I've been wanting to make a cute sun suit or romper for MONTHS now but couldn't find a vintage pattern in Ruby's size and wasn't willing to cut up an old one to make my own. The other day I thrifted this gingham pair of bloomers and it hit me. Add a simple bib and straps and it's a romper! The tricky part is already finished!
This light bulb moment has probably already hit a few other creative mamas out there. It has to have because it's such a simple way to make something adorable while reusing something cute! I'm hoping to make a few more before summer escapes us.
Grab a pair of bloomers at your local thrift store that are roomy. If you can't find anything you like you can always try to make a pair. They are pretty simple but I suggest finding a pattern. Mine already had the eyelet trim attached but it's a fun way to embellish something plain.
You'll also need a cut of fabric for the bib measuring about 1" less than the width of your bloomers (when lying flat). To find the length, measure from where the bloomers hit your toddler's waist up to their arm pits and double. Then add 2". You'll fold this over for extra sturdiness which is why it feels so long.
You'll also need two long strips of fabric for the straps and a 3" length of ribbon or lace.
Place the bib piece of fabric right side down. Iron the long sides of your bib in about 1/2" and then iron the short sides in about 1/2". Fold this in half and iron.
Next, center it on the front of your bloomers. Pin in all four corners and in the center. Make sure the bottom folds sandwich over the top of the front of your bloomers.
Stitch from the top of one corner all the way around to the top of the other corner. Remove pins. Iron flat. Be sure to stitch about 1/8" from the edge.
Cut two strips measuring roughly 3.5" wide. To get the length, measure from the natural waistline up and over the shoulder to the chest and add about six inches. Fold in half lengthwise with right sides facing and stitch down the long edge, curving in at the other end as shown. Trim edges. Turn right side out, tuck raw end in about 1/4" and iron flat. Repeat with other strap.
Add a button hole on each of the top corners of the bib. Make sure not to get too close to the edges.
Place the tucked in ends of the straps on the back of the bloomers so that they are slightly angled in and pin. Stitch to bloomer. Carefully slip the other end through a button hole and tie a knot according to how long your strap needs to be. Tie a double-knot if you need to take up slack. Repeat with other side making sure to criss-cross your straps.
The bloomers I found already had lace on the back but that would be a fun step to embellish your bloomers before you start turning them into a romper.
Add a strip of ribbon or lace about half way up one of the straps (on the inside) to use to hold the other strap in place. Try it on for size!
Ruby played in hers all afternoon and got lots of attention from older ladies when we ran errands. Sun suits, or rompers, are perfect for those hot summer days and make for some adorable photos!
If you make a romper from a pair of bloomers using this tutorial I'd love to see a photo of them!
Enjoy!
xoxo,
Rachel
Oh man. This is great. I am a sewing novice but I think I may be able to pull this off! Such a great diy!
Posted by: Sara S. | 06/13/2011 at 04:44 AM
I had noticed the romper in a tweet this weekend...man thanks for the idea! cute! :)
Posted by: Danielle | 06/13/2011 at 04:50 AM
lovely!
:)
www.dorothyvintage.com
Posted by: Dorothy Vintage | 06/13/2011 at 05:31 AM
This DIY is beyond gorgeous! such an amazing idea i cant wait to make one for my little girl!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful "how to"
Zoe x
http://blessedbeeapothecary.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Zoe | 06/13/2011 at 06:23 AM
This is so cute and simple! For anyone interested in making their own bloomers, here is a tutorial from Made:
http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-perfect-diaper-cover.html
Posted by: Heidi | 06/13/2011 at 07:49 AM
It's so cute! I think I am going to try this :)
Posted by: Jessi | 06/13/2011 at 09:38 AM
this is so adorable & super easy looking. if i had a girl, i'd definitely be making these. as it is, i'll just file it away for the future...i've got two boys, i'm bound to have a girl next, right?
Posted by: erin | 06/13/2011 at 10:52 AM
This is so freaking adorable!! I need to get a sewing machine asap so I can try this lol!!
http://ohjazmyn.com
Posted by: Jazmyn | 06/13/2011 at 11:03 AM
That looks so fun and easy! I'm so excited to make this for my daughter, Gwyneth!
Thanks,
Kacie
www.acollectionofpassions.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kacie | 06/13/2011 at 11:53 AM
I LOVE this idea! (and you chose the best fabrics, too)
Ruby is the cutest kiddo around.
xoxo
http://little-elskan.blogspot.com
Posted by: kyssa vintage | 06/13/2011 at 12:28 PM
I so wish I had a little one to do this for - some day! Very cute idea!
Posted by: Brandy | 06/13/2011 at 12:52 PM
What a great idea. Yours turned out so cute. That last photo is just so classically beautiful.
Posted by: Sara | 06/13/2011 at 01:03 PM
Wow I love it! What a fab idea! I wonder if I'll manage to get some made before summer comes back to us here in NZ..
Posted by: OP SHOP MAMA | 06/13/2011 at 03:06 PM
Totally adorable. And the fabrics and photos are fantastic. :) So cute!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 06/13/2011 at 03:22 PM
this is fantastically cute!
Posted by: Kristen | 06/13/2011 at 04:40 PM
every time you share pictures of ruby she looks cuter than before! i could just snuggle her to pieces! she is so adorable!
Posted by: Heather | 06/13/2011 at 06:52 PM
why am i not a child in diapers. this is so flippin cute!
Posted by: Hannah | 06/13/2011 at 08:12 PM
adorable! Thanks for sharing:)
Posted by: reeve | 06/14/2011 at 05:44 AM
The last picture you have posted where Ruby is sleeping, I have a the sheet set that matches it! How funny! They are full size, fitted, flat and two pillowcases. $2.25. Happy Colors!!!!!
Posted by: Happyhibiscus | 06/14/2011 at 01:02 PM
Rachel can I just say you're daughter is too cute. Her expressions are priceless!!
Posted by: Erica Manami | 06/14/2011 at 05:37 PM
Awww. This is too cute! Love that you made it yourself! And that last picture is ... amazing :)
Posted by: Plutôt la vie de Melanie | 06/15/2011 at 04:34 AM
this is adorable! i'm a big fan of DIYs and love this one :)
www.sayyestohoboken.com
Posted by: Liz Stanley | 06/15/2011 at 10:17 AM
This is awesome! Your such a smart cookie!
Posted by: Brandy | 06/15/2011 at 03:32 PM
This is sooooo darling!! :) Love!
Posted by: Michelle Clement | 06/16/2011 at 05:53 PM
Very cool outfit!!Really like it, thanks for sharing such a wonderful post....
Posted by: Gaston Cantens | 06/17/2011 at 09:27 AM