Two boys, a sewing machine and two little outfits.

I haven’t made anything new on my sewing machine for ages. I’ve adjusted, chopped, shortened and mended things, but nothing from scratch for a really long time. A playhouse and a set of party hats don’t really count, as mistakes can easily be hidden or ignored!

My boys wear shirts to church every Sunday but they’re all looking a bit tired and as my sister is getting married at the weekend I wanted them to wear something special. I had a little look through my patterns and decided to make them both a shirt and shorts to wear. After I found some linen that was perfect – I no longer had an excuse. Day to day my kids will be found in tracksuit bottoms, shorts and t-shirts. I like them to be comfortable and I don’t like anything with logos or branding, or anything that makes them look too grown up.

I’ve spent the last few mornings and evenings making matching navy bloomers and then shirts in age appropriate colours – dark for Ru and light for Win (feeling hopeful). Ru’s shirt has a peter pan collar, but Win told me he didn’t like the collar so I decided to do his collarless to save any battles on the day. As a consequence, his looks a little more grown up, which suits. I didn’t account for Ru’s humongous belly so his shirt ended up a little short! Whoops.

Sewing is so much easier than people think it is. I am not uber talented or gifted, and I truly believe I’m not being modest. I’m impatient – I try to rush and cut corners, but I’ve grown in confidence over the years and that has made all the difference. I have a very logical brain so following instructions is something I like. Sometimes I mash patterns together or do some guesswork, but I have to have something to work from. My mum forever tells me not to rush, but it is so hard when you want to get a project finished. I also think you’ll be surprised how quickly you get better once you know the basic techniques – Win’s shirt took ages, but Ru’s took no time at all.

By some fluke I managed to find some shoes for Winston on eBay that were less than two minutes from our house – I couldn’t believe it. Ru’s moccasins were Winston’s last year bought from Amy & Ivor. Every child I ever have will be wearing them! The leather is incredibly soft and they would make an extra special gift.

I do love a certain aesthetic – understated, simple and clean lines that can be found in shops like Caramel Baby, Muny, Gray Label and Milou & Pilou, but I’m not willing to part with the money to buy them. I’d worry that the clothes would have to be looked after and the boys’ play would be restricted. Caramel Baby has been a personal favourite of mine for a long time – the pieces are timeless and the colours and fabrics are just perfection. You can tell so much thought goes into the design of one garment and I believe they are worth every penny.

I’ve vowed that my sewing machine will not be left to gather dust for more than a few weeks.

E xx

p.s. I am in no way, shape or form suggesting that what I have made is anything like the quality and beauty found on any of the aforementioned websites! I just thought it was a good opportunity to share them with you.

This is not a sponsored post.