Wednesday, January 29, 2014

KCW Day 3: Geranium Vest and Pierrot Top

Since my last make (The Mother of All Plaid Coats) was so very involved I really wanted something a little less intense.  This get-up is for my 19 month old.  In Georgia our winters aren't quite as intense as they were in Kansas City so we really just need a little added layer here and there.  Here enters my idea for a toasty vest to layer over long sleeve shirts.  I've had lots of great experiences with the Made by Rae Geranium dress which needs no introduction in sewing blogland so my thought was there has to be a way to take the basic bodice and transform it into a vest.  So here's my remix of the Geranium dress into toddler vest.
For those of you who are interested in the way I converted the dress to a vest, here's a fast and dirty recap. From the bodice:

  • I omitted the button overlap from the back and added one to the front
  • lengthened the bodice
  • curved the bottom front hem
  • flared the side seams slightly at the hemline.  
  • Lastly, I added a crochet pocket just because I love the hand made look of it. 

 I also made the Pierrot top by Made by Rae patterns to go with the vest.  I modified it a bit, lengthening and narrowing the sleeves and adding an elastic casing at the cuff.
 The little houses are from  the Oliver + S blog.
I don't think I really need to offer much in the way of a pattern review since I think these patterns are so well known but they sew up quickly and predictably which is a plus.  The fabrics for the vest were thrifted, the lining being from a flannel sheet.  The top is a gingham from my stash (long ago purchased at Hancocks).

So far Kids Clothes Week has been productive for me but that's mainly because I began cutting everything out last weekend and the baby takes a good long nap in the midmorning.  Thank you baby G for knowing how much I need my sewing time and honoring the nap schedule like I knew you would :).    

8 comments:

  1. The vest is adorable. And I love the house on the dress. such a cute outfit. Happy sewing.

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    1. Thank you Judy! And thank you for following me over to this blog! I hope you are well, are you taking part in the KCW?

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  2. Love this little vest. It is so adorable with the dress. And of course I love the lamb lining. You are not going to believe this but I made a zipper pouch with almost the exact same houses!! I haven't put it on etsy yet because I just haven't had time but I can't wait for you to see how similar they are. Great minds think alike, sis!! You will have to post a picture of Baby G in the dress and vest. I would love to see it on her. Sending lots of love, Holly

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    1. Thanks Holly! I'm gonna check out your etsy site and find that pouch! So funny! As soon as I can chase her down in it I will get some pics up, she is a moving target! Thanks for stopping by, love to you,E

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  3. I was at the KC Assistance League Thrift Store today, and I saw a vest almost identical in style to this one for sale-- it looked like it was handmade, it was adorable! It was marked as a size 5. I almost bought it, then I remembered I could make one myself....

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  4. I love that crocheted pocket! Great idea.

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    1. Thanks Brienne. I've also enjoyed your flashback tee hacks, will have to try some of those out!

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