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

Camper Tee

September 12, 2014September 12, 2014 ~ hungie gungie ~ 20 Comments

Grant is all about the loungewear.

When he gets home from preschool, he often throws himself on the couch and demands, “SWEATPAAAAANTS!” (and food).

Kids loves to be comfy.

So I made him a tee in some of the comfiest fabric ever.

This is Birch organic knit and it is so so soft! Don’t even get me started on the CAMPERS. How cute is this print? This fabric was a breeze to sew with- yes, it’s soft, but it’s the perfect weight… my machine loved it!

This shirt fits Grant’s requirements for comfort, and for practicality- he likes long sleeves so he can wipe his nose when he’s having an allergy flare-up as he was during this humid evening. Ugh, my poor boy.

Stud pose:

He wore this from dinner (and dessert… chocolate ice cream on it already!!), to photoshoot, to bed last night. I realize it looks a little pajama-ish, so this shirt may make it’s way from day-to-night! Whateva!

As I was making this, I kind of wished I’d made a raglan tee instead so I could use a solid for the sleeves. BUT, I have enough fabric left to make a tee for my nephew, Wes, so maybe I’ll do the raglan for him.

Pattern is the beloved Flashback Skinny Tee from Rae, and I made a size 5. If you don’t own that pattern, you are a crazy person.

So easy, so fast!

Adios amigos!

-Erin

Minions Run Wild

February 4, 2014 ~ hungie gungie ~ 23 Comments

Before I get started, a round of applause for my amazing sister, Erin, for summoning her inner Jessie Spano and pumping out several kid friendly garments during KCW! Bravo! Who knew that sewing with knits would be like crack to her?

My crack is those peanut butter filled pretzel nuggets. Can I get an intervention please?

My KCW week was consumed by this- Minion costumes for Jet’s 7th birthday party!

Jet was dead set on a Despicable Me themed birthday party, a theme that is not widely found in your neighborhood stores (though, I bet it will be by next year). The idea to costume all of the children came from the fact that I really hate coordinating party games. I was all over Pinterest, trying to get ideas, but I just did not feel like decorating soda bottles for minion bowling, or pining the scarf on Gru…

So naturally, sew costumes for all, and let them handle the fun!

Before you declare me out-of-my-gourd, understand that this is not kind of sewing I am proud of. This was balls to the wall sewing with reckless abandon! Most of it was done on the serger with super forgiving fleece- no hemming, no button holes, no elastic, nobody cares!

It was totally fun!

I used the Parsley Pants pattern to draft the bottom portion, and basically attached a rectangular bib. The long straps took the longest to sew because I used two pieces of fabric and sewed them on the regular machine. The yellow T-shirts were 4 for $9 at Jo-Ann, and that is where I bought the fleece too (using coupons of course). The “G” was cut from denim and roughly appliqued.

My plan worked. All the boys were so jazzed about the costumes, that all I had to do was supervise the ensuing madness! That cloud paper was also from Jo-ann’s, and worked well for a photo wall. Ready for some pics?

Pei and I attempted to dress as Gru and Lucy. Yes, I did sew him that scarf. Avery bailed on her Agnes outfit because I couldn’t get her ponytail to “stick straight in the air”. #fouryearoldproblems

A nearly 70 degree day in winter worked to our advantage. After photos, I just pointed them all toward the door and they ran and played their little hearts out! We even moved the eating table and pinata out there!

You better believe we heard lots of “be-do, be-do, be-do”!

By the way, the pinata and glasses were found on Amazon.

Birthday boy!

Little sister!

Little brother!

Make-your-own sundaes!

This was a last-minute paper banner that I let Avery and Jet work on before the party started. We didn’t finish it in time to hang it. Oh well.

The party was a major hit! I really enjoyed seeing how adorable these little boys were in those costumes. And before you ask me what I am going to do to top this next year, here is your answer- Nothing. We will not be doing the party with all the friends thing every year for every kid. Keeping it mellow for the next couple years.

I hope that this will be one of those historical birthdays for Jet.

He is one incredibly worthy 7 year old. I Love you buddy!

~Caroline

KCW day two: parsley pants for the boy

January 28, 2014January 28, 2014 ~ hungie gungie ~ 19 Comments

The great thing about KCW (for me anyway) is that it inspires me to finish a project that I either threw aside in a fit of frustration, or that needs some more attention or tweaking. Take these parsley pants for example.

I made them two weeks ago, and Grant wore them once, but complained that the waist was too tight, and that they were too long. He was on the verge of rejecting them forever… and almost about to give me this gnarly look if I didn’t do something about it:

So I spent about 30 minutes yesterday opening up some seams and adjusting the elastic length to make them a bit roomier.

