those little pursed lips!!
So, Kelly had lent me one of Arthur’s onesies so I could make a better fitting pattern than the Burda one I’ve been using up until now… for some reason that pattern makes for a very short, wide onesie. And I guess he could be a very tall, skinny baby? Although I think the sizing could be a bit off, because he looks like a perfectly normal shaped baby to me?!
Anyway, my first go was using one of Tim’s old T-shirts, above. To be honest, these are my favourites for babies, teenage T-shirts are so cool and so they of course make for very cool babies’ onesies too! I used some of the details for the new onesie, even the little Rusty tag which I un-picked and re-stitched into the sleeve seam. Cute!
Then I made him a new one using new fabric.
So, dilemma… The new one will be a lot more robust, because of being made of new fabric, obviously. The ones made out of old T-shirts are a little fragile, since the T-shirt itself has been washed and worn, over and over and over by the time you’re refashioning this much-loved thing, with all its sentiment and memories, into a new thing for your much-loved baby.
The new onesie, though it’s going to be a “better”, has none of that, so it’s just not quite as cool or interesting. I kinda love the refashioned ones the best, though you know they just can’t wear them with as much confidence in durability as the new. Hmmm. Anyway, he still looks cute in them both!
And, I have a reasonably good pattern now. The clincher, which gives it a really great fit, is that gusset bit. To make the neckline fit over his head, it is one of those open ones, where the front laps over the back at the shoulder, but is otherwise not stitched together. It works really well.
Also, I’m looking forward to making Cassie’s baby some things out of the new pattern too. When/If I get time!
They are both cute and really as fast as babies grow maybe the old Tee will last as long as it is needed.
thanks Khristina! I’m sure it will last for a little while. we’re hoping it will be good for more than one baby though 🙂
Well, first of all, Arthur is adorable and the onesies you’ve fashioned are great! As far as pattern sizing for onesies I feel most are usually off as in the things you mentioned – too short and too wide. I had the same issues with my daughters and they were normal size like Arthur. I remember sewing for one daughter with a size 2 child till she was nearly 5 by just lengthening the pattern. It seemed crazy at the time.
thank you so much Karen! yes, I can remember doing the same with my own children too, but for some reason “forgot” that I had to do this!
Arthur looks very cute in all the pictures and both onesies look great and he obviously enjoys wearing them. All the best to you and all your family. Anita from a rainy and cold Basel
thank you so much Anita! Actually it’s been pretty cold and rainy here too. I’m hanging out for more beach weather!
I wouldn’t think fragile will be a problem, say this age they outgrow clothes very quickly. I do love the idea of using old t-shirts though, it is really great.
thanks Laura! yes it’s true they grow like topsy at this age. I still want the T-shirt onesie to last for more than one baby though 🙂
I’ve had the same issue with Burda baby patterns. My theory is that they are still using an old fitting block from when diapers used to be enourmous and had to be accomodated. I’ve also noticed the vintage baby clothes often have a similar issue.
It’s ok for summer clothes, which actually look comfortably breezy, but for winter clothes it’s just not practical for layering.
So for now I just don’t use Burda, there are a lot of cute pdf patterns on the internet (bonus: not that many pages to print for small patterns).
yes, it’s unlikely babies have changed that much! it’s not just the bottom area but the shoulders too, like the other onesies are not staying on his shoulders properly. I’ll check out other patterns on the internet too 🙂
Please design a baby clothes pattern! I’ll buy it. More than one.
Usually I knit special cardis and hats as baby presents, but I don’t think young mothers are too keen to wash even Superwash merino. So I’m looking for new gift ideas that I can personalize.
Onesies, tees, pants/leggings, bib overalls, sun hats, simple dresses to wear over leggings – might be a lot more useful. Ditto for bath towels with the “hood” triangle sewn into a corner. These days I can get hold of much nicer jersey fabrics than ever, and your idea of turning a cool old tee shirt into a unique baby item is the why-didn’t-I-think-of-that inspiration I’ve been looking for.
Arthur’s too cute. Too bad he’s not a smiler 😉
thank you so much Sanni! Hmmm, releasing some baby patterns, sounds like a great idea 😉
I like the patterns from ottobre better than burda. They ship their magazins worldwide and you can view them on the website before you buy. For my three grandchildren the fit is good.