Little Monkey was 13 months old when I started sewing for her. When she was little she didn't care what clothes I chose for her. Things have changed since then. Little Monkey is growing into a beautiful little girl. She has her own likes and dislikes which she voices with a lot of passion, and mind you, these likes and dislikes tend to change every now and then!
A couple of months ago as we were getting ready for work and childcare I asked Little Monkey what she wanted to wear. She said, 'Special dress'. I thought I knew exactly what she was talking about and pulled out this dress:
This dress has been Little Monkey's favourite for some time because of the funky pockets and the bird print. She shook her head and said, 'Not this one. I want a special dress'.
There was another dress I made just a few weeks earlier. It had an awesome pocket on it as well. I showed it to Little Monkey.
'No', she said. 'Not this one. I want a special dress'.
At that point I was convinced she was talking about her Dr Seuss dress. She picked fabric for it herself and has been wanting to wear it day and night. So I got it out.
To my surprise Little Monkey declared that was not the dress she wanted either. She hopped off the bed, came up to her wardrobe, moved me out of the way, still saying, 'I want a special dress. This one'... she pulled out a peasant top. A peasant top I made last year to restore my sewjo after I messed up a simple project.
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| Free pattern here |
I cannot believe that Little Monkey chooses this top over much more exciting outfits I have made since. When she can't wear this top because it is in the wash, she is almost devastated.
Kids clothes week is starting on Monday. I am planning to make a couple of things for Little Monkey. Let's see if I can make something that will outshine a simple peasant top!
That is so sweet! I love love love when kids get in their mind something so specific and you just can't follow their logic. But their enthusiasm and determination is infectious, isn't it? What a great idea to lengthen the shirt. Good thing it still fit on top! Thank heavens for crafty mamas.
ReplyDeleteThank you Niki. Kids' logic is amazing (not that I can always follow it haha). I love all the funny things she says :)
DeleteI love it Jenya! I love hearing how other kids have opinions too, and how they are definitely not what we would think! She sounds just like my two. And I like that peasant top a lot...good fix on lengthening it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Teresa. Yes sometimes it makes me giggle how we think kids would like one thing, and they go for something completely different! I still have a little bit of that birdie fabric left and I want to make a new dress for her out of it. The fabric is the reason she loved the top so much - my daughter is the biggest bird lover on the face of the earth!
DeleteJenya your posts always make me smile :) You have captured this small part of the life of a mother so perfectly - although most mothers would not have been able to solve the too short dress issue as easily and as stylishly as you have!
ReplyDeleteThank you Renee :) Isn't it nice to be able to fix your child's favourite item of clothing :) Or better yet - create it :)
DeleteAwwww, so cute :) It's amazing, I feel like as soon as I finally get a grip on what my kid likes, he goes and completely changes his preferences. At least her special shirt was still something that Mommy made, that must feel fantastic! Good job on extending its shelf life ;)
ReplyDeleteShelf life, sandpit life, going down the slide life :) Thank you :)
DeleteThe fabric on that peasant top is great- and nice job adding the band! I should think about that next spring to get a little more wear out of some tops. And keeping up with changing kid preferences can be a trick at times!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It sure is tricky!
DeleteWe're just getting to that stage too. It's very....ummm...interesting! I love the idea of lengthening a favourite top. I'll store that tip away in the back of my mind until it's needed :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth. It sure is an interesting stage :) I feel I really have to think hard and choose patterns and materials carefully. Does your little girl favour anything specific at the moment?
DeleteKids often choose some unexpected favourites, don't they. Great save by adding the band.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam :) At least it is a mummy-made favourite, not a store bought hehe
DeleteHehe so cute! I love the way you told that story xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks Ange :) LM provides a lot of stories to tell every day :) I call her my walking entertainment unit :)
DeleteWhat a great post! I agree sometimes kid's favorites are totally baffling! Love the band you added at the bottom she looks adorable in it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachel :)
DeleteGood job mom...my (just turned) 13 yr old still has favorites that I make over so she can continue to wear them. Get used to it!!! oh and her favorites and mine clash at this age. We are learning to compromise,,,,,,I think/hope LOL ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kim. Compromising is good! it saves sanity hehe
DeleteIt is a very lovely & special peasant top though! Made even cuter with the lengthening band - great idea! Have fun in KCW, wish I could join in, but not to be this time!
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle. To be honest, I actually like this top better now :)
DeleteWell, technically you are sewing for kids, so why not join KCW?
Peasant tops and dresses are awesome. So sweet and comfortable. The fabric in that one is adorable. No wonder she likes it!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you make for KCW.
Thank you Jane :) I just finished the first project for KCW. I was certain LM would LOVE it... I am not too sure now... But then again all she wanted to do when she woke up was to play with her trains, not to try a new dress on... I guess I will know more tomorrow :)
DeleteAre you participating in KCW?