And I fixed the hem by bringing them up about 3/4″.

And now he’s happy about wearing them. And it makes me happy to make stuff for him- he’s always really sweet about it and appreciative. He’s a gem.

How I obtained that fabric is sort of a funny story… I had seen 2 posts by sewing extraordinaire Sanae. This great tunic, and these adorable baby shoes– both made in the same ticking fabric. Then about a week later, my friend Ann called me and asked if I wanted any blue ticking fabric. She had some from a home décor project and had some leftover. I remembered Sanae’s posts and decided that she made it cool, so of course I said sure!

So Ann dropped it off one day.

TEN YARDS PEOPLE.

I was like, “Ann, did you forget to recover your SOFA??”

An entire roll of blue ticking fabric sits next to my sewing table.

Anyone want some free fabric? No, really… anyone?

Leave your yardage requests in the comments. I’ll have it shipped out faster than it would take to wait in the cutting line at Joann’s on coupon extravaganza day!

**update! I’ve actually had some interest in this fabric (including a local friend who I’ve promised some to as well)… glad to unload it on you guys so we can deck our kids out in some home dec! haha… thanks gals for participating in my sorta-giveaway!**

🙂

-Erin

Vintage May :: Playclothes for all!

May 23, 2013May 22, 2013 ~ hungie gungie ~ 34 Comments

:::This post is a part of the fabulous Vintage May series hosted by Craftiness is not Optional and Skirt as Top:::

We are so glad that Kristin and Jess invited us to participate in this year’s Vintage May series- and wow, what a line-up of talented ladies!

We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!

If you are new here, Welcome! We are so happy you’re here.

Last year, we sewed along during Vintage May, using floral sheets from yesteryear- here and here. This year we got our Fraulein Maria on, repurposing bed linens into playclothes for our brood- that’s 6 kids altogether!

Okay, so we were a teensy bit excited for our FIRST GUEST POST! ::sister high-fives all around::

Some of our looks were designed around the unique beauty of vintage bedding, and some just have touches of them, as you’ll see below. Repurposing sheets and pillowcases is great since a lot of the work is already done for you in the form of seams and hems- just make sure to wash them up in some yummy-smelling detergent. You might find the aroma to be uniquely “vintage” as well. 😉

Though our photo shoot reflects some nap-time delirium and lingering (and still lingering…) pink-eye- don’t worry, it ended with a full-on Vintage May/Gangnam-Style dance party!

It only makes sense to start with the oldest… so here’s Jet!

Caroline: Thinking about vintage looks for the boys, I kept coming back to this child actor, who was in some of our other favorite childhood movies (Swiss Family Robinson, Pollyanna, and Toby Tyler). You know him right? He’s the same in all those movies- scrappy, mischevious, and somewhat annoying. But he’s so cute in the hats and knickers and suspenders! So for Jet, I worked up a pair of HG tour pants using a plaid pillowcase for the stripe. I decided to chop the pants below the knee to encourage summertime boyish mayhem. Get it? May–hem? I love a good sewing pun. The suspenders are simply made with 1″ elastic, and upcycled leather + buttons.

Erin: I fell in love with the details and colors of this pillowcase and knew right away that it needed to be a top for Ell. I utilized the entire thing. Normally, I’d leave the existing pillowcase hem for something like this, but I wanted to use the yellow in the flutter straps and the chest band, so I ended up cutting off a good chunk of the bottom. The back closes with a big vintage button and elastic loop. The shorts are E and E’s bubble pocket sailor shorts pattern in yarn-dyed Essex Linen. I love all the buttons! You can get a better glimpse of them up in that first picture.

Caroline: Avery’s look is also reminiscent of Pollyanna. If you need a fix, watch this. I loved her drop-waisted dresses and sailor ties. Avery’s modernized version (say if Pollyanna were to take up tennis) begins with a Flashback tee (minus the sleeves) on top and vintage pillowcase on the bottom. I simply cut the pillowcase in half and pleated it to match the circumference up top. Using the same pillowcase, I made bias tape and stitched it around the collar and arm holes.

ERIN: I love the idea of little boys in vests, but it’s not a look you really see anymore. So, I decided to try one out for Grant using Lindsay’s tutorial modifying it into a racerback… and I love it! I made it with Essex linen (same as Ell’s shorts), and the pockets are cut from the hem of a pillowcase. The inside is a pretty yellow floral sheet (the most masculine one I had). Grant’s pants are based on the Parsley pants pattern, but modified a bit to make them skinnier, and of course shorter. If we had a creek out back, you bet this boy would be wading it.

