Wild Shandiin.

For day two of Kids Clothes Week, I wasn't planning on sewing, but Grandpa invited the girls to go in the hot tub with him and it just happened to coincide with Sam's nap.  It was fate, I *had* to sew, ha!  Luckily I already had something cut out and could get right to it, and being I had just made this pattern for a friend I didn't even need to look at the instructions so it was super fast. 

I made the Shandiin Tunic in a size 4 with some extra length.  I could have gone down a size, apparently, or even two for Georgia (on the left).  It was hard to pick a size because there were only finished measurements, no body measurements, but how much ease?  Oh well, I guess with the extra length they can get extra long wear out of these, if George can keep the straps up.  But she is determined, because she loves it.

I hurried and got them ready as soon as they woke up, the big tree in our yard shades the front step for about an hour in the morning, they begged me to let them wear them even after we were done with the pictures (which was the plan) so I will call them a win.

Shandiin times two.

A few weeks ago, a friend pinned the Shandiin Tank and I commented that it was an easy sew and she could totally make it.  A little bit later, she asked if I would be willing and said of course!  She wanted something springy and coordinating for her girls, so I went through my stash and gave her a bunch of options.  

So she chose two she liked and left it up to me to decide if they should have contrasting fabrics for the bindings and back, and who would get which print.  I thought it would be fun, and in true coordinating fashion to make the contrasts out of the opposite main fabric.

I just love the back of these tops.  The one I made for Abby was only worn once other than pictures, sigh.  But I remembered not liking how low the arms were cut for her, so for the bigger one I sized down the top and added length since her oldest is tall and thin.

It's always fun to sew for others, at least I think so.

Shandiin Tank.

Miss Abby needs some new tops, so here is her first one.

This is the Shandiin Tank, size 8.  I rarely buy a pattern the first time I see it, but after seeing Cindy's versions (especially K's) I immediately bought it.

I found this awesome sauce lace at Jo-ann last time I was in and just knew it was destined to be paired with this pattern. 

(P.S. she is also wearing her chambray shorts)

I love the unique back, and that it doesn't show too much skin.

It is sort of washed out in these pictures, but it is a cream top, not white.

My only complaint is the arm holes are quite low, low enough that she has requested a shirt to go under it so she feels more comfortable.

Crazy pants.

Last month while at Jo-anns I was browsing, not there for anything in particular (that can be dangerous sometimes!), and came across this fabulous stretch denim.  Totally not my style, but it caught my eye.  I told myself I was being ridiculous, what would I do with it?? I thought maybe Abby would like it (she did), but still resisted.  So I walked around some more and ended up back at the rack, staring.  Three times I repeated this before I just caved and put it in my cart.  I fully intended to wash and sew it immediately.  But of course, things don't always go according to plan.  I saw it last night in my stash and realized if I was going to make some pants, it was now or never- by March we are usually in shorts, of course pants can be worn year round, but I don't typically put them on the kids in the really hot months.  

Then came the dilemma, what pattern?  I had a pair of Peekaboo skinny jeans cut out from last year that I lost interest in (bad, I know) and was almost positive I didn't want to use that pattern.  I had a specific look in mind, I wanted a slim fit, almost legging like.  I don't quite remember how, but I ended up researching the Hosh Pants pattern.  There were tons of cute versions, and most with loud patterns- perfect!  And it had the slim fit I was looking for.  

Izzy (not pictured, just in case you don't know their names, ha!) measured in to the 12m- what?!  I wasn't sure I believed that so I went ahead and made the size 2T (there is no 18m option) with 3T length.  For George, I would make the 12m with 3T length next time, she is swimming in them!

The fabric is really busy so in the pictures it kind of hides how baggy the bum is, but the elastic is cinched waaay up!

I must admit, I can't really give a review of the pattern instructions, I didn't follow them at all.  I read through and decided to make them with a mix of Oliver +S and Clever Charlotte knowledge.  But I like the pants, the fact that they are one piece for the legs makes for an easier way to show off prints (I hate pattern matching with a passion), I will definitely be making these again (maybe next fall).