Little Betty top and Serendipity trousers

I had a classic case of nesting before R was born. However my nesting instinct seemed to have been replaced with the sewing instinct before L entered the world. I was sewing for R like a woman possessed! I had a long list of things she needed (yep, actually needed), so naturally there was no better time to make them than just before having a new baby. Baby L arrived a little earlier than expected so I did not get to sew everything I was planning to. How inconsiderate of little L ;)

First up is this cute outfit.

Let's talk about the top first. Oh I love this top! It is the Little Betty top pattern by my beautiful sewing friend Suz. Believe it or not, I had this pattern printed out last year. I cannot believe I have not made it until recently! There is something about this top that reminds me of my childhood.

This top is perhaps the most luxurious item in my daughter's wardrobe. The grey and the pink are merino wool purchased from a remnant bin at the Fabric Store in Melbourne. The grey fabric is thicker than what the pattern suggests, but I figured if it worked for Tasha it would work for me too. I had to improvise with the neckline binding a little as my fabric was too thick. I simply did not fold the binding under on the wrong side of the top. It does not look as neat as it could have, but who is going to check?

The ruffles are made from Liberty. I mean, why use anything else with merino? OK, the truth is I have only ever bought 30 cm of Liberty for this dress. I had to cut ruffle pieces cross grain so they would fit on a small piece of Liberty I had left.

The only thing I altered was the back closure. The pattern offers a button and a loop closure. I thought I would winterify (totally a word) the top and sew in a zipper instead.

After sewing the Little Betty top I can say that I have sewn every single pattern by Sewpony Vintage. Just like with every other Suz's pattern I have sewn this one was a great experience to work with. Suz, I am looking forward to the release of your new pattern!

A new top was practically begging for a pair of new pants. I used the Serendipity trousers and capris pattern again (see the first pair here, capris version here and one more pair on Instagram). It is a great quick pattern to sew.

I cut my first Staple dress to make these pants. I loved the dress but the neckline felt too wide and after a while I did not feel comfortable wearing it. The dress offered plenty of fabric to be recycled into a pair of pants for my daughter, so I did not feel guilty cutting into one of the first things I have ever made for myself.

This time I decided to use contrasting fabric for the yoke. I just love the splash of colour, so does R.

A happy smile on R's cheeky face is the best reward for me. That and the fact she liked the newest additions to her wardrobe.