Friday, September 24, 2010

Baby patterns

I'm constantly on the look out for babies to make cute vintage clothing for. I mean, how could you not want to make these things? 


They're too cute and you can whip them up in 15 minutes with half a yard of fabric. How could you not want to make them all the time. Right? Right? 

Just be careful when ordering vintage baby patterns. A lot of patterns that look like newborn patterns are actually for dolls. While these outfits would work for preemies, your going to have to size them up if you want to use them for standard size newborns. Luckily if the envelope is in good shape it's pretty easy to tell the difference. Most newborn patterns will say "one size" for their sizing. Doll patterns will sometimes say "Doll" or they will often give a measurement such as "12 inch" or "16 inch." (Often times the illustrations will be creepy looking as well.) 



Simplicity 3043 is my personal favorite baby pattern and must have been a pretty popular design because you can find these everywhere. Actually I kind of get tired of seeing the patterns on the internet, but on the other hand I don't think I've ever seen anyone other than me make up one of these sweet little dressing robes or bibs. 


Well this time I finally found a baby to sew for. Eleanor over at Unfamiliar Ceiling is expecting! I met Eleanor through the Ruby Shorts experience and have followed and enjoyed her blog ever since. So congrats to her and her hubby. I'm making a few baby things for the newborn whether she likes it or not. 

8 comments:

Marie said...

These are so cute! I've been looking for baby patterns everywhere as a couple of couples in my family are expecting. Can't seem to find any as cute as yours though...any suggestions/tips as to where to shop?

Nancy said...

Marie, I got all my baby patterns in big boxed lots from estate sales or auctions. For an individual pattern your best bet is to go to places like etsy or ebay and run a search for "vintage baby patterns" or "vintage newborn patterns." I think Cemetarian has some baby patterns right now as well.

Anonymous said...

Oooh! I love that Simplicity pattern! I had things like that for Miss Friday when she was wee.

Myra said...

Cute ones, the 1st was reissued by Simplicity. As a note, I have made them for my last child, and I find baby patterns to run a bit large for a normal newborn, more like 3-6 mo range. And it usually takes me more than 15 minutes to make anything :) But with 4 kids and a husband who works from home, I rarely get time to sew uninterrupted.

Marie said...

Thanks Nancy, I'll give it a go!

Laura said...

I have a confession to make--I love 'em, too. But I'm in love with the ones that came with embroidery transfers that take three times as long as a regular one!

Alyssa said...

Feel free to make a gift for my cousin's baby, *wink*. His first birthday is in October and I have yet to start anything. It might be a vest or hat, just like I did for my nephew since I am familiar with the patterns and sizing isn't so much an issue.

Nancy said...

Myra: Yeah. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I will never sew when I finally have kids. I can barely find the time for it as it is... let alone if I have to worry about little ones running about.

Bratling: Yeah... I don't embroider. That takes waaaaay more time than I'd be willing to invest in anything. I'm an instant gratification type of gal.

Lisette: I don't have many 1-2 year old patterns, but don't think I wouldn't make something if I did.