BACK TO SCHOOL!
With those three words, my “season” begins. This is my favorite time of year all the way up until the end of December. It is my sweet spot for sewing. I LOVE fall colors and fabrics. I love the themes, stories, and traditions these next few months bring. And, for me, there is no better opportunity to celebrate them and tell their stories than sewing!
Here’s what inspired me last year. This fabric from Michael Miller is awesome. It’s called Dino Dudes (brown). A yard and a half yielded a raincoat and super-duper backpack.
The raincoat is made from the Casey pattern from the Children’s Corner. This hooded jacket is super easy to make. I spent about 5 hours total on my first one (was pregnant at the time and that slowed me down.) So it will come together even more quickly for you.
The matching back pack is a pattern from one of my FAVORITE designers of children’s patterns and fabrics Liesl Gibson of Oliver + S. This pattern is from her book Little Things to Sew. It is full of wonderful ideas. (And no, I am not being paid to say this. I really just love her. Hope she doesn’t read this and think I’m a weirdo.)
Instead of ‘D’ rings for straps, I used parachute clips.
The inside of this bag was particularly special. The week before school started, Crowley’s grandmother passed away. So, for the lining of the backpack, I embroidered some of the words of Mama Giovanna’s favorite song to sing to her grandbabies (nearly 30 of them!) “I love you a bushel and a peck…”
I love hiding messages in C’s clothes, quilts and just about anything else I sew for him!
For his back to school outfit, I employed the Johnny pattern from Children’s Corner. This pattern is easy to sew and easy to customize. Though I use 1/2 inch seams up the front and middle. Otherwise, I find it slips off the shoulders (which drives me crazy.)
The applique is the Chalkboard Alpha from Planet Applique.
When making the Johnny, try making the legs a couple of inches longer. Then, use a nice coordinating lining for the Jon-Jon. When leg bottoms are rolled up, the outfit will look fantastic and offer some room to grow!
Now, about this year… (Insert heart attack here) Happy Back-to-School Sewing!
Anna