Handmade Oktoberfest Costumes

 Last year we got invited to an Oktoberfest party at our neighbor's house.  The invitation said "lederhosen optional".  Knowing my neighbor, I should have known he was joking!  Everyone was dressed up, except for us.  This year, I was determined to get us all dressed for the occasion.

 The kids outfits were pretty easy.  I made a simple elastic waist skirt for my daughter.  I used this tutorial for the waist and drafter the rest of the skirt from a skirt from my daughter's closet.  I added a simple rectangular apron and finally used some of the embroidery stitches on my sewing machine.

 The top is another rectangle with straps and a velcro closure a the back.  I used a narrow bias tape for the lacing on the front.

 The boys' outfits were even easier.  I bought each a pair of pants at the thrift store ($2 each!), cut them into shorts, and used the extra fabric to make the decorative pieces.  For the little boy, I used black elastic for the straps.

 I used felt for the embellishments and hot glued them in place.

 

Since I am the seamstress, I decided to use an actual pattern for my dress.  I bought McCalls M6187.  Be fore-warned if you are considering this pattern, the envelope is deceiving.  The envelope makes it look like the pattern includes both adult and children's sizes.  So the first time around, I just grabbed one, not realizing that it was only kids sizes.  Had to go back and get the adult size pattern.

I made a few modifications to the pattern to make it more flattering on my small frame.  I took quite a bit of fullness out of the skirt, cut the apron smaller and drafted my own, less full sleeve.  The bodice is fully lined and was a bit of a challenge.  Ultimately I figured it out and really like the dress.

 We had a great time at the party and made a pretty cute German family.

 

Unfortunately, I couldn't convince the kids to use these costumes for Halloween too.  And, though I planned on wearing my dress for Halloween, it most likely will be waaaay too cold.  So my husband and I are planning on being popcorn and a stick of butter.  Gotta get working on that....

Mini Comfy Cozy Cowl // Recess Raglan

 The little girl saw my new comfy coral sweatshirt and asked if I could make one for her.  It's nice to have a mama that loves to sew!

 I made hers using See Kate Sew's Recess Raglan pattern.

I followed the pattern, but then added a band at the bottom for more of a sweatshirt feel.  She also requested a kangaroo pocket for the front.  The above picture makes me smile because I asked her to try a different pose, maybe looking off to the side.  To me the look on her face is so forced....it's so cute!

 

I'd say she's pretty comfy in her new sweatshirt.  The boy is getting jealous so I guess I'm going to have to make a boy version.  I'm thinking of adding a hood instead of the cowl neck.  Stay tuned to see how that turns out.

Comfy Coral Cowl // Lane Raglan

 

 Can you say it three times fast?  Comfy coral cowl?

Fall is in full swing and it's time to get out the warm and comfy.  I recently tried on a cowl-neck sweatshirt that I really liked, but only came in gray and black.  I'm a girl that loves colors and thought, I bet I can make this.

 I used the Lane Raglan pattern from Hey June as my starting point. My pattern is cut out as an extra small, but for this I added a little width and length for a looser fit.

 I also tried to angle the hem from the back to front.  The goal was a fit that would cover my bum.  It's a personal preference, but I pretty much will only wear leggings if my bum is covered.  Mission accomplished here.

 The fabric I used is a sort of micro fleece.  It's super soft and stretchy, but wasn't easy to sew with.  The cut edges curled quite a bit and made it difficult to sew the bottom band and neck.  Overall, I think it's cute and it's definitely comfortable.  Now I'm on the hunt for a better fabric for my next one.  I'm thinking french terry.  Any suggestions?