It's coming..... Me-Made-May 2019!

In less than a week, the sign-ups for the annual Me-Made-May challenge will begin! If there is anyone reading this that doesn't already know about Me-Made-May, let me explain. Me-Made-May is a month long challenge with participants setting their own pledges with the aim of improving their relationship with their handmade wardrobe. Participants usually try to do this by wearing their handmade creations more often and/or in new ways throughout the month. At the end of the month, many participants report that they learnt so many useful lessons about themselves and their creations, which in turn helps us use our clothes-making time more effectively going forwards. Plus, aside from being enlightening, it's heaps of fun! Oh, and can you believe that this year will be the TENTH year of this challenge?!?!?!

In case you have heard of Me-Made-May already but received misinformation about what it's all about, please let me clarify. Me-Made-May is NOT all about taking daily photos and sharing them on Instagram (although you totally can if you wish, please use the hashtag #memademay2019), that's just one way to document the challenge and is entirely optional, NOT the challenge itself. Plus Me-Made-May is NOT a making challenge. It is about increasing the enjoyment of what we have already made and learning lessons to apply to future projects, NOT about stock piling more makes.

You don't need to have any social media presence whatsoever to take part; you just need to come up with a challenging but do-able pledge for yourself, and stick to it throughout May. I've got a couple of extra things up my sleeve to make this year's challenge even more fun (oh, and finally a professionally designed logo! It only took me ten years...), so make sure you come back here from the 1st April if you plan to take part this year....

Fab Free Kids' Patterns For 6 Years And Up

When I compiled 'My Favourite Free Children's Sewing Patterns' post a couple of years ago, I found that so many of the free children's wear patterns out there tended to be for toddlers and very young children, with a lot of the sizing stopping around six years. And with most kids going to school at this age, and becoming increasingly independent, theoretically more sewing time is freed up for their parents and carers. Yet ironically, this is the age when most of the free kids' sewing patterns dry up!

My daughter will turn six this year, so with a healthy dose of self-interest, I have compiled this list of great-looking free sewing patterns with sizing that go up to at least approx. 8 years. You're welcome! As with my previous blog post list of free kids' sewing patterns, this isn't an exhaustive list of every free pattern out there. This is a selection of patterns that I think look well-drafted and could be useful for creating a well-rounded kids' wardrobe. And I personally plan to try out most of them! I haven't had time to try downloading and investigating every one of these patterns yet, however, where possible, I have included information about the process of accessing the patterns. A massive thanks to all these awesome and generous pattern designers for making their hard work available for free.


Tops:

(image source: Petit a Petit + Family)

Goodall Cardigan by Petit a Petit + Family

sizes 2 - 8 years

Who's looking for a versatile, unisex, free kids' cardigan pattern? Umm, me! I'm very excited to try making this pattern in a variety of fabrics leftover from other projects, including scraps of ponte and sweatshirt fleece, and maybe from fabric harvested from old knitwear. This pattern is available to buy, but if you have a Facebook account, you can access this pattern for free by requesting to join the Petit a Petit patterns page. 

(image source: Misusu Patterns)

Rowan Tee by Misusu Patterns

sizes EU 62 - 164 (approx. 0-3 months to 13-14 years)

(I reviewed this pattern here)

The Rowan tee is an over-sized, boxy, unisex-style T-shirt with two sleeve variations and optional patch pocket that is designed for knit fabrics. This one is easily downloadable from their site. 

(image source: Threads by Caroline)

Ester and Ebbe T-shirt by Threads by Caroline

sizes approx. 9 months to 11 years

(I reviewed this pattern here)

A cute, unisex T-shirt pattern that includes long and short sleeve variations and optional shoulder ruffles and patch pocket? Yes please! The Ester and Ebbe T-shirt, which is available in Swedish as well as English, isn't easily located on their website. However, you can access it (and the sweet Vera skirt pattern, also free): you can access the files by signing up to their newsletter here. 

(image source: Bobbinhood)

Crewneck Sweater by Bobbinhood

sizes 1/1.5 years to 9/10 years

The amazing screen printing company, Bobbinhood, have released this free kids' sweater pattern presumably as a wonderful canvas for your printing adventures. The sweater can be made in a variety of knit fabrics, depending on how warm you want it. And it literally couldn't be easier to access: you just have to click on the icon once and it starts to download! I've just cut one of these out for my daughter, so I'll report back with my findings soon...

