stripwork apron top

I love these simple apron tops on my monkey. They double as a cool top to wear in the summer heat as well as something visually busy enough to catch the watermelon and popsicle drips without showing. The top can be made to fit any size. For materials, the design here uses three different fabrics. One print for the bodice and sides, another print for the middle panel (divided into 3) and one solid coloured fabric to frame the other pieces. You may also want to use bias tape to make the straps, otherwise, just cut them out of the solid coloured fabric.

Begin with three measurements: chest measurement (measure around the widest part), from underarms to bottom of bust (to make the bodice portion) and from underarms to how long you want the top to be (desired length). (I think I may be getting too involved with windows paint... who knows of a good free drawing program?)

Using the chest measurement, figure out how far around you’d like you apron top to go. A guide line for the kids I’ve been using is chest measurement minus 1”. This allows for growth so they’ll be able to wear it for a few years. For adults, try the chest measurement minus 2” to 3”, though it’s really about how much coverage you want.

I’ve created a couple of formulas for cutting the fabric for stripwork design here. Just plunk in the appropriate number, based on your three measurements, and then cut the fabric to that size. The formulas are all width x length. Each colour represents a different length of cut fabric, not necessarily different fabric.

Variables:
A = desired width (based on chest measurement)
B = desired length of bust (the bodice portion)
C = desired length minus B Note: for the gray portion of the map, the formula is for one large piece that will then cut into three equal pieces lengthwise.

Another note: these formulas use a ¼” hem. For a larger hem, the lengths and widths have to adjusted accordingly.

For the straps and hooks for the corset lacing, either cut 1” wide strips of fabric and double fold and stitch closed to make straps, or use double-fold bias tape cut into appropriate lengths and stitched closed. The straps can be as long as you need (and if you are lacing up yourself, go for longer rather than shorter). I usually cut six hook straps about 1 ½” long.
Once your fabrics are cut, it is simply a matter of piecing the stripwork together. Don’t neglect to press your seams as you go.
Use a ¼” hem to sew the bodice pieces together widthwise.Next, piece together the bottom of the apron length-wise (with the center piece cut into three). Sew the bottom piece of the frame on, then the sides.

Press under the top, bottom and sides of the pieced stripwork and stitch down a ¼” hem all the way around.

Add the straps to the stripwork panel as shown: For the fabric hooks, fold over a 1/2" long bias tape (or cut material made into a strip) and stitch both ends together on the wrong side of the panel (as shown above).

Lace up and off you go!
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This is a free tutorial and I encourage you to use the information in any way you need to (check the disclaimer at the bottom of the page). If it works for you, please consider supporting my etsy shop by purchasing a Little Print Design pattern or toss a dollar or two in my paypal to show appreciation and to encourage me to offer up even more quality patterns and tutorials.

Thank you!
Questions about the Donation? FAQ here.

happy bum pants from sleeves

A quick pair of pants to make for baby or toddler using the sleeves of a long sleeve tee shirt. The bum panel allows extra room for the diaper bum, and can be made even roomier for the cloth diaper set.

You need a long sleeve tee that has already finished its tour of duty in your closet for the pant legs and front portion (I used a ladies L). The sleeve seams will form the leg seams of the pants and the wrist openings will become the ankle openings. Additional fabric will be needed for the bum panel, from either the same tee, another tee, or any lightweight knit fabric. You will also need some ½” elastic for the waistband.

Begin with measuring the wee one from ankle to waist. Add 2” to this measurement for the pant’s waistband.
Measure from ankle to crotch. Add ¼” to this measurement for a seam allowance.
Measure waist. Subtract 3” for waistband elastic.

Take the long sleeve tee and cut the sleeves straight across at the longer measurement mark (ankle to waist). Next, cut off the seam from the shirt above the shorter measurement mark (ankle to crotch). This will give you two pant legs, with the shirt seams becoming the leg seams. Turn one pant leg inside out. Insert the right side out pant leg into the wrong side out pant leg (they will be end up right sides together and seams aligned).Sew one half of the pants opening, from waistline to crotch (where the existing shirt seams are). Lay the pants down with the unsewn half of the pants opening (the bum area) up. Cut from the crotch (but careful not to cut your newly sewn seam) to the waistband in a wonky wedge shape (sorry for the tech jargon ;D). This is where you are going to add extra room and sew in the bum panel. Use the cut wonky wedge as a guide to cut a wider wonky edge, a.k.a., the bum panel. Place the longer straight edge of the wedge on a folded edge of the bum panel fabric. Open up the pants wrong sides out. Align the mid point of the bum panel with the leg seams (right sides together). Pin in the bum panel. To avoid awkwardly stretching the panel while sewing, sew the panel in by beginning at the crotch and stitching towards to the waist (repeat for other side). Fold the waistband down 1” and stitch to create a casing for the waistband elastic, leaving about 1” open to insert the elastic. Thread the elastic through and sew elastic closed. Finish the casing seam.

That should do ‘er. The only thing left is to embellish your baby’s butt. I used a no-sew bonding paper to attach my appliqué, but, really, anything that will be comfortable for baby is fair game. Have fun with your happy bum pants :) Oh, wait! Whaddya think of the fancy smancy illustrations? Good? Clear? Or are they more confusing than photos?

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This is a free tutorial and I encourage you to use the information in any way you need to (check the disclaimer at the bottom of the page). If it works for you, please consider supporting my etsy shop by purchasing a Little Print Design pattern or toss a dollar or two in my paypal to show appreciation and to encourage me to offer up even more quality patterns and tutorials.

Thank you!
Questions about the Donation? FAQ here.

yummy nutty pancakes

Mix together:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tbsp wheat germ
1 tbsp ground flax seed
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Combine with:

1 banana, mashed
3/4 cups soy milk
1 1/2 cup water
1 tbsp oil

If batter is too thick, add more water.

Then add,

1 handful of chopped nuts and seeds

Top cooked pancakes with peanut butter and applesauce.

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This is a free tutorial and I encourage you to use the information in any way you need to (check the disclaimer at the bottom of the page). If it works for you, please consider supporting my etsy shop by purchasing a Little Print Design pattern or toss a dollar or two in my paypal to show appreciation and to encourage me to offer up even more quality patterns and tutorials.

Thank you!
Questions about the Donation? FAQ here.