Little Layette

With my first nephew on the way, I scanned my sister-in-law's Pinterest boards -- not that there was much need! We're both Anglophiles, and our tastes are very similar in everything from literature to children's clothing, so it wasn't too difficult to pick something I thought she'd like. In this case, something with strong European influences.

I recently discovered a blog called OhMotherMineDIY.com. The upside? There are so, so many free, adorable (and did I mention FREE) patterns, many of them multi-sized. The downside? It's all in Spanish, because -- go figure -- the lady who creates the adorable European designs is from Spain. But with video tutorials to accompany the patterns, the language barrier is surmountable with a decent knowledge of sewing procedure (and a few Google searches for Spanish terms!). 

I used this pattern for the little top, though honestly it doesn't look much like the original! I added a pleat to the center front, changed the front to make it A-line instead of gathered, redrafted the collar (I used the pattern piece provided, but linen is a little tricky -- I got a better result by drafting a pattern once the shoulder seam was sewn), shortened the sleeves, etc. Nothing too complicated, although it's nerve-wracking making clothes for tiny babies. Everything seems too small, but then you don't want it to actually be too small... 

I wish I could capture how truly tiny those buttons are! They are minute! I've had a card of these vintage beauties
for years, and this is the first time I've used any of them.

I think the result is a bit Christopher-Robinesque, especially when finished off with vintage pearl buttons. It's a bit challenging with baby boy clothes to make them sweet, but not too sweet, if you know what I mean!

The back buttons are still vintage, but larger than the buttons on the front.

More linen for the overalls, in navy this time! I used this tutorial, with fewer changes. I did add a snapped crotch closure, because diaper changes with a newborn really ought to be as simple as possible. 

And last, a linen/cotton bandana bib (using this tutorial/pattern), with a wood and silicone teether/pacifier leash:

 

I am so excited to have Oh Mother Mine DIY in my arsenal of patterns now. I can't get over how sweet her patterns are, or how many there are! Here's the gallery of her tutorials, in case you want to try one yourself.

It was simple enough to figure out how to welcome this sweet new baby into the world (and sweet he most certainly is! I'm not biased, not even a little. No, really...). Now I just need to figure out how to cover the intervening miles so I can give him a snuggle in person. *wink*