Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Little Peasant

This little number was inspired by the sweet, simple tunics that I've seen of late (at last, I've come up with a collection of European designers to browse for inspiration!). I love the idea of a simple garment that can fit for quite a while when paired with leggings. I drafted the pattern using the Lutterloh Golden Rule system, which is really a unique idea. My sister bought it at a thrift store for $5, and ended up passing it on to me when she no longer wanted it. My kit is probably from the 80's, and I actually didn't know it was still being made until I looked it up a few moments ago! Apparently it costs much more than $5...




Anyway, I pulled a favorite cotton print from my stash and got to work. It was so simple to construct! I didn't bother with details on this project -- not every garment needs to be "heirloom."




Though I did add a few tucks, when it turned out a little longer than I wanted. There's just something about tiny pintucks.




And here's the little lady herself, in her new tunic. 





I love garments that last several sizes, and I think this will be one of them -- though I'm pretty sure I'll have to loosen that sleeve elastic soon! She's growing like a weed. A very, very cute weed.

9 comments:

  1. Hi Shannon
    I am a long time reader of your blog. I always enjoy your sewing projects and little tidbit of your
    life. Little Rosa's outfits are adorable! You have such amazing talent! I am a self taught sewer but can only sew simple skirts and tote bags. Unfortunately nobody in my family/friends know how to sew, so I can advance a bit more. You have a lovely family, so much fun when the children are small.*sigh* my son is 20 already, miss those days. I see over time that you moved a few times and that your getting ready to move soon again. I have a question: how do you deal with the moving to a new home/town? Unfortunately we have to sell our home and move to and I must admit I am
    very depressed and worried about moving to a new location. Any word of advice is truly appreciated.
    I am always praying about it and waiting....
    Thank-you Shannon
    Blessings to you and your family and wishing you a safe and happy move.
    Irene

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    1. Irene,

      Thank you for your sweet comment! It was such an encouragement to me, and I do so love to hear from readers.

      I'm sorry to hear that there are no experienced seamstresses to help you along! Having a teacher really can help with new techniques. I have tried a few of the classes on Creativebug.com, and found them quite good -- I think I found a free code for a one-month subscription, so I took as MANY classes as I could and saved all of the PDFs (writing down instructions as I watched the videos, so I could remember the steps later). I like that they take you through every step of the project. Anyway, it might be something you want to consider if you want to hone your skills!

      As for moving... I haven't made any big moves since I was a child, so I'm sure our upcoming move will be a whole different animal. Also, I have always liked travel, and got used to moving because my dad was in the military. So in that sense, it came/comes easily to me. That said, here are some of the things that help me when moving to a new location. First, as a believer, I know that God's grace goes with me, and that His will is being worked out. If that's the case, whatever happens seems less frightening. Second, I try to anticipate the advantages of the place I'm going to move to. Finding shops, restaurants, and activities ahead of time can help to make the move less depressing, because there is something to look forward to. Perhaps it would be a good time to take up a new hobby that your destination specializes in? That could also connect you to people in your new town. Again, as believers, we will find a church to attend regularly, and I know that there will be new families to meet and friends to make. This is probably the hardest part for me, because I tend to be shy and somewhat introverted with strangers. I also try to take advantage of moves to clear out stuff that I don't need, and don't want to take with me. Sometimes moves just won't be easy -- the destination may not be as appealing as the place you're leaving, no matter how you "pitch it" to yourself! :-) Now that we're in the military, I know that I just have to make the best of wherever we are (which will sometimes NOT be places I would have picked!), because it will only be a few years before we move on. It's different when a move is more permanent, but making the most of what the destination has to offer can be a huge help.

      I don't know if any of that applies to you, and I wish I had better advice to offer -- but I will be praying for you and your family! And thank you again for your kind words.

      Blessings,
      Shannon

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    2. Dear Shannon
      thank you for your kind response. Yes, finding a church hopefully wont be to difficult, as I am greek-orthodox, and not so easy to find as other churches. Cleaning out junk will be most rewarding! (hubby can be a pack rat with his men things) as we have more junk in attic and garage than I do in the whole house, (again thanks to hubby)
      Thank you for you advice, we just have to know that its so important to have faith, that God wants the best for us. I will let you let you down the road how it all turned out,
      Thank you for your prayers!
      Irene

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  2. Awwww. It's so sweet. Gotta love peasant tops, huh? I found a free pattern for one on the internet, but it's size 0-3 months, and you know how long they stay in that size! *wink*. Anyway, I was hoping for a size for maybe, a one and a half year old, but I can't find any. You can check out what I made at my blog, http://penandneedles.blogspot.com/. You're the one who inspired be to actually get sewing, as opposed to just little what's-it's here and there. :-)

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    1. Grace,

      Thanks! Yes, peasant tops are great! The one you made is so cute (thanks for the link :-), and I'm thrilled to hear that you are sewing. It's such a rewarding hobby.

      Oh, and I am quite jealous of your recent trip to Longwood Gardens -- my family lived in Chester County, PA, from 1997 to 2000, and I always loved our visits to Longwood. Your (lovely) photos brought back happy memories!

      Blessings,
      Shannon

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  3. Another lovely creation, Shannon! Maybe one day you can turn this into a business? Seriously, the clothes you make are really lovely. Love, Rachel xxx

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    1. Rachel,

      You are too kind! :-) Perhaps I will make a business of it once my littles are bigger? Thank you for your sweet words!

      Blessings,
      Shannon

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  4. What a cute dress. I also love the dresses that can be worn for a long time. When they get too short, some ruffled pants or some leggings can be paired with them. Beautiful fabric :)

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    1. Thanks, Danice! I'm definitely embracing the tunic w/leggings style -- it's nice when something lasts several sizes, especially when I've gone to the trouble of making it myself. :-)

      Blessings,
      Shannon

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