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| Image from The Graphics Fairy |
How I loved sewing for my daughters while they were growing up! I
didn't get the best start with sewing; I had tried learning to sew in
7th grade home ec, but just couldn't master it. Many years later, after
I was married and had kids, my mother-in-law encouraged me to start
sewing for my girls while they were small. She knew that when they got
older, sewing was going to be a good way to provide some of the nice
clothes they would need at more reasonable prices, and that I wouldn't
always be able to find what we wanted in stores.
So I took up her challenge and took the girls to a local department store that sold fabric and patterns. I think they were around 3 and 4 at the time. I found an easy summer dress pattern (with NO zipper -- very important!) that they both liked, and then had them each pick out their own fabric. Then I sewed the dresses at my mother's on her [non-portable] sewing machine, just so I could see if I was going to be able to do this before I invested in a machine of my own.
Well, the dresses came out cute, they fit, the girls loved them, and the whole process was a lot more fun than I expected. So I bought a sewing machine (I'm on my second one now!) and never looked back. I continued sewing for the girls right up into their college years. They both learned to sew as well and became proficient seamstresses.
Now I have grandchildren to sew for and, although I usually just make fun projects like felt food and superhero capes, I have also done some sewing of clothes for my granddaughters. And that brings me to the point of this post -- a gorgeous new book called Sew Classic Clothes for Girls, by Lindsay Wilkes of The Cottage Mama. If you have little girls to sew for, then I think you would love this book. There are 17 garment patterns and 3 accessory patterns, plus ideas for putting outfits together, for size 12 months right up through size 10. A special feature of this book is that all of the patterns and all sizes are contained in a disk at the back of the book. You can just put the disk in your computer, select the pattern and size you need, and print! You will need to tape the pattern together in places, but they are well marked and taping is an easy process compared to tracing, enlarging, and so on.
So I took up her challenge and took the girls to a local department store that sold fabric and patterns. I think they were around 3 and 4 at the time. I found an easy summer dress pattern (with NO zipper -- very important!) that they both liked, and then had them each pick out their own fabric. Then I sewed the dresses at my mother's on her [non-portable] sewing machine, just so I could see if I was going to be able to do this before I invested in a machine of my own.
Well, the dresses came out cute, they fit, the girls loved them, and the whole process was a lot more fun than I expected. So I bought a sewing machine (I'm on my second one now!) and never looked back. I continued sewing for the girls right up into their college years. They both learned to sew as well and became proficient seamstresses.
Now I have grandchildren to sew for and, although I usually just make fun projects like felt food and superhero capes, I have also done some sewing of clothes for my granddaughters. And that brings me to the point of this post -- a gorgeous new book called Sew Classic Clothes for Girls, by Lindsay Wilkes of The Cottage Mama. If you have little girls to sew for, then I think you would love this book. There are 17 garment patterns and 3 accessory patterns, plus ideas for putting outfits together, for size 12 months right up through size 10. A special feature of this book is that all of the patterns and all sizes are contained in a disk at the back of the book. You can just put the disk in your computer, select the pattern and size you need, and print! You will need to tape the pattern together in places, but they are well marked and taping is an easy process compared to tracing, enlarging, and so on.
I would love to own a copy of this book -- how about you? You can find it on Amazon, Walmart.com or at The Cottage Mama.
It will soon be available at craft stores as well. The best part is
that Lindsay is giving away two copies of this fabulous book! Head on
over to Sew Classic Clothes for Girls book release and giveaway and check it out. She shares many photos and much more info about the book than I can share here. I hope one of us wins!
I used to sew for my children but gave it up when my last sewing machine played out! Good for you learning to sew after home ec. That is where I learned to sew and it did make it easier to make clothes to fit and to choose what I wanted. Sometimes I miss it!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should shop for a new sewing machine, Arlene! I'm amazed at all that the new machines will do. I think I may be due for a new one ... or maybe my machine is just overdue for a tune-up!
ReplyDelete