About a month ago my friend Rachael from Rachael Phillips Photography asked me if Nico wanted to do a model call with her – of course we said yes right away! She had some really fun ideas and this is one of them: Mario Nico!
When she suggested we do his smash cake theme as Mario I was thrilled! Someone understands my obsession for the cute little plumber turned bad-ass hero. She told me all I needed for him was a diaper cover and she would take care of the rest. But you know me, I have to try to one up that silly plain diaper cover and make Nico something way cuter. Enter Brindille & Twig’s Summer Romper. I bought this pattern last year and actually made Nico a cute little outfit but it looked kinda girly, so I wasn’t sure if I’d make him anything else from the pattern. Once I started thinking of how I wanted Nico’s Mario outfit to look I realized this was the perfect pattern for my needs.
I went to JoAnn searching for blue knit fabric and honestly the selection was terrible. There was only one fabric in the bold blue color, so I ended up getting that. At the time, I won’t lie, I wasn’t excited because the fabric just felt like it had way more polyester than I wanted. Sewing with it was a huge pain but honestly in the end I think it was the perfect fabric. It photographs great and has a nice shine to it, doesn’t look cheap and washes well.
During the photoshoot Nico was not as excited about Mario Land like I was. He didn’t want me to leave his side – I secretly wished that I had made myself a Bowser costume so I could be in the pictures with him. Even though he was being a little spider monkey and not letting go of me, I think we got some super adorable shots! I swear, I could just eat him up!
I think it’s hilarious that he didn’t want anything to do with the cake! I have no idea why he all of a sudden hated sugar. We don’t give him a lot of sugar, but when he do he usually goes crazy. I’m guessing he didn’t like the texture? He kept looking at his hands and looking at me. Lord knows the child likes to be dirty, but I guess he doesn’t like to be sticky!
Anyways, back to the pattern. This is recommended for a confident beginner and I’d say that’s accurate. It’s not difficult by any means but it’s also not the first thing I would suggest someone sew. You can whip one up in about 2 hours – start to finish and with baby distractions! The pattern costs $7.50 USD and you can get it here.
That’s Rachael’s son Akaius – isn’t he stinkin’ adorable?!?! He’s a few months younger than Nico. When I made this for Nico his measurements were: chest 19″ – waist 20″ – I made him a size 9-12 months. I was planning on leaving this for Rachael to use with other shoots, so I made it a tad too small for Nico but would fit perfectly for other babies doing their 1 year cake smash. If I were to remake this for Nico right now with those measurements, I would go a size up, so keep that in mind if Nico’s sizes are close to your baby’s.
The only alteration I made was putting the straps on the outside to look like overalls, instead of tucked inside the front. The back straps just criss-cross and attach to the front flap. I used KAM Snaps for the snaps – btw, those are amazing and so easy to put on! I got mine from Amazon for $22. Good deal and it’s a little starter pack, comes with the tool and a variety of snap colors.
Overall – I’m super hyped about how cute these pictures turned out! And I’m just as excited that my simple little romper looked perfect and like Mario’s signature outfit! I think I’ll make Nico another one this summer, probably not Mario but something cute. When it’s blazing hot and he doesn’t want to wear any clothes I think with romper will be perfect. Also, if you haven’t already checked out Brindille & Twig and you sew for children – go there NOW! I even get bonus points if you do 😉
OMG that is seriously the cutest photo shoot ever!! We are huge mario fans in my house; and Nico looks perfect as baby mario!! How fun!