This kimono/wrap around top is taken from a pattern in Ottobre. It called for knit jersey, but because I don't have a ton of experience sewing with knit and because I can't get hold of any knit ribbing (can anyone tell me where to buy some online?) I decided to make it using natural linen and cotton instead.
The look of the kimono is quite obviously inspired by japanese craft books (duh) but I have to say that there's also a definite tip of the hat to both Alison and Amy , two of my favourite bloggers. Both revel in clean lines and simple design and I admire that. And the fact that I am lucky enough to be the proud recipient of baby wear made by both of them, only increases my admiration.
These bloomers are also from an Ottobre pattern, but the real inspiration for them was the gorgeous pair that Alison made for Lily (from her own design). She's been wearing them a lot recently and looks so lovely in them that I decided she needs more.
The Ottobre pattern suggests using embroidered eyelet cotton, and lots of lace, which looks nice, but I wanted them to look a little more stylish and a little less twee. Although I did succumb to a tiny amount of blue lace.
Lily has already worn the bloomers and looks as cute as pie in them, but the top is newborn size and is a gift for a very soon to be born baby. I'm definitely going to work on a bigger pattern though (the one in the magazine is for newborn only) as well as making a couple of changes to it.
The patterns in Ottobre are pretty easy to follow, although I have to admit to staring at the bloomers for over an hour before finally understanding how to sew the very simple pattern together!
For the binding on the kimono I used my trusty bias binding maker after deciding that store bought bias binding was just too harsh for a newborn baby's skin. Plus the matching binding looks much better than plain old binding would.
Next in line for Lily is a new dress (she's already pretty much outgrown this one). I've already finished a new skirt for Bella, who's away today, but is very excited about seeing her 'bootiful new skirt' when she gets back (bootiful is a favourite word at the moment), so I think it's a new dress for her too.
Definitely enjoying this.
