Trailblazer vest

Sewing for older boys can be quite a challenge. They develop their own style and have lots of opinions about what is cool enough to wear these days. But when I listen to them and sew something that matches with their ideas, they are by far my most grateful customers.

Testing the new kids version of the Trailblazer Vest pattern by Twig&Tale seemed the perfect opportunity to hit the bull's eye. It includes pockets and zipper, a collar and has the opportunity to sew a warm puffer style version, so it's perfect for the grown up look my boys love. There is also a nice windflap, which I omitted in this version, because I wanted those matching chevron stripes to be visible. The instructions are very detailed - there is even a video on how to sew the zipper - and meant to hold a beginner's hand. They walk you through the construction from beginning to end.

The outer fabric is a thin cotton from Michael Miller quilted onto thick and fluffy batting. I had lots of fun playing around with the quilting design and used chevrons, horizontal and vertical stripes and a little piece of piping on the back yoke. With quilting, using piping and colourblocking, the possibilities to get creative are almost endless.

The lining is made out of one of the softest fabrics I've ever worked with: organic cotton sherpa by Michael Miller. Most organic cottons are softer than regular ones, but this one is pure heaven.

Not only does the kid feel cool now, he must be wrapped in the coziest garment I've ever sewn.

This vest exists in a grown-up men's version, too, and there is a lovely fisherman's add-on with lots of extra pockets for treasure hunters of all types. Today is the last day the pattern is on sale, so if you want it, grab it quick!

Pattern: Children's Trailblazer vest by Twig & Tale

Fabric: Michael Miller Cotton couture, color SC5333-META-D (outer)

and Michael Miller organic cotton sherpa (lining)

The fabrics for this vest were kindly sponsored by Michael Miller fabrics.

Barefoot romper

Mijn kleine meisje klimt opeens in bomen. Ik houd mijn adem in terwijl ze hoger en hoger gaat, of ineens ondersteboven als een aapje aan een tak bungelt.

My little girl discovered how to climb trees. It takes my breath away watching her high, high up there, or hanging upside down from a branch like a monkey. 

Alle mooie jurkjes in de kast zijn wel heel onpraktisch voor haar nieuwe hobby, dus naaide ik een Barefoot romper van Twig&Tale, een perfecte speeloutfit.

But all the pretty dresses in her closet are not too practical for her new hobby, so today I present you the Barefoot romper by Twig&Tale as a playproof treeclimbing outfit.

Deze harembroek geeft veel bewegingsruimte, en ik ben dol op de deugniet die ze erin wordt. Het patroon is ontworpen voor geweven stof en heeft veel verschillende opties voor een steeds net iets andere look.

This haremstyle romper has lots of room to move around freely and I love the way it looks on her. The pattern includes many options for different looks and is designed for woven fabrics. 

Ik naaide de broek in een zachte gespikkelde sweaterstof. Bij het gebruik van rekbare stoffen voor dit patroon is het wel belangrijk om de schouderbanden volledig te verstevigen.

For even more comfort, I made it from a thick jersey. When sewing this pattern in knit fabrics it's very important to use interfacing on the full length of the straps.

Twee antieke knopen en een stukje lint uit grootmoeders doos completeren het plaatje. En let vooral niet op de oude regenlaarsjes die ze weigerde uit te doen voor de foto's omdat die kennelijk onmisbaar zijn bij het bomen klimmen...

Two vintage buttons and a piece of vintage ribbon complete the look. And please ignore the old wellies that she refused to take off for photos as they're apparently essential for treeclimbing...

Pattern: Barefoot romper by Twig&Tale
Fabric: Soft jersey from the local fabric store