a quick birthday present

James and Alistair don't get many invitations to birthday parties (phew) but every now it happens, usually at super short notice. For once though, one of Alistair's friends, a girl, has sent out invites a month in advance. Praise the yummy mummies :-) Alistair really fancies her (but he would probably kick my shin if he knew I am writing this down) and because she is special to him, I wanted to give something a little different.

I decided to make a long sleeved t-shirt. I found some supercute fabric on MyFabrics, an organic cotton jersey, black with pink flamingoes. I think that's perfect for a girl of 9, don't you think? Alistair didn't mention that his friend doesn't like pink - once I finished sewing.

I used this pattern, which you can download cheaply. I made the baggy version for the boys before, you can see these here. I think these are just a little too baggy, my ideal t-shirt is a little fitted but not too much.

Since I made the boys t-shirts, I have mastered the use of the twin needle and can now create way more professional finishes. I have also slightly altered the neckline because I didn't want it to stick up like on the pattern image. I had some yellow ribbing left over and used it to make the neckband, it is a good match to the flamingoes feet. I broke my twin needle in the process of topstitching the ribbing because I forgot to change the sewing machine foot... that was a bit annoying.

Alistair is modelling to t-shirt. It is about three sizes to big on him because he tiny but I think it will fit his friend.

It took no time at all to make this t-shirt, and it was good value, too (if you don't count the broken twin needle). Do you make birthday presents for your children's friends? I don't often but when I do, I am really pleased with myself. Mostly though, I wish for Woolworths to be still on the High Street, for that last minute just right birthday present.

It was another sunny day today! Two in one week, that is good going. It has been dreich otherwise. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. xx