This whole mama-made summer wardrobe idea got its beginning last October or November, I think, when I received an email from one of the editors at Stitch magazine asking if I had any New Year’s Resolutions that I’d like to share in the Winter 2010/Spring 2011 Issue. It was a bit early to be thinking of resolutions, but I immediately thought of how many times I’d considered sewing a whole season’s wardrobe for at least one of my children. I have all these patterns that I’ve designed myself and really enjoy sewing, and I have a stash of fabric that threatens to overtake my home on occasion—why not give it a try and see how it goes?
My youngest two boys both fall in the size range of the majority of my patterns, so I decided before I started that I’d do summer wardrobes for both of them rather than one or the other. I started the planning back in February with snow still on the ground, but I didn’t actually start sewing until the end of March. Even with all the other things that I had on my list over the last couple of months, I managed to finish before the first official day summer! (We’re totally going to overlook the fact that it’s been over 100 degrees here for a few weeks already.) I am so excited that my little ones will be wearing mama-made clothes every day of the summer!
Yes, yes, I’m moving on to the wrap-up. Each category shows a small photo of each item. After each set of photos, you’ll find links to the posts where I blogged about each item, in case you want a closer look or more details.
Charlie’s 2011 Summer Wardrobe (Size 24 months/2T)
SIX TOPS
Dino Dudes Charlie Tee, Mint Chocolate Zoo Rockin’ the Raglan, Robots Rockin’ the Raglan, Puppies Appliqued Charlie Ringer Tee, Red Zoo Animals Rockin’ the Raglan and Dino Dudes Rockin’ the Raglan.
SIX BOTTOMS
Striped Seersucker Inside or Out Pocket Shorts, Three Pairs of Denim Inside or Out Pocket Shorts, Two Pairs of French Terry AJ Bottoms Shorts
SIX ONE-PIECE OUTFITS
All Austin Lee Rompers: Appliqued and Colorblocked Super Charlie, Upcycled Tree Hugger, Brown & Orange, Blue & Brown, MM Gray & Black Stripe, Vintage Cars
SEVEN PAJAMA SETS
Sweet Pea Tank Set, Bacon & Eggs Comfy Sleep Set (Modified for Summer), Dino Dudes CSS, Tools CSS, Aqua & Green Wee Tot Lap-tee Set (Modified for Summer), Jamie Jumper (from the Wee Tot Collection, Modified for Summer), Howdy Tank Set
Jamie’s 2011 Summer Wardrobe (Size 5T)
TEN TOPS
Football Rockin’ the Raglan, Snakes Rockin’ the Raglan, Groovy Guitars Rockin’ the Raglan, Dino Dudes Charlie Tee Hoodie, Appliqued Super Jamie Charlie Tee, Upcycled Green Lantern Charlie Tee, Appliqued Car Patrick Curved Raglan, Stenciled Dino Charlie Tee, Dinosaur Charlie Tee
TEN BOTTOMS
Inside or Out Pocket Shorts: Striped Seersucker, Dark Denim, Three Pairs of French Terry AJ Bottoms Shorts, Inside or Out Pocket Shorts: Striped Denim, Ninja-tagged Denim, Khaki, Rocket-tagged Denim, Robot-tagged Denim
TEN PAIRS OF UNDIES
Six Pairs of Undercover Bottoms Boxer Briefs, Four Pairs of Little Fishies Undies
SEVEN PAIRS OF PAJAMAS
Appliqued Motorcycle Tank Set, Bacon & Eggs Comfy Sleep Set (Modified for Summer), Tank Sets: Tools, Howdy, Zoo Animals, Green Ooga Booga, Blue Ooga Booga
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Whew! That was a lot of sewing! Now on to other projects . . . maybe something for my bigger kids? Maybe, a couple of skirts for Skirt Week at crafterhours? You’ll have to check back in tomorrow!
Bonnie, I’m impressed! Everything looks great on the boys and they are so cute too. Way to go!
Great work! I can’t believe how much sewing you actually get accomplished for your kids! I have serious crafter’s ADD – I start a zillion things and then get into a serious kick about one craft, only to drop it after intensive over-crafting…
You sure have some cute littles too! 🙂
I need to do this (on a smaller scale, perhaps?)
At least the underwear & pajamas ; ) though I want to make some shorts & pants, too.
I also need to make myself some skirts & tops (to wear to church) and getting it done during skirt weeks would be great.
You are my hero and inspiration, my boys need a summer wardrobe as well. I will definently be copying those Superman undies, I’ve been holding on to a cut of that print trying to figure out what to do with it.
I can’t believe how great everything looks. I love the rompers. I’ve made 2 so far and I need to make about a million more because it’s such a great pattern.
You rock! I’m a huge fan of your patterns. Many of my son’s summer clothes were sewn using your patterns, just fantastic.
I am so impressed! Everything looks great!
Oh, I am almost speechless!! It look incredible all on one blog post, Bonnie. I agree with Naomi. You are my hero, too.
Awesome job! I was super excited that I got 10 boxer briefs & 6 tanks done for my little guy. You are such an inspiration!!!
Will you be doing the same for their fall/winter wardrobe?? I’d love some tips/ideas for that. My little boy just turned one and I’m expecting our second, a girl, in october so I’d like to get at least some clothes done for them. I’ve just started working with knits though and don’t have a serger so I’m feeling a bit intimidated. My main goal is to make making their clothes a more affordable option than buying (but I tend to gravitate to the more expensive (adorable) fabrics like Michael Miller or Amy Butler). I like how you seem to spread out material to where you can make more than one shirt, etc. So maybe splurging on a couple yards of the nice stuff is good then go cheap on the rest?? Any advice you have would be great! 🙂
wow, I’m inspired! Looking at this made me wish I was at home in my sewing room planning for the Fall Stash Game on Sewing Mamas! I know I have a lot of sewing to do coming up, and after seeing your summer success, I’m eager to get to me fall sewing! WOOT!! So, I’ll be home from vacation in a little more than a week, then LOOK OUT!
I stalked you from etsy, to facebook, to here. Insane! I’m adding you to my blogroll.
Great blog, fabulous sewing!