Pockeeets

It is confirmed. The love for pockets is in my daughters' DNA.

You should have seen the excitement on Miss L's face when she discovered her Lil Critters overalls had five pockets! She instantly started putting her little hands in the pockets, one by one, giggling and repeating, 'Pockeeeeeets!'

These overalls were born for two reasons: 1) Miss L legitimately needed more cold weather clothes, and 2) I recently suffered a series of selfish sewing failures and required a pick me up project.

I have been sewing Puperita's patterns for a few years. I think her patterns are among the best. Every single aspect is thought through. Every notch align. Each pattern piece fits perfectly. The instructions are comprehensive and clear. The fit is spot on.

Lil Critters is a fully lined romper/overalls, and I initially was going to follow the instructions to a T. I had my outer and lining fabrics picked. Then I spotted a small piece of denim I had left from another project from a few years ago. The fabric was nice and thick. Perfect for my project. I decided to deviate from my original plan and line only the bib.

Using my outstanding Tetris skills I managed to cut all the pieces (apart from the bib lining) from this left-over denim. I gave myself a high-five and then stood there staring at fabric wondering what I could do to make the overalls look interesting. I considered using piping, but then I remembered about a small piece of cotton lace I had left after sewing Puperita's Sabrina dress. Once I put the lace next to denim I instantly fell in love with the look.

I had to grade a seam allowance on the pockets to eliminate bulk. My fabric was borderline too thick to line the pockets with, but I got away with it. Just.

I knew I needed to secure the edges of the pockets well. I don't seem to be able to sew those cute little triangles at the corners. I have no idea how people manage to make them look so neat. Is there a trick? I resorted to making bartacks like you see on jeans. They might not look as elegant but they do a great job.

Miss L is a little shorter than average. I cut the pant pieces in lining length and took them up by 4 cm at the hemline.

These overalls are the new favourite item in Miss L's wardrobe. She chooses them whenever they are not in the wash! And because they are in the wash a lot I promptly made another pair of Lil Critters overalls for Miss L, simplifying the pattern ever further! I have a skirt version of this pattern also. I think I need to make it soon!