DIY: Baby Pants and Hoodie
I really, really don’t want to get into the habit of sewing a lot of baby clothes. They grow so fast; it just doesn’t seem worth the effort!
However, when I saw a picture of a baby boy in elephant pants (which I cut out and included in this collage), I knew that I, too, wanted a pair of elephant pants for my little boy.
I turned to Spoonflower for an elephant fabric, and, lo and behold, I found a nearly identical fabric. So awesome! I added a fat quarter of their organic, knit fabric to my registry (which cost $14). While I was there, I added several other fabrics–all of which I received as a gift from the Montessori team at my school.
When Matt and I were in American Apparel last weekend (I’m trying to stock up on comfortable cotton yoga pants that I can wear around the house after the baby arrives–and then wear out into the real world when I don’t feel like changing!), I spotted a white, baby hoodie. I just couldn’t resist it. Usually, I’m good at resisting such splurges, but there’s just something about such a cute, blank canvas!
Here’s how I made the outfit:
- I searched the internet for elephant clip art. I ended up finding a good body and then improvising the head. I put a sheet of Steam-a-Seam on the back of the polka-dot fabric, and traced the clipart onto the back.
- Then I cut out the elephant, cut it in half (to go over the zipper), peeled off the back of the Steam-a-Seam, and positioned the elephant where I wanted it.
- Next, I followed the Steam-a-Seam directions and ironed the elephant onto the shirt.
- Then, I used my sewing machine to stitch around the edges for double security (and for a nice outline).
- To make the elephant pants, I used this pattern. I had a lot of trouble following the pattern (my spatial reasoning skills are truly lacking!) but after a quick consultation with Matt, I was able to figure it out.
- Voila!
Sadly, he’ll probably only be able to wear it for a month or so, but I’ll just have to take lots of pictures during that time!
6 Comments
Carrie
Super cute outfit, Sara! I'm hoping today's the day. 🙂
bklyn76
i love elephants and this outfit is too cute! where does one purchase steam-a-seam??? this seems even easy enough for me!
Rose
Very cute! I just embellished a (maternity) hoodie for myself using almost this exact method…
Rose
http://allthingsrose.blogspot.com/2011/02/bring-on-spring.html
saracotner
You can get Steam-A-Seam at the fabric store or off Amazon.
Rose, I love it!
Ingenue
You simply mustmust check out Blabla for kids clothing and natural toys. I worked for them for years and they are a truly reputable company. Everything in fair trade and made by hand from natural fibers in Peru. After working for them I can't say enough about what noteworthy job they do of being responsible business people. If nothing else you will love just lokking at the delightful things on their website: http://blablakids.com/
Meghan
So freaking cute I can hardly stand it. Great job. Even if Coconut won't be able to wear it for very long, it's gender neutral enough that any future children you may have can wear the outfit or you could pass it along to a friend.