Leotard Examples

We signed Bunny up for gymnastics this Fall and I was shocked at the sticker price of the leotards! Honestly, you can get a plain old cotton one from Walmart, Target, or even Old Navy. But in my experience they pill alot and the kids don't get super excited about them. So....what to do? Sew them myself of course!
I grabbed a pattern from my local Hancock Fabrics store and went to work on adjusting the pattern for my long torso/no bum/has to have pink in at least one leotard Bunny. And then I just had fun on a couple. The following examples are all sleeveless, but my new patterns will include short and long sleeves as well as different neck shapes if you'd like something entirely different.

Have you entered the leotard give away yet? Go to THIS POST and leave a comment. That's it! And yes I will gladly make a matching pair of biker or short shorts for your custom leotard :)

My Bunny's leotards - maybe these will give you some ideas!

black velvet with Lycra blend and initial applique, matching velvet biker length shorts (please excuse the wrinkles in the white piping)

Spandex blend and sequined velvet with matching biker shorts

One Tough Cookie cotton jersey by David and Goliath with matching short rise shorts

Time to go vote at Lil Blue Boo

The judges have made their decisions and I made it to the finalists! WooHoo!
Go check out the awesome ugly knits turned into fabulous items at Lil Blue Boo. If you like my bunny, please vote for me :)
much ♥

P.S. don't forget about the Summer Clearance Sale and FREE Leotard Drawing!

September Summer Clearance and a Give Away (or 2)

Have you had your eye on one of the items in the etsy store? All Summer items are now clearanced at 50%!

I've been sewing up the new Playful collection featuring soft dresses inspired by bright colors and menswear! New Fall items will be appearing soon in layerable short sleeves for year round wear and long sleeves as well.

Does anyone need a leotard in a size 2? Or know anyone? I have a cute pink crushed velvet leo with a little kitten applique on the chest that is just too small for my bunny. Feel free to send me a note or leave a comment here. First come first served :)

Measurements: Chest 20-23", Girth (shoulder, down over tummy and through legs, and back up to the shoulder) 35", leg holes 12.5-16"

September Give Away - FREE custom Leotard! Anyone else need/want a leotard in size 2 - 14? I currently have a pattern for 4-7 but the new patterns will be here soon to cover the other sizes. Just leave a comment (please leave just one comment for your entry) and I will randomly pick one winner on September 10th for a custom leo made from spandex or velvet (or a combination).  I'll post some pics of the different leos I've made for Bunny so that you can get some ideas. This would be great for gymnastics, ballet, dance, play or even a Christmas present! Best Wishes to all! much ♥

Quick Update

Hello Friends and Family! It's been a while, so here's a quick update...The kiddos finished up their last session of swim lessons and both passed level 2 (youth and preschool have VERY different requirements). Yipee!
Bunny started gymnastics and seems to enjoy it...of course what's not to like about bouncing off the walls? :) She is also starting 3 half days of K3 next week!
Big Boy starts second grade and soccer as well, and I can't believe time has gone by so fast. This summer has absolutely disappeared.

For sewing and clothing friends: I know I totally spaced on July's give away so September will have 2! I have been sewing up a storm of little leotards, and will be offering one that didn't make the cut next week. Bunny pretty much thumbed down anything that wasn't pink and "furry" lol. Know any little gymnasts or dancers in the 2-4 size range? I might be persueded to make a larger one too ;) More details next week. Have a wonderful weekend! much ♥

Last day of swim lessons

Here are a few more pics for family and friends :) Today was the last day of swim lessons and the kiddos did a great job!

James was disappointed that his teacher wasn't there, but they had an awesome substitute. New guy teacher, yes...we forgot to ask his name, kept everybody in the water while he was working with each participant individually. It's a lot like how I used to teach and soooooo prevents boredom!

Everybody kicking

Floating and then kicking unassisted on his back

Coming down the slide by himself, and swimming to the side unassisted! Go James!

We made cards to go with the plants James picked out for the girl teachers.

Rory wanted to make a card too, even though we didn't give her teacher a plant ;)

One more of Rory and her Mr. Avery (Whoops! Mama made them look into the sun)

Adventures in Swimming 2010

*Warning this is long and pic heavy* :)

This summer both James and Rory are taking swim lessons for the first time. I think that the fact that a past Aquatic Director's kids weren't swimming really started to bother certain members of my family. But you know what? I've learned something. Just because you are good, and I mean really good as in having taught over a thousand kids to swim, doesn't mean that you'll be good at teaching your own kids something you love.

James started off the season taking lessons and really enjoyed it. He passed level 1 in his first session and was really excited to start level 2. Then a miracle happened. Rory, formally known as "child who screams at the top of her lungs when approaching pools of any depth to the point that strangers come to see who is tormenting the cute child", wanted to take lessons! Peer pressure is an amazing force.

James and Caitlin

James started off level 2 with Josh and was really excited to have a guy teacher. But he got sick and was quickly replaced by Caitlin. Despite the trauma of losing the "cool guy teacher" James has learned the basics of the crawl, backstroke, and elementary backstroke, as well as starting to learn to tread water. More pics of James to come tomorrow :)

James' class bobbing

Practicing getting his arms out of the water...kinda hard when you have 1% body fat lol

Learning to breathe to the side - I taught him the timing at home ;)

"Am I done yet"?

Loving his first pair of goggles!

Rory and Mr. Avery

Rory loves her teacher. She has him wrapped around her little finger. Maybe I should ask if he babysits :)

For a young guy Avery has a lot of patience and is a great teacher for this early preschool level 1 class. He has gotten Rory to jump in, blow bubbles, and duck her head under water which were tasks I thought would never happen!

Waiting for class to start

Not sure about swimming on her back

Avery working with her

"Ok, I'll do it for YOU Mr. Avery"...geez

Kicking

Both James and Rory got to go to the slide in the diving well at the end of class.

James swam by himself to the ladder!

Rory kissing her hero as he gets out of the water :)

Off to the beach!

We are going to the beach. See you next week and Happy 4th Everybody!!!

Heads up...July I will be doing a special give away featuring some of my "new" skills ;) Stay tuned. much ♥