Tuesday, July 30, 2013

McCalls 5353 -- Baby Sunsuit and Hat

With my daughter making all these baby gifts, I decided to get in on the action, too.  It's been awhile since I had the time or the inclination to make something for a baby.  I have made baby gowns in the past, but they were usually from heirloom-style patterns. This is the first time I've made baby clothes from a mainstream commercial pattern.

I chose McCalls 5353, mainly because I love the criss-cross back.  I remember my sister and I wearing little outfits like this (mine was a turquoise dotted swiss, if my memory is correct:).

I made the size small.  Unfortunately, I did not read the sizing information in detail, or I would have noticed that a size small is for an infant that weighs 13-15 lbs.  Oh well, the baby will have to grow into this one.

I used two matching cotton fabrics from Joann:  purple with white polka dots and white with purple polka dots.  I sandwiched white rickrack between the layers rather than sewing the rickrack directly on top per the pattern photo (although I think it could look cute with the rickrack on top, and it would be a little easier;)
The most fiddly part was that hat.  I am not the best at reading the line drawings on patterns, so I'm not sure if I did everything exactly right.  However, it's finished and hopefully will work.

Here's a view of the back (my favorite feature):
Since I had enough fabric I made two pairs of bloomers.  I trimmed the purple ones with the rickrack and left the white ones plain.  The pattern gave no measurements for the elastic.  You are supposed to put your elastic around the baby and cut it to size.  This is a problem when said baby has not even been born yet.  I searched the internet for some guidelines but was not successful, so I took a guess and told the mother-to-be that the elastic can be adjusted later if needed.

I also bought a yard of purple seersucker to make a light blanket.  For once the fabric was cut almost perfectly straight, so all I had to do was turn up the sides 1/2", then another 1/2" and sew them down.  One of the few things I made for my own babies was some of these blankets.  I've always lived in the south, and this weight of blanket is perfect for hanging over a carseat while baby is napping, or for discreetly nursing, or for a light protection from the cool evening air.

Except for the hat, this was fun sewing.  It's not every day I get to sew for a baby:)

13 comments:

  1. These are darling! Like you, I love the back of the dress. The white rickrack is such a sweet detail. And the hat, although it was a bugaboo for you, is perfect. I know the mom-to-be was thrilled with this gift. I'd love to see pictures of the baby dressed in this if the chance would present itself. :)

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  2. Absolutely adorable makes Angela! I love the pattern and the fabrics you've chosen! I made some little baby dungarees for H when he was a baby a bit like this - such fun to sew and the results looked exceptionally cute in wear as I am very sure will be the case with what you've made here. How practical too to sew two pairs of bloomers. The light-weight toning blanket is a perfect addition. I've been away so am just catching up with my blog-reading - love your daughter's cute knitting projects - is there anything she can't make?! The families expecting new arrivals around you are a lucky lot! E x

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  3. Love your fabric choice, so pretty. This is such a classic design. I like how you sandwiched the rick rack so just the scallops peek out.

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  4. That is such a cute little set. It's the details that make it so special...like the rick rack and coordinating fabrics. You did a great job!

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  5. This is so sweet. I love your fabric choices and the trim - lucky baby! xx

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  6. What a talented and gifted lady you are Angela! I love the polka dots and lavender. A gift fit for a little princess!
    Thanks for sharing, and thank you for stopping by, ant taking the time to leave me such a sweet comment,getting back to blogging is hard when you have been away.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  7. How gorgeous. Love the whole set. So sweet. Makes me want to make some even though there are no babies in sight!!

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  8. Darling pattern! You did a beautiful job...love the double bloomers...bet mother will, too.

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  9. Not fair...you are having toooooooooooo much fun..and all I am doing is cleaning. Then you get to sew for girls...not fair!! LOL
    These are precious...totally precious!

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  10. OMG! These garments are soooooo darling! Sewing for a baby can be very rewarding and I'm sure when you finished sewing them, you felt wonderful, Love them!

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  11. Aww, so cute!! This is the sweetest layette, ever!

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  12. Oh my so adorable and lovely baby set.

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  13. Just stopping by again to say HI, and hope you are enjoying your summer.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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