Friday, April 3, 2015

Sneaky Lunchbox

Our school has a school uniform policy.
But it can be tweaked
Liddy's was turning 11 and requested a new school uniform as the sewn portion of her gift.
This coincided with me being given a huge stash of sewing stuffs which included 5+ metres of pale blue pique knit!

She loves her Music Class shirt but was after a summery version and she wanted some navy bottoms that would suit active play.
We both liked the look of the Lunchbox culottes 
 As Liddy is quite broad across the shoulders, I made her a size 12 in the blouse and added an extra 2 inches to the hem.
I used a double row of topstitching to encourage the seams to sit nicely and to play up the 'sports wear' feel.
I chose the gathering method at the back yoke rather then the pin tucks.
I initially sewed the tuck into the sleeve cap but it wasn't working with the bulky nature of the knit, so I gathered it.
In hindsight I think I could have just eased it to fit.
As Lidia is so slim, I cut the size 8 in the culottes with the length of a size 12.
The medium weight stable cotton/poly knit worked very well. Just a nice amount of drape and no ironing required!
The culottes are a good sew. Neat flat front waist and pockets that sit beautifully.
You could slip some sneaky Liberty in there.
I still had to pull the elastic quite tightly in the size 8. I would say these had a generous fit.
A very sweet, easy care sneaky school uniform.
Neat and tidy untucked
Or tucked.
Very neat and tidy!
Happy Birthday darling girl.
at

12 comments:

  1. KarenApril 3, 2015 at 3:46 AM

    What a comfortable and sporty 'sneaky uniform'! Liddy's clothes fit her so well and look so good because you alter the patterns to fit her perfectly. She looks lovely in her new uniform. (Her hair looks beautiful, too.) I had to wear a pale blue shirtwaist dress with a full skirt, emblem of the school on the pocket, dark blue belt, and a BEANIE while in elementary school! I hated that uniform and often 'lost' my beanie. You make your girls the most beautiful uniforms with lovely little surprises like liberty linings and facings. You are a 'wonder mama'. That last picture is one of the most adorable you have ever posted. Love the hats, dolls, and sweet smiles.

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  2. DebApril 3, 2015 at 4:57 AM

    The shirt and culottes not only look comfortable to wear but also professionally made.
    Can't believe Liddy is turning 11!!!

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    1. motherof5April 3, 2015 at 10:26 PM

      Thank you Deb.
      I really struggle with knits so that is most appreciated
      xx N

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  3. MashaApril 3, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    Happy Birthday Liddy! She is growing so fast.

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    1. motherof5April 3, 2015 at 10:27 PM

      Thank you Masha, she is growing up to be a gorgeous girl.
      xx N

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  4. Inder-ificApril 3, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    These are fantastic - I remember when culottes were in style the first time around and have no negative associations with them at all! I thought they were terrifically practical for playing on the playground and running around, and thought I looked pretty good in them too. I was only 7 or something, after all! Ha. Anyway, I think it's about time they came back, and both Maggie and I need a pair.

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    1. motherof5April 3, 2015 at 10:30 PM

      I had a pair of culottes and I loved them! The only problem was I would run my cutting stool over the leg when I was doing a taper haircut.
      xx N

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  5. colesworthApril 6, 2015 at 7:01 PM

    F still won't wear shorts. She has a pair of school culottes, so I'm thinking of making her up a shortened version of these. Have some purpley chambray earmarked. Love this sneaky uniform ;o)

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  6. motherof5April 7, 2015 at 1:27 AM

    Thanks Colette.
    Liddy loves them as they make her feel pretty but she can play actively.
    xx N

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  7. Kristin at SunnySewing.comApril 8, 2015 at 6:33 AM

    Happy belated birthday to her! Such a cute outfit. I love how the bottoms look like a skirt but aren't :D

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  8. motherof5April 10, 2015 at 1:04 AM

    Thank you so much Kristin, they are perfect for Liddy, girly but practical.
    xx N

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