Erin: For Corinne, I definitely wanted to keep it easy! I love the idea of a one-piece outfit for babies, so I made some bloomers from a sweet pillowcase I had and then attached it to a basic tank onesie- I used 1/4″ elastic to gather the leg holes, and added 3 snaps at the crotch. I thought it’d be fun to add a faux peter pan collar since, they were and are all the rage, aren’t they? I appliqued some shiny gold fabric and added a sweet ivory ribbon rosebud in the center. It’s pretty, but so practical for summer days. (note to self: make more of these.)

Caroline: Wes is wearing faux-suspenders (grosgrain ribbon, d-rings, steam-a-seam) attached to a onesie, along with pillowcase lined pants (based on A.M.H’s Quick Change Trousers). His newsboy cap is from this free online pattern/video tutorial that I found for an adult, and eventually had success with scaling it down for a small head.

Do you remember this part in the Sound of Music?

Captain Von Trapp: “Do you mean to tell me that my children have been roaming about Salzburg dressed up in nothing but some old DRAPES?”

Fraulein Maria: “Mmm-hmmm. And having a MARVELOUS time!”

Duh!

Thank you all for stopping by! Come back tomorrow for a tutorial on Corinne’s pillowcase romper- it’s an easy one! 🙂

And if you know what’s good for you, check out today’s other Vintage May post by Jessica of Happy Together. Thanks again Kristin and Jess for letting us in on the fun!

So long, farewell….

Erin + Caroline

I made a hat

May 2, 2013April 29, 2013 ~ hungie gungie ~ 8 Comments

…for a stuffed monkey.

Not my intention.

While looking around blogland for Gatsby-inspired digs (can’t wait for this movie AND Vintage May!), I stumbled upon this random free pattern and instructional video for a “flat cap”. Thought I’d give it a try. But I wasn’t sure about how to get the right size for printing. What’s a dpi anyway?

Whatever I ended up with looked about right for a kid…okay maybe a baby, I’ve got one of those.

Wrong.

I knew it as I got halfway in. But I was having so much fun! It’s actually a great pattern!

My mother’s helper will love this for her AGDs!

Watch out for the food police! I love that my first rule is eat with utensils. That’s embarrasing.

We had some major laughs around here with each kid and husband trying this thing on!

Wes gives it

TWO SNAPS UP IN A ZIG ZAG FORMATION!

I’ll have another go at this soon, just increased it 30%, so wish me luck.

And, now I will EAT YOU MONKEY!

~Caroline

Lone Wolf

November 5, 2012November 5, 2012 ~ hungie gungie ~ 8 Comments

For three weeks leading up to Halloween, Grant declared “I gonna be a WOLF”. I suggested he maybe be Batman or Spiderman since we had those costumes handy from his cousin, but he refused.

I had some time one night when the kids went to bed early, so I grabbed my Oliver + S book and fulfilled his request by making the cozy winter hood. I used some creepy faux fur that I had from when he was a wolf 2 years ago… really…. see below:

Gray fleece for the lining, and charcoal corduroy to line the ears, some brown grosgrain ribbon for the ties. To keep the ears standing up I hand-stitched a bit around the base of them.

As soon as it was done I was psyched. Totally looked like a wolf (to me)…but could pass for a donkey as well I’m told. 😉 I snuck into his room and put it on his sleeping head. It fit perfectly.

The next morning he saw it on my desk and pretty much ran away screaming. He wouldn’t go near it! Even after seeing his sisters try it on, me, dad…. even the dog… he was not going near it.

So, I brought it along to my Mom’s 60th birthday party at a local vineyard. We had no problem getting it on anyone else!

Here’s everyone but Grant gettin’ their wolf on…

My nephew Jet. Obviously G had no problem being chased by a wolf.

And Avery. How cute is she?

Ellery rockin’ the wolf….

And baby-wolf Corinne:

Even my Aunt Joan got into it:

We offered up 2 other costumes for Grant, which he refused…. until last minute when he decided on a “worker-guy” (construction hat and flannel shirt & jeans) I hardly ever sew for my boy, so it’s kind of a bummer that he wont wear this!

He has since told me he wants a “truck” hat.

Shoulda known!!!

-Erin

Superhero onesie tutorial

October 9, 2012October 9, 2012 ~ hungie gungie ~ 4 Comments

In my recent experience, I have found that capes make a perfect gift for girls and boys, whatever the age. You are never too old for superhero fantasy play! At least that’s what my husband would have me believe. He even made up his own hero called “The Nap-Master”, whose powers become stronger when he gets a few minutes of sleep. Nice, right?

