I am so excited to be participating in Season 3 of K.I.D.S. (Kids Inspiration and Design Series) hosted by The Sewing Rabbit today...
But, I'm not the only one excited...Violet is thrilled too!
When making things for Violet (and Henry too, for that matter) I usually let her have some say in what I am making. She often helps to pick out the fabric she wants, etc., because, honestly, if she doesn't get a say in what I choose than she is unlikely to wear it (her Easter dress which has been worn only once, is a great example of that). With clothes, especially. I am not complaining. She is a girl with style. A girl who knows what she likes. A girl who is breaking free from the pink and purple. A girl who embraces the entire rainbow! But, despite the fact that she often plays assistant, I have never simply said:
"Draw a picture of something that you want me to make you. It can be an outfit, a bag, a stuffed animal, anything..."
So, when I did say that to her she stood there for a moment or two trying to comprehend what I just said, she thought for a moment and then disappeared downstairs to the craft table... She returned with a super simple, but super cute outfit. I was surprised at first that she chose clothes. I was then surprised by it's simplicity. It made me smile though, perhaps she has grown tired of all of patterned fabric I tend to use...But then, before I could get my wheels turning about how to make her design she quickly disappeared again! Moments later she returned with more...a drawing of an accessory too, a stripey bag!
Well, goodness she was really getting into this whole design thing.
Before I got started planning and sewing we discussed specifics. Like, are the sleeves ruffled (like in her upcycled tee shirt dress) or are they plain? Is the skirt flowey or straight? We looked at patterns together and we went fabric shopping together. She loved being involved in the whole process.
For the top I used an old standby Made by Rae's Geranium tunic pattern (I've already made a few of these before, here, here, and here love this pattern). I squared off the neckline just as I did for an upcycled men's shirt geranium dress. I made the tunic with yellow cotton shirting and substituted snaps for buttons.
The skirt is Oliver + S's Sunday brunch A-line skirt pattern in a fabulously green fine wale corduroy.
This skirt is so adorable. I was surprised by how quickly and nicely it all came together. I was wishing that I was actually making it in big kid size for me! And, I am completely and totally in love with this little kick pleat!
Oh yeah, and I love the trees inside the pocket, picked especially for my woodland fairy loving little girl...
And, last, but not least, the bag...
I almost didn't get to the bag, but at the last minute I pulled through! I used this kid's messenger bag tutorial from Zaaberry (after seeing and loving Abby's version). The bag is the perfect little size and comes together so, so quickly! The front flap is made of 2" strips of fabric to recreate Violet's stripes.
Inside, I used Sarah Jane's Children at Play fabric...thinking messenger bag...bike messenger...you know...
This was such a fun project to work on together. How fun to see a drawing come to life!
I am loving that Violet got me to make things with solids!
I love how fresh the outfit feels...
It's a big kid outfit, but one that also feels carefree...
It's hard for Violet and I to say which part of the outfit is our favorite...but, that we worked together is certainly up there.
She really loves her new clothes and is eager to wear them to school!
Thank you so much Jessica for letting me join in the K.I.D.S. fun! And, be sure to check in at The Sewing Rabbit all this week for more kid inspired projects.
Have a great day!
