Hey all,

I am participating in the Handmade Boy's 3rd Season of  Boys Can Wear Pink. I am so happy to be sharing this project with you, and to have a place to express my feelings about a subject I feel deeply passionate about.
I don't know if it comes from being a mom of a boy, a girl, and another boy; or just part of my mom DNA that makes me happy to see my kids not be limited by traditional gender bias. I love seeing my daughter be proud of her strength and speed. I love seeing my oldest son show kindness and compassion. We have talked about how they can be whatever they want to be, and they are constantly and courageously pushing limits.
Shortly before little man was born we moved into a new neighborhood. One day that summer shortly after we moved, Ryder was cruising as fast as he could in his Cuddle Monster Motto Max (that I had made for Season 1 of Boys Can Wear Pink). When the self determined queen bee of the block, that is a few years older than him, asked him why he was wearing pink because that is a girl color. He came inside in full tears, we talked about favorite colors and how silly it would be for a gender to "own" a color and clearly his outfit wasn't a girl's outfit because I made it for him (one thing I know about Ryder is he has real courage and pride in my sewing ability, and if any kid makes fun of something I have made those are real fighting words).
I was doing dishes in the kitchen when he marched back out there and told Ms. Queen Bee politely and confidently that boys can wear what ever colors they want to; that this was his cuddle monster biking outfit. I was so proud. I continued to be proud of Ryder as he defied societal norms and proudly wore it until it was way too small. I am constantly amazed and so grateful for the example he is setting for Miss B and Little Man.
I knew with this project that I wanted to make something that would be flexible enough for Little Man to chase and play with his big brothers. I also struggled with a direction for a long time. The vest I had pre-cut  a few weeks ago but was unsure of what to pair it with. For the vest I used the Aztec Vest from See Kate Sew, I decided to leave out the zipper because I was worried about putting in a zipper with the softer Jersey compared to the sturdy sweatshirt fleece. I am digging the open feel of the vest because he is all about independence in dressing for the outdoors.
Then finally after looking at my knit scraps I decided on the Brindle and Twig Harem Coverall. I have to admit I own a few of their other one piece outfits but have never sewn them because of my fear of snaps. I loved this pattern from the first time I saw it, and being on kid number 3 rompers are my favorite (one thing to wash, no coordinating to worry about).
I thought about incorporating bright pink into the cuffs but then I remembered that Little Man, though not as bad as his sister, is a messy eater. So I went about assembling the romper not sure what exactly I was going to put on the front to help incorporate pink, I was about 95% percent done when I saw this small scrap of pink cuddle soft that Little Man always seems to find in my fabric stash. I knew it would make the perfect addition as an appliqué. When I thought over my struggles with regular appliqué two years ago, it seemed like a great time to try reverse appliqué. Though it definitely isn't perfect, I feel pretty good about it. This was my first time appliquéing on, and the thickness of the cuddle soft was a little difficult. I free handed the heart and liked the way the tilted heart looked (hearts are often reserved almost exclusively for girl's clothing, so I thought this was another stick it to the man).
We went out to our neighborhood park for pictures and for the kids to enjoy nice weather and clear air (something we have been really struggling in Utah the last few weeks). When a little 10 year old boy said,"Ryder, why is your brother wearing girl clothes?"
I went some what into Momma bear mode and used much the same logic that I had used before with the little girl.
Ryder cut me off quietly and said, "It is super cute and it is his Valentine's Day outfit," very matter of factly.
When we got home he was talking to another friend about it. How it is so dumb that some people think there is boy and girl colors, there are just colors.

He ran by me saying, "Mommy, Hi!"

It is such an amazing experience to see my kids grow up and see my boys practicing to be good dad's as they try to pack their baby dolls around. Having my oldest feel safe enough to ask for a Ken doll so he can play "husband" or nice guy friend to his sister's doll. I am so glad to have good kids that set example for their little brother...
...Well for the most part, but sometimes they do leave him in a lurch.

Note:Both Ryder and I were right there to catch him when I captured this picture, he really wanted to try the monkey bars so I figured the best way to help him move past this desire would be to give him an opportunity to try hang.

