Handmade Christmas

I would love to believe that I could do all handmade things for Christmas, but with a toddler, a husband and a full time job let’s be honest, I’m lucky I can do handmade anything! I did, however, get one project finished so far in my efforts to create some handmade goodness. I’ve also purchased quite a bit from Etsy, so I feel like I’m sort of keepin’ it real. Last night I finished the Oliver + S Sunday Brunch jacket and skirt for Elise. I love this pattern. I’ve loved it even more since I saw this posted on Craftzine forever ago. What better time to get around to making it than Christmas?

First, I had to choose my fabrics. When I originally decided to make this pattern I wanted to use the MoMo Wonderland Twill but..ha! good luck finding it. So I opted for my second choice, Robert Kaufman corduroy as I’ve read it’s super soft. The internet doesn’t lie, it is indeed very soft. I also went for the pink/brown medallions from Flea Market Fancy. I know, crafting world, I can’t believe I cut into my FMF stash either.

I made the skirt first, and it went together fast and easy. The pattern was very simple, and I love the front pockets and back elastic waist. The skirt took about 2 hours, which includes cutting time and time to stop and watch TV as I’m prone to distractions. Also since I work nights, I’m often up late sewing and I had to wait for my daughter to wake up so I could determine the hem and if I had enough elastic.

Then it was jacket time. Note to self and everyone else, pay attention to your pattern pieces. Even if there aren’t pictures on the pattern, pay attention to the pieces themselves. Also, don’t try to sew this pattern when you’re dead tired. You’ll confuse yourself and end up becoming very close friends with your seam ripper. However, in the end I was very pleased with the incredible cuteness of this jacket. I can’t wait to put it on Elise!

I purchased some very cute fabric covered buttons from Please Eloise, even though they were slightly larger than I needed. The pattern calls for four 5/8″ buttons, but since when do I follow the rules? I used two 7/8″ buttons instead and love them just the same. Even better, I still have 3 fabric covered buttons to use on another project!

After a few headaches, a million seams ripped, one episode of NFL Red Zone and a few George Lopez’s I have a finished project which I love. For the record, my husband loathes the competing patterns and keeps saying things like, “the jacket would look better with a solid skirt”. He wears jeans with either black, gray or navy blue shirts every day because he’s fashion retarded. Elise can totally rock this.