(image source: Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom)

Free T-shirt Pattern by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

sizes 3 to 14 years

This simple, long-sleeved T-shirt pattern is billed as a pattern for girls, but I personally think this top would be equally suitable for boys if they're into slimmer fits. It could be a great option for making sleep wear tops as well. Ok, I've convinced myself; I'm making this for sleep wear whenever one of my kids next needs some. This pattern is easily downloadable, no sign ups needed, but the site does require you to navigate round A LOT of adverts. 

(image source: Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom)

Tie-front Knit Top by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

sizes 3 to 14 years

The tie-front detail, dolman sleeves and relaxed fit make this a really lovely pattern that would look fabulous in drapier single jerseys. I think this could be a real winner with early- and pre-teens, but then what do I know?! As with their Free T-shirt pattern (listed above), this pattern is easy to download but you have to dodge heaps of adverts. 

(image source: Life Sew Savoury)

Girl's Swing Tee by Life Sew Savoury

sizes 4 to 16 years

This swing tee pattern has been graded out to a size 16 years, which seems mighty generous. It's flared at the hips with a slight high-low hem and could be a great pattern to use up small lengths of drape-y knits. I'd love to make this with different fabrics for the front and back. Accessing this pattern is slightly confusing because you are asked to click on a button to download this pattern via Craftsy, however once clicked you don't get redirected to Craftsy at all, and in fact stay on the original site to complete the transaction. 

(image source: Hey June Handmade)

Woodstock Swing Tee by Hey June Handmade

sizes 6 - 16 (I'm assuming that's years)

This prolific pattern company has a number of free sewing patterns, four of which I'm including in this post because I think they look well drafted, and are offered in a generous range of sizes. This swing tee is very similar to the one pictured above it, but seems to have a slightly more trapeze-shaped silhouette and exaggerated hem dip. You can't accuse me of not being thorough. The pattern includes A0 and copyshop versions, as well as your regular print at home option, and was very easy to download.  

(image source: Ikatee patterns)

Ibiza Blouse by Ikatee patterns

sizes 3 - 8 years

This beautiful summer blouse pattern is one of the five free patterns on offer from the gorgeous French sewing pattern company, Ikatee, when you sign up to their mailing list. 

(image source: Hey June Handmade)

Happy Tank by Hey June Handmade

sizes 2 - 14 (I'm assuming that's years)

If you're looking for an easy hot-weather/holiday-wear project to make for a girl (or boy if they wish of course!), the Happy tank may be worth a look. Designed for knit fabric, the braided racerback straps are a feature that I'm assuming would be fun to make, and this pattern could easily be lengthened into a dress. I also like how clean and user friendly the Hey June Handmade website is, and how easy it is to access their free patterns. Thank you!

Bottoms:

(image source: Elegance and Elephants)

Retro Sweatpants by Elegance and Elephants

sizes 12 months - 9 years

(I reviewed this pattern here)

These classic knit sweatpants look like they have a high comfort factor. They look great for lounging around or more sporty activities. Downloading this pattern was painless, FYI.

(image source: Ikatee patterns)

Jim Jogpants by Ikatee patterns

sizes 3 - 12 years

Another of the five free patterns on offer from Ikatee when you sign up to their mailing list. If these were made in interlock, rib or jersey, they might make great pyjama bottoms. 

(image source: Made By Jack's Mum)

Lightning Leggings by Made By Jack's Mum

sizes prem/small newborn - 12 years

This may be the last word in kids' leggings patterns, as it includes both slim AND relaxed fit styles with three lengths for each. But the options do not stop there, as each version also includes the choice of cuff or hemmed finishing, plus elasticated waist or jersey waistband options. Oh wait, plus there's a fuller version of both styles in the smaller sizes for cloth-nappied bottoms. Very impressive for a free pattern, I feel. You can access the print-at-home, copy shop and instructions PDFs in the files section of the MBJM Sewing Group on Facebook. Alternatively, you can add them to their cart on their site, but if you are in the UK or Europe, you will need an Etsy account to complete the transaction. 

(image source: @botterman_empire on Instagram)

City Gym Shorts by Purl Soho

sizes 2 - 11 years (plus adult women's sizes)

(I reviewed this pattern here)

I had forgotten all about this pattern until my amazingly talented friend Emily made the utterly perfect pair pictured above. After a number of wears, I didn't find the adult version of these as comfy as I'd hoped, so I'd recommend using less-than-precious fabric for a trial pair and find out if your recipient likes wearing them before you make more. Accessing the pattern was simple. 

