A Pattern-Free Summer: Homemade Pull-Ups

The twins are around that all-fun potty training age. Little Bits has no desire whatsoever to even try. Miss Mommy, on the other hand, pretty much self potty trained herself before she was two. I went to the store and was appalled by the price of pull-ups. (I'm sure we have all been at one time or another.) And like every other crafter, I said to myself, "I can make that!" So I did. I bought PUL (waterproof) fabric and used old t-shirts to make a few pairs. They work great! I used 2 layers of fleece inside of the lining to absorb. I found a free pattern and tutorial for undies here: Easy-On Potty Training Pants. I found this pattern to be a little small for my girls so I altered it a bit to make them bigger.

I found this adorable butterfly PUL at Hobby Lobby and used my coupon, making my 1/2 yard only $4. I used old t-shirts that I had laying around but you could pick up some thrifted ones for cheap. I think that I estimated that I could get 10 pairs out of the 1/2 yard of PUL. So, including the elastic for the waistband, I will have spent less than $10 for 10 pair of reusable homemade pull-ups. Not bad at all!

A Pattern-Free Summer: Rompers!

Tell me, what screams summertime and little girls better than a romper? I've seen them all over and I can't help but ooh and aww over every single one. I found a pretty simple tutorial for one at makeit-loveit here: Little Girl Romper. It has pleats on the front but don't be intimidated, they are easier than they look.

A Pattern-Free Summer: Cinch Skirt

My dear middle child has the unfortunate problem of being built like a line backer, and she is a girl. She is not chubby but is broad and solid as a rock. That makes finding clothes a bit of a challenge for us. It doesn't help that she is extremely particular, especially with pants. She loves skirts though and that is an easy solution for us because we don't have to worry about inseams bothering her.
I found this adorable Paris fabric at Hobby Lobby and just had to buy some. When I got it home I realized that a white skirt was a bad idea. You could see right through it. I remembered coming across this tutorial and thought it would be perfect: The "It's a Cinch" Skirt. It was quick and easy and oh so cute.

The Apple Dress Updated

Do you remember this cute dress we made last year? Find it here: The Apple Dress

It's hard to believe how much my girls have grown in a year. I pulled out our dresses and now they work as shirts. I think it is even more incentive to make this dress, knowing that it can be used again.

Isn't it just cute? I got twin #2 to cooperate for me too!

A Pattern-Free Summer: Flutter Sleeve Peasant Top

I recently came across this tutorial and just had to make it: Flutter Sleeve Peasant Top. I whipped it up in just an afternoon. I will definitely be making more of these. They are adorable and so easy to make.

Look at this goofy girl who loves to pose. Every time I sew both twins beg me to "measure you" and "take my picture." These moves are all her own.

A Pattern-Free Summer: Band and Bow Shorts

Ah! Aren't these just the cutest?! I altered the pattern I drafted for the bloomers I made in a previous post. I made the legs bubble out and then gathered them on the outsides at the band. The band is yellow chevron on the inside. It has pockets too. Since I put pockets in the knit dress my girls want pockets in everything. I have no link for this one. I came up with the plan laying in bed unable to sleep one night (how I often come up with ideas). I may have to make a tutorial for this one some day. Maybe when I make another pair, because there will definitely be another pair.

A Pattern-Free Summer: Fancy Tank

While going through the girls' clothes I realized they had no sleeveless shirts. I got the idea for this adorable tank from Project Run & Play. I LOVE that website! The tank was created by {lbg studio}. Go check it out! I love the colors and accessories she used. The challenge on Project Run & Play was to remix one of my favorites, The Party Dress, by The Cottage Mama. The tutorial for the button placket is found here. The bloomers are a pattern that I drafted from a pair of the girls' pants.

 I'm not super thrilled with how the placket turned out. I think I made mine too narrow. I'm not a big fan of the clear buttons either. Now I know for the next time.

 I had enough fabric to make a matching outfit for my other little one.

I would suggest marking the sizes on your clothing. You never know if you may need to know later on. Also, I tend to notice my clothing being worn backwards when I don't dress the girls. I like to print little tags like these. Hmm, I see another tutorial in the future. ;)

Here they are! I actually got my little stinker to stand still for a photo. Aren't they just the cutest? They say fraternal twins tend to be very competitive. I would agree! They do love each other though, and some days they are so sweet to each other.

I love how the tank almost has a peplum look to it.

A Pattern-Free Summer: Knit Dress Updated

I just had to post a photo of the second dress. Ah! I think they are the cutest. Since I have twins I have to have two of everything. I would take a picture of my little chipmunk modeling the dress but it's hard to get a picture of a non-stop moving object. The last time I tried to get twin #2 to model for me she wouldn't stop jumping up and down. So plan to see a lot of twin #1. She LOVES to model.

A Pattern-Free Summer: Knit Dress

Our pattern-free summer continues with this adorable knit dress. I bought two large adult t-shirts at Goodwill for about $3. I had enough to make two dresses. I followed this tutorial: comfy knit dress tutorial. It was easy to follow and quick to sew. As you can see, the pockets are one of our favorite features.

A Pattern-Free Summer: Reversible Tunic and Bloomers

This year I am trying something new. I am going to make my little girls' wardrobe without using any patterns. I am only going to use tutorials or make my own patterns.
Here is the first outfit.

The bloomers I made by tracing a pair of the twins' leggings. For the tunic I used this tutorial: reversible summer tunic.
I love that the tunic is reversible. It's also very easy to make but oh so cute.

I've got some cute outfits planned so stay tuned!