Elsie Marley is a sewing blogger who hosts an annual Kids Clothes Week Challenge (KCWC). Those who participate, spend the week making one kids’ clothing item each day for seven days. Their creations are shared on their blogs, Flicker, Pinterest, and some are featured on Elsie’s blog. Half way through the week I was so delighted and inspired by all the kids clothes being made that I had to jump in myself (unofficially).
It started with a simple play pinafore.
I rifled through my fabric and patterns and came up with this Echino print I bought on sale last year and an out of print Simplicity pattern.
I found these simple wooden buttons in my old button stash
and added a vintage looking tag to the back flap.
But I couldn’t stop there. The pinafore had gone so smoothly but it was a little on the small side. I made another, but this time I re-traced the pattern and added some inches to the length.
This time I used a natural colored linen blend. You can see from the pattern piece how ridiculously simple this pinafore is to make. Just one pattern piece, and two button holes.
I made my own fabric design by stamping butterflies across the length of the fabric.
I used fabric paint and a cheap brush to apply the paint to the stamps. It was a little time consuming but I really like the way it turned out!
As I was cutting out the pattern I realized I had made the neckline a little too big and I worried that it would fall off E’s shoulders. I compensated by adding four pin tucks to the neckline. I’ve never made pin tucks before so they aren’t perfect but they got the job done. It’s a fun way to dress up a plain tee and jeans.
I also finished another Summer and Polka Dots dress for E.
I kept is simple with a small floral calico and a solid chambray for the main body of the dress. The chambray hangs so nice and has a subtle texture to it that I like.
I added some small hand made “house” tags for a little extra embellishment.
I was finally able to use one of the vintage jade flower buttons I bought at the quilt show a few years ago!
I have this stack of material on sitting next to the sewing machine. I have plans for a double layered circle skirt for the girl. I also promised the boys I would make flannel pjs again for them this winter. The nights are getting cold and they love to snuggle up in flannel pjs!
If you get a chance you should check out Elsie Marley’s blog. There is also a KCWC Pinterest board that you can find here. And if you still haven’t gotten your fill of amazing kids clothes you can check out the KCWC Flicker pool.
Have a great week ~April