(image source: Bel'Etoile)

Siem Shorts by Bel'Etoile

sizes 3 to 14 years

Kind of like a knit version of the City Gym shorts listed above, the Siem shorts have a longer leg length and, being knit, are possibly more comfortable to wear. I'm thinking that this style could work well as summer sleep wear as well (evidently I am obsessed with figuring out if a pattern is suitable for sleep wear!). Oh, AND the pattern is available in Dutch as well as English. 

(image source: @horsesloveapples on Instagram)

Sunny Day Shorts by Oliver + S

sizes 6 months - 12 years

(I reviewed this pattern here)

I think this is a wonderful, basic, woven shorts pattern, however I know I'm not alone in finding that it comes up a bit small, so you might want to opt for a size larger than you'd usually pick. I've also lengthened this pattern to make pyjama bottoms, and generally speaking it's a great canvas for all sorts of customisation and personalisation. This easily downloadable pattern is split into two size ranges: 6 months to 4 years, and 5 to 12 years. 

(image source: Small Dreamfactory)

Girl's Skirt by Small Dreamfactory

sizes approx. 0-2 months to 10 years

(I reviewed this pattern here)

If you're looking for a simple A-line knit skirt then stop the clock. Personally, I found that this skirt came out very short, so you may wish to combine the width you need with a longer length. This pattern prints out on impressively few pages, however, be prepared to add your own seam and hem allowances. 

(image source: Hey June Handmade)

Monkey Bar Skirt by Hey June Handmade

sizes 2 - 10 (I'm assuming that's years)

Yet another free pattern by Hey June Handmade, this skirt can be made as an A-line style or as a gathered tiered style (as pictured) and features the clever addition of attached knit shorts underneath. This is PERFECT for my skirt-loving, tree-climbing little girl, and I'm sure I'm not the only person who knows one of those! Easy to download. 

Playsuits and Dresses:

(image source: Elegance and Elephants)

Pleated Playsuit by Elegance and Elephants

sizes 12 months - 9 years

This woven playsuit pattern has some lovely details and would look fabulous in a solid or printed fabric. 

(image source: Purl Soho)

Summer Romper by Purl Soho

sizes 2 to 11 years

Another lovely, tie-shoulder, woven playsuit pattern. I'd like to try adding a simple rectangle shape skirt piece to the bottom instead of the shorts section to make this pattern into a dress.

(image source: Sewpony)

Dulcie Dress by Sewpony

sizes 12 months to 10 years

(I reviewed this pattern here)

This bodice-and-full-skirt dress has a relaxed style and a number of optional design details (square or round neck, pockets, collar, side ties, turn-back cuffs). I plan to try making this pattern for Dolores in gingham to be worn as a school dress in warmer months. Please note: you need to sign up to the Sewpony newsletter to access this pattern. After you sign up, you will be sent an email that includes a link to the download page. 

(image source: Made By Oranges)

Scarlet Dress by Made by Oranges
sizes EU 74 - 164 (approx. height in cms)

This spec drawing may not look super inspiring, but the modelled images that you can see here look really sweet. I think this is designed for wovens, but I couldn't tell for sure via the website and have yet to download it for myself. However, what I can tell you is that a free dress pattern with long sleeves can be a rare and therefore valuable thing, depending on the climate where you live of course!

(image source: Hey June Handmade)

Racerback Dress by Hey June Handmade

sizes 12 months to 8 years

My daughter has owned several hand-me-down dresses like this in the past which were soooo useful in the summer. They are the perfect summer holiday garment if you're going somewhere warm because they don't need ironing. I'm planning to make a few of these this year in lightweight jersey for Dolores to use as summer nightdresses. Unlike some of the other Hey June Handmade free patterns, this one doesn't have a copyshop option but is very easy to download, and pleasingly the PDF includes the layers function so you don't need to waste ink printing out all the sizes you don't need. 

(image source: It's always autumn)

Play-All-Day-Dress by It's always autumn

sizes 4 to 14 years

It's like a mini April Rhodes's Staple dress! This simple knit dress is definitely a project that you could make the evening before setting off on holiday, or when all their summer clothes are in the laundry! They've also given instructions to modify this pattern into a raglan sleeved version for something a bit fancier.