With Love,
Scary
PS. Before you go, check out these cool prizes and other awesome ideas. 

Today, I am so excited to be participating in the Flip this Free Pattern blog tour from Frances Suzanne. When they offered a spot to us, we already had a lot on the chopping block for February, really we hummed and hawed but then I knew I had to say YES! Even though we were so busy we couldn't miss the opportunity to join in the free for all (sorry I couldn't help myself :). I really am so grateful for the free patterns/tutorials out there, really that is where we got jump started back into sewing. I also find free patterns a great way to try out new designers without any risk, as such is the case with the pattern I decided to sew.

As a beginning sewist or sewist who needs a refresher, free patterns are such a great way to sharpen the saw. Especially if you can upcycle your supplies, Frances Suzanne have a great list developing on their site of free patterns. Some of them I was completely unaware of and will be sewing up in the near future.
Even though I had a lot on my plate I had ever intention of doing an amazing baby boy layette flip, for our little guy that will be joining our family early May. All those plans happened before cold-pocalypse took over my life and now the life of my children. We have been sick for weeks which means instead of being at my sewing machine I have been laying in bed, trying to get out a yell out for the kids to settle down. Which I thought was bad until they got sick and then I had two fevering kids that have alternated waking me up in the middle of the night with their aliments. My usually supportive husband is no physical help as he broke his foot the week before we got sick and is on crutches. We are on the long road to recovery and I look forward to the day tissues, mucus and decongestants are not a part of our everyday life.
The pattern I used for this sew is the Hooded Raglan from Brindille & Twig (sizes 0-3M to 5-6). Brindille & Twig have some really darling designs that have attracted me for the last several months. In my opinion they have the greatest selection of unique unisex baby designs I have seen out there, but I was having a hard time biting the bullet after this free pattern I am hooked. Now just to decide which one of their designs to sew up next.
With all the craziness instead an amazing baby boy layette flip you get a simple sew it by the free tutorial and change hardly anything sew. I did end up sewing 3/8" seam allowance on the size 0-3M instead of the 1/4" called on by the pattern because my machine wanted to eat the fabric and I had no patience for the knots it was tying in it. I really don't see this making too much of a difference especially since I am hoping to use it when he is a newborn and just getting used to normal temperatures.
I think I would have been happier with my results if I wouldn't have tried to stretch the limits in fabric choices. Recently I was gifted this vintage terry cloth and couldn't help but sew it up. I have no experience with terry before this and with my vintage light weight sweatshirt fabric (navy) I was in for an adventure, but not the good kind. The kind of adventure that you don't get to seam rip your mistakes without ruining your article clothing. So forgive the mistakes I made and don't fault the free pattern.
I saved the pattern in my stash for him and hope to sew a more successful one before he comes. I love that the pattern includes raglan sleeves, kangaroo pocket and the hood & pocket are fully lined for ultimate comfort. We will just have to wait one trimester more to see how it fits the little guy.

Some other great baby boy patterns I found but didn't get to sew up were: 
Crafting Zuzzy: Baby Suspender Shorts Tutorial and Pattern Size 3M
(the designer has the full pattern available here, 0-3M to 18-24M)
this mama makes stuff: rocking baby nightgown (I have used this one before for baby gifts and totally forgot about it until a month and half ago)
Homemade Toast: Baby Toms
(the designer has the full pattern available here, newborn to 18-24 M and another pattern here, for sizes 3-10)
Go to Patterns: Baby Booties
I thought it would be fun to make these without the heart punch outs and maybe applique a car or other simple graphic on the toe. 
Go to Patterns: Baby Go to Leggings Sizes 3-6M to 9-12M
I think the fit for these leggings seem pretty unisex safe, I am sure that any sweet baby boy could pull them off with the right fabrics.
Titchy Threads: Little Kid Kimono Set 0-3M
When Boston was a baby in the hospital she kept breaking out from the high levels of bleach used in the hospital laundry. I would send her to the nursery in a mommy brought outfit and she would come back in a hospital outfit this time I am going to be prepared with a decent amount of momma brought clothing so this little guy doesn't have to worry about a rash. The top especially reminds me of the ease of the hospital clothing for dressing but it will be nice not to have all the chemicals.

