Like a Calm, Cool Breeze

Just thinking about moving takes up a lot of mental space.  And--while I'm really not that stressed about it--I am stressed about it.  Then last night I finally got a good solid chunk of time to sit down and work on some things I've been wanting to get to for a little while now... and the serger and I got in a fight.

Final score: Serger 1, Katie 0.  

Grrr.  Either I'm getting really good at re-threading it... or I'm just really bad at re-threading it.  Hopefully I'll be able to talk to the nice lady in the store today and figure out which.  Let's just hope there's nothing really wrong with it.

Anyway, last night was frustrating.  But before all that happened, I finished this sweet, simple little shirt.  Looking at the pictures of it here now is calming for some reason.  Maybe because it was such an easy sew?  Maybe because it was made out of a thrifted crib sheet with a print I love?  Maybe because it looks so light and airy?  Probably all of the above.

I used this wonderful pattern from Leila & Ben. This pattern is just as cheap as any I found on Etsy but this one came highly recommended from the queen of making her own patterns for little girls clothes (so if she uses this pre-made pattern it must be worth it, right?) and I can now happily stand by that recommendation and pass it on to you.   

(Note: This is not a sponsored post.  I don't know the creator of the pattern and I'm not being compensated in any way for the nice things I'm saying about this pattern.  I just like it and want to share that info with you.)

Here are a few reasons why I love this pattern:

• The directions are well-written and easy to follow and  feature plenty of helpful pictures.
• The method of construction is quick, simple, and well thought out.
• The pattern comes in sizes 12 months-5T.
• The pattern is easy to alter and customize.
• Since it's a PDF I can print it out as many times as I want (instead of having to carefully trace the pattern onto tissue paper).
• It only costs $6 (many on Etsy cost around $10).
• Once you buy it, you get to download it right away.  No waiting for e-mails or anything.  A little bit magical and totally satisfying?  Yes.
• It's a really quick sew.

Like I said, I made this one from a thrifted crib sheet.  I had originally planned to just take out the elastic and use it on the neck and sleeves, but when I went to cut it I realized that the elastic was sewn in... uhh... a little too well.  So instead of cutting it off I decided to just use it as the bottom hem and go for a bubble shirt effect.  (Definitely inspired by Jess' version in this post.)

I'm really pleased with how it turned out.  Especially considering this was my first time using the pattern and I shortened it to be shirt length and added the crazy elastic bottom and it all came out just dandy.

The other little addition I made was just this bit of edge stitching on the sleeves.  I think it just makes the shirt look that much more professional.

Oh, and my last favorite thing about this shirt?  It has an elastic neckline.  So my big-head child that holds her breath when a shirt goes over her head won't freak out.  Awesome.

And it'll fit for a long time.  

Double awesome.