Nightwear, Undies, Swimwear and Accessories 

(image source: Sew a Little Seam)

Movie Night Pajamas by Sew a Little Seam

sizes 12 months to 12 years (plus adults sizes)

This fantastic basic pyjama pattern is basically a one-stop shop for all your kid's sleepwear needs because it includes heaps of variations: shorts, capri or long length bottoms with elastic or yoga band waistbands, and short, 3/4 or long sleeve versions for the top. To access this pattern, you will need a Facebook account to be able to join the Sew a Little Seam Facebook group. Once you've done that,  you will find a code that will allow you to download this pattern from their site. 

(image source: Patterns for Pirates)

Walk the Plank PJ Bottoms by Patterns for Pirates

sizes 3 months to 14 years (plus adults sizes)

(I reviewed this pattern here)

This pattern spans a whopping size range of 3 months to 14 years, at which point you could simply download the equally free adults' version (sizing XS to Plus 3X). So basically, when teamed with a ratty old T-shirt, your entire family is set for pyjamas forever and ever. And because both the adults' and kids' pattern include short shorts, knee length and full length options, you're kind of sorted no matter what climate or season you're sewing for. The pattern is easily accessible through their web-shop, no sign ups needed. 

(image source: Made by Jack's Mum)

Speedy Pants by Made by Jack's Mum

sizes 6-12 months to 12 years

(I reviewed this pattern here)

This pattern includes both boxer and brief styles and is for sale, but also available for free when you sign up to their news letter. This pattern might also work as swimwear if made in suitable fabric. 

(image source: Small Dreamfactory)

Girl's Singlet by Small Dreamfactory

sizes approx. 9 months to 14 years

This is like an adorable kid's version of my free women's vest pattern! They recommend to use ribbing for the binding and straps, but I fancy trying it with some soft fold over elastic. I don't think the designer has intended this singlet exclusively for underwear/nightwear use, however it's style lends itself that way IMO. 

(image source: Treasurie)

DIY Bikini Bottoms by Treasurie

sizes 2 to 14 years

If your child has a bikini top that still fits them but the bottoms have got too small, or they need some bottoms to go with a rash vest, then this looks like a fun, quick sewing project to take on. This pattern could probably also function as the basis for regular undies. I might test this theory and if I do, I'll report back...

(image source: Small Dreamfactory)

Girl's Swimsuit by Small Dreamfactory

sizes approx. 3 to 16 years

I was recently given some small pieces of swimwear fabric and I am so excited to give this pattern a try! You could also add some ruffles to the front and/or back like Swiss army wife did here. 

(image source: Made By Jack's Mum)

Sandcastle Bucket Hat by Made By Jack's Mum

sizes newborn - XL adult (11 sizes)

This basic bucket hat pattern can be used to make a sunhat or rain hat, depending on your fabric choice. Plus I believe it's reversible as well, so you can have lots of fun using up all sorts of fabric scraps. You can access the print-at-home pattern and instructions PDFs in the files section of the MBJM Sewing Group on Facebook. Alternatively, you can add them to their cart on their site, but if you are in the UK or Europe, you will need an Etsy account to complete the transaction. 

(image source: Petit a Petit + Family)

UpRoot Apron by Petit a Petit + Family

5 sizes approx. 2/4 years - 16+ years

This fantastic-looking apron pattern has inseam pockets with colour blocking potential. The straps are adjustable so it should grow with your child for quite some time. I haven't downloaded this myself yet, but it looks simply enough to do so through their web shop, no sign ups required.

Lander Pants: 70s Style

Agh! My photographer (Mr SoZo) and I experienced a host of technical difficulties which has resulted in the colours in these photos being really weird. But, you know, when it takes as much luck and effort as it does to get a rare sunny day during the winter, clear sufficient space in the lounge and then placate the children long enough to take some photos, there's no way I'm going to retake them! Hopefully I'll get some more accurate pictures of these trousers during Me-Made-May later this year. 

70s style denim flared trousers are a real dream sewing project of mine. Until last year, I had a thrifted pair somewhat similar to these that were originally from Topshop. I wore them fairly regularly (pregnancies and weight fluctuation sometimes getting in the way) for about six years. Then, one day, I looked at my back view in the mirror. Oh bejeezus did they fit me badly around the bum! Even though they still felt comfy and were fine from the front, I just couldn't un-see what I had seen; the bubble was burst. Off they went to the charity shop. Ever since then, I have been plotting and scheming to make myself some replacement 70s style denim flares. 