There are lots of great flips that have already happened and several more coming your way make sure and follow Frances Suzanne this month. You are sure to great inspiration on just what you can make with a free pattern.

Edited:We had a plan for signature look but when we got word from liZ and Elizabeth that we didn't get into the final week we put a halt on our plans and decided to have a carefree weekend with our families. It was really nice for Al & I to have our family spend time without doing anything blogging related. It reminded us of the old days where we were next door neighbors and our kids were able to spend hours playing out on the playground. Coming in the near future will be what our signature look would have been, but we really want to have our heart in it to be able to make it as amazing as we want it to be.
We had adored how this project turned out so we decided to that since we were no longer competing we would love to showcase this project as our signature look. It was something that we really worked on together and captures the fun stage our little toddlers are in. 
There is something so special about 2 1/2 year old stage that is so unpredictable, fun & alive. It is almost like their whole body is overflowing with self expression, energy and drive. We knew when we were invited by Emily that we wanted to give the stage to Heber and Boston to express their silly personalities. We ended up choosing a book from our youth, Dick and Jane. Our mom and Grandmother were school teachers, growing up it was always easy to find the timeless Dick and Jane readers around the house. And what would a Dick and Jane be without a Sally.
PS. If you would like to sew along with Sew Many Books click here. It really is such a fun challenge to create a book inspired print. We triple dog dare you to.
Boston's older brother and Heber's older sister are preparing to read. With older siblings entering the kindergarten arena next year, simple readers like the Dick and Jane books are always around. Heber & Boston thirst for knowledge has not been diminished because the lessons are for their older siblings. They are anxiously sitting close by soaking up all they can, desperately trying to keep up with their older buddies.
For the "Dick" look we used the E+M No. 2 pants made with Riley Blake's Slate color Basic Shades, a modified Shwin Designs Maxwell Top made with Riley Blakes Lula Lattice Blue.
The pants were sewn up according to the pattern instructions. We love this pattern it is such a classic pants pattern with awesome stitching detail.
For the top instead of buttons we used neon colored Kam snaps. Neon green piping was used on the back yoke detail. The top tab was taken off for a more classic feel. One thing about the shirt pattern it seemed like the curve of the collar meeting the shoulder line was a bit off. It is a darling design but in the future we will probably use a pattern with a better collar fit.
For the "Jane" look we used the Ruffle Top Dress from E&E patterns (currently retired but hopefully it will get a makeover and will come back on the market) made with Riley Blake "Lula Magnolia" by The Quilted Fish. The hair band is Lula Lattice Green.  We choose a blue floral because in the Dick and books Jane, Jane was always rocking floral prints. There always was a specific chapter where Jane's mom makes Jane a blue dress and it seemed all to familiar. We modified the neckline to feature a simple narrow hem at the top instead of a bias neck band.
For "Sally" look we used our own Small Pleats Betty Skirt made with Riley Blake "My Sunshine" by Zoe Pearn Art and Design. We added contrasting navy piping.
When Heber found out he was getting a new outfit he was so excited that mom was making him pants. When Samson came home from school Heber excitedly announced, "my pants". Samson was confused and told him no, it was for his older sister. Heber was crushed by the announcement and burst into tears. The mistake was soon corrected and his excitement returned.
We love that in the Dick and Jane books every where Dick goes Jane is keeping right up with him. In real life these two will not be outdone by each other they can be the best of buddies or the most competitive rival.
The Riley Blake fabrics were given to us to try by Riley Blake but all opinions are our own.






a Rafflecopter giveaway

With the ETA for my baby roughly a month away, or maybe even a little less, I've found myself getting caught up with baby on the brain. The anticipation is almost all I can think about; that and the fact that there's still so much to do before then (finish building murphy bed, paint kids bench, make 3 single layer baby blankets, make a mobile, make Ty a bunch of princess dresses for her birthday...).
We are happy to be part of the The Ainsley & Aiden Baby Suite Blog Tour. The Ainsley & Aiden Baby Suite I is a set of four patterns in sizes Preemie-12M. The Suite released on Wednesday, June 11 with a Special Bundle Sale Price of $18.75 (a $25 value sold separately). Sale price runs through Friday June 20, (midnight, EDT). After the sale, all patterns will be available for purchase individually and as a bundle in the Stitchwerx Designs Etsy Shop.

