Racerback tank for a birthday baby

I had a deadline to sew and send this little tank top. I love making gifts for others--especially kids--because they're quick and not usually big critics. I have a niece who just turned one a few days after Ani's birthday, and I made her this DOLI racerback tank top for the upcoming summer. Hence the blinding neon colors.

I saw this adorable LouBeeClothing pattern on pinterest about a year ago, and quickly pinned it to my Make Do and Mend pin board, where all my future craft projects (a bit unrealistic, I know, but I'm a dreamer) go until I can get to them. Awhile back, I had won an Ottobre giveaway, and gained a ton of beautiful jersey knit prints, this fruit pattern included. The ribbing, too, was a gift in their package, and I really enjoyed working with it. I don't think I've ever seen ribbing in the fabric store, or at least I had never been on the lookout for it.

I've made just a few pieces of children's clothing, and this was my first time making a jersey knit item. The stretchiness wasn't as scary, though I did make quite a few mistakes. I still enjoyed the process and am happy with how it turned out. For someone who is useful with an interlock machine, this might look incredibly handmade. That's okay. It was my first project, and for forgetting to swap out my needle for a ballpoint needle, it turned out better than was expected. I hope it holds up for my niece.

The pattern is designed to leave big gaping armholes for airflow and a longer back than the front. The size was for 12-18 months. This little one will be 18 months (or thereabouts) in the summer, so hopefully she'll stay cool in the Nebraska humidity when she wears it. I will say, it's a tad cuter than the pictures allow. I was on a time crunch and I am just not used to that darn iphone yet.

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What is the last handmade gift you created, or received?

Comments

Kerri said…

Looks fabulous! Good job. Especially without the jersey needle. :)

March 6, 2014 at 10:00 PM

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