Sewing for Kindergarten 2014

It is time for Sewing Like Mad's return of the series SEWING for KINDERGARTEN. Aw, yeah!

Back to school is more than just an event that marks the end of summer, for many of us it is the bittersweet event that means our babies are growing up. And for me, this is the year that my baby girl starts kindergarten. Looking at her here you'd never know, right? In so many ways she seems so much older, but still it is hard for me to believe she is so big now.

A fun little way we are all sharing about our experience this year is to answer a little questionnaire. 

Is this your first time sending a child to Kindergarten?

- Nope.
If not, what number child is this?

- Number 3... and the last. Gasp!

Do you feel like crying or celebrating?  

- BOTH!!! On one hand it is a bit of relief, and, perhaps, selfishly, it might mean more time for me to sew ;) But on the other it is quite sad to realize my baby girl is not a baby anymore.
And what about your child? 

- She is so excited! In our school the kindergarteners start a week after the rest of the students. Her brothers eagerly made a lunch for themselves last night, picked out their outfits, etc. Well, Keilana was not going to miss out on all the excitement, she made a lunch for herself too (with a little help, of course). It was so cute!

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

- My kids attend a nice public school just a few blocks from our house. Lots of families are very active in our school. It is a relief knowing they are in good hands.

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

- I don't remember my first day of school. I just remember being much like Keilana: eager and excited.

Back to school really snuck up on me. In the mad rush to prepare all these thought were swarming through my head (I imagine Keilana acting out the dialog in these pictures) - "Hmmm? What to wear?... What to MAKE!?... Aha! I know! Let me write this down..." 

LOL. In reality, her thoughts in these pictures probably went more like - "What should I draw?... how about some a picture of mama, and a flowers, and HEARTS!"

Then she discovered that the sleeve tab doubles a pen holder.

 Always so curious, that girl. And silly!

Back to school also tends to be a transitional time of year for the weather here in Oregon. We have cool, brisk mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. So when deciding what to make for Keilana I thought transitional clothes would be most appropriate. A trendy pair of crops and comfy tee... both of which the patterns I designed myself :)

This tee has a wrap around style with a center triangular shape. It also has a sweet, slightly gathered shoulder, sleeve tabs to raise the center of the sleeve up, and a little front pocket. It is made from a super soft bamboo/cotton thermal knit. Though it is hard to see, the triangular piece in the front was sewn on using the reverse side of the fabric to add a subtle texture play.

I think I might just have my next pattern to release here ;)

And then there's the crops. They are skinny leg style, with a back yoke, front slash pockets, and a folded hem. When Keilana saw this material in the fabric store she exclaimed, "Oooooh, I love SO much!". My reply was, " Really??...", as I put it back on the shelf. But before making my way to the cutting counter I picked it up again. Why not, right? It is fun! You only live once.

 For the second outfit I sewed up an Ash Jumpsuit. This one was long overdue. I have been drooling over all the awesome Ashes for months now.

 Of course I made a few modifications. Not that it needed any... I just can't help myself sometimes. I am a pattern hack junkie. First I adjusted the length of the pants to make capris. Then I adjusted the halter to work without gathers. And lastly, I made the halter, waistband, and leg cuffs with knit spandex fabric. The woven fabric print was another of Keilana's picks. Though I wasn't sure how I'd like it for this pattern at first, all said and done I really love it. The knit pieces gives a nice contrast and helps break up the bold print. 

An unplanned bonus - it looks great with the Aster Cardigan I made a few months back (blogged about here). Perfect for those chilly mornings. Woot!

Then I catch this shot of my baby girl, sitting there all pensive and seeming so grown up. :'(

But then she turns around... with that gummy bear in her teeth.

For a moment I am not sure if I should laugh or cry tears of joy - she may be growing up, but she is still just my sweet, silly little girl! 

Thank you so much for letting me sew along on this series Mie! And, um, sorry if I "talked your ear off". I am still just blown away at how fast our little ones grow up!

Also, you all MUST stop by the other blogs on the tour and see what everyone else is making for their kindergarteners. It is just a series full of kindergarten cuties!!!