I was excited at the prospect of joining the tour so that I could get busy making some super stylish outfits for our baby, but sometimes needs arrive that change the focus. Instead of making some baby nightgowns and bodysuits for our little one, I decided to redirect my focus to my sister-in-law. There were 3 of us in my husband's family that were all due within a week of each other, but one sister had her babies (yep that's right, twins) six weeks early.

They are little, but getting stronger each day. By a miracle they were both home within a week of birth, but they still have a lot of growing to do. The birth plan had been for them to keep the babies in as long as possible to avoid lost time at the hospital, but when does life ever go as planned.

Scary had the bright idea that we use this tour as an opportunity to serve this sweet family, and what a blessing that the baby clothes go all the way from 12 month to preemie. I don't think there's anything cuter than coordinating little girl and little boy outfits, especially since they're so teeny tiny. The outfits seem especially small and cute considering that my babies have been 9 pounders.

The little boy outfit is made using the bodysuit pattern and a self drafted tie that was appliqued on. The tie was attached before sewing down the side seams. The contrasted neckline was chosen to match the little girls neckline.
The dress was made using the gown pattern as a guide and color-blocking with two fabrics. The Skirt is made by cutting 1 1/2" inches below the arm pit. I added 1 inch to the width on each side at the top and 2 inches on each side to the width of the bottom. Then I A-lined it down. Then an additional 3/8" seam to the bottom of the bodice & to the top of the skirt so that it would stay the right length. I added ribbing to the sleeve.  I opted out of putting the elastic at the bottom of the gown so that it looked more like a maxi dress and less like a nightgown. The flower was made from lace & is not part of the bundle.

I'm not sure if the babies will have a chance to get out and look nice for a while, but if the need arises they will definitely be good to go.

I did not get a chance to sew up all the patterns in the bundle yet but I know from the two patterns that I did get to sew that she really focused on getting the sizing & the instructions are SO detailed. One example of this is the detail she puts into showing the different types of stitches you can do to finish the neckline.


Bitty Beetle Bodysuit, Tee & Gown
The Stitchwerx Designs S115 Bitty Beetle Bodysuit, Tee & Gown pattern is an Intermediate level pattern designed to work well with 2-way or 4-way stretch knit fabrics. Features include a lap shoulder neckline with contrast binding for easy on and off dressing. Make a snap-crotch bodysuit, tee or gown with your choice of short, long or extra-long mitten sleeves.

Comfy Caterpillar Easy Knit Pants
The Stitchwerx Designs S117 Comfy Caterpillar pants is a Confident Beginner level pattern designed to be sewn with 2 way or 4 way stretch knits. There are two style options to make hemmed or cuffed pants. These are so simple to make (only 1 paper pattern piece). Cutting Chart is included for contrasting waistband and cuffs. No elastic needed!

Roly Poly Lined Pants
The Stitchwerx Designs S118 Roly Poly Pants pattern is an Intermediate level pattern. Roly Poly Pants are lined with plenty of ease in the waist and hips. There is extra length so they can be cuffed to show off the contrast lining. This will give you extended wear as you can unroll the cuff as your baby grows. Contrasting rectangular front and rear chevron pockets are cute coordinating accents with the rolled cuffs. These pants can be sewn from woven fabrics, knit fabrics, or a combination of both.

Tiddly Wink Toppers
The Stitchwerx Designs S120 Tiddly Wink Toppers is a Beginner level pattern designed to be sewn with 2 way or 4 way stretch knits. There are two style options to make a Round Slouchy Beanie or a Square Beanie. These beanies are such a quick sew, you will want to make several for your little one!

