Did you sew along last week?
I’ve had my copy of Happy Homemade: Sew Chic Kids (the English version of Happy Homemade, Vol.2) since Christmas, but despite the translation, I’ve been too chicken to try anything. The hoodie was number one on my list, and as with every new pattern I make, a thorough inspiration-seeking Flickr image search was performed. I discovered through some comments that the neck facing had tripped a few people up, so I emailed Shelley of Bartacks and Singletracks for some pointers. She kindly passed along all her helpful notes, and then a week or so later, Cherie and Meg announced they’d be hosting a Happy Homemade Kids sew-along with that very pattern. And so, no more excuses, here I am.
I actually sewed a little bit each day, right along with their schedule. It’s rare I sew that way, but I really enjoyed pacing myself.
I wasn’t sure I could sell Lila on this pattern, so I made the hoodie for the less opinionated of the two.
The fabric is from Dear Stella’s Sunburst Stripes collection. I really like these stripes – the range of colors is great, and basics like this are so useful. Mine came from LiMa Sews, where you can find four of the colors – I used Smoke.
Both Meg and Cherie added kangaroo pockets to their hoodies, and they obviously know what’s up, so I did the same.
I cut the pocket with the stripes going in the opposite direction, but it’s not very noticeable since they’re so thin. Please go ahead and notice it, though, because the whole thing came out a little plain in my opinion.
The hood didn’t end up being all that functional – it doesn’t come forward far enough to fit properly, and it pulls at the back of the parka when it’s up. Meg angled hers forward for more coverage, which I’d recommend if you want it to serve as an actual hood. I don’t so much mind a decorative hood, though – it looks pretty cute just hanging there.
I probably would’ve lined my hood had I used some other fabric, but I couldn’t come up with a good match for the stripes. Plus, I finally got my serger going (another Christmas gift that went too long unused), so at least the inside is properly finished.
The patterns in this book are made for kids aged 3-9, but the smallest size (2) fits Oscar, who’s an over-sized 19 month-old, relatively well – it’s definitely on the big side, but totally wearable.
I love the designs in this and other Japanese pattern books, but I have to say, I’m not a huge fan trying to make sense of sparse directions – I’m pretty sure Liesl has completely ruined me for sewing with Japanese patterns! And I’m still waiting for someone to explain to me why any pattern wouldn’t include seam allowances. So yeah, I’d have to be really motivated by a great design (of which there are many, admittedly) for this type of sewing to become a regular thing. Or maybe I’ll just join in on another sew-along – hopefully there are more to come!
Anyway, thanks to Cherie and Meg for walking me through my very first Japanese pattern! Check out the Happy Homemade Kids sew-along if you’re like me and don’t want to bumble through these cool patterns on your own – it was really helpful and fun to join in!
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Man that’s a cute kid. Love the pullover on him. I’m kinda with you on Japanese patterns – they’re a lot of effort to figure out (and add seam allowances to, argh) but I do feel like they usually come together pretty quickly. The few times I’ve sewn them anyway…oh and I love the stripe you used!
aw, thanks 🙂 it really was a quick sew after all the kinks were kindly ironed out by cherie and meg!
I love the aesthetic of these designs and I actually have the Japanese version of this book that I got years ago. I’ve only ever made one thing from it and it was a lot of work to interpret the instructions and get usable pattern pieces from the sheets. I have the Drape Drape book as well that I’ve never used. Maybe one day when I am a lady of leisure I will have the time to work from these books. 😉
I think you hit the nail on the head – I’m totally going to have to wait til my lady of leisure days (ha!) for this! I just don’t have the time or patience for things not to come out just right the first time. Someday…. 🙂
It’s lovely and he’s gorgeous! You say plain, I say perfectly tasteful and ever so stylish! Well done. If not for the pattern tracing and seam adding nuisance I would be much further through my books. I could definitely see Lila in those wide legged pants in linen!
Thanks, Shelley! And thanks again for helping me out with your happy homemade wisdom!
This pattern is soooo cool for boys. Your baby looks uterly cute in his hoodie 🙂
thanks Carla! i love a good unisex pattern – this really is a cute one for boys! 🙂
So glad to read your review of Japanese patterns. That very thought is what has kept me from making any so far. On the other hand, the hoodie is really cute and he looks adorable! Oh and I took two years go figure out my serger so you’re doing great at only 6 months 😉
oh thanks! 🙂 i definitely recommend starting with a pattern that someone else has made and reviewed – that way the trail has already been blazed on any potential confusing or tricky parts. i’m glad i started with a sew-along!!
Oscar looks great in his new pullover. I really love the tie at the bottom. I think Japanese patterns maybe take some getting used to. I don’t understand not adding the seam allowance either. But like Kristin said, the construction is usually fast. When I sewed an O+S pattern after a Japanese pattern jag it just felt like so-many-steps. And also so many details that can make a outfit for play a little… formal? Don’t get me wrong, I love O+S but I think the construction of their patterns can be time consuming whereas the Japanese pattern construction is much faster, but the pattern tracing is a lot more time consuming and intense.
that’s a good point, rachel – there’s definitely something to be said for super simple designs and quick construction when you’re sewing kids clothes!
It looks fantastic! And hooray for trying out the serger! The sparse directions got me, too. I kind of feel like I can only make one of these patterns if I’ve already made an O+S pattern that’s similar so I can pull from my knowledge of that pattern.
I love this very simple basic version of this pattern! It’s perfect for cool summer evenings, looks good with everything, and the basic stripe really lets the details (the interesting neckline) of the pattern shine. Well done. I too have the book and must add myself to the list of people who have never actually tried it … boo me! I really loved seeing everyone’s hoodies though – perhaps one day! (I also have a million Ottobres I haven’t sewn from for very similar reasons – few instructions, no seam allowance, confusing pattern sheet. I need to get over it bc the designs are awesome!)
Adorable! Love love love this.
What a cute pullover, you always have the knack for choosing the best fabric to go with the pattern and for this one too you aced 🙂 I didn’t do the sew along for this one but I love this book too, (I have the Japanese version) and I am looking forward to seeing what else you try out from this.
So sweet… just gorgeous in the stripes. Makes me almost want to sew one… though I too have been spoilt by the likes of oliver + s and cannot seem to muster the necessary energy for a Japanese pattern, no matter how sweet!
So cute! I haven’t been by your blog in a while. Oscar has grown!
It’s the same with Otttobre, they have some marvelous patterns but the whole process of adding a seam allowance hurts my head!
I first saw this on pinterest and oh my gosh- it’s adorable! I also love the Orange Tillamook bus. I’ve been trying to convince the husband we should take a trip there this summer.