The last month has been very hectic but we have finally settled into our new home here in Middle River. February was a month of extremes with lots of snow and the occasional rain squall roaming through. The days now are getting longer and the weather has finally settled to more springlike conditions. Time to start seeds in preparation for spring planting.
I have been making this style of pants for a few years now. I have never given them a name and I do not have a pattern for these. No one pair is alike as I decide on the finished pants according to the sweater or shirt. I just cut and sew.
Hopefully I can show you all just how I make these. Enjoy and have fun.
First, measure the inseam of the pants you already use for your baby. If you want the inseam longer, add an inch. My boy is 7 months and his inseam is around 9″.
These style of pants are made with the arms of a sweater or shirt. I am using a wool sweater for this tutorial. Cut off the arms at the top so you have as much material to work with as possible.
First, line up both arms, one on top of the other. I align the seam in the arms to the inside of the legs. Start with the “inseam” measurement and make a mark with your scissors or pin of what will become the inside crotch area . As shown above!
For the rise (length of measurement above the inseam) I add about 8″ giving me a total of 16″. [ for my 7 month old I make the total inseam and rise length between 16" and 18"] I then cut a curve from the previous inseam mark to not quite the center of the top of the arm piece. As shown above!
Next the center crotch Panel…..
Take the off-cuts from the arms and line them up. Cut away the bottom scrap. With the pieces still lined up try to cut as large a rectangle as you can to create your crotch panels. You can decide how wide you want your center to be.
Take the 2 pieces and serge them together at one end to make your crotch panel.
Now take one leg panel and line up the seam of the crotch panel to the inseam of the leg and pin into place. Pin the crotch panel into place along each side of the cutout in the leg. Don’t worry if the panel is a bit shorter or longer at the top as this will be trimmed even later..
Serge the panel to the leg piece. Then go through the same process for the opposite leg. Hopefully the photos shown above will help you see the steps.
I am using the turtle neck portion of this sweater for the waistband. If you do not have this in your sweater, cut out a panel from your sweater or from another.
I like my waistband at least 2″ high or higher. This is cut with a 4″ height so when I fold it, I get 2″. Make sure the waistband is the same length as the opening at the top of your longies.
Pin the waistband to the top of your longies.You can add a wide elastic inside at this point if you need one.
Serge them together, and your longies are finished.
Outside our window: An ocean of green.
I am thinking: When was the last time Tracey or I had a full nights sleep? 210 days ago give or take a few hours!
I am listening to: Shuffling feet on the floor upstairs as the kids get settled in for the evening
I am creating: A small clearing in the forest for our home.
I am thankful for: The Bug Net Hoodie that I have, so I am able work outside with the bazillions of black-flies.
From the kitchen: Silence
Around the house: Open windows to allow fresh cool evening air to circulate.
A Moment in Time:
Outside our window: Warm Spring sunshine beaming through the trees , robins chirping and two Sap Suckers doing a courtship dance in the maple tree.
I am thinking: This mild weather will bring out the mosquitoes and blackflies soon.
I am hoping: I can get everything done that I have planned for the summer months ahead.
I am listening to: The croaking of frogs echoing through the trees behind the house.
I am creating: An image in my mind of the house I will build for us this summer.
I am thankful for: The care and passion Hanna and Liam show towards others.
From the kitchen: The smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, as big as saucers …. thanks Mama!
Around the house: The never ending dust bunnies slowly forming under the beds and in the undisturbed corners of every room, patiently awaiting their fate to the vacuum cleaner later this week.
A moment in time:
Outside our window: A light dusting of spring snow on the ground and fog rolling up through the field.
I am thinking: It is time to start more seeds.
I am hearing: Silas stirring in his crib and Mama sewing upstairs in her studio.
I am hoping: The sun will come out and brighten up this day.
I am listening to: The melt water running down the gutters outside.
I am creating: Dust and shavings as I cut through this piece of wood.
I am thankful for: Our home, my wonderful and passionate partner and our kids …. EVERYTHING!
From the Kitchen: The aroma of fresh brewed coffee gently drifts into the other rooms.
Around the House: I should clean up a bit and finally build that shelf we need for the soaps.
A Moment in Time:
We have more Wool wraps in my Etsy shop. I love making these. Organic wool Melton on the outside with recycled wool on the inside. Fun wool felt silhouettes on the back, makes these so cute and unique.
Don’t miss out on a wool cover… but if you do, I can customize one for you. These come in the size 1 or size 2 cover.
A great fit, soft inside wool with amply snaps.
