January Recap

Though I only started sewing for 2013 close to the end of the month of January, I managed to squeeze in seven projects from seven different sewing books that have, until now, laid dormant on my bookshelf, some for a few years already!  By far, my favourite of the bunch is the Red Riding Hood, it’s adorable and I just can’t wait to see it on my five year old niece! The one project that has gotten the most use so far is the Slipcover I made for my sewing stool.

Funnily enough, my husband got all giddy over the Baby Kimono, I think his biological clock might be ticking! However, he does loves his new Necktie, which I made specifically for the night we head out to see the Cirque de Soleil show Love at the MGM Mirage next month in Las Vegas.

Did I mention my plans to make a “micro-quilt” of all the projects I complete this year? I wanted to create one-per-month, but I might just have to focus on sewing what I’ll call a “remind-me-what-I-made” quilt whenever I feel I have enough pieces.

Project #2: Red Riding Hood

Sweet combo of red twill and fabric from Amy Butler's Cameo

Sweet combo of red twill and fabric from Amy Butler’s Cameo

Over the holidays I bought myself a new sewing book; Oliver + S Little Things to Sew. It’s such an adorable book and having two nieces, I just love sewing them cute outfits and fun playthings. This book certainly has some interesting projects, but it was Red Riding Hood that really stopped my heart.

The pattern comes in two sizes, M (which fits toddlers and up to 5 year olds) and L (for 5 to 10 year olds) and is printed on one of 2 heavy folded papers pasted to the front and back of the book. It took me a few minutes to find the needed pieces (18a through 18g) as the pattern pieces all overlap each other, so I might just take an afternoon and trace each piece that I’m likely to use. Happily, the instructions are very well written and easy to follow and understand.

Red Riding Hood from Oliver + S little things to sew.

Red Riding Hood from Oliver + S little things to sew.

The cape is very easy to sew, with mostly long seams and only a few curved seams to deal with. The hardest part was finishing up the cape, the sandwich of cape front, lining and hood is mighty thick and quite heavy! I used a walking foot (for the first time!) and it made dealing with the weight and thickness much easier!

The cape seems rather large, and I can see it fitting a 10 year old, however, I am unsure how well it is going to fit my niece right now. I mean, I know it will fit, but the question is, will it float on her? If worse comes to worse, she’ll grown into it, and at the rate kids grow, I don’t imagine that will be too long.

Book: Oliver + S Little Things to Sew: 20 Classic Accessories and Toys for Children

Project: Red Riding Hood

Fabric: 2 yds of Amy Butler Hopscotch in Olive (online Canadian shop Fabric Spot)
2 yds of red twill (source unknown)
Notions: Fabric covered button size 30
Thread: Gutermann 100% Polyester col: 610

Difficulty: Easy
Sew again: Absolutely