a goodall + some hudsons

November 5, 2015November 5, 2015 ~ hungie gungie ~ 8 Comments

I realized after my last post (that was a downer, eh?), I needed something fun to sew. My littlest nephew, Brady turned two this week, so I made him a couple handsome wardrobe staples. A pair of mini Hudsons, and a Goodall cardigan. Two patterns you can count on. Hallelujah!

(Things you cannot count on: Me getting your birthday present mailed to you on time. Sorry B, on it’s way!)

Brady is the cutest little kid. He’s got gigantic blue eyes that just suck you in the instant you lock eyes. Here’s a picture I took of him when he was just a babe.

I KNOW. I’m melting.

Here he is looking all big-kid at the Outerbanks this past Summer…

He’s just so sweet! I wish he didn’t live so far away from us. Anyway, I don’t think I’ve made him anything before, so it’s about time.

Have you heard of the Goodall cardigan yet? It’s great! Celina offers this as a free pattern when you join the Petit a Petit patterns FB page. I made one for Ellery a couple weeks ago (if you follow me on IG, you can see it) and I fell in love with it. Super easy, fast, and just so so cute.

And, I’m sure I don’t have to introduce you to the Mini Hudson pants from True Bias… They are everyone’s favorite.

I sewed a size 3 for each of these patterns. My sister says Brady mostly wears 3T, so I hope these fit. He’s not a teeny guy. 😉 Luckily I have Coco around to show you the fit. FYI, she is a tall 3 1/2 year old, and wears a size 4T. So, the cardi is a little short on her. The pants are a pretty great fit though!

I love finishing the Hudson pants by just sewing a little strip of knit for a faux tie. I just haven’t been bothered to add an actual drawstring like the pattern instructs. I like the ease of the knit tie, and as long as you cut the elastic in the waistband the right length, it makes them fit perfectly anyway without needing to bother with the drawstring (which requires a couple of buttonholes. So, you know…lazy).

We love pockets ’round here.

The crazy plaid is a French terry from Girl Charlee, and it’s awesome. I had no idea that the size of the plaid would be huge, but that’s what you get with online shopping. It’s okay though, because I love it.

The Goodall is like the cardigan pattern I’ve been looking for. I wish there were an adult-sized version. It’s just a really easy construction, and I think there is so much opportunity here for color-blocking, and upcycling.

I used Kaufman Laguna knits in navy and charcoal for this Goodall. I really like the weight and the stretch, and they are easy to sew with. Perfect if you are new to working with knits.

We hope you like your new outfit, Brady. We love you to bits!

-Erin

Kids in Hats

June 17, 2014June 17, 2014 ~ hungie gungie ~ 7 Comments

Last month I stayed up way too late making a bucket hat for Ellery. The next day at school was “H” day- they were counting down the days of school with each letter of the alphabet- and I was damned if she was going to wear the ratty purple dollar store witch hat that she layed out before going to bed.

She loved the hat, but wouldn’t ya know… she wore the goofy purple witch hat to school. OF COURSE.

This pattern is a free download from the Oliver + S website, though you can also find it in Liesl’s book, Little Things to Sew. Luckily I had this pattern cut out in every size (thanks again, old self!). A couple of easy modifications were done: I widened the brim AND skipped the hand-stitching a la Jessica.

I used some Echino mochi dot linen in charcoal for the outer layer, and mint cotton for the lining. I also made one for little sister using some more Echino linen. BIRDS y’all. Ellery got a size large, and I made Coco the medium… I recommend that you go a size up with this pattern.

This was not a day for bucket hats…

Look at that sky!

Ellery always dresses for the weather. She looked outside before going out and decided a corduroy jacket was in order- even though it was in the mid-80’s. Silly girl.

Oh look! It’s my semi-annual Hungie Gungie photo of Grant!

He was so cute trying to sneak into their pictures. Remember the first bucket hat I made? It was for this boy when he was just a squishy little 1 year old…

This hat is technically reversible, but I gotta say, the inside is not super pretty. I’m not very good at sewing around curves and this pattern has plenty to fit together and sew. Plus, I maybe should’ve interfaced my lining pieces instead of the linen, because the linen was then extra thick and the lining was very thin, and it just took a lot of fiddling around to fit them together nicely without tons of puckering.

