HAPPY NEW YEAR

I know, I know, it's been almost two weeks already, but it is never too late to wish you all a Healthy, Happy, Successful and Peaceful 2015! 

For the last night of the year 2014, I made new clothing for the children! I had so many doubts about what to make for Teresa to wear that when I finally decided I nearly had no time to complete it. My big indecision was whether I should make her a fancy dress (that she would wear once or twice) or a more practical piece that she could wear more often. I finally decided to make her a sweatshirt and shorts and I am very happy with my decision! This year I will try to be more practical! (I will be telling you all about that in a different post, stay tuned!)

To make the top I used a white cotton knit, from Joann's, a white cotton woven fabric from some old sheets and snaps (I had to use pink snaps because I only had these at home...). 

I did not used a specific pattern for this sweatshirt. I used Heidi & Finn's All you need Jammies Pattern for the top with some modifications: added 1 inch to the collar of the top and made an opening in the back for the snaps. I then added the collar, which are two rectangles with different widths, I also used rolled hems in these triangles, so that the finishing of the collar would be more special. 

To complete Teresa's outfit I made her another version of Willow and Co.'s Clover shorts. I used a lightweight grey corduroy from Robert Kaufman. This pattern offers two versions of the shorts: a more bubbled version (you can see that version here) and a more tailored version. This time I made the tailored version. I like them both!

For Manuel I made some shorts on the same grey corduroy that I used for Teresa's shorts. I used (again I know) the Two Haute Shorts Pattern (I can almost make these with my eyes closed ;-)). But what can I say the pattern is great and he looks so cute in these shorts!!

To complete their outfits, they wore burgundy tights and Teresa wore velvet burgundy shoes as well.

I could't get many pictures of them, because they were so excited that wouldn't stand still. Here they are:

CHRISTMAS OUTFITS

Christmas calls for special outfits! Although I have been sewing for some years for my children, this year was the first time that I made them their Christmas outfits. I always bought them traditional outfits from Portuguese brands, but, though I may be a little (a lot) biased, I think they have never been so well dressed! ;-)

Teresa wore a red corduroy dress with a white shirt, blue tights and blue velvet shoes. I used Straight-Grains' Hanami dress pattern. I made this dress a couple of months ago for the I heart Marcel Marlier series (when I made the dress, I already knew this was the one she was going to wear on Christmas Eve). The fabric is a lightweight red corduroy from Robert Kaufman. I wanted to add a belt also in red corduroy with a white ribbbig, but was unable to finish it on time...

For Manel I made shorts with the same red Robert Kaufman corduroy I used for Teresa's dress. I used the Two Haute Shorts pattern. Although this pattern is intended for girls, it is perfect for boys also! This is my second version so far! (you can see my first version here) I love it!

Here they are with their outfits. Cute right?



THANKSGIVINGS OUTFITS

Although I have not been blogging about it, I have been sewing a lot. Yet, my kids are not always into taking pictures, so sometimes it is really hard to sew, dress them, take pictures and blog about it shortly after. I know you can relate to this! Anyway, I managed to sew complete outfits for Teresa and Manuel for Thanksgiving. I made two shirts and two shorts! 

For Manuel I (once again) used Citronille's Balthasar shirt pattern. I like the cut and the fit of this shirt so I keep on doing it over and over again. This time, to be able to match it with Teresa's blouse, I used a different fabric in the placket. I also used some wood buttons. I loved the result. 

For Teresa I used (also once again! Don't get me wrong I purchase a lot of new patterns, but once I get one that I like, I like to test different versions of it) the Compagnie M's Mara Blouse. This is a great pattern, I already blogged about it here. 

The fabric used for both shirts are white viyella purchased here and a beautiful Japanese floral cotton lawn from Farmhouse fabrics.

I wanted to coordinate the shirts with some shorts, since the weather still allows it. For Manuel I used the Two Haute Shorts pattern (Thank you Rita (Conversas de Hermanas) for the tip!). This pattern is great, it has three versions: shorts with or without the sash and a skort, this way it can be adapted for both boys and girls. The shorts are very easy and quick to sew and the result is perfect! 

For Teresa I made Willow and Co.'s Clover shorts. I have been wanting to sew these shorts for a while and finally manged to do it. The instructions are very very clear, and I loved the result. They are very loose, so perfect for playing around. Teresa loved them. I will definitely be making some more!  

For both shorts, I used a lightweight green corduroy from Joann's.

Here are the two with their new outfits! Aren't they cute?