Enid's, Sunbonnet for a toddler!

 This little sun bonnet features ina few of the Enid books.

This is the first time I have made it.

I was inspired to have a go after seeing Tab's version

The drafting was easy.

The piecing was a little of a challenge, I've never been fond of sewing curves.

 My tip with this one is PIN PIN PIN or hand baste the brim to the crown.

This has a lovely wide brim and a little flap at the back to cover the neck.

It opens out for easy ironing (if you iron!)

 It adjusts as the back to fit for a long time.

And ties under the neck for those little ones who hate wearing hats.

 Heather was happy to wear this bonnet for about 3 minutes.

 She had to struggle a little to get it off.

 But she was determined!

And finally managed to pull it off.

Vintage frock, designed by Enid, sewn by me

 I spent the day sewing.

I made three outfits today. 

Another culottes for Lilly, a jumpsuit for Rose and a dress for Fern.

My back is sore, I forgot to get up and stretch.

 Book: Ten to Teens

Pattern: Jumpsuit

 Fabric: Poly cotton from the Oppie

Made For: Rose

 Book: Dresses for Your Daughter

Simple Pattern with Variations.

 I even added the flower pocket detail as Enid designed.

I added the winged sleeves, flared skirt and collar.

The fabric I found at the op shop.

.This dress came together beautifully.

Fern loves it.

 A real vintage pattern and the fabric is probably as old.

There was an option to add a gathered skirt but I think the flared one looks nicer.

 My little vintage girls

I Love Enid! Culottes for Lilly

 I spent the morning jamming plums, baking homemade sausage rolls and making trifle.

 But I had that bored, restless feeling. 

That can only be soothed with a good crafting project.

I spen a happy hour browsing my Enid collection.

Looking for something I've not made before.

 I drafted up the pattern.

Then searched through the piles and piles and piles of fabrics,

looking for something just right.

Not too heavy, not too light. 

Not too dull, not too bright. 

Not too plain, not too fussy.

 I'm not sure who gave me this fabric or which Op-shop I bought it from.

But it's perfect!

 I made the culottes almost just as Enid said.

Next time I'll leave out the zip in the side,

as Lilly had no problem getting into the culottes with the zip fastened.

 The perfect little outfit for my tomboyish little girls.

No showing your knickers when you jump on the trampoline, 

climb the gate or  over the fence.

The buttons came from the op-shop.

The Auction ends tomorrow at 9pm!

Sorry I had to change the time to keep it in line with the other auctions.

I'm pretty excited to be able to be apart of this fabulous fundraiser.

Toni is estimating we will raise over $45,000

Isn't that amazing, every little amount sure does help.

Baby's Sunsuit From Play Clothes by Enid

 I've not made this one before.

After seeing THIS and THIS version by Vicki I had to give it a go.

 To avoid forgetting to add seam allowance when cutting. 

I find it easiest to draft the seam allowances onto the pattern before I cut it out.

A french curve and quilters ruler make drafting a lot eaiser.

 I'm using a pillowcase to make Heather's Sunsuit.

 I bought a pair for $1 at the op shop.

The other I made into a peasant Dress.

I made the dress too long so shortened it with a tuck.

Yep, it's crooked.

 And here's the sunsuit all sewn up.

I followed Enid's instructions

 I think she likes it.

 It's a nice fit too

Pattern: Baby's Sunsuit

Book: Play Clothes

Size: 9 to 18 months

Fabric: Pillowcase

More Enids

 This is one of my favorites, I think I say that for most of the Enid's I've made.

Book: Play Clothes (Pink Cover)

Design: Overalls For Crawling.

 I found this printed drill at the Op-shop in Pirie

There was just enough to cut the overalls out, I had to piece the facing.

 Enid's pattern are all drafted for cloth nappies. so lots of room for clothie bums

 I've lost count of the number of times I've made this one.

So simple so cute and so cool.

Book: Sewing is Simple

Design: Girl's top and Pantie set

 Thsi little top has a lovely swing to it.

 I added two snaps to the back instead of a single button.

Using snaps makes this little top reversible.

Enid was such a gifted designer.

I can spend hours just flicking through my collection.

Which I think is complete now!

I like to keep all my Enid sewing together.

I'm going to copy this post to my Enid Blog.

Inspired By Enid

There is also a group Blog For Enid Fans.

Enid Inspired

Both blogs have been a little neglected of late.

Another Enid Wrap Skirt

Another Enid wrap skirt.

This time I left the straps off.

It's a very quick little skirt to make up.

I like this is reversible made this way.

I'm sure this skirt will quickly be passed down to Lilly  as it is a little on the short side.

As suggested by a couple of the Crafty Mamas. I turned the skirt around so the wrap is at the front.

The pattern is pretty easy to scale up to make a bigger version too.

Enid - Wrap around skirt

I'm an Enid Fan.

I have an Enid Blog over here... Inspired by Enid

For those who have only recently begun reading my blog I'll fill you in.

Enid Gilchrist for four decades designed clothing patterns. 

Her magazines were published for home sewers to draft and make clothing.

A few generations of Australian children were dressed in mummy made clothes using Enid's designs.

I think I now have a complete collection of her magazines. 

I need to update my Enid Blog with the new additions.

I'm that much of a fan, I once rang her son and had a lovely chat about his mother's work.

He was a model for many of his mother's creations.

Today I got a little sewing time in and drafted a skirt for Lilly.

It's a little old fashioned and still kind of cute.

Enid designed her patterns with measurements to use for drafting.

It was her own unique drafting system.

Very easy to do with a little practice.

Most designs start with a central vertical line off which you mark the vertical measurements and lines off. There are guide lines to help you draw the curves.

Enid's earlier books used woven fabrics as stretch fabrics weren't available.

I used some corduroy to make this skirt and lined it with chambray.

It's actually the skirt on the front of this magazine, but not as short and the straps are longer.

I really like the way it fastens at the back and it's so easy to make.

I think when I make this again I'll get rid of the straps.

Now I'm off to cross post this on my Enid Blog

Enid Gilchirst baby gown

I made this gown all the way back in July.
Now I have my model!

Isn't she beautiful?
I love old fashioned baby gowns.
Now I have my girl I need to make a few more of these gowns.
So cool too on a day like today!
It was 44C here today.

This is nice and loose.
It opens with snaps at the back and is very easy to dress Heather in.
You can't buy beautiful gowns like this in the shops.
It's all stretch fabrics these days, very easy care.

Heather is a very sleepy baby.
I was trying to wake her for a feed while In Port Pirie today.
Not even a cold, wet face washer was going to budge her from her nap!

Babies first gown

Pattern: Baby's first Gown
Book: Baby Book
Fabric: Fine poplin.
Embellishment: Embroidered Lazy Daisies.

Construction Details:

• French seams.
• Bodice is gathered to a yoke.
• Raglan sleeves
• Binding at neck.
• Hand hemmed.
• Shirred at wrists.
• Grown on facings which I interfaced with iron on interfacing.
  
• Snaps at Center back.

This design is in many of the baby books.