The Bitty Beetle, Comfy Caterpillar & Tiddly Wink Toppers patterns all include a special bonus section with tips for sewing knits without a serger. The Bitty Beetle and Comfy Caterpillar patterns also have a bonus "Faux Coverstitch Quick Tutorial". You do not need a serger to sew any of the garments included in this suite of patterns.

Kim has been kind enough to host a giveaway as part of her tour.

Prize Package & Giveaway Rules
Prize Package:
    *4 patterns of your choice from Stitchwerx Designs
    * Set of 4 Custom 8 x 10" Art Prints from Artful Life Designs
    * $25 Gift Card from the Fabric Store of Your Choice
    * Set of 100 Custom Mommy/Playdate Cards from Artful Life Designs

The Contest Rules:
You must be 18 to enter.
You can gain entries by entering the Rafflecopter Prompts.
Giveaway end: 6/20/14 at midnight EDT.
One winner will be chosen and announced on 6/21/14.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


PS. If you love baby clothes there is already been some adorable clothes that have been made this pattern bundle. You check out the bloggers below.

Wednesday, June 11
Pattern Revolution
http://patternrevolution.com/
Mama Says Sew
Mama-says-sew.blogspot.com
The Berry Bunch 
bunchoberries.blogspot.com
Begin With B
http://beginwithb.blogspot.com/

Thursday, June 12
Rebekah Sews
http://rebekahsews.wordpress.com/
Lulu & Celeste
luluandceleste.blogspot.ca
Gloria June
http://gloriajune44.blogspot.com/

Friday, June 13
Once Upon a Sewing Machine
http://playgroundpixiedesigns.blogspot.com/
Feather's Flights
www.feathersflights.com
Pattern Nut
http://patternnut.wordpress.com/

Monday, June 16
Golden Rippy
http://goldenrippy.com/
Playground Pixie Designs
FB-‪www.facebook.com/playgroundpixiedesigns
Friends Stitched Together
http://friendsstitchedtogether.com/
The Life of Jennifer Dawn
http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/

Tuesday June 17
Stitch and Bake
http://www.stitchandbake.com
Shaffer Sisters
http://shaffer-sisters.blogspot.com/
The Life of a Compulsive Crafter
www.thelifeofacompulsivecrafter.blogspot.com

I made these when Boston was girl size worked good for baby. But I have use women sized trouser sock for the size she is now. If they aren't going to be held up with a onesie it is good to attach some elastic to the top much the way you would on a circle skirt. I think as she gets older I might start using men's socks.
Yesterday took Boston outside and her feet and legs were freezing I realized that the skirt routine was no longer working for us. At that moment I remembered something that my friend Becky does for her little girl. She makes footless baby tights from knee high socks and just my luck our tiny little Walmart finally had some cute ones. I was amazed how quickly this project went I made like 7 pairs in 30 minutes. Want to see?
Want to make some yourself? Here is how you do it.

1. start with cute knee length socks. 2. cut the toes off. 3. cut a line down the middle

Now I don't have a picture or a graphic for this so you will have to pay attention. Turn one of the socks inside out. Now take the sock that is still right side out and stuff it into the wrong side. Now match up from where the toe was to the point of the heel (where the toe was will become your waist and the heel will become the crotch).
Now zig stitch (or if you have a serger, use it) from the top of the toe to the bottom of the heel and up to the other toe. Now in my case the socks were small enough they will stay on Boston without any further finishing but if you are wanting a more finished look to the top it is a choose your own adventure scenario: attach elastic to the top, fold over top and finish with double needle, or fold over and run a row of elastic thread on the bottom.
What is your quickest sewing project? 

