Good morning! How was your weekend? We’ve had a relaxing one full of bike-riding and now we’re counting down the days until school starts on September 4th…
With that in mind, this week I have a double-feature! Be warned, there are endless photos coming up. But first, let me back up a bit and start from the beginning. A few weeks ago, sweet Yeka of Lollipop Garden Grafts contacted me to see if I would be interested in a sew-along – I’m always up for a fun sew-along, so I heartily agreed.
We wanted to incorporate Japanese patterns of course (Yeka sews beautiful clothes from many Japanese sewing books) and some kind of mommy-and-me matching and back-to-school/fall theme. I know, that’s a lot going on.
At first I was a little stumped because although I often make clothes for K that I want to wear myself, I’m not actually a fan of matchy matchy outfits for me and K. I thought and thought and thought….
Then I remembered that I had sumptuous linen fabric I’d purchased here ages ago in two colorways and instantly knew that they would make great fall-inspired tops.
Once I had the fabric selected, I had to go through my usual rigmarole of researching my extensive collection of Japanese pattern books. I wanted a similar silhouette for the two of us, and hit jackpot when I saw the tunic in Simple Modern Sewing. I knew that there were virtually identical patterns for kids in my many books. Don’t let the muted hue of the fabric fool you, this linen is gorgeous. It’s striated with greens and blues and greys with marigold stripes and looks olive or blue-greyish depending on the light. Love love love.
For K, I used a pattern from this book, and I kept the buttons the same on both tops (from my vast supply, compliments of my mom – the buttons are edged with metal around the holes, upping the cool factor. The devil is in the details, right?). Her fabric is a light red with the same marigold stripes, and the red is very close in color to this top that I made a while ago. As you can see, I had some fabric left over so hey, why not make some coordinating infinity scarves? There are about ten thousand tutorials