Tutorial: Ruffled Cross Over Top

Winter arrived yesterday, I think it had been hanging around for a while though, and as usual, the children have grown out of their Winter clothes and are in need of new ones.  Today it was my little gals turn for a new top; a long sleeved cross over top with a sweet ruffle to pretty it up.

Would you like to make one too? 

Trace around a top that already fits, adding seam allowances.

Trace two fronts and join them together.  I learned this technique from Charity at Indietutes, it's her Cross Over Top drafting tutorial.
You cross them at the top by 1cm and have them sitting flush against each other at the bottom, then tape them together.
Draw a curve from one side of the neckline to around an inch under the under arm.

Cut away your slope.

You should have 3 Pattern pieces: one sleeve, one back and one front.

Cut two front pieces (make sure one is reversed), one back on fold and two sleeves on the fold.  I chose a sweet flowery lavender knit that I came across whilst op shopping and as a contrast, a purple fleece.  I chose the fleece to be nice and warm now we are in the cooler months.  You could easily adapt this as a Summer top with lighter fabrics and short sleeves.

Join the front shoulders to the back with fabric right sides together.

Pin sleeves and sew them on.

This is how your top should be looking:

Measure the neckline and fronts.

Add around 20" to that measurement and cut a strip for your ruffle 2" wide.

Add a hem to one side of your strip.  I chose a rolled hem on my over-locker.  To achieve this effect, change your needle plate setting to "R", lower looper thread tension to "7" and stitch length dial to "R".

Sew a gathering stitch along the unhemmed edge.  Gather and pin your ruffle right side up onto your neckline as shown.  I made the frill a little less ruffled along the neckline that was going to be underneath (the purple fleece side).   Sew on with a zig zag stitch or overlock.

Remove your gathering stitches.

Fold your edge under and pin.

Top stitch close to the edge.

Here is how your top should be looking now:

Now it is time to pin the sleeves and sides closed with fabric right sides together.

Be sure to capture all three front layers and the frill under the arm seam.

Hem the bottom edge (I used another rolled hem) and your sleeves and you are done!

A frilly, fun (and warm!) shirt for you little one, made by you!  Make sure you add it to my Flickr Pool, I'd love to see your creations, they may even get featured!

Pattern Review: Lily Bird Studio Pants

Inspired recently (and not for the first time) by Kristy over at Hopeful Threads, I made a spur of the moment purchase and snagged myself the cutest little pattern from Lily Bird Studio.

 Another pattern for my almost 3yo boy; the Ben and Mia Pants.  I'm pretty sure it was the cute piping around the pockets that made me fall in love with this pattern and I convinced myself that this was my chance to finally try piping!  It has been on my "to try" list forever.

Well I tried it and I loved it!  Mainly because it worked, but also because the pants look SO cute with their little piping detail.

I decided to use some of the denim that I scored on an op shopping jaunt a while back and for the piping and lining detail I used an orange check flannel that was in my stash.

The instructions were great and the pattern came together nicely.  The only really tricky part was sewing the lining of the waistband in.  It requires you to "stitch in the ditch" and the margin for error is small.  I did manage to do it, but I think if I struggled next time I would just hand sew an invisible stitch on the inside.

 My little fella thinks they are great, and right after this photo shoot he raced down to the bottom of the paddock and stomped in the mushy and muddy grass.  I guess he did have gumboots on!

These pants are a winner, and the pattern goes up to a size 6.  So I can see my 5 year old getting a pair and my 7 year old gal, I may just need to lengthen them for her.  Yes, I will be making these again for sure!

House Renovations: Day One

Just for something a bit different, I thought I'd share some renovation updates with you.

We are turning the study (which was being used as a bedroom by our eldest boy) into a playroom, and the garage into two new bedrooms plus a small cold storage room.  This will turn our house from a 3 bedroom and a study into a 5 bedroom plus a rumpus!  Much more suitable to our big family.

Yesterday was the first day having the builders around.  There was a lot to get used to, especially for my 2 year old.  Lots of new and loud noises and the temptation to go and be with the builders.  He's a man's man, my little boy.

So here are the results from day one:

And the view from the other direction:

I'm so excited about this renovation, my husband has dubbed it my project which means if anything goes wrong he can blame me (that's my interpretation anyway).  At the moment the kids are sharing bedrooms, so they are really looking forward to the extra space, but I'm sure they'll miss their late night conversations.  Meanwhile I have carpet, paint and curtain fittings to be picking out.  Hope you are having a great weekend.