For as much as I’ve complained about boy sewing, I will say that I’ve always wanted to make the Baby in the Hood jacket from Anna Maria Horner’s Handmade Beginnings book.
And I specifically wanted to make it for a boy baby. It was this jacket from Catherine of White Apples that originally caught my eye – just perfect in my opinion. I even saved some of my gray elephants to copy her jacket, and I’d still love to make that version. But I had never made anything from the book before, which made me a little nervous – even after all this sewing, I still don’t trust myself to follow new patterns that don’t happen to be Oliver + S! So I used some green baby cord (and I just noticed that my last four projects have been corduroy…I guess it’s fall) and lined it with a fabric I got on the sale table at Fabric Depot for $4 a yard.
The instructions turned out to be pretty great – easy to follow, and detailed enough for a beginner, though it definitely helped that I’ve made a few lined jackets and set in some sleeves before.
And I did have an issue with one pattern piece, which I checked three times against the pattern, and as far as I can see I traced the correct piece in the right size. Anyway, I made the 6-9 month size, and the hood stripe was too short for the hood by about 5/8ths of an inch on each end. Those were the first two pieces to sew together, and it was enough to make me set the jacket aside for the last month. Apparently I’m easily discouraged. So I’m curious to hear if anyone’s made the 6-9 month size and had that same problem, or if I really did just mess it up. The latter is still a distinct possibility. Eventually I got over it (I probably have KCWC to thank for that) and just cut out new hood stripes. And I’m glad I did, because the pattern yielded a pretty sweet little jacket!
Okay, happy sewing, everyone! 🙂
So very precious! Great job
Oh my gosh! Love that little jacket… So sweet!
It turned out great! Glad you pressed on. Look forward to pics of the little one sporting his new jacket!
SO cute Gail! Boy sewing kicks booty.
Oh! and I like your new header!
I made the 18-24 size recently and had a lot of trouble getting the hood stripe to fit to the outer pieces as it seemed too small. I also thought I found another error plus I had to lengthen the body by 4″ as it comes up really short but it is a gorgeous design so worth it. I used grey elephants although it’s the Happy Drawing ones. The jacket you linked to is lovely.
Sweet little jacket indeed! Weird that there was a pattern error (that can be very discouraging!), but thanks for sharing about it in case I ever try the pattern. All these sweet baby clothes are making me so excited to “meet” your new addition. How are you feeling? Ready for him to arrive?
This tuned out beautifully, your baby boy will love it! I made this jacket for my daughter last year. I absolutely loved it on her and she wore it until she couldn’t squeeze into it anymore. I have a feeling you have to really work to ease the hood stripe into place. Lots of pinning starting at either end and the middle and you will get it. I think it creates a more defined curve that way. Just like easing in a sleeve. Here’s mine if you want to have a look: http://www.flickr.com/photos/berries/5736845711/in/set-72157624660053802
This is adorable! I have made two, one in the 6-9 month size and I do remember having an issue with the strip on the hood as well…not sure if I remember it being 5/8″ on each end…that seems like a lot! I DO remember messing up the placket but that was probably my own fault. I had to redo it. Anywho, my boy wore his for a solid 5-6 months. Made my niece 12-18 mo, and it is cute, but always seemed short on her. Wish I lengthened it an inch or two. Happy boy sewing! Longest comment ever. 😉
this is beautiful!! I made this jacket for my little guy about a year and a half ago…(so sorry I don’t remember the details) I remember it was one of the first clothes patterns I had ever made …the reason I started my blog…and the most sweet thing ever to see his little face in that hood! Sad that it no longer fits…I had it hanging out for a long while just because it was so pretty! 🙂 Beautiful coat. 🙂
So darn cute. Your little guy will be the best dressed baby ever.
i love this jacket! super cute! i have not made this pattern so i cannot comment on that, but i have made the booties, dress, pants and sleep sacks and they were all quite a lot too big. my baby was 8 lbs 7 oz, too, so she wasn’t a small baby. the bummer with that was that being we live in texas, the seasons didn’t time out right with the clothes i had made and- outside of the booties – she really wasn’t able to wear any of it. the elastic measurement in the quick change trousers was so loose that even now the pants fall right off of her.
your jacket is great and you must be getting close now, right? can’t wait to see pics of your little guy and the new big sis.
I made three versions of the jacket in two different sizes and each time I had the same problem. I checked for an Errata on the publishers website and didn’t see one for the jacket. I actually made a note to myself that next time I will make the center piece longer instead of having to trim the side pieces!
Love your version of the jacket. Your work is always inspiring!
The jacket turned out great!
that is so cute!
I love this pattern – I made one for Joe a long time ago (http://inderlovesfolkart.blogspot.com/2011/01/first-sewing-project-of-new-year.html) and yes, that hood is just so sweet when paired with chubby cheeks! I want to make one for Maggie as well; maybe this winter. I also remember easing the hood pieces into that stripe quite a bit, but I did it in a much larger size so it’s still definitely possible that the piece is a bit off for one piece. That can be really frustrating, I’ve been there. Did you see that Anna Maria Horner released this pattern and some others from the book for kids in larger sizes?
ooooh i love this. fun to see it finished! i don’t think i’ve sewn anything from that book but O still might fit the largest size! so darn cute. and i share your love of blue and green, fo sho. you’re gonna do just fine sewing for this little guy. 🙂
Your version looks so sweet! What a great color… I love the idea of using a soft, baby cord. I can’t wait to try this pattern in larger sizes, now that they have been released…
It’s PERFECT!! I have that book and have always wanted to make that jacket. Maybe now I will finally get around to it. 🙂
I love this pattern. Yours is beautiful!
This is awesome! As well as the title, which made me laugh!
Love this jacket! I made one a few years ago and I always wish I had made more. Yours is adorable!
I found your blog by trying to see if anyone else had a problem with the hood stripe, so no, you aren’t the only one. 🙂 I too am making the 6-9 month size, and am also 5/8″ short. I’ll follow the advice of the other comment and pin it better and work it more slowly. Too bad – I’ve taken apart the stitches twice now and it is quite frustrating. I love how yours turned out!!