Jun
19
If we told you this idea had been forming for quite some time, would you believe us?? Seriously… Just rewind 30+ years!!
These “lovelies” {purely a matter of opinion / interpretation} were a childhood favorite of ours, and we’ve been thinking of a way to recreate them for our nieces since getting back into sewing.
In case you’ve missed it, rompers are THE CRAZE of the year!! And, we’ve yet to sew one…Still, we knew “Sister Momma” might have a fit over them….due to accessibility for diaper changes {for CL}, and a fairly recently potty-trained EA…..
So, we went “FAUX”….creating a coordinating top to match these terry cloth shorts. And, friends, this just might have been THE FASTEST garment we’ve ever made! That said – we didn’t take photos of the process, but will do our best to walk you through it nonetheless.
CL is nearing her first birthday, and is wearing 12m clothing at present. She measured a bit small at her last appointment, but has since been introduced to real food and hasn’t slowed down yet. So, our disclaimer is: while this may fit our niece….it may not fit all 12m children. Still, this style is very forgiving, so it may work just fine!
Materials needed: for the 12m Faux Romper Elasticized Top
1/2 yd fabric *we chose terry cloth to recreate our retro look of younger years
1 pkg extra wide, double folded bias tape
3/4″ elastic, enough for your child’s measurement plus 1″
12m pattern pieces {see image below}
Using templates below, cut the following pattern pieces:
1 front faux romper elasticized top
1 back faux romper elasticized top
Also, using the pre-packaged extra-wide, double folded bias tape:
Cut two 4.5″ bias tape pieces {for the front and back neckbands}.
Cut two 30″ bias tape pieces {for each armhole / tie area}.
Now, let’s sew!
1. Run two gathering threads along the top portion of both the front and back pieces.
2. Gather along the garment’s neckline to fit the 4.5″ bias tape previously cut {both for the front and back garment pieces}
3. Attach bias tape to the neckband and sew.
4. With right sides together, sew both side seams with 1/2″ seam allowance.
5. Working from the center out, attach and sew bias tape to the armholes and ties, catching the neckband to create a finished look.
6. Create a casing along the hem by folding / ironing a 1/2″ hem, and then folding / ironing another inch to form the casing.
7. Using your child’s waist measurements plus 1″, cut a 3/4″ piece of elastic to run through the casing.
We know this last direction {#7} sounds a bit “off”….but here is what happened to us:
Our niece had measured 18″ around the waist, so we cut a piece of 3/4″ elastic to that measurement. MISTAKE! Bless her heart….it was T.I.G.H.T. We have since run a 19″ elastic piece through the top, and hope it will make it much more conducive {and comfortable} for her active lifestyle! Thank goodness she was too young to complain {or care} during our photos!!
The girls’ modeling fee for the day was ice cream! Technically, it was hot…
and the adults decided we needed / deserved an ice cream treat.
If you are more interested in REAL ROMPERS, RaeAnna is hosting Romper Week that you might want to go check out.
*Also, in conjunction with Romper Week, Amy {Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop} is offering all romper patterns in her store for $6 – this week only!
As for EA? Her outfit description is still to come,
as well as a few stories of the day and out takes from the photo session!
She seems to provide us with LOTS of blogging material time and time again!
as well as a few stories of the day and out takes from the photo session!
She seems to provide us with LOTS of blogging material time and time again!
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Elisabeth Rose