Anyway, this project allows for the youngest in the family to become a caped crusader in his own right. And just in time for Halloween! As I whipped up this bad-boy (2 hours before it was due to be gifted!), I tried to take enough photos to pull it into a little tutorial for ya. Hopefully, there not too many gaps in the process!

First, gather your materials- a plain onesie (or tee-shirt), a 12 x 15 rectangle of cape fabric, and scraps for your applique design. and thread to match!

Fold, press, and pin 3 of the cape’s edges. Or, save time on this simple project by serging your edges and leaving them that way.

Finish your 3 sides with a 1/8″ edge stitch.

Next, machine gather the unfinished edge by sewing a straight stitch (do not back-stitch at the start or finish) set to the highest stitch length.

The fabric will gather when you pull on the top threads at each end. Gather until the length of your gathered edge measures the length of the back collar of your onesie.

At this point, I was running late and decided to quickly secure my gathered edge by folding it over and running a zigzag stitch along the edge. Then, I pinned the cape from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

Secure the cape to the onesie with a zigzag stitch.

I snuck in a little ribbon tag for a signature look.

Now, on to the applique. I always use Steam-a-Seam 2, a double-sided fusible interfacing, to attach my designs. Iron paper to the wrong side of your fabric. Draw your design on the paper, but be careful if you are drawing a letter- you will need to draw it backwards, or draw it on the right side of the fabric! I had my husband draw me a superhero-y lightening bolt. My own version just did not look cool.

Cut out your design, remove paper, and iron to your onesie.

Finish the applique by using a small, tight zigzag stitch around the edge of your design. Practice your zigzagging on scrap fabric to get it just right. I thought this gold contrasting thread would really make it pop! And, that’s it! Super baby to the rescue!

*Disclaimer*

I am not responsible for atempted flying off furniture by caped babies or toddlers! However, if instead your child transforms into a fearless “Nap-Master”, I will gladly accept credit! Good luck with that one.

~ Caroline

Balancing Act

April 16, 2012May 1, 2012 ~ hungie gungie ~ 5 Comments

While Erin is discovering how to balance life as a mother of three (take your time girl!), the Chang kids are discovering balance in a more literal sense. Balance Boards!

I think this is the first “pin” from my Pinterest page that I have actually followed up on. The pin came from elsie marley and includes a great little tutorial that she did for last year’s Celebrate the Boy series. I love Meg’s find-whatever-you’ve-got-around-the-house approach. Later, I came upon a neato version with bumpers made from pool noodles, from Family Fun Magazine (February issue). I pretty much followed their project instructions step-by-step. I played with two different board sizes. Basic white board from Lowes, and pvc piping there too. Got the Duck Tape and noodle from Target. That was all I needed.

In the process, I became a born-again worshiper of Duck Tape! So fun, so easy, and now, so decorative!

Avery was all over the balance boards, such a natural that I wonder if we have a future snowboarder or surfer on our hands. Maybe my tweenage dreams will live on through Avery…

Jet got in on the action too. Though he shall remain faceless.

We gave a couple boards to our friend Olivia, for her 5th birthday (of course I didn’t snap her photo while she tested them out, errr.). Still, they were a hit with children of all ages at the party.

All in all a great project, and a cool rainy day activity for the kiddos. Or, just do it for the Duck Tape.

~Caroline

Pants for the boy (kcwc day 5)

October 14, 2011May 22, 2012 ~ hungie gungie ~ 5 Comments

I couldn’t end my week of sewing without making something for my boy, Grant. Nothing, too exciting here- except for the fact that he’s actually getting some homemade clothing love, which is rare in these parts!

I used a the “quick-change trousers” pattern from Handmade Beginnings. It took a long time to cut the pattern pieces and all the fabric since these pants are reversible. I had to scrounge for some boyish fabric… I had a lot of this charcoal blue corduroy, and some random clearance fabric.

They definitely fit well, a tad big, but if he can do his normal thing like climbing on tables and chairs- I’m happy.

I’m glad I took part in KCWC this time around… I did my fair share of sewing, but I am definitely out of steam.

Looking forward to several days of beautiful weather while my sewing machine takes a nice long nap.

Thanks for stopping by!

-Erin

**one more thing… here’s Ellery actually wearing her new sweater. She kept it on for most of the day at preschool… success!

HUNGIE GUNGIE

–not your momma's goulash–

boys

a goodall + some hudsons

Camper Tee

Minions Run Wild

KCW day two: parsley pants for the boy

Vintage May :: Playclothes for all!

I made a hat

Lone Wolf

Superhero onesie tutorial

Balancing Act

Pants for the boy (kcwc day 5)