(image source: Fabric Godmother)

Fabric: 

So what was the impetus to finally get to making these now? Well, my dream fabric landed in my lap. Well, not literally. It actually landed on a shelf at my fave fabric purveyor, Fabric Godmother. I have a very soft spot for denim in general, but this, THIS, is my one true love: broken twill denim. Seriously, I considered abusing my savings and buying the whole bolt. If you're not sure what broken twill denim is, basically, it's this: instead of the distinctive diagonal twill weave of regular denim, broken twill weave looks like zigzags (see below). Wrangler used broken twill denim a lot in the 70s, and many moons ago I found an amazing pair of vintage Wrangler jeans in a charity shop that I made into a denim mini skirt. I wore the living shizzle out of that skirt, and now that I think about it, I was wearing that skirt when I met Mr SoZo nearly eleven years ago! I digress...

(image source: Indiamart)

This broken twill denim that Fabric Godmother is currently stocking is a lovely mid-blue (in reality a bit darker than the pics of my denim trousers). It's 100% cotton and a medium-to-heavy weight, so suitably sturdy for the Lander pants pattern I planned to use. 

Pattern:

Of course, I am not the first to either make the True Bias Lander pants in denim, or to acknowledge this pattern's potential for realising your 70s denim flares fantasy. However, I did spend a sizeable amount of time researching 70s jeans pocket shapes and drafting what looked right to me (oh, and even longer positioning and repositioning them endlessly during construction!).  

This wasn't my first dalliance with the Lander pants pattern. Last year I made a very successful wearable toile of the shorts version. I spent a lot of time tweaking the pattern but used some random olive green twill in my stash that I wasn't mad about, so I really wasn't expecting to love or wear them as much as I did. 

What you won't have seen on any of my sosh medias is my second stab at this pattern. I had such high hopes for it, but the result was a massive pile of meh. I made the full length version in some navy suiting from my stash with metal buttons with little anchors on for the fly. I used the pattern's original front and back pockets, but rounded the corners for a slightly different take. Sounds alright, no? They weren't. The end result was so blah: disappointment levels were high. I forced myself to wear them a couple of times on the school run to see if I could warm to them, but no. I think the over arching problem lay with the fabric: they looked too office-wear, not cute naval officer as I'd hoped. And my doctoring of the pocket shapes hadn't been jazzy enough to elevate them. However, what they did teach me was that I could use a couple of additional tweaks to the pattern before embarking on another attempt.

The navy suiting pair taught me that I might have been a bit over zealous with my previous curving of the originally-straight waistband. I'd also been too heavy-handed by pinching out far too much from the back waist darts in my attempt to eliminate any sway back gaping. Somehow, the over-correction of these issues weren't really visible in my shorts version, but they became apparent in the full-length version. I sorted out those alterations before cutting into this beloved denim, and I feel that readdressing both was time well spent. 

Thoughts:

I love these trousers so much, and I'm so excited to see the denim age with wear and laundering. The fit is great and I've already worn them heaps. The higher waist of this pattern means that these work well with some of the garments, and in some outfit combos, that my low-rise Ginger jeans don't work so well with. And as the weather warms up, it'll be fun to discover new outfits to wear them in.   

If I were being hyper critical, I would point to two 'flaws'. You can't see the first here, but since these pics were taken, the buttons have shifted to the very edge of their buttonholes, resulting in a 1cm strip of the fly piece below now becoming visible. I thought I had positioned the buttons with due care, but I'm wondering if using a keyhole rather than regular buttonhole setting has contributed to this. Seriously though, I'm well aware that no one else in the world, aside from serious sewing nazis, would probably notice it.  

The second point that gives me slight pause is in regard to the fit through the leg. A lot of the vintage jeans I found images of were more fitted through the thigh, and flared out more from the knee. The Landers are fitted around the waist and hips and the leg shape is straight from the top of the thigh down to the ankle, which gives the illusion of a gradual flare starting at the top of the leg. This distinction is why I'd refer to these as denim trousers, rather than jeans. Someday I might scratch that itch with the Closet Case Patterns Ginger flared jeans expansion pack, but in the meantime, I'm sure I'll get much wear and joy from these.