Miss me? As much as I enjoy blogging, I didn't want to miss a minute of the Frontier Days fun. So far we have:

-Attended a cattle drive
-Watched the Grand Parade
-Had a free pancake breakfast
-Got a tour of my husband's work
-Watched the United States Air Force Thunderbirds Air Show
-Hand fed bison

AND spent an entire afternoon learning about all things cowboys, like:
-Cattle Branding
-Cattle Rustling
-Barbed Wire
-Cowboy Hats
-Horseback Riding
-Chuck wagons (and Cookie)

As well as dealt with a fever of 103 AND a nice black eye. I was reassured by my nearly 4 year old cowgirl that cowgirls are tough and strong, so don't worry about her.

Unlike some bloggers that are avid photographers, I'm a seamstress that takes photos, so I don't have photos to go with our adventures. But let me just say, we're having a grand ol' time. We still have plans to attend the "Indian Village" (their term, not mine), petting farm, Old Frontier Town, and Old West Museum. And when that is all done, the following week is the Laramie County Fair. Whew. We're crazy busy.

So, back to today's sew. This is my last in my series of Tadah! Pleatie sews. As I said before, I was given this pattern for review. All opinions remain my own. For today, I made the shortsuit in size 4 for my not quite 4 year old. Construction was easier on the shorts than the dress since you don't have to gather anything.

I do want to talk about the drafting for the shorts. The shorts are meant to be worn as EITHER bloomers or shorts. If you're familiar with drafting, you know that bloomers and shorts are NOT drafted the same way. Bloomers are often drafted with zero difference between the front and back rise. Shorts have a certain ratio of front to back rise, with the back being longer than the front.

These shorts do have a nice smooth u-shaped crotch curve. However, the difference in the front and back rise are not very significant. This is perfect for bloomers. It actually works fairly well in this case as shorts because the bodice is cut straight across and you want to be sure that the fabric can make it up to the bodice and not cause a wedgie.

I will say, that I do wish that the bodice had a longer front than back. This pattern cuts straight cross my kids' belly buttons and I think it would be a tiny bit more comfy it if went under their bellies. But obviously, this is a specific body shape problem and not a drafting problem. If your child has no more baby fat OR doesn't mind the pattern cutting across the tummy, then you'll be fine.  That said, that is an easy hack for me to do for the next time, and there will definitely be a next time. :D

I was torn when making these as a romper for my 4 year old. I wasn't 100% sure she'd be able to undo the snaps in the front quickly enough for bathroom breaks and I know she is independent and won't want me helping her in the bathroom. But its just so cute, and since she won't be going anywhere without me any time soon, I feel ok with her wearing this whenever she wants.

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