Done-garees

Don't get me wrong -- "overalls" is a perfectly serviceable word. But why settle for serviceable when you can say "dungarees" instead? Whatever you choose to call them, I've been eyeing the sweet, petite, knitted variety for some time now.

They're a dime a dozen in European or European-inspired boutiques -- but the problem is, a dozen would actually set you back quite a few dimes! More dimes than this mama can justify. There are plenty of knitting patterns, too, but my knitting "queue" is already backlogged, and there's that whole instant gratification thing. Or at least, more instant than my tortoise-rate knitting. 

Enter, the charity shop! No, sadly, I have yet to find anything remotely similar second-hand. But the racks are stuffed with extra-large men's sweaters, and they'll do just as nicely (with a "little" bit of restyling). 

I drafted the pattern off of the pattern I'd recently made for Scout's harem pants, making adjustments for a bib. Really, this was rather winged -- I'm surprised it turned out! I'd definitely change a few things (shorter/narrower bib, longer rise), but overall I'm very pleased with the outcome. And considering that the sweater I upcycled was only $1, it's almost ridiculous how inexpensive they were. I even got a pair of pants out of the sleeves, so the dungarees were really only $0.50.

The bib and back edge are faced, and I added some elastic to the back waist edge. Gotta emphasize that svelte baby figure!

I got the idea for the suede leather straps from this Zara pair, and added buttons to both the bib and the back so I can remove the leather for washing (you can actually wash leather suede in the washing machine -- and dry it! -- as Little Man's jean patches will testify, but it's certainly better not to put it through the washer). I used wooden shank buttons that I scored on clearance at JoAnn's, and I love them! Again, applying them to the removable straps means they won't be subjected to the washing machine, which would probably be harder on the wood than it would be on the leather.

The leg openings are bound with part of the cuff from the original sweater (free ribbing!). I opted for "hammered" snaps along the crotch, though I'd prefer a less visible snap. Still, easy diaper access and not having to wait/pay for new snaps trumps fashion. I wanted the snap closure to overlap front to back (so the opening faces toward the back), and then somehow did the exact opposite! Fortunately not a huge mistake, and one that probably only I would notice. 

Scout seems quite happy with his dungarees (not that I'm sure how he'd express displeasure with them...), and put them through their paces in short order -- getting a front view of him wearing them was challenging, because he rolls over almost as soon as you put him down! He's on the move now, dragging himself along the floor all over the house, and practicing balancing on hands and knees.

 Now I can check off "make sweater dungarees" on my bucket list (is that a strange thing to have on one's bucket list?) -- though I have a feeling I'll have another go at them the next time I find a likely candidate on the mens' sweater rack...