These hats are just so cute and so practical- my girls wear them outside playing all the time!

Hope you are all enjoying the beginning of Summer!

(oh, and thank you all for your nice comments about my etsy shop! XO)

-Erin

geranium in washi + gold

March 12, 2014 ~ hungie gungie ~ 12 Comments

First, I just want to thank you guys for your kind and thoughtful comments on our last post. Caroline and I both felt the love! You guys are the best. Wes has responded really well to chemo so far, and it was a pleasure to get to see him this morning in his own house, being silly and adorable. A few weeks ago, I threw all sewing stuff to the wind. I couldn’t really do anything but think about my sweet nephew and how I could help my sis. But, sewing is therapeutic, and it felt nice to pick up some fabric and make something out of it. So, while I had some time on my hands yesterday (thank god for children who still nap!), I decided to finish up this little outfit that I’ve had cut out for some time.

This fabric has certainly seen its heyday- Rae made it iconic with her original Washi dress… But I’ve been sitting on a yard of it for almost 2 years. So, while you sewing blog readers are probably sick of seeing it, well…. sorry! But, I think it’s the perfect kid fabric with it’s vibrant colors.

Nothing is easier than using a pattern you know well. The Geranium is tried and true. This version is the tunic length, with ruffle sleeves. I usually use gold thread to finish the zigzag edge because I’m all for a little understated bling.

The bubble bloomers are self-drafted. I’ve been working on perfecting the fit, and I’m almost there. I think they are a nice staple to have in a toddler wardrobe. And when you make them out of cotton couture, well… they are almost luxurious. Rich in color, soft and they almost have a sheen to them.

This set is not for my darling dear Coco. Instead, I enlisted her modeling help (in exchange for 2 Cadbury mini eggs… ’tis the season!), and then packed these up to be shipped to a little friend up north today.

Yesterday it was in the 70’s here. I hope you are experiencing some signs of Spring wherever you are!

-Erin

KCW day three: linen apron top

January 29, 2014January 29, 2014 ~ hungie gungie ~ 10 Comments

I’ll keep it short and simple today since I have a sick baby to tend to (well, she’s five… but aren’t they always babies when they’re sick? I mean in like a sweet, helpless, cuddly way of course!). We also had a snow day today so we’ve been cooped up inside making a mess of the place.

Here’s a top that I’ve made a couple times before, so it was fairly quick for me to put together with the pattern already cut out in Coco’s size. The most time consuming part was making the bias tape, which I needed about 3 yards of.

This is a bit large on Corinne, but she’s pretty slim. I’m sure she’ll be able to wear it over a shirt and leggings for an entire year.

I call that a win!

Pattern: Butterick B5019

Fabric: Yarn-dyed Essex in red

Size: 2

As always, thanks for stopping by our blog! Happy Sewing…

-Erin

KCW day one: flashback skinny tee

January 27, 2014January 27, 2014 ~ hungie gungie ~ 14 Comments

Another KCW is upon us (or as Caroline refers to it, “Neglect Your Household Week”), and I am jumping right in. My plan this week is to sew things I know my kids will wear. Comfy, practical stuff. I spent a few hours this weekend cutting fabric and setting aside patterns. You know, gathering my Mise en Place.

Up first is a flashback tee for Corinne in some incredibly soft brushed knit, size 2T.

GRANT PHOTOBOMB! (he reeeeally wanted to take a “bwog” photo too. hehe.)

GREAT pattern. This would be the first time making this pattern using yardage… the past couple of times I sort of cheated by using my husband’s old shirts and keeping the existing hems. This time around, I put it all together with the serger, and then switched to my sewing machine with a walking foot and zigzag stitch to hem the bottom and to attach the neckband (which came out hella perfect if you don’t mind me sayin’). I might break out my twin needle sometime this week, but I do like that walking foot/zigzag combo. So what if it isn’t totally profesh!?

Also, I would like an entire wardrobe made out of this fabric. It’s fabulous stuff, I tell you.

See you tomorrow!

