Sewing

Sewing for Kindergarten

September 12, 2014

Sewing for Kindergarten

Hello! It’s been a while since I posted any sewing here but I’m excited to be joining the Sewing for Kindergarten series today, organised by the lovely and talented Mie of Sewing Like Mad.

So you may be wondering what I’ve been doing for the last few weeks months. Apart from enjoying the summer holidays with my family I’ve also been working hard on several patterns. Today is the first time I have shared two of those patterns and I am also showing some more of the options that will come with the Rowan Tee. Casper has to wear uniform to school so I choseย to make him to comfortable clothes to change into when he comes home. First I will share the outfit and then further down the post are my answers to a few questions that Mie asked everyone who took part in the series.

The first pattern I am revealing is the Twisted Tank.

Twisted Tank

We actually call them vests in England but twisted vest doesn’t sound as good. If you follow Mie’s blog then you’ll know that she’s the queen of colour blocking and I have a feeling she is going to like this pattern. There are no side seams as they have twisted round to become front and back diagonal seams. The pocket is also colour blocked and the angle of the diagonal seam matches the angle on the tank.

Twisted Tank pocket

It’s designed so the colour at the top (purple here) comes down to a v at the bottom of the hem, as shown below by Casper. This pattern will be available in my Titchy Threads shop some time next week.

Twisted Tank side view

We use vests a lot in winter as an extra layer and I plan to make a few more of these for Casper to wear under his uniform. The red jersey is from Dots n Stripes (found here) and I think the purple is from Tissu fabrics. The red one has spandex in and is a nicer quality.

Twisted Trousers

The trousers are another new pattern, called the Twisted Trousers. This time the twist is symmetrical – the side seams twist round to the front and the inseam twists round to the back. It’s a subtle detail that adds a bit of interest.

Twisted Trousers - front Twisted Trousers - back

I chose to add some purple piping to the side seams to highlight the twist and to ensure that they get more wear from Casper, as purple is his favourite colour. I even found some purple rivets, which I absolutely love and may be more excited about than Casper. I found them here and plan to get some of the other colours soon.

I had fun playing with the pockets and made one of the back pockets into a sort of double pocket, with an extra diagonal pocket on top of the regular pocket. I think it would need some snaps to make it functional but I love how it looks. I also twisted the angle of the coin pocket.

Twisted Trousers back pockets

Twisted Trousers - twisted coin pocket

The waistband is a comfortable stretch waistband with drawstring. I’ve ordered some purple twill tape so will be replacing the grey tape show here when that arrives. Casper thoughtย they were really comfortable and wanted to carry on wearing them even after we had finished taking photos. On a side note – when the kids are at school and have after school clubs 4 times a week it can be difficult to find time to take blog photos.

Twisted Trousers - waistband

I bought the corduroy a long time ago from Fabricland. They told me it would get softer with each wash but it hasn’t. It’s a nice weight for trousers though.

Rowan Tee

Finally we have the Rowan Tee, which I’ve already shared here and here. I got the blue bunnies fabric from Spoonflower (on free delivery day) as rabbits are Casper’s favourite animal. It’s the modern jersey and I’m impressed with the quality and softness of it (although it doesn’t seem to be available at the moment). This T-shirt hasn’t been washed much yet so I don’t know how well the colours hold up on this fabric type.

Rowan Tee - hood

This T-shirt has stripes running down both arms and a hood with a matching strip. When the fabric arrived I asked Casper what he’d like me to make with it and he asked for a hooded T-shirt so he’s happy with it.ย  I lined the hood with a light grey jersey and finished the front edge with some light blue twill tape.

Rowan Tee - hood stripe

The hood is a bit larger than normal so Casper can wear it comfortably as he’s got quite a large head.

Rowan Tee - back view

Is this your first time sending a child to Kindergarten / school?

Yes. Casper is my eldest child. We live in England and he actually started school a year ago but if we lived in America then he would be starting Kindergarten now. Children are 4 when they start school here and the first year is called reception year. We were very lucky that Casper had an amazing teacher last year and settled in really well. After a few nervesย this year he is now enjoying year 1 as well.

Do you feel like crying or celebrating?

Both. Celebrating because Casper is ready for this but crying because it’s another milestone that has passed – and because we have to get up early every day now (I am not a morning person).

And what about your child?

Casper has always been very shy so I was very relieved when he went to school happily and didn’t even get upset leaving us on his first day. He has made lots of friends and really enjoys the challenges that school provides.

What type of school (public, private, homeschool) will your child attend?

It is a state school, which means it is free. In England it’s a bit confusing because a public school is a fee paying school. Make sense? No, it doesn’t to me either.

What was your own first day of school like (if you remember ;-)?

I don’t remember my first day but one of my earliest memories is of being deliberately naughty at my first school. Fortunately we moved area when I was 6 and my behaviour improved after that.

