Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Our Wintery Tale: Making A Homemade Snowsuit



Today I'm sharing a project that's been a long time coming: Our Homemade Snowsuit.  I actually finished it a while back, but due to Mother Nature acting crazy (with weeks 50 degree weather, followed by weeks of single digit temps) it took FOREVER to be able to do a winter-white photo shoot.  But here it is now, in all it's snowy glory:


For the past two winters my little lady wore a snuggly fleece bunting that we loved.  It kept her warm and covered up in our harsh Michigan winters.  Yet try as I might, it was nearly impossible to find something similar now that she is a 3T.  And forget fully waterproof for playing out in the snow (which she was itching to do this year).  The few I found were for serious ski folks and around $100, and neither of those fits this mom's lifestyle.

Since I'd had such success with my DIY Snow Pants, I thought about how I could modify that concept to make what I wanted: a one-piece, zip up snowsuit that could have a built-in hood and mittens.  Oh, and it had to be made at a price I could handle (under $35).  And I figured it out!


It's a bit complicated to put into a step-by-step tutorial, but generally speaking this was how I did it:

First I had my sweetie try on the too-small bunting we had.  That gave me a starting point for the piece shapes and determining how much extra room was needed (slightly longer torso, legs and sleeves, widened middle, etc.).


Then I flattened and traced each of the sections (back, sleeves, hood, front & zipper flap) and used my handy french curve ruler to re-draft larger versions onto tracing stabilizer and added in seam allowances.  Using those I cut the necessary pieces from some micro fleece for the lining, thermal fabric (the stuff used in hot pads) for the insulator and PUL for the waterproof outer.


I kept the thermal & outer fabrics layered together and started sewing up the zippered front pieces. Then added on the fronts of the raglan sleeves, followed by sewing those to the back and, last of all, sewing on the hood.  I repeated all that with the lining, but left a gap in the side. I sewed both inner & outer together along the front & hood, pulled it right side out and sewed the gap closed by hand.



I used matching FOE (fold over elastic) for finishing the cuffs on the sleeves and legs:


And the coordinating mittens (tutorial for those here) were made from the leftover fabric.


Being on a string looped through the sleeves ensures that they never get lost and the overlap between the sleeves and mitten tops means no snow sneaking in.


It took a bit of time to figure things out as I went, but it felt great to have it all come together and really work.  I really love the fabric print & it's unusual color combo - it's so much cuter than the pink-on-pink coats that seem to be the only girly look in the stores these days.  We've gotten so many compliments on it when we've been out and people look stunned when I thank them and say I made it!


And what does she think?  As you can see, she loves wearing it:


She wasn't even phased when she got snow on her face!  The snowsuit keeps her cuddly & dry everywhere else, so she can frolic away like a little polar bear.  And it brings a huge smile to my face seeing her running around in it.  Definitely worth the effort!


I'm also sharing this with my FAVE LINK PARTIES.
Click HERE to check them out!

38 comments:

  1. Oh WOW! That is so amazing and so cute! You wouldn't by any chance be willing to share that pattern, would you? I'll be needing one of those next winter for my then 2,5 years old, but I don't have an example to trace from... (We're in Cali now, but moving back to Quebec...) Also, that PUL is adorable, where did you find it? Do they have boy prints too?

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    1. Thanks Mriekje. It's much to large to try to make into a digital file or to include basic directions - it would take more time than I have right now to draft into a full on pattern. You might have some luck finding one at a thrift store this time of year (when everyone is getting rid of worn out ones). Or just putting together a hooded top and pants and tracing around them as if they were one piece.

      I get my favorite PUL prints from http://www.diapersewingsupplies.com/pul-fabric-prints/. Loads of great prints for boys and girls - it's also where I got the alien & 101 Dalmatian fabric for my boys' snow pants.

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    2. That's ok, I just figured it wouldn't hurt asking... ;-) The idea of putting top & pants together is not that crazy... :-) I have a couple of months to think about that one..!

      I'm definitely bookmarking the site for the PUL. They have a lot!!! (Actually, I see some prints that I have in my diapers! --Storebought, as I only started sewing a couple of months ago.)

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  2. That is all sorts of adorable! I'd love if you'd come link this in my my How To Tuesday link party!
    http://housewifehowtos.com/link-party-2/how-to-tuesday-link-party-9/

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  3. This is adorable and you are so talented!! I love the string loop. So smart! We always loose gloves. Thanks do much for linking!!
    Xo

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    1. We do too - this year I wanted to be sure we'd always find them and it's working great!

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  4. Cute snowsuit! You were clever to find a way to use the old one to make a new larger one! Nice sewing job, too.

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    1. Thanks so much Noreen. It definitely wasn't a novice level project, so I was proud I pulled it off!

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  5. Your cute little model looks delighted to be in her sweet and cozy snowsuit. I love the reindeer fabric!

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    1. I love the fabric too - I knew I had to do something fun with it and it's a lot easier getting her into it because she likes it.

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  6. This is absolutly adorable! Way to go. Love it! The hoodie is my favorite part!

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    1. That's my favorite part too! It looks like a little elf is running around my yard and I love that:)

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  7. It was TOTALLY worth the effort, this is the cutest snow suit I have ever seen. I love that the mittens match, are not going to get lost, and have that overlap to keep the dreaded cold off of little fingers!

    I'm visiting today from Thursday's Favorite Things and I'm your latest follower.

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    1. Thank you so much! We tried the mitten clips and they were a big hassle. finally just said go with the old-fashioned string and it's SO much better and the hands always stay warm. Thanks for following:)

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  8. This turned out just wonderful. It is too cute for words, as is your little girl. Love the fabric you used and the elf looking hood.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Suzanne

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    1. Thank you for the compliments - I'm very proud of both! I stopped by & became a follower of yours too. Pinned your pin keep box on my Craft Room Organizing board:)

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  9. This is adorable. I would love to make something similar for my daughter. I've only ever used PUL for making diapers. I wouldn't have thought it would be durable enough for outerwear. How does it hold up to the wear and tear of kids?

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    1. I started branching out with PUL and it is SO versatile! I've done bags, mittens, snow pants for my active boys and now this snowsuit. It wears incredibly well - my daughter even rubbed her mitten on the driveway where there was some oil stains (the very first time she wore them too) and it came right out. Highly recommend it!

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  10. The baby and snowsuit are just adorable. I admire your talent I have wanted to sew forever and just could never get the hang of it. Lovely!

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    1. Doreen I couldn't sew a lick 5 years ago - I just told myself I was going to give it a try and not give up and I never looked back. Definitely give it a chance - you'll probably surprise yourself!

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  11. this is pretty darn amazing! Good job!

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  12. I feel that way too - I remember loving all the crocheted sweaters & matching caps my great-grandmother made and all the costumes my grandma & mom did. My kids seem just as excited when something is made just for them, so it keeps me sewing!

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  13. What a cute and clever project! PUL is much more versatile and durable than people realize. You've really taken it to the next level with this project. Thanks for the post and sharing your creativity.

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  14. She is a doll baby!! What a sweet face! You have done a marvelous job. You saw a need and made something wonderful out of it!! I know your daughter will have many happy and warm play times ahed of her. Thank you so much for sharing it with us for the party!
    Blessings,
    Doni

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  15. AMAZING! I would have loved this tutorial last winter when the boys were smaller, you did a great job. I am definately trying your snowpants (I may even start in the middle of summer, because yes, Michigan is so unpredictable!).
    Thank you for sharing!

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  16. OMGoodness...this is so creative and cute. I wish I had the ability to make something like this...I'm so impressed.

    I'm stopping by to say 'hi' from Katherine's Favorite Things Thursday - better late than never.

    http://artpark78.com/blog1

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  17. Wow! That is really cute! It definitely takes some patience do make that. Impressive!

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  18. This is awesome!! I love it! Please consider linky up to our first ever Pattern Party! Only those with free patterns to share are invited to link. Please check it out!
    http://getyourcraptogether.blogspot.com/search/label/Pattern%20Party

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  19. So cute and you are so good at it! Thumbs up! :)

    Stopping by from Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop- hope you can stop by...

    http://www.cassandrasminicorner.com/2013/02/apple-cider-vinegar-and-tablets.html

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  20. OMG! I love that second last picture TOO Much!

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  21. This is hands down the cutest thing I have ever seen!!

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  22. Hi Your handcraft is amazing:) Have i that snowsuit pattern to? I mean but that here internet :) Thanks:)

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  23. That is some seriously impressive sewing! Thank you for the tip on the source of PUL and the fold-over elastic!

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    1. Thanks so much Rachel. Whenever I look at these photos, I kind of can't believe I made it myself! I',m glad my tips help - love to share the handy things I've learned:)

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  24. I need a custom made snowsuit that looks like Maggie Simpsons. A little orange star. It's for a new born baby is that possible? :)

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  25. I'm looking online for PUL fabric but don't see the cute patterns I was hoping to find. Where do you shop?

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    1. Diapersewingsupplies.com is where I got this print & the microfleece back then and they have even more PUL prints of all kinds now. Naturesfabrics.com also has a number of cute PUL prints. The quality from both is excellent. Both have buttons under my Sponsor sidebar on the left:)

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