12 inches of snow and a broken snow-blower = one tired husband!  My hero. 

There is something satisfying about knowing all your neighbors are at snuggled into their own homes watching the snow fall.  Nowhere to go, no one to see.  Even the post office stopped delivering the mail and only the extremely insane attempted to brave the sub-zero temps.  

 
It would be beautiful but it's far too cold to enjoy the snow.  With winds at 30 mph it was a nippy -26 (the "feels like" temp - includes windchill).

These photos are from a similar storm in winter '07 when we lived in St. Paul.  I'm so thankful we have a garage and don't need to shovel our cars out of the parking lot. 

At our house, we had plenty of time to read books

and snuggle with teddy bears.

The great part about hunkering down during a blizzard is the extra time to finally finish some sewing projects!  I caught up on our household mending, finished Lucy's Christmas dress, made a few handmade Christmas gifts, and sewed a car seat canopy/blanket for our soon-to-be-born baby.   

I'll post photos of the car seat canopy/blanket, Lucy's Christmas dress and other projects soon!

Christmas Crafty Blogs

It's that time of year again - when the crafty elves go to work sewing until 2 am and making beautiful decorations and presents.  Here are a few of my favorite blogs and their original and inventive Christmas crafts.

 Made - Dana from MADE takes great photographs and can refashion anything into something useful AND beautiful.  She is doing a series on simple handmade gifts. 

The Purl Bee - has great knitting projects.  I don't even knit but I love to look at their gorgeous and cozy creations.

Elsie Marley - is creating a new Christmas ornament (and tutorial) every day!

Happy Together - has an adorable eye for little girl's clothing and is constantly coming up with new dress ideas.

No Big Dill - takes beautiful photos of her crafty life.  Yes, she will make 5 Christmas dresses!  She has one down and 4 to go.  Yikes!

 Grosgrain - is refashioning thrift store sweaters this month.  A new sweater is re-made every day!

Made By Rae - can sew anything!  Quilts, clothing, bags, you name it.  Her craftiness is unmatched. 

I hope you enjoy browsing their sites and are inspired by their seeming unending creativity!

Happy Wednesday!

Darling Cardigan Sewing Pattern!

YIKES - I'm so excited!  The new pattern is finally here!  

It's available for testing now, so if you're interested please leave a comment on this blog post with your email address and the size(s) you'd like to test.  Update: TESTING IN NOW CLOSED.  Thanks so much to all my fabulous testers!!

There are 2 styles to choose from - the grandpa cardigan and the exposed zipper cardigan.  Instructions for both are included in the pattern.

Here is the print version of the cover and back cover: 

These cardigans will put a sweet spin on any outfit.  Inspired by grandpa’s closet and grandmas ruffled pillow - these two styles are sure to keep your little ones warm.  Pattern includes full instructions to make both styles, how to apply ribbing, sewing an exposed zipper and more!  With so many options to choose from - you’ll use this pattern over and over!

Description:  The Darling Cardigan PDF pattern is a digital file that includes full size print-at-home pattern pieces and step by step sewing instructions with full color photos.  The pattern is made for medium to lightweight knit fabrics (interlock knit, waffle knit, jersey, velour, french terry, etc...).  Instructions and pattern pieces for both styles (grandpa ribbed button cardigan and exposed zipper with/without ruffles) are included.

Sizes included: NB, 3m, 6m, 12m, 18m, 2t, 3t, 4, 5, 6

Pattern includes:

-full size print-at-home sewing pattern for sizes NB-Girls 6

-step by step written instructions

-over 15 full color photos illustrating the sewing steps

-instructions and pattern pieces for 2 styles - grandpa button cardigan or exposed zipper cardigan

-free online sewing help and support

INTERESTED IN TESTING THE PATTERN? Testing in now closed.  Thanks so much!

Post a comment on this blog post with your email address and the size you'd like to test.  

-You will receive the full file with all sizes included, but I would like to make sure I've tested all sizes.

-You will also receive a word document with questions for pattern review.

-Please try to sew and review the garment within one week of receiving the file.  

Note: This is the first test version of the pattern and instructions - there will likely be mistakes.  Thank you for your patience!

Thanks in advance!