This is the last day of Sewing for Kindergarten but make sure to check out some of the other guests’ posts if you are looking for some more inspiration. When I take part in blog series I normally sign up for the latest day possible and this time I ended up sharing the date with my good friend Celina. If her post today is anything like last year’s then you’ll definitely want take a look.

SFK 14 Participants

Thank you Mie for inviting me to take part today!

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56 Comments

  • Reply Peg September 12, 2014 at 12:42 pm

    These are adorable. You knit fabric looks like a nice quality. Where do you get it? I am having a hard time finding quality knits I like.

    • Reply Laura September 12, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      Thank you! The red fabric is from Dots n Stripes, the purple is from Tissu fabrics (both of those are in the UK) and the rabbit fabric is from Spoonflower. You can find links to them all in the post.

  • Reply annika September 12, 2014 at 12:54 pm

    I LOVE these pattern. Really unique!

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      Thank you Annika, I’m so happy you like them.

  • Reply Monica--Adirondack Inspired September 12, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    LOVE your photos and your new patterns. Those pants…amazing! And I love the color blocking on the shirt. So, so cool. I’m not a morning person either, I feel your pain…ugh. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 8:34 pm

      Thanks Monica! I’ve had the idea for the trousers and tank for a long time so I really enjoyed making it a reality. Why can’t school just start a couple of hours later?

  • Reply Stacey September 12, 2014 at 1:09 pm

    So much awesomeness in one post! I’m totally digging the pant details. Super cool!

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 11:05 pm

      Thanks Stacey! I guess it makes up for not posting in a while ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply Mie @ Sewing Like Mad September 12, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    WAUW!!! This is just PERFECT school clothes and ooohhhh all the color block options! I’m down right obsessed with the pants – absolutely amazing!! And the vest (I love the English call it a vest – it took me a while to understand what my husband was talking about the first time he talked about vests ๐Ÿ™‚ how COOL is the no side seam detail!!! Perfection!
    And I know two girls that go nuts over a hoodie tees – looove them!
    Thank you SO much Laura. I can’t wait for you to release these patterns!

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 11:07 pm

      It makes me very to hear that your girls would like them Mie! I’d love to see what you do with these patterns. Thank you so much for inviting me to join the series.

  • Reply Chelise Patterson September 12, 2014 at 1:22 pm

    I would put my son in every one of these! So unique and cool!

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 8:35 pm

      Thanks so much Chelise! I would love to see what you did with these patterns.

  • Reply Melissa Q. September 12, 2014 at 1:37 pm

    Woop! These are all amazing!! Love your amazing eye for boy clothing. Can’t wait for these to come out!

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 8:36 pm

      So pleased you like them Melissa and thank you for your help with the tank.

  • Reply Renee //nearestthepin September 12, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    Wow Laura, that tank design is so clever – pattern origami? Can’t wait for these new patterns.
    Not a morning person either – lucky for me the school is only 3 minutes away, or my son would be late everyday!

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 8:37 pm

      I love that description Renee ๐Ÿ™‚ I wish we lived that close to school.

  • Reply Natalie from Sewoutnumbered September 12, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    Love love LOVE the new patterns!! Especially the tank ๐Ÿ˜‰ And that Spoonflower fabric is awesome!! I’ll have to jump on board next time there’s a free delivery day ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      Thanks Natalie ;). Spoonflower normally have the free delivery day once a year and I can never resist, even if I only buy a yard.

  • Reply Sara @ Made by Sara September 12, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Great GREAT new patterns Laura! You are so so good at this… I can’t wait for their release! I am focusing on some boy sewing for October (because of my son’s birthday) and these would be PERFECT! Those twisted and diagonal seams are amazing details… oh and that piping on a boy’s garment?… Genious!!

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 8:42 pm

      You are so kind Sara! I have had these pattern ideas for a long time so I’m excited to get them out there and see what other people make with them.

  • Reply Hayley September 12, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    so fantastic!!!

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 8:43 pm

      thanks!

  • Reply Jane September 12, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    Well, I already know that I love the twisted tank!! But those pants!! Are so so cool too! And the Rowan hoodie is fantastic, love those bunnies ๐Ÿ™‚ Can’t wait for all of you new patterns, and neither can Henry! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 8:43 pm

      Thanks Jane and Henry ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply Inรชs September 12, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    Laura these new patterns are amazing!! Love the trousers so much, they’re the coolest ever! And the vest is really cute also! Ohh and I’m also not a morning person but I’m used to wake up early now since my daughter always wakes up at 7:00 am no matter what! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 9:59 pm

      Thank you Inรชs. I am not sure I will ever get used to waking up early, I thought I would once I had kids but it hasn’t happened yet ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply Karly September 12, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    I am so excited for your new patterns! So funny about you is your first years of school. I never took you for a trouble maker!

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 10:06 pm

      Hehe, funny isn’t it Karly. I’m so happy you like the patterns.

