A few months back, Robin from Nested in Stitches contacted me about this idea she had about rounding up a group of sewists and bloggers who sew kids clothes and having us all sew for each other’s kids. Sounds like fun right? Well the best part about it was the amazing group of people she gathered to participate! And we didn’t know who was sewing for anyone else, so it was super exciting to see the outfits start coming in. Read about all the details and who was involved in the Handmade Kids Clothing Swap here.
The wonderful Robin herself was the one who sewed for my daughter! She took a look at my Kids Clothing Inspiration pinterest board and was inspired to make an ADORABLE outfit for Yuki. Here’s a sneak peek and then a bit from Robin about the outfit she made . . .
Here’s Robin:
This swap was so much fun to do! Cherie’s pinterest board is full of fun, graphic kids clothing. I know she loves to dress Yuki in unisex clothes, and I know Yuki can rock that look. I also wanted to sew something that I knew a 2-year old would want to wear- and you can’t go wrong with a knit. After happening across some super soft double knit at Bolt, I decided to recreate this look.
I used the Oliver + S sailboat pattern for the top in a size 2T. Because this pattern uses a facing inside the neckline, it’s a perfect candidate for knit fabric. I ended up sewing the top with the wrong side of the knit facing out because I loved the heathered blue-grey color. (The inside of the top is a solid navy blue). Because of the nature of the double-sided knit, this choice is going to give the top a causal, somewhat wrinkly look. The shorts are sewn from Figgy’s banyan pattern. I used some navy and white gingham shirting I had on hand (and also from Bolt). The sizing on the shorts seems to run a little on the large size, and these are the 18 month size. The pattern is awesome and the shorts are adorable. I took the lazy approach and didn’t sew the zip (or any) fly… I decided that a two-year-old didn’t need a zip fly, and I wanted to keep the look super casual. Finally, to take the whole look to the next level, I knit a little hat for Yuki in a gorgeous grey alpaca yarn I happened to have on hand (the colorway I used is called ash). It’s the perfect cool, every so slightly bluish grey, so was a fantastic match for this outfit. The pattern is Rambled, and I knit it in the smallest size, since I know that alpaca is likely to grown with time.
It was such a blast to sew for Cherie and Yuki! The whole experience is a little nerve-wracking, as you can imagine it would be if you are sewing something for another sewist’s child to wear! But it was so much fun to be able to break out of my own sewing habits and be able to sew something that hopefully embodies someone else’s style. And? It fits! (Phew!)
AND? We LOVE it. The outfit fits her perfectly and suits Yuki so well!
Robin really hit the target on this one. The outfit is totally comfy, practical and so so cute. Not only that, but Robin’s sewing skills are impeccable!
I can definitely see her wearing this outfit all the time and it’s got enough room to fit her for awhile. The shirt is suuuuper soft and a beautiful heather blue color. It’s a simple style with just the right amount of detail to make it unique and stylish.
I love the plaid Banyan shorts too. Robin added some fun elements like gray pockets and a cute button to match the shirt.
And to top it all off, she knit this ADORABLE lil hat for Yuki. I won’t lie, when I saw it I really hoped that it was for me. But alas, it didn’t fit my noggin’.
Probably cuter on her anyways.
I just want to give a HUGE thanks to Robin for the truly amazing outfit for Yuki. I can tell that a lot of thought and care when into crafting these garments especially for my daughter. And of course for organizing this fun clothing swap and letting me be a part of it!
For the outfit I made, I was assigned to Sanae and I was soooo nervous to sew for her! But it turned out really fun and rewarding, so head on over to her blog to see the outfit that I made for her daughter, K!
AND be sure to check out all of the participants’ blogs to see the fantastic handmade outfits we swapped!
robin from nested in stitches
danielle from my sparkle
delia from delia creates
gail from probably actually
heather from well-crafted
kristin from skirt as top
meg from elsie marley
sanae from sanae ishida
vanessa from lbg studio
you and mie 
Darling, Robin!! And Cherie, you’ve got the cutest cutie.
Oh my goodness, perfection Robin! Love that sweater top. Just amazingly cool.
What a nifty idea! 😉
your daughter could not be more adorable in that outfit! Everything looks perfect (and perfect for a northwestern spring). Also, I’m stealing your scarf idea for myself (thankyouverymuch)!
Haha, I actually did want to keep that scarf for myself a little bit too 😛
Oh my – what a stylish and cute, yet cool outfit. Perfect for a little tomboy 🙂
SO adorable!! Yuki and the outfit are both amazing!
Love this idea, and I love the outfit you made. Amazing!
And Cherie, thanks again for your wonderful outfit!
This is so perfect! It looks darling on Yuki!
Love both, what you did and what you got!!!
Great colors and fabric. Congratulations!!!!!
This is totally amazing. Both the idea and the outcome. This is the third blog I am checking out and so far all the clothes I have seen is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! It is funny how many always go a little further when it is to someone else than to your own kids, right!
Haha, it’s true!! I mean, when I sew for myself or my kid and there’s a little snafu, I usually just leave it, but everything had to be PERFECT for sending to someone else. And yes, it’s fun to go the extra mile if you know someone is going to really appreciate it 🙂
Yuki looks so adorable! What a fun spring outfit.
I LOVE what you made for Sanae! Totally amazing outfit and sewing. I’m a sucker for a girls blazer and the lining was incredible, loved the pintucks on the blouse and everything. High end kids fashion.
