'Quality not quantity' has been my mantra for sewing in 2015. I've been trying, mostly, to be less 'slapdash' and to develop my sewing skills. And I'm so proud of this little waistcoat.
My first ever welt pockets! Not quite Saville Row tailoring but good enough for a five-year-old. This waistcoat is another pattern from my new favourite book; Linen, Wool, Cotton Kids by Akiko Mano. The first was this skirt - which was easy. I'm slowly working my way through these patterns and love them all. Look out for more to come.
The pattern is fairly simple, although those welt pockets took a little bit of figuring out. But once I'd worked it out and everything clicked into place, it was so satisfying. Sizing seems a little odd in this book, I sewed age six skirt for Missy (age five) and it was way too big in the waist, so made age five in the waistcoat. And while the chest is plenty big enough, it looks a little short to me, although lots of friends have said they like that look. Perhaps it's meant to be short.
The fabric is Robert Kaufman cotton herringbone in sage, bought on a whim as a remnant from my treasure trove local shop, Herringbone in Nailsworth. It's just gorgeous fabric. It's cotton and washable, but looks almost as if it might be expensive wool tweed. The waistcoat and pockets are lined in orange shot cotton, which looks fabulous with that soft green.
It's perfect for this spring weather, where the sunshine is starting to warm us up, but there can still be a chill wind. And I just love the nostalgic look, and the unisex style. In a world of leggings sewn in sweatshop and pink and sequins, this seems the perfect antidote. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era, I long for quality, authenticity and clothes that lasted generations.
I've made an attempt at photography indoors, and it was a challenge to my photography skills - and Missy's patience...
So, taking some pics on an early spring walk a few weeks ago seemed a better option. I like to imagine that Missy looks like a little farm girl who could have been living in these valleys a century ago.
She ran through the valley, past fields and ponds with her best friend, who of course wore wellies and a fairy skirt for the occasion.... Oh to be five-years-old.
Now, what's next in this Japanese sewing? Come back to find out!
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