  • Reply Justine September 12, 2014 at 3:18 pm

    I REALLY love these designs Laura. The V going to a point and no side seams to mess up the design. Brilliant! And those pants are way stylish. Cute little guy , too!

    • Reply Laura September 14, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      Thanks so much Justine! That v took a bit of tweaking to make it work so I’m really happy you like it.

  • Reply Donna September 12, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    I LOVE those trousers! Our little guy would be so comfortable in them. Sigh…….another pattern we NEED!

    • Reply Laura September 15, 2014 at 11:20 pm

      Yes, yes you do ๐Ÿ˜‰ Haha. Thanks Donna, they would look so cute on your little guy.

  • Reply huisje boompje boefjes September 12, 2014 at 3:55 pm

    Great outfit! Can’t wait for the patterns to come out, especially those pants…. very cool!!

    • Reply Laura September 15, 2014 at 11:21 pm

      Thank you! I know you will do something great with the patterns.

  • Reply Celina September 12, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    I am soooooo excited! And C is so handsome and looks way too cool for school in his amazing outfit. You rock my world!

    • Reply Laura September 15, 2014 at 11:24 pm

      He loves the new outfit and even wore the T-shirt to sleep in when we were camping. I have had to ban the trousers when he plays football as he slides on his knees so much. Thank you so much for all the encouragement.

  • Reply Olga Becker September 12, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    Love the new patterns! I would have never thought of moving seams like that on the shirt, how cool is that! The pants are super awesome! Very nicely done. Love everything!

    • Reply Laura September 15, 2014 at 11:28 pm

      Thanks Olga. They were fun patterns to develop – it did make my brain hurt a bit sometimes ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply Toni-Maree September 12, 2014 at 9:35 pm

    Love all of the new patterns! The bigger hood is my favourite feature because all of my boys hoods are too small and it pulls the back of their shirts up ๐Ÿ˜› naw I think I’ll cry when my boys go to school! Why do they have to grow up so quick!

    • Reply Laura September 15, 2014 at 11:30 pm

      I’ve got to allow for the big heads and it sounds like your boys will be the perfect testers ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for all the help Mrs.

  • Reply Marah Scott September 13, 2014 at 3:40 am

    Oh gosh I am drooling over the whole outfit! Your Small Fry’s are my absolute favorite pattern EVER for my kids (2 boys 1 girl) I have other pants patterns but I will admit I don’t use them…I just adore the fit and how quick I can whip up some great pants for any of the kids and have them be perfect. Buuuut…I think I need all your patterns ๐Ÿ™‚ I can’t wait to get the twisted tank and pants especially!
    Marah

    • Reply Laura September 15, 2014 at 11:07 pm

      I am so happy to hear that you like the Small Fry’s so much Marah! I can’t wait to release these new patterns.

  • Reply Magda E. September 13, 2014 at 2:32 pm

    I’m so in love with the trousers, from pattern, to fabric choice and colour! just wow!

    • Reply Laura September 15, 2014 at 11:09 pm

      I do love using grey and of course the purple is almost essential to ensure they get worn ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks Magda.

  • Reply Christie September 14, 2014 at 6:35 am

    Oh my goodness, I love it all so much! All of it! Those pants are super super cool.

    • Reply Laura September 15, 2014 at 11:08 pm

      Thanks Christie! I am sure your boys would look great in them.

  • Reply Albumine September 15, 2014 at 10:52 am

    I love the trousers! Super duper cool ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Reply Laura September 15, 2014 at 11:10 pm

      Hehe, I think so too. Thank you!

  • Reply Erin September 15, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    Laura, these looks are awesome! I love your new patterns… very clever, but still simple. The trousers are especially cool. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Laura September 15, 2014 at 11:12 pm

      Thanks Erin – I’m sure your boy needs a pair or two of those trousers, maybe the girls too ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply abby @ thingsforboys September 16, 2014 at 6:22 am

    I love these! The twisted tank is so clever! And I bet Casper loves the pop of purple in them both!

    • Reply Laura September 17, 2014 at 1:14 pm

      Thanks Abby! Casper would be quite happy to wear head to toe purple every day if he could.

  • Reply Kassandra Sullivan September 29, 2014 at 4:37 pm

    These are so adorable! I wish I had known of such cute patterns when my son was little!

  • Reply Tara September 29, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    very cool! I’m liking this whole twisted theme you have going. It’s interesting without being a one and done kind of project.

  • Reply Traveller October 8, 2014 at 4:23 am

    I’m checking your blog rather obsessively, hoping for the trouser pattern to appear! You’ve put everything I want in kids’ trousers into one pattern! Any chance I can make these for Christmas?
    ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Laura October 16, 2014 at 8:57 am

      Hi, I’m really pleased to hear you like the pattern so much. I am finishing off a couple of other patterns at the moment but plan to have them ready for release by the end of November.

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