Thanks Jessica!! It was fun to sew for them 🙂
Cherie, your daughter looks adorable in her outfit! and I’m in love of the pieces you made for Sanae’s daughter, they are absolutely gorgeous!
I love the outfit you created, that blazer is so awesome!!!
Robin, I love every bit of it! Soooo perfect for Yuki. And the hat is to die for! Are you planning a knitting swap next?? 🙂
Haha, that would be fun! Though I’d probably have to sit that one out as my knitting skills have gotten so rusty I could probably only knit rectangles. Though I could probably make an outfit out of that! 😛
Robin’s outfit is such a perfect fit for your little girl!! Love how the adorable hat pulls it all together.
such a perfect and adorable outfit for Yuki! I love it! And it makes me feel better about my plans to omit the zip when I make a pair of Banyan pants for Violet….lol. I totally thought the same thing about my 2 year old not needing one.
*sigh* I wish I could shop at Bolt all the time.
Totally – I’m not quite sure what the age requires a zip fly, but it certainly isn’t two! I’m actually thinking that we should all switch from zip flies to elastic waist pants – for all ages 😛
I’m so happy that the clothes fit, and that I got to sew for Yuki! She rocks any look. It was so much fun, and I enjoyed all our sewing chatter! Thanks for joining in!
THANK YOU ROBIN!! The outfit rocks, in case I didn’t make that clear enough in the post. I really enjoyed being a part of this and getting to know you over the last month. Can’t wait to do it again! 😉
That top looks so comfy and amazing on her! This is such a fun idea. 🙂
Pingback: Handmade Kids Clothing Swap | Sanae Ishida
I know you have probably already seen this blog but Icame across it and thought of you.
http://www.japanesesewingbooks.com/category/japanese-fabrics-2/
so so adorable! That shirt is amazing!!
everything is really lovely! you have really inspired me to make a blazer for my little girl now but i’m a beginner sewer and i’m intimidated after reading even you had problems fitting the pattern together. are you able to review the pattern on your blog?
Hi Alice. The pattern is probably suitable for a intermediate or ambitious beginner. I think if you buy the most recent version of the pattern, you probably won’t have any problems with it. Maybe start with some less expensive or practice fabric and see how it comes out? The second time is always waaay easier, so then you can try it with nicer fabric? Melissa, the designer of the pattern, is very helpful too, so I’m sure if you have any questions, she’d be willing to help. Good luck!
oh, the cuteness! And little Yuki – could she be any more photogenic?! Look at that beaming smile charming our pants off:) That top looks uber cozy – wish I could touch it. Great idea, Robin, on using the reverse side of the fabric. Way to think out of the box:) And those shorts! Love them (and need to go check out that Figgy’s pattern:). The hat, of course, is the cherry on top – great addition to an already stellar outfit.
I’m going down the rabbit hole of this kids clothing swap, but I can’t stop being so impressed. I love the little outfit you received, so stylish and simple (and comfy!). I love the thought put into what you made for one another. I popped over here after seeing the creations you made. I was blown away. It was perfect how all the elements worked with one another from the color scheme to the drape of the fabrics. I don’t know how else to gush about this, so I’ll just say–I’m speechless!
~Monica
so so wonderful – i need to hightail it over to Bolt to see if they have any more of that gray double knit. WOW that looks comfy. when i saw the preview of this outfit i knew what pin she had used right away, which is so fun! LOVELY work, Robin!!
and Cherie I just can’t get over what you made for Sanae, too. the COLORS!! so great.
That double knit is perfection. And Yuki is just the cutest thing ever! I love everything about this outfit. And Cherie, the clothes you made for Sanae’s daughter…I’m speechless!
Pingback: handmade kid clothes swap | skirt as top
Good Morning! My name is Cristina. I purchased a Japanese pattern book (Basics for Girls) a year ago and I’m just about to jump into the thrill of making a dress for my 4 yr. old niece. I’ve done quite a bit of research online (this is how I found your blog) to gear up and create! Yesterday I traced and cut out most of the pattern pieces. I want to thank you for all the information you share here. My intention is to cut 2 more sizes of the apron dress to have them as she grows…. I am beginning with size 100 = 4T. I hope this is correct.
Might you have any words of wisdom as I move forward?
Thank you, again!
cristina
Hi Cristina! Kristin wrote out a size chart with approximate measurements and ages here, though I’d definitely check your book for a measurement chart of its own. I’d just check out all the posts in the series because my guests had some GREAT advice and tips and translations that will hopefully be really helpful. And I wrote my own bits of advice in the wrap up post here. Just take your time and hopefully it’ll all come together 🙂 Good luck!
Glory Be! You’re an angel!
After reading through your suggested research (thank you, thank you to the MOON) Ruby’s dress is near completion.
Size 100 / 4T seems to be correct size for her, too! Whew!
I am going to make another dress right away.
I am simply amazed at the number gals who use these patterns.
peace.
cristina
Such a cute idea! The outfit that Yuki received is so cute. I wish I could sew! This makes me want to practice immediately!
Pingback: KCW Spring 13: Little Letter Halter and Parsley Shorts | you and mie
Pingback: Guest Post: Cherie of you & mie | Sanae Ishida
Pingback: Looking Back and Looking Forward | you and mie