I finally got time to sew up the Gnome Jacket from Stitch Upon a Time. I’m so stinking chuffed with the result!! It’s looks so smart and professional I’m insanely proud of myself.
Sewing Pattern
I bought the Gnome Jacket sewing pattern from Stitch Upon a Time ages and ages ago. My kids needed a lightweight jacket and I have a big pile of lovely quality waterproof fabric that I inherited.
Before I found time to get started sewing up the jackets my children were each gifted a suitable jacket. So my sewing plans got pushed down my list of priorities.
I’m doing the 52 Week Sewing Challenge on Facebook. The basic idea is to sew a project every week. This week’s theme is outerwear. I love how this challenge motivates me to get on with those long neglected sewing projects!!
Digital Sewing Patterns
Digital sewing patterns are fantastic for kids clothes because you just print the size you want, no tracing or messing about trying to preserve the larger sizes of the pattern for using as your child grows.
They generally come with loads of different options and a wider size range than traditional paper sewing patterns. Most of the digital sewing patterns I own go all the way up to the teenage years.
If you are new to using digital sewing patterns take a look at this tutorial for simple steps to printing and assembling digital sewing patterns.
Fabric Choices
I’m using this beautiful waterproof fabric that I’ve inherited many, many years ago. I’ve been itching to sew it into a smart raincoat for years.
For the lining I had this lovely cotton, also from my inherited stash. The navy blue stripe is a perfect match for the navy of the waterproof fabric and the marine green adds a lovely touch of interest.
I’m loving this fabric combination so much I want to make an adult’s version for myself! It looks so stinking smart!!
I get most of my fabric from Minerva Crafts. They have a great selection and very reasonable prices.
Sewing Thread
I use Coats Moon Thread for all of my sewing projects. It’s a fantastic all rounder great for machine sewing, hand sewing, quilting and top stitching. Best of all it’s fantastic value. I use it for literally everything!
I buy it in bulk and put the surplus in my Etsy shop. There’s loads of colours to choose from.
Money Saving Tip
Grey sewing thread shows up the least on most colours of fabric. Invest in large spools of grey thread which is cheaper than buying lots of different colours in smaller spools. It will also save you time because you won’t have to change your thread so often.
Sewing the Gnome Jacket
The Gnome Jacket has loads of different options. For this sewing project I’ve chosen the plain back as I’m sewing this for my Little Dude. I’ve gone for the more masculine slashed pockets instead of the gathered patch pockets which I think look more feminine. The turned up sleeves are just too cute not to include. I also opted to make the zipper fly. I figured that this would help to make the jacket a little more waterproof.
Little Dude has a lightweight waterproof jacket for this coming spring so I’ve made it to fit him next year. I’d have liked a 4 – 5 Years but the 4 – 6 years was the closest size. I guess it’s not exactly fitted and with the turned up cuffed sleeve it should fit over the two sizes.
I sewed the Gnome Jacket according to the pattern instructions.
In future I’d leave the top stitching on the slash pockets until the very end. I’ve stitched over the original line of top stitching to seal the pocket lining. I think the instructions only have the pocket lining stitched along the side seam. My kids like to collect “treasures” and I’ve got visions of pine cones, conkers and goodness knows what floating about inside the lining of the jacket!! So I made sure the pockets were stitched all around to contain those “treasures”.
The pockets are still huge!! I can fit my entire hand in them, totally comfortably. My kiddos will love them. I was going to sew Little Miss a version of this jacket with the more feminine patch pockets but I think she’ll appreciate these giant pockets as much as her brother.
I do hope my sewing project has inspired you to have a go at sewing clothes for the Little Dude in your own life.
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I do hope my Gnome Jacket sewing project has inspired you to have ago at sewing your own kids jackets.
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A Little Bit About Me . . .
Hey there I’m Bridie, a busy mum to two amazing humans, a spirited border collie puppy and a pair of sweet guinea pigs. We homestead in a cherished Edwardian terrace in not so sunny Lancashire, England.
When I’m not spending time with my children and menagerie, I’m usually to be found in my craft room creating and blogging or in the kitchen cooking up a big batch of something tasty. I’m always looking for thrifty hacks to save money on my crafts and recipes. Crafting doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
I sew with a lot of free patterns, repurposed fabrics and thrifty hacks. I’m always on the look out for deals and ways to cut the cost of sewing.
I’ve included links to my favourite retailers for the products I’ve used to make my crafts. Click on any of the product images and links for full details. If you decide to buy any of these products I may get a small percentage of what you spend. There’s no cost to you at all.
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