Pocket tutorial

ikat bag (http://www.ikatbag.com) has a great tutorial on how to make pockets. Be sure to check it out.

Toddler Backpack

I made this backpack for my 1 year old son based on a pattern and tutorial at indietutes.



In my version, I created a front pocket and inside pocket from a thrifted Spiderman pillowcase. I also added a zipper as my son has zipper skills. At the top of the bag I added a loop as a handle and a small loop on the inside to hold his toy keys.

Wallet

I made this play wallet for my son based on a tutorial and pattern posted on sewing.about.com

My version included a section to hold bills and did not use bias tape for binding.

Resized t-shirt

I didn't take a before picture, but this shirt used to be larger. I used Jalie pattern 2918 to resize it to a toddler size 2. I have had to adjust the neck size from the pattern. As is, the shirts do not fit over my toddler's head. I have to make the opening 1/8" - 1/4" larger to fit over his head and have had to adjust the neck binding as well.

T-shirt

This is a t-shirt that I made from my fabric stash using Jalie pattern 2805. This is the 4th shirt I've made using this pattern. This is my new go-to pattern for t-shirts. The fit is flattering and it is quick and easy to sew. I've also resized other t-shirts using this pattern for a better fit.

Resized Hawaiian shirt

I found a men's Hawaiian shirt at goodwill for $1. I liked the print and wanted to resize it to fit me and my shape. I cut apart the shirt and used Simplicity 9816. I like this shirt pattern as it has different patterns for different cup sizes (no calculating or altering that I would normally need to do) to ensure a good fit. I laid the pattern pieces on the shirt and cut around them. I lined up the bottom hemline on the pattern so I would not have to hem the shirt when I was finished. I also lined up center front with the center front of the pattern so I would not have to redo the buttons or button holes. Sometimes I feel like this is the cheater way to sew, but it saves a lot of time when it is already done.

Training underwear

I made this training underwear from my flannel stash and the training pants pattern from new conceptions. At first attempt, my toddler refused to wear the underwear and I thought that it may have been uncomfortable for him. On the second attempt, he did wear the underwear and I could see the fit better. The second time around I liked the fit better. The underwear has a high waist design and the leg openings are big. They definitely would not contain a poop on my child who is on the thinner side. When it is time for potty training, I do think that they will serve their purpose (he isn't quite ready yet). If I were to redesign this pattern for a better fit, I would lower the waist (who wears anything that high anymore?) and lower the leg openings so they fit a thinner child a little better.

-My favorites are the frog underwear :)

-Update 2011: I love this pattern now. They flannel is more absorbant than store bought training underwear. Now that my kids are 2 and 3 (instead of 1 when I first made the underwear), the fit is different. It it not too high waisted and fits snugly like it should. It does actually contain poop accidents too. I use these daily with my kids and it saves us a lot of money since we are not buying pull-ups.