A first attempt at Sewing Training Pants

Well my darling daughter who is coming up 2 in January, is starting to show signs of being ready to Toilet Train!!! Although with a new baby in the house we will hopefully be waiting a few months yet. Anyway there is no way she would fit the training pants I had for her big brother as she is a tiny 12kg compared to her brothers 16kg at TT, so here began my dilemma, to purchase some more, or make some.

Well the creative juices started flowing as I struggled to find some to buy that were still practical and that would fit (and of course not to costly). Now I am not the most creative person, so went looking for a pattern online, the one I decided to try was the Wee Weka - Side Snap training pants. I am not a great sewer and am really just learning, but found the pattern and instructions easy to follow.

I made a few modifications to the pattern, by only having the waterproof PUL under the absorbent pad, as opposed to the whole thing. It was also my first time using Fold over Elastic (FOE) and one leg ended up tighter than the other, but all in all not a bad result. The thing I like about these is that they are like real 'knickers' but have the advantage of snaps which make them much easier to remove in case of an accident.

The Trainers all snapped up and ready to pull on.

Inside

Outside

The only problem I found is that it was way to big for my little girl and in fact fitted my 3 1/2 year old much better. This may have just been the way I made it, as this pattern has had many great reviews. Anyway I am now feeling brave enough to attempt to create my own pattern, that will hopefully fit her petite frame and still be functional. I will post again to let you know the results.

I am also looking to create some other items as well, have been thinking bibs, blankets, wipes etc. Do you have any ideas?? What do you love to sew?

MIA

I have been MIA for the last few months..... things just got a bit crazy. So whats new.... Well my beautiful baby boy is now a month old. His big brother and sister are absolutely in love with him, constantly giving him kisses and cuddles. I am also just lovng him to bits.

We have also put our house on the market, as we have found a place we like in the country with some land. So the last few weeks have been filled with Banks, Lawyers and Real Estate Agents. We have had a major cleanout in the house. A whole truckload in fact, gone off to storage. Feeling the pressure somewhat with two toddlers and a newborn in tow, as it makes it almost impossible to keep the house tidy.

A most noteable change in my household since my last posts is the purchase of a breadmaker, so I am now making (and aiming to maintain) making at least 90% of my bread, rather than buying. I have found a 50/50 wholemeal/white loaf that the whole family is liking. But would love to branch out a bit more and try some different recipes.

Have you got any great Bread Recipes to try?


What I'm reading this week?

Penniless Parenting - A great blog from a mum, who is making the most of what she has, some great articles and recipes. A really great read.

What are you reading this week? Do you have any great sites you recommend?