A Modest Little Lady Swimsuit with Circle Skirt

What a cutie, right? This is my friend's daughter, Caitlin. She is now the proud owner of my first-ever handmade swimsuit! Her mom said she'd been having some trouble finding a more modest suit, one with a longer skirt with shorts that were a little longer. 

So she asked if I'd be interested in sewing one for Caitlin.

I just happened to have the perfect fabric waiting in the wings.

Yes! I was so excited to start.

I thought about it and researched the blogosphere a bit for patterns and ideas. I emailed with Amy, the owner of Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop a bit and finally settled on the new Coco Cay Color Block tankini pattern for the shorts. The boy shorts were definitely short so I lengthened the pattern about 5".  I also knew Caitlin's mom wanted a twirly-type skirt, so I cut a circle skirt (having MADE's pattern in mind). Amy suggested I consult this pattern for attaching the two and that's exactly what I did.

 Now Caitlin can do many fun things in her skirt/shorts while maintaining a bit more modesty.

Oh yes, she is a karate pro too!

For the rashguard, I again went to Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop.

I loved both patterns I bought from the shop and am looking forward to sewing another suit really soon for my own little girl.

Caitlin was so cute modeling her new suit for me! (Even in the rain - see the ground?) I am so happy it fits and that her mom liked it. :)

A few sewing notes:

- I found this recent advice from Rae very helpful with securing the seams.

- The shorts are fully lined. I wish I knew how to line, say, just the underwear or crotch area, but don't. 

- I bought my lining fabric at Joann's and used a coupon to score a good deal.

- The suit fabric source is unknown, sorry.

- Any questions? Just let me know.

I'll be linking up with some of these fun parties!

Summer Pajamas: A Mini-Tute

 How does your sewing table look? Well, mine is a huge mess. I needed a project that was quick and that would also help me clean things up. Summer pajamas were the answer.

I have a good-sized stack of clothes I don't wear any more and that I've wanted to use for kid's clothes. Many times, I get caught up in the exciting sewing that comes with a new pattern, but I REALLY needed to reclaim some work space. I was tired of looking at these unfinished (un-started?) projects.

I took the first shirt from my pile and got to work. I loved this shirt, and it had gotten a lot of use, but then it became neglected in recent years (yeah, it's been around awhile!). So it was time for it to become something else. (It is one of the few shirts I have in my pile with a cool pattern.)

Those arms are perfect for leggings! The only problem was that they were still a little too short and narrow, so I added a bum patch and a stretchy band at the top.

I tried the pj's on my daughter this morning and now she won't take them off. They're so soft from all the washings and light enough for our warm weather. Maybe tonight I'll serge the seams. Or...maybe not.

My pajamas were inspired by Elsie Marley who recently made a few pairs for her kids. Go check them out!
And thanks for stopping by. :)
I'll be linking up with some of these fun parties!