Erin

(p.s. Caroline is busy this week making NINE little minion outfits for Jet’s Despicable Me-themed Birthday party this week! Good Mama right there…)

January Junebug

January 13, 2014 ~ hungie gungie ~ 17 Comments

Happy New Year Gungie readers! Resolutions anyone? Mine are mostly just project lists for each room of our house. The challenge for me, since I seem to have design ADD, is to just commit to one room, and finish it. I’m starting with the parts of our home that are exposed to the most general traffic. I think that’s a smart way to begin. Hopefully, I will have the nerve to show you the progress as things move along.

As for sewing, well, isn’t it always about stash busting? Use what you have, and avoid spending on new fabric! Also, pattern busting for me. I have been psyched to buy several patterns, but then I strangely avoid them. I don’ t know why. My Washi pattern is giving me the stink eye right now! I’ll get to you, dammit!

First up for both pattern and stash busting is the sweet, vintage inspired, Junebug Dress. Sewn in Tanya Whelan Delilah Dots, and lined with some pretty floral that I can’t place.

This was my first time sewing one of Jessica’s patterns. It went perfectly! Really well written with lots of pictures. I sewed the 18 month size for a dear friend’s first baby, with the thought that she can wear it next spring when she will be walking. That must be such a strange thing to imagine for the mother of a two month old! Her teeny little girl will be up and walking this time next year. Its wild!

I definitely considered doing the bodice in the floral print, but I waited until I had all pieces constructed to decide. It came down to the piping. Doesn’t it always? I loved the turquoise piping with the turquoise buttons, and those features just wouldn’t pop against the floral fabric. So red dots all the way!

I was hoping Corinne would be up for modeling this, but I caught her too close to nap time. Wes was my next choice, but I just couldn’t do that to him again. It’s still too soon. So, on the hanger it is.

Ah, it feels good to have one sewing project under my belt in the new year. What will be next? Unfortunately, I think it will have to be some theme sewing for Jet’s 7th birthday party. I haven’t yet seen fabric Minion bunting on Pinterest yet, so I’ll have to think it up myself.

Tell us what projects top your 2014 list!

~Caroline

Return of the Rookie

Aside ~ December 16, 2013December 16, 2013 ~ hungie gungie ~ 5 Comments

I’ll admit it guys, I’m in the weeds this holiday season. Weeded. Wee-to-the-DED. And not in a good way. If you know what I mean by “in the weeds”, you have probably worked as a server in a busy restaurant. If you haven’t, then I don’t know you.

Basically, I’m overwhelmed. Who isn’t? The lofty plans I had for handmade do-dads for every teacher and person my kid high-fives are probably not gonna happen. The cookies? Sorry, you’ll have to settle for chocolate dipped pretzel rods… and I’m pretty sure my girl had her tongue in sprinkles before they were sprinkled. Handmade dresses or jammies? Maybe in time for Chinese New Year.

Ya, sure, we celebrate that.

I think I’m starting to get that if you are a parent of children (sorry, dogs don’t count) then you’ve got to get your Christmas act together in September. Get organized, and get cracking! Or, you can just be normal, and chill out and relax. But no! I can’t! Jessica said it first and said it best, “Craftiness is Not Optional“. Best blog name in blogland. Cause its so freaking true.

Crafters are just not normal.

So, I figured that instead of blogging about sewing bias tape on a tree skirt, *yawn*, I’d introduce you to a little someone special…

Our new nephew, Brady!

Isn’t he adorable? He arrived 5 weeks early (November 3, MY birthday!), and was healthy, and cherubic even! We really hope to get our hands on him soon.

You might remember meeting Brady’s Mom, our big sister Erika, in this post from a while back, when she surprised, okay, shocked us all by learning how to sew during a summer visit. Since many of you have wondered what became of the “Rookie Seamstress” (okay, well at least Kristin inquired ;)- girl you always got our back!) I’m here with the update!

Guess what? She made this.

A hospital gown so that she could deliver Brady in style!

Over the course of a year or so, Erika has sewn a little with her machine- more bibs, a pair of toddler pants. But, when she found out she was expecting #2, she was on a mission to duplicate a handmade hospital gown that she was given a few years ago before her #1. Erin and I each borrowed said gown for our #3s. It really does make you feel special to change into something with a pop of color while you are snuggling up to your brand new baby and paparazzi is in full force. There’s a little Kardashian in all of us, no?

In order to create this green gown, Erika pretty much deconstructed the gifted one to get a basic pattern.

