Cotton and Steel Loveralls

This is the Loveralls pattern, a brand new kids sewing pattern released today by Petit a Petit Patterns. I am the very first stop on what will be an epic, month long extravaganza called the Sewing Block Party. You can follow along on the Petit a Petit + Family blog. During the first three days of the pattern release you  can get a copy from the Upcraft Club at 25% off, or use the code BLOCKPARTY for 20% off the entire Petit a Petit Pattern line all month long! Don't miss the Petit a Petit pattern tour giveaway (below)!

The Loveralls are a very sweet, modern take on overalls. The pattern comes with lots of options that could be combined to suit any boy or girl. There are 3 bib options, and two very flexible pant options. The pattern includes a zillion pocket choices (okay, that's an exaggeration. It's enough options that I don't feel like counting them), that could easily be mixed and matched for many different outcomes. I am often dazzled by what Celina can accomplish. I'm pretty sure there are 24 hours in the Canadian day too, but somehow she squeezes a whole lot more out of them. The attention to detail in this pattern is really impressive. Even the hammer loop has a clear diagram for recommended topstitching configuration.

Even with all of these beautiful options I had the nerve to hack a brand new pattern by adding a gathered skirt. Ever since Celina's first Loveralls teaser photo I've known that this is what I would do with this pattern. It's an idea that has been stuck in my head for quite a while. I went with the full heart pocket on the bib, with the classic overall hardware at the chest, and snaps at the side.

The fabric is Birch Floral from the Rifle Paper Collection for Cotton + Steel. I (and the rest of the sewing world) am rayon obecssed at the moment, and Rifle Paper obsessed. I think I bought the last yard available in the western world, but I've been reassured that more is coming. I love this print, and even better with the delicious swish of rayon. I basically cut the yard in half to make the skirt. I gathered the full width of the fabric. I would have liked to keep the front pockets, but I didn't have enough fabric for that.

For the bib part of the dress I used Art Gallery Denim left over from an Alder I made over the summer, the lining is from my last Gallery Tunic. My one flourish was to use the beautiful selvage of the rayon as the tag. 

L measured as a 7, I sized up to an 8 so she could wear it a little longer. I should have sized up even further to take into account that this pattern is written for stretch denim, and my fabric had no stretch. It fits, but I fear for it's longevity. 

I've been feeling pretty meh about sewing for the kids lately. They both had serious growth spurts over the summer, making it tough to ignore the ephemeral nature of children's handmade apparel. I would rather sew something for myself that I can wear into my twilight years than something the kids will wear for half a season. But this dress reminded me why I like to sew for the kids. A delighted 6 year old in a rayon skirt on a windy day makes all the effort worthwhile.

Project Notes:
Pattern: Loveralls from Petit a Petit Patterns
Bib Fabric: Light Weight Denim in Infused Hydranga from Art Gallery Fabrics
Bib Lining: Kyohara Large Gingham from Purl Soho
Skirt Fabric: Les Fleurs Navy Birch Floral Rayon by Rifel Paper Co. for Cotton + Steel
Boots: Kid's Cowboy Boots from Old West (ours are hand me downs)

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