Hatteras Hoodie, Mini Hudson Pants, School Bus Tee and Sunki Leggings- Active Wear for Matilda and Beatrix

I make no secret in the fact that I don't enjoy sewing knits.
However, I do subscribe to the theory of doing everything to the best of one's ability.
So I strive for the best finish possible.

Liddy is wearing a McCall's pattern, to be blogged.

We have just got back from a brilliant holiday.
Two weeks in Victoria.
The girls had some active play planned and new kit was required.

I made the girls Hatteras hoodies a few years back so I pulled the pattern out and drafted the larger sizes.
In retrospect, I should have measured the girls. I made the size 5 for Trixie (who is 4) and the size 10 for Tilly (10) and they are a bit snug.

The fabric is a black flecked tangerine unbrushed fleece I purchased from DK Fabric in Adelaide.
It's a stunning colour but I am a bit cross at how it is washing up. It was $25/m and has pilled on the first wash (even washing inside out).

I decided to line the hood with some stretch satin, leftover from the lining of Hugo's vest (also from Dk's, $16/m, but very nice quality)
I find it keeps hair neater.

The pattern talks you through binding the neck with self fabric but I prefer to use twill tape.

I also lined the kangaroo pocket.

Tilly version was sewn from a scrap of very fluffy (but quite rigid) brushed poly/cotton fleece from deep stash.
I sewed Hi-vis tape to the pocket for a sporty look AND extra safety.
A scrap of grey satin made the hood and kangaroo pocket at wee bit more luxurious and I bound the next with pink cotton webbing.
For a bit of fun, I stencilled the sleeves.
Although very cute it only just fits #childabusetop 

I pulled out the awesome Mini Hudson pants to make bottoms.

From 2m of the extra wide, rigid, black knit I purchased from #Elizasofsunshine, $3/m, I was able to #ninjacut a pair for Jed,Liddy, Tilly and Trixie!

Again with the Hi-Vis tape!
(Cheap shoelaces make great faux waist ties)
When I make the Hudsons I omit the waist channel to run a real waist tie.
I used ribbing for cuffs for Trixie's pink pair (a scrap of unbrushed cotton fleece from BullRush that bleeds like a stuck pig when washed, grrrr) but I used self fabric for the black pairs.
Bad idea, not enough ease and they are a bit tough to pull on and off.

As I was trying to make Tilly's legging from the scraps of Liddy's pair, my tried and true O+S Playtime leggings were not going to work.
I pulled out the Sunki leggings, which has a separate from and back leg, and, bonus, the size 8 was already drafted.
I added a wee stencil for fun.

A couple of black School Bus T-shirts ...

With Van Ikke transfers finish the look.

Perfect for after a swim in the heated pool at Horsham.

Rock climbing at Ballarat.

Tilly LOVED rock climbing.

Rollar skating at The Zone, Bendigo.

And mini golf, And go-karting...

The amusement arcade.

*Special thanks to Hugo, Zara and Elsa for taking them so I didn't have too*

And laser tag

A trip to Inflatable World.

*Special thanks to Lidia for taking her sisters*

At times a big family is a big blessing!
(Mumma doesn't like play centres)

And another swim at Ballarat Aquatic Centre.
(Momma does like swimming)

~My Verdict~
Okay... maybe I did have a BIT of fun sewing this stuff.
The girls looked so cute and it was fun to work with their existing sand shoes.
They got lots of compliments and Trixie wondering around with her hood on and her hands stuffed in her pockets just cracked us up #minithuglife 

~Tilly's Verdict~
I absolutely LOVE the satin in the hood and kangaroo pocket.
The hoodie and the leggings were very comfortable when rock climbing, roller blading,jumping around on inflatable toys,Go karting and doing laser tag.(Best holiday EVER right!)
It was very comfortable when running around as the satin would rub against me(In a good way) making a nice silky feeling on my neck. It was also very easy putting back on after a nice warm swim at the Horsham heated pool.
I could move very well when rock climbing too. 

 ~Trixie's Verdict~
I like both pants.
I played Laser tag with Hugo.
The silky hood feels like gold shiny and I like it.

I have the BEST children.

Thank you for reading... xx N