Its a pretty basic shape, but, she had to figure out the snaps and openings which got a little tricky for her.

Erika got some help from our mom with the finishings, and she might have declared that she would NEVER SEW AGAIN, but seriously, how good is this? Please help us convince her not to Craigslist her machine!

By the way, these photos were taken this summer when E was visiting. I wanted her to guest blog like she did the first time, her perspective is so ~~blunt~~ honest, but she just kept avoiding me when I’d ask. Its not for everyone.

Maybe looking back on this project after its been a few months, will help her to realize how great of a job she did. Its empowering to make a wearable garment! Awesome work Erika- on that gown, and even more so, on this little guy!

We love him already!

~Caroline

Modern Folksy Bunny + a giveaway

November 14, 2013November 13, 2013 ~ hungie gungie ~ 31 Comments

When Virginia of the Gingercake blog + shop emailed to see if we’d be interested in sewing one of her patterns for her Holiday Gifts Sewing Series, it immediately conjured up memories. Every Christmas, my mother tied wide red velvet ribbons around a few stuffed animals and set them in little wooden chairs on either side of our fireplace. They only appeared at Christmastime which made them seem extra special, and my favorite one was a small white puma.

I just loved it and every time the boxes ‘o decorations made their way from the attic down to the first floor, I would find it buried somewhere and call it my own- If only for the month of December.

So, when thinking about which pattern in Virginia’s shop that I’d like to sew up, I kept coming back to the Modern Folksy Bunny. It reminded me of those sweet little stuffed animals that my Mom put out, and something I thought my own children would love to see re-appear at every holiday season…

So this little guy is staying in the family.

I wonder who will call dibs?

The girl with the matching pants, of course!

Corinne was pretty taken with this bunny. She looked at it for a while, but then began to pick at the button eyes and the floppy bow. She hugged it tightly, threw it on the ground, picked it up, put it in her shopping cart and rolled it around the kitchen… you get the idea.

(This would be the second bunny I made- I made an ear-error on the first one, but I may finish it up today and show you that one later this week so stay tuned for that…)

This little bunny takes a nice shape thanks to a couple of well-placed darts and a little boxed corner at the toe. Nice little details that I never would have thought of on my own.

The body is made of Essex yarn dyed linen in black. For the ear lining and bow, I used some red tartan that has been burning a hole in my stash for three years. This might be my new favorite fabric combo, fyi.

Those bell-bottoms that Coco is wearing, were made for my older girl back when she was a toddler. sniff sniff. I found them the other day in a box of Winter clothes and I knew we had to include them in this photo shoot!

My favorite part about making this bunny would have to be that cute pom-pom tail. It was the first one I’ve ever made and I could seriously get hooked! I used a basic white yarn and wrapped it around my hand old-school style- though I’ve heard there are pom-pom makers out there.

Would you like to make your own folksy bunny? Virginia has kindly offered up one Bunny pattern for one of you cool readers.

Leave me a comment below!

Giveaway will end on Sunday 11/17 at 9 pm and a winner will be chosen at random.

Be sure to check out all the other great PDF patterns in Virginia’s shop– tons of cute stuff there perfect for a handmade gift!

Happy (Holiday) Sewing!

-Erin

p.s. You can *like* Hungie Gungie on FB now and be up to the millisecond on any breaking news we may decide is important to share. j/k. you’ll be lucky if we ever remember to post over there.

… hittin’ the big time y’all.

Little Debbie

August 6, 2013August 6, 2013 ~ hungie gungie ~ 31 Comments

I’m so excited to be the second stop on the Debbie’s birthday dress blog tour!

Suz from Sewpony has created this pdf dress pattern inspired by one of her favorite children’s books, Debbie’s Birthday Party. The pattern features a classic A-line style dress, with a button and loop closure at the back. You can see the two views above, one with a sweet peter pan collar, center seam, pocket, and buttons. The other with a separate bodice and trim.

Suz asked if I’d test the 18 month size for my little Corinne, and since I’m a good vintage-loving girl, of course I said YES.

Behold, My Little Debbie!

For my dress (View 2), I repurposed a chambray skirt, used a cute apple grid print for the collar, and lined the bodice with red cotton. I decided forgo the pocket and steal the trim idea from View 1, extending it all the way down the length of the dress- I used ivory lace hem tape.

