This little swing top is made from one of my absolute favourite fabrics. I bought a yard of it in a different colourway about six months ago (still unused), then decided I need more. Imperatively. Guess what? It was made a decade ago, it's out of print and it's like golddust. I managed to track down a couple more yards in red and finally took the plunge to use it this week. 
I made a cute little swing top and today I'm releasing the tutorial as the second of my patterns! You can find it in my etsy shop here. If you'd like it listed on Folksy, just let me know! The swing top is cut in a generous a-line with a slight kick flare at the hem. Two curved overlapping panels are closed with your choice of buttons, this one has a single huge button but I've made them with two identical buttons and also a big button and a small one! 
What makes this swing top really special (and practical) is that it looks great worn FOUR different ways, it has prints on both sides and you can wear it with the buttons to the back or to the front. It looks great layered over tops for the colder months or on its own for the warmer months.
The tutorial is seven full-colour pages, with detailed photos at all the crucial stages. The pattern includes sizes 6-12m, 1-2yr, 2-3yr and 3-4yr.
One of the reasons why I've been hoarding this fabric is because I wanted to make something for Jamie too, and despite countless hours staring blankly at the fabric and looking thoughtfully into the distance, I still don't know. Whenever I don't know, I make him a hoodie. But I want to do something different.
So... (you know the drill by now), to celebrate the release of another new pattern, it's giveaway time! I'll use Randomizer to select a winner on Monday. And for a chance to win, leave a comment, and tell me what I should make the boy. Other than a straight jacket.
The tutorial is seven full-colour pages, with detailed photos at all the crucial stages. The pattern includes sizes 6-12m, 1-2yr, 2-3yr and 3-4yr.
One of the reasons why I've been hoarding this fabric is because I wanted to make something for Jamie too, and despite countless hours staring blankly at the fabric and looking thoughtfully into the distance, I still don't know. Whenever I don't know, I make him a hoodie. But I want to do something different.
So... (you know the drill by now), to celebrate the release of another new pattern, it's giveaway time! I'll use Randomizer to select a winner on Monday. And for a chance to win, leave a comment, and tell me what I should make the boy. Other than a straight jacket.
How about making him a super hero cape out of it? Or a tooth fairy pillow, I've seen some great patterns for those. Whatever you make him, I'm sure it will look great. What another great pattern too!
ReplyDeleteWhat about making him a news boy hat? Maybe I have hats on my brain, but I think that would be super cute with the fabric. I love the swing top, by the way!
ReplyDeleteWandered over here from craftster. My 4yo would love some tops like this.
ReplyDeleteAs for what to make for your boy...I'm not sure. I don't even know what to make for mine. I do like the idea of a super hero cape though - what little boy doesn't need one of those.
I really don't know the proper way of signing up for the free pattern give away but maybe this is enough.....I want that pattern badly!
ReplyDeleteOooh! Overalls! Overalls! That fabric is dying to be overalls!
ReplyDelete...with snaps at the bottom for easy access, of course. :)
Boys are hard to sew for. Maybe use it for a lining on one of your boys marching band coats. He may be getting a little big for overalls in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteTeresa (munora)
dtreed@frontiernet.net
I really like the superhero cape idea...
ReplyDeleteThat fabric says "shorts" to me, but I don't know if you get shorts weather there. In that case, it says "button up collared smart/casual shirt" for wearing on days one needs to look "nice". Your patterns are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love the swing top. All of your patterns are really awesome. I just made my boy a hat from the Amy Butler Little Stitches book. The size says it only goes to 12mo but the hat also fits my 4yo daughter. I thought it was a pretty cute hat... I like the superhero cape idea too. He's be the only one with a tooth cape. :)
ReplyDeleteI second the super hero cape- I keep meaing to make one for my boy, but he seems happy enough with ramdom blankets- that and he goes back and forth b/t being a superhero and 'being ballet'( which i'm pretty sure means doing ballet, but I'm not 100% on that). that fabric is too cute! It may be low on skills for you but you could make him some pj/hanging out at home pants-I can think of 100s of things to sew for my daughter, but my son just gets jammies or blankets.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a button up shirt as someone before me suggested but I would do it like a classic "bowling shirt" with a wide panel for the center back and down the center of each side of the front.
ReplyDeleteAlso make sure you save some for "Toothfairy" pillows with a little pocket for the tooth and the "prize".
Oh another lovely thing! Yup, put me in for the draw please?
ReplyDeleteFor Jamie, how about an end-of-the-bed bag, for his jammies, bedtime book, dressing gown etc? Or maybe make some jammies out of it?
It's a super-sweet fabric but I wonder if it's a bit too cute and young for him now when used on its own?
So maybe use it as a highlight fabric - like for combat-style trousers, with the main fabric something else and this one picked out in the pockets and perhaps the hem?
Hi, Why don't you make a cute pair of baggy trousers, with your toothy fabric as reversible turn-ups and tabs; then, as he grows taller, you can fold them down for extra length!
ReplyDeleteI love the material.
ReplyDeleteI think you should make him a hoodie and use the 'teeth' material as a trim or bias binding, and maybe as a lining to the hood and the lining in the pocket.
A pair of lounge pants would be adorable! Or maybe a pillow case (with a little pocket for when he looses his first tooth? I know, it's a while away still...) Hmm...maybe a stuffed critter? A walrus would be funny out of tooth fabric, but I can picture an elephant too.
ReplyDeleteChristephi visiting from craftster.
Loving this! A waist coat, a cute short sleeved shirt, a pj bag, a cap.... The possibilities are endless for this cute fabric. Loving the swing top.
ReplyDeleteB x
OK- I. seriously. love. your. stuff. And yes those needed periods after each word! I am so excited you got your pattern for the coat up! Have been wanting to get that since someone mentioned on craftster you were making a ebook. Now I know what I am going to be working on tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI know that many people have posted before me- so this is a bit of a repeat, but I automatically thought of what I would make out of that fabric for my boys- I think the fabric is asking to be made into a bucket hat, pant cuffs, and a belt. You could even applique a square of it onto a t-shirt to make the whole outfit flow better. Good luck- boys are SO much harder to sew for.
I Know! I Know! How about scrubs for dress up? My boys love to play doctor and these would be great for budding young dentists!
ReplyDeleteI love the Superhero idea, but a vest would be cute too! Short are always a winner! ;)
ReplyDeleteOkay I'm going to try my comment again, stupid blogger hates me.
ReplyDeleteI love this pattern, I have to make some of these for my dd this spring.
I think the idea of using this fabric as the cuff on pants would be teriffic. Adds a bit of fun without being too overpowering.