The question I had to ask myself at least 50 times is "How do I do candy inspired without looking cheesy or silly?" After all, I sew for Ty for more just photo shoot (I do love PR&P, but it is a requirement to me that it reflects my time and talents). I refuse to have a onetime wear outfit.
I sat there thinking, what is the prettiest candy I can think of? The first one that came to mind was those sugared orange wedges you can buy at rancher stores and truck stops. They are sugary yummyness, but beware, they can probably give you a sugar high on just a few wedges. Great idea right? Except that I was seriously lacking in any orange fabric on hand. Back to the drawing board.  How do I take my original color scheme for this season (grey, turquoise, red, orange, yellow, white) and make it look like candy.
Stumped, I moved onto week three designs (Mad about Plaid). Also having a very low supply of plaid made me consider the different ways I could create my own plaid fabric. As I used the colors to create a plaid design, before I knew it my mouth started to water. All the different colored squares reminded me of Starburst. And the design was relocated back to candy inspired (Starburst Original mixed with Starburst Baja).
The actual dress pattern came from the need to test my most recent design. Next week I'm guest posting at Sew Ready to Play and was itching to test out my most recent pattern design before I potentially blew time consuming, custom made fabric and a really great opportunity. So here is my Starburst high-low style dress and a slight taste to next week's guest post. This pattern will also be available soon on our website for sale.
As Winston and I got to work creating Starburst inspired fabric, I found myself unsatisfied with the results. The orange was too red and I hated the striped look of red/orange and turquoise/yellow. I was ready to scrap the project and forget about sewing along in PR&P all together (this is the first week I started sewing on because it was supposed to be the most complicated). Being the supportive sister that she is, Scary ran to Walmart and got a couple fat quarters of a more vibrant orange so that I wouldn't walk away.
Oh man, this was such a great color and worked perfectly with my color scheme. Instead of keeping a
set pattern (which I usually love), I went for the random approach. This was a lot of fun. I made Starburst fabric that I actually love and was true to how you get the candy in the packages of 2, unexpected combos.
But then what to do with the original piece (because I hate wasted fabric and time)? Make a bag you say? I've made Ty 2 bags in the last 3 months and we've got about 6 more for her. No way does she need another bag or purse. But Heber seemed really interested in it so I tied it around his neck and he was in love. What kid doesn't want to be a super hero? After a few little manipulations (see paragraphs below) and one tutorial read and followed later, I had a minky, quilt cape. In honor of Starburst inspired I made the superhero "Starburstman" with the actual letter "S" from the wrapper as his emblems with a starburst in the background. If you were guessing, yes this was made using my silhouette, some freezer paper, and something new (discharge paste).
Back during Chevron week from the All Star Season, I came across Vera Luna's Triangles Sweater. It was incredible and so exciting to learn a way to turn dark things light. Since then I've been itching to try, but until recently hadn't made the budget to buy it and none of the local craft stores have it. I ended up buying it for a pretty good price on Amazon.
This was my first go at using it. It is neat stuff, but man does it stink when you steam iron it (like rotten fish, so take it outside before doing this step, my lesson learned for next time). The other funny thing was that only the turquoise and orange that really bleached. Red and yellow stayed the same (I think the cotton had been sealed or something and wouldn't accept the bleach). I then covered up what had worked and left what hadn't. At this point I spray painted the remaining parts of the letter "S". Then I heat set it and washed the fabric (no way did I want my house smelling like rotten fish). Some of the spray paint faded so I went back with a permanent fine tipped fabric marking pen and outlined the S. From there it was just a matter of taking fabric and turning it into a cape. I vetoed the idea of velcro (I hate it catching on laundry) and used a really small and simple hook and eye. It easily comes so safety is not a concern.
Now Heber has a ready to wear and able to cuddle with minky, quilt cape. No way will we accidentally forget his blanket somewhere and have to deal with long hours of going without it. This project fits his personality now and will be able to grow up with him as he becomes a wild boy that jumps from bunk beds and flies on the trampoline.
To compliment this cape, I made Heber a v-neck top using Fishstick's Downtown V-neck Pattern, only I had to modify the directions by facing the neckline instead of using a contrasted band because my contrasted fabric (yay for upcycling) didn't have enough stretch to make it around.
Both Ty and Heber are happy with the results, except that Ty has some cape envy. Looks like I've got another thing to sew ASAP. I'm excited to what everyone else comes up with for this week. I know it will be great.

With Love,
Al