Monthly Project Finale!

January's project comes to a close and here's what we have to offer Annabelle's Wish for the sweet babies they care for!

From Kristy (Me!)

From Pam @ Threading My Way

From Sarah @ Fabric Seeds

From Lana @ Elfqueenof5

From Bonnie @ Fishsticks Designs

From Melissa

From Sunni @ Love Affair

From Jodi

From Kelly

From Garilyn @ It's Time to Sew!

Ready to get packed and shipped!!!

There are still a few covers yet to arrive and be added to our box before shipping, but I have been delighted and encouraged by your enthusiastic response and support! THANK YOU!

Make sure you stop by tomorrow to see what we'll be up to for February....it's going to be a FUN and FULL month!!!

Monthly Project Progress Report!

Well, here they are... 

My finished bloomers for January's Monthly Project.

I ended up with 1-3M, 5-12M and 8-3T. I flubbed up on my other two 3Ts, but had another seamstress agree to contribute this past week, so we should still be all good! I can determine what's still needed when packing everything up, but looks good right now.

There's still a week left for this month's focus, and I've already heard from several of you that your bloomers are on the way. I will be sure to share on facebook each time I have a package arrive and will show our complete pile together once I have them all. It's been so exciting to have you all sewing along this month! Thank you again for your help!

Mid-Month Reminder

Just a quick reminder that we are ALREADY at the mid-month mark for January! Whew! 2012 isn't looking to slow down any huh??? :)

How's your bloomer progress going?

I'm getting there with my stack thanks to some extra help from Grandma while she was here. Got some finishes touches on my 3T stack and a couple extra to cut yet. If you run into any questions, please continue to comment or email and I will gladly get back to you!

*One note* I've heard from a couple of you using the Simple 30 min. Shorts pattern that you were concerned about the waistband size being too big. Please feel free to make whatever adjustments you feel best. All elastics are different in their stretch and can provide different results. Also, the size range we were given is wide enough that I'm sure they will fit in perfectly somewhere. Additionally, the children we are sewing for are typically smaller than the US sizing guidelines listed in the original post. I believe they will be useful in whatever size! :) I am so very grateful to each of you that are sewing to support this project!

If you signed up and are feeling like you might not be able to fulfill the bloomers you signed up for, please just let me know. It's not a big deal, I know things change from our plans sometimes. This is just a perfect time to allow for someone else to pick up the # assigned to you. Thanks again!

Happy Sewing!

Shorts -TO- Bloomer #2

Now for the second episode of Shorts To Bloomers! 

(If you missed episode 1, it's a version for those with a serger and can be found here.) 

Once again I used the Simple 30 Min. Shorts with the extension in length as noted on pattern.

Iron and stitch the hem on both legs leaving a small opening to insert elastic.

Measure elastic 1" longer than the width of the leg. In this case, the leg of the shorts measure 7" so I cut my elastic 8". Insert elastic in opening and thread through the hem with a large safety pin. Sew the elastic ends together and sew the opening closed. 

Voila! Shorts are now bloomers! Easy as that!

Shorts -TO- Bloomers #1

I wanted to share a super simple way to turn a regular shorts pattern into bloomers. 

First, cut and sew together the legs of your shorts according to whatever pattern you are sewing with. I used the Simple 30 Min. Shorts (with extension as noted in pattern) for the ones I've photographed.

Assuming your serger is in a good mood...mine just happened to be this day...create a nice rolled edge along the unfinished edges of the legs with your serger. (Don't have a serger? No worries, I will share a non-serged example too!)

Next, with your shorts inside-out, you will begin sewing elastic about 3/4" from the rolled edge.

I used a nice, soft, knit elastic. This should be comfortable and not leave marks on the sweet baby's legs. :) I suggest using a 3-step zig-zag stitch for attaching the elastic. It's really about the only stitch I use for elastic. It offers a little extra security over a straight stitch for an item that will be repeatedly stretched, and it also adds nicely to the gathered look in this instance. 

 You'll want to keep a nice, even stretch on the elastic as you sew. I chose not to cut my elastic until finished going all the way around, this way you won't end up with small useless scraps of elastic waste. Once all the way around I always like to back stitch a few stitches for security, clip the elastic and you've got bloomers!

Simple as that! And isn't that lil' ruffly leg just darling?!?!?!

As always, if you run into any hiccups or have any questions along the way, please just email me. I'm always happy to help as I can!