I stitched two white buttons on to the front, but for the back I decided to tie it all together by using this red apple button. Coco’s big sis thought that was pretty cute. Ellery loves to help pick out Corinne’s clothes in the morning, and this dress is often her first choice.

Smart little stylist wouldn’t you say?

I love the length of the dress- it hits Corinne about an inch above the knee, but you could easily add length if you wanted. On a little gal like Coco though, it’s a good excuse to show off some cute bloomers or her chunky thighs (which I’ve been devouring lately).

I envision her wearing this in the Fall wrapped up with a cozy little cardigan… and of course knee socks and mary janes, like Suz did here– so adorable!

2013-7-1-Debbie dress-001

I’d highly recommend this pattern to a beginner sewer who is dabbling into making garments. The pattern is loaded with clear pictures for each step, and a very handy pattern map which really helps the cutting out and taping process. I sewed my Debbie up one rare afternoon while my entire crew was napping, and it was blissful.

I’d say the only thing that took some time for me was the peter pan collar. It was the second one I’d ever done, and I forgot to mark front and back (as suggested!) so when it was time to sew the pieces together I was stumped…but well worth it- I love those apples.

And that face.

I like that you can stay in the vintage realm here but you could totally go another direction with this pattern (like this rainbow one Sanae did here for KCW– gorgeous!)- it’s a simple design that is a great starting point for your own creative interpretation.

Suz is offering a 20% discount on this pattern for the duration of the blog tour. Just visit her etsy shop, Sewpony Vintage to purchase and don’t forget to use the code BLOGTOUR1. And keep your eye out for more vintage-inspired patterns from Suz in the future!

So long,

Erin

(p.s. check out the Sewpony flickr group for some more Debbie dress eye candy!)

#allvoileallthetime

July 18, 2013July 19, 2013 ~ hungie gungie ~ 30 Comments

Here’s my first completed KCW Summer project.

A breezy colorful dress for my littlest gal, Coco.

I realized halfway into sewing this that is the 4th consecutive garment I’ve made with cotton voile. Hmm. Might I be a one-trick pony? Probably… but I love sewing with the stuff! That hashtag up there? Yeah… could not get that out of my head white I was working on this.

Too much Instagramming I guess. 😉

The pattern is one that I drew up last Summer (here and here). I’ve hinted before at a possible tutorial, but every time I make one I change it up a little and still don’t feel like it’s quite perfected!

The voile solids in Mist and Coral are by Free Spirit, that I purchased from Hawthorne Threads– one of my favorite online fabric shops. And the AMH print is one I’ve had for a while… Actually, I kind of hoard it in every colorway, so be prepared to see it again and again. You’ve been warned.

The basic construction of the dress is easy. A long rectangle folded in half for the bodice, A couple of ruffled straps, and a gathered skirt piece.

Since voile is so thin, I decided to line the bodice (that print is one piece of fabric folded over) with a piece of folded over muslin. It made for a nice weight that hopefully will hold up better than the last ones I made which got pretty wrinkly and shifty over time.

Anyway, the straps are two pieces of voile pieced together, then folded and shifted over. I then zig-zag the raw edges, shape them with scissors, and make a little casing for elastic. Pretty easy.

I love the coral peeking out from underneath the print.

DSC_0048-001

I added a couple of paper-thin white buttons that were begging to be used for a sweet dress like this.

And a big vintage coral button to close the back.

So there you have it. One KCW project down. I’ve got a couple of pairs of shorts on my list, but Summertime has been CRAY-to-the-Z around here, we’ll see if I can get around to it. Oh, and they won’t be made with voile.

Not that this face would mind.

#HappySewing!

-Erin

p.s. WordPress just wished our blog a Happy 3 year Anniversary… Thank You wordpress. And Thank You lovely readers for visiting, and all you awesome sewing peeps out there for making it fun. :::The Hungie Gungie girls blow you kisses::: #MWA! #sorrylasthashtag

HUNGIE GUNGIE

–not your momma's goulash–

baby

a goodall + some hudsons

Kids in Hats

geranium in washi + gold

KCW day three: linen apron top

KCW day one: flashback skinny tee

January Junebug

Return of the Rookie

Modern Folksy Bunny + a giveaway

Little Debbie

#allvoileallthetime