Today I've got a new downloadable pattern that's handy & stylish for the little one: My 3-in1 Infinity Bib!
For such small people, babies sure need a lot of stuff! Our diaper bag weighs a ton right now. Streamlining is hard though. My little guy is a drooly one. He's also still in the occasional spit-up phase, so good bib & burp cloth need to go everywhere with us. As does a lovey blanket, which is vital to him going to sleep. How about being able to bring one thing that acts as all 3? Enter my new pattern.
Use it folded lengthwise as a bib to keep drool from soaking those cute outfits:
Fold it in half sideways for lightweight, yet absorbent burp cloth:
Leave it open for a baby-sized blankie to cuddle:
It's been a crazy hot summer, so something light & breezy is key. I've made mine out of bamboo cotton swaddle muslin which is perfect. It allows for airflow and is super soft. It also looks stylish thanks to some pom pom trim.
I'd seen a similar bib design for sale online for the hefty price of $18 each. Yikes. With how many bibs my 4 month old can go through in a day, I'd need a small loan to afford more than a day's worth. Mine cost about $3.50 each to make & are a quick sew. My son's favorite swaddle blankets are a swanky brand made from bamboo muslin, so being able to make these from that same lovely fabric for a fraction of the price is ideal. Serious savings!
Now let's make one!
Materials:
- My FREE Infinity Bib Pattern HERE
- 1/2 yd bamboo organic cotton blend swaddle muslin fabric (I bought mine from Simplififabric)
- 1 1/2 yds baby pom pom trim (I bought mine from Sugar Pink Boutique)
- 2 plastic snap sets
- Ball point needle
Download the pattern and print at 100% scale. Measure the printout against the 1 inch sets box to confirm sizing is correct. Cut out all 4 pieces and tape together at sides as indicated.
The swaddle muslin I bought gets softer in every wash. Being a bamboo/organic cotton blend, it's the cuddliest muslin I've found too. The baby pom pom trim is nice & plush and adds just the right amount of detail.
Start with folded fabric and, using the pattern piece, cut out the bib front & back:
On the right side of one piece, pin the trim 1/4 inch from the raw edge:
Stitch the trim in place, using a ball point needle.
Sew the trim all the way around, curving around the pointed ends, and overlapping the raw edges.
Place this piece over the other piece, right sides together and pin.
On the side with the trim attached, stitch the bib front & back together, using the trim stitching as a guide to stitch over:
Leave a 1 1/2 inch gap for turning, then slipstitch closed by hand.
Set the plastic snaps along the markings, having the male snaps face up on one end and the female snaps face down on the other.
When the ends are snapped together, this will give the slight twist needed for the layered infinity look.
Or just leave it open for a quick cuddle. Whatever baby needs in the moment!
Like many who sew, making stuff for myself tends to be at the bottom of my to-make list. And when I do get around to sewing for myself, it's 50/50 whether I even like how it turns out. Happily, I've just had a good reason to make myself something and I actually love the results!
I did some fabric testing for Sahara Fabrics for a new custom-run knit being introduced there: Bamboo Jersey! I'd sewn with bamboo fabric before, but never seen any that was such a nice weight or a more beautiful print. My feedback to Dawn, the owner of Sahara Fabrics, was that this fabric is a total win, so definitely add it to the offerings.
Bamboo knit has a softer hand than cotton jersey and a nice four-way stretch. It's also got a fluid, flattering drape, but isn't slippery like polyester knit. This fabric is a nice 12 oz weight, so unlike a lot of bamboo fabric I'd used before, it isn't tissue thin - which means lots more use options and a much easier sew.
I still sew my knits on a regular sewing machine using a ball point needle + triple stitch for seams and twin needle for hems and this fabric worked great. I also use a walking foot when sewing knits, which is key for keeping the fabric from shifting while stitching layers together:
I especially love the print: Jeweltone Geo. The print is super versatile and the colors are so flattering (I usually can't wear bright/bold prints). It's an easy match to just about every solid color which is an added bonus. I paired my tank with some basic black workout pants, but it would look great with jeans or a maxi skirt too. The fabric could also be used to make things like a looser top, leggings, a dress or headbands.
Which brings me to my pattern. This tank is part of a pattern that also includes a zip front hoodie and yoga style pants: Simplicity 3640. It's now out-of-print, but one of those rare big 4 patterns that actually looks amazing without massive adjustments. I've used the hoodie & pants parts loads of times. If you can find it online - BUY IT!!!
The last time I made the tank was nearly 8 years ago. It was literally the first fashion item I'd ever sewn for myself and blogged about back here. Despite being a total newbie, it had turned out great then too. Somehow I'd forgotten I had in my stash it until now. Check out this early blogger photo action (complete with shadows and flash):
I'm trying to figure out what to make with the remnant I still have left. I've got just enough to make a top for my daughter or maybe some bike shorts for myself, unless I can come up with another alternative. I definitely want to make the most of it. What would you sew with this bamboo jersey?
I was not financially compensated for this post. I received bamboo jersey knit fabric from Sahara Fabrics to test sew and was not required to review or promote this fabric or their shop. The opinions are completely my own, based on my experience. For my complete disclosure policy, click here.
While summer is technically a week away, the hot weather temperatures are already showing up around here and testing the limits of our pre-summer wardrobes. It's time to sew for the season and I've just found a great combo - bamboo fabric + vintage pattern revamp!
Recently, I'd been a bit frustrated that my little lady had outgrown the go-to pants patterns I had. I've got loads for knit leggings and baggy pajama bottoms in her size, but none with the perfect rise and cut for everyday wear in wovens. I'm really particular about fit for pants and wanted to get sewing instead of spending time drafting, tweaking & testing. Sometimes you just want to start making something, right?
Then, serendipitously, while I was sifting through patterns I don't use - to thin things out - and I stumbled on this vintage pattern my mom had given me years back when she was purging her stash. I'd never noticed that it wasn't just overalls & a jumper dress before. It had pants too!! It only includes size 6, which up to now had been too big for her, but is now ideal. It's weird how back in the day patterns were available in just a single size! I have seen some available on Etsy in case you want to grab one too. These classic designs are still in style with the right fabric choices:
For fabric I was going to use up some quilting cotton, but then found this bamboo twill eco fabric my sister had gifted me with over a year ago (FYI I did find it's still available here). This stuff is SO much nicer than woven cotton. It has a lightweight and silky hand to it. Yet, while I loved how soft & lovely it felt, I'd had no idea what to do with it. Until now.
This fabric is perfect for summer pants. Its fluttery feel keeps things breezy and cool. My daughter tried them on and instantly said "Oooo, these feel so soft!!" and started prancing around.
After basic hemming, per the pattern, I added four rows of shirring at the bottom of each leg to give them the harem style that seems to be a popular look right now and help them flutter a bit more. Added practical bonus, it keeps bugs out when frolicking in the grass.
These were such a quick sew and I love how the fabric and fit are comfy and cool. Some days covering the legs is needed, but you don't want to bake from trapped heat in jeans or some knits. I also love that I used up some more of my stash to make a "bought from a catalog" look. I'm going to try a few with cotton to see how they turn out and despite my stash busting goals, keep my eyes open for some more of this sort of fabric. This mom's going to need some comfy, airy pants too;)
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