potty training can look cute (even it it's not)

So the other day I got really inspired to potty train. Well, Cadie kept taking off her diaper. And I got the itch to sew. And I found a cute pattern. And a few hours later we had these:

There is actually one more pair with turquoise blue trim, but well, it was in the washer. After searching the web for free and paid pdf patterns (instant download = yay!) I settled on this one by Ladder Hill Designs.

To be sure, I am very pleased with this pattern. Honestly, I think this version (pic from the Ladder Hill website) made with fabric waistband and legbands is cuter, but I have a huge stash of fold over elastic from an unnamed crafting bargain site I'm addicted to so I decided to use it. Plus she is pretty specific that the waistband/legband fabric must have spandex in it and since I wasn't sure about the fabric in my fabric cupboard I didn't want to risk making droopy drawers.

Funny that the pattern author and I both like Patty Young fabric. I just noticed that.

Anyway, she provides sooo many different options with this pattern that even though I dislike expensive patterns, I don't regret spending $7.95. Beside the waistband vs. elastic trim options, you can use snaps (or not for pull-ups like I made), or even make regular underwear without the soaker inside. Chloe is asking for those now.

Sooo, in conclusion, no potty training success yet except in cuteness. If only that were enough.

Review of the Newsboy Hat Pattern by Butterfly Tree

I've been so busy lately that I haven't been able to think about working on my own notebook full of designs, but I still crave sewing, so I've tried out a few other pdf patterns. Here's one I found in an etsy shop called Butterfly Tree. Cute name and very cute patterns. I bought this pattern with the intention of sewing one for myself, but when my Chloe saw the pictures she wanted one immediately. But I had ordered the adult size pattern, not the kids! Luckily (maybe...) when I measured her head I found that she needed the adult size medium. Yeah, it's not the pattern's fault. My kids just have large heads. I need an adult size L and my husband could fit the XL.

As you can see, it turned out soo cute. And she loves it.

Her baby sister loves it too. Here is the reverse side. Oh, did I forget to mention it's reversible?

This is one of the better-written pdf patterns I've purchased (some have been questionable, to say the least). All of the instructions are very clear -- I have just a few tips to add... 

First, cutting that 2" band on the bias is NOT optional. For some reason, I understood it to be optional and since I had just scraps of this red and pink fabric left, I didn't cut the band on the bias. It didn't go on right (to be more exact, it didn't stretch enough) and I almost despaired because it was too short. But then I realized that a piece of bias trim might substitute nicely. I went through my stash of bias trim and found this red stuff that just needed to be re-ironed to work. Not bad, huh?

Second, every time I stitched the hat lining to the brim my stitches showed up on the outside. You'll come to this near the end of the pattern. I'm not sure if that's intentional (to look something like topstitching) or if that's my fault, but it happened on both hats I made and it's not exactly neat looking. If I make it again I will definately just hand-stitch the lining to the brim. I don't mind handstitching in small instances like this.

I made a hat for myself too (and I love it) but since I was the lone photographer that day, no pictures of it yet. Maybe soon :)