I love a wedding – especially when I get the opportunity to make something special for a little one. So often brides steal the show, but the mama who contacted me for this outfit wants something very special for her child in her Woodland Wedding. The bride and groom chose Swallow Skies by Tula Pink as the print to coordinate with the natural linen solid. She loved the Charlie Shirt (if you don’t have that pattern, you need to go get it here) but needed a larger size than 5T, so with Rae’s permission, I drafted up from 5T to a custom size (around 7-8) for our little gnome. I used natural coconut shell buttons and a wrapped elastic for the loops.
The trousers are still under construction, but you can see the wool-blend twill here in the background:
It appears rather stripey close up, but has a beautiful subtleness from more than 3 inches away.
I don’t know if this little guy has any sensory issues, but it’s always best to err on the side of comfort and durability, so I constructed the tunic with french seams. Here’s a peek inside the body:
…and here’s a peek inside the sleeves:
Finally, here’s the entire Charlie shirt before it gets packaged up:
How fitting, I think, that I should end my Kid’s Clothes Week Challenge with an outfit for a sweet someone I’ve never met. There’s not much I like better than sharing the love of handmade.
Beautiful blog…Gorgeous pictures, love your finishing. so clean and professional. If you don’t mind my asking, where do you find the coconut shell buttons and the wrapped elastic?
Pavitra – I get the wrapped elastic all over, but the buttons are from my very favorite notions store: Fashion Sewing Supply. Pam and Roger really take care of their customers, and Pam sews a LOT, too, so she knows what she’s talking about!
Thanks Karen..Lovely shop. Just checked it.
Karen, So sorry to bother you again…However, I just cannot seem to find the wrapped elastic anywhere…Could you let me know where I might be able to locate something like what you have used here?
You’re never bothering me; I love to answer questions, Pavitra. I get some elastic in the jewelry-making section of JoAnn’s, but I love to use these ponytailholders for a heavier-weight loop, and for coats, I use this elastic from Myrinda’s lovely store: FabricHound.com.
Love this top, I’ve seen it on Rae’s blog but not purchased it because it’s too small for my girlie….you did a great job with it and I love the woodland fabric.
aw, i love how you write about sewing for little ones. it is such a special gift to give – handmade items, made with love. gorgeous sewing, too!!
Very lovely, and wonderful fabric choices. Are those side slash tabs handsewn?
Oh Kelly, I wish, but alas, it is the triple stitch on my machine. I love it for topstitching because it appears handsewn. mission: accomplished
It looks like you used French seams inside. Is that true? If so, any tips? I just started making one and have already made a mess. I wish I’d used French seams but wasn’t sure how they’d turn out on the shoulder seam (sleeves to body).
Beautiful shirt!
Hi Mary! I did use French seams for the inside. Everywhere but the side seams, where I used the turn-and-stitch method to finish the seams. For the sleeves, once I attached them to the body, I pressed the entire French seam toward the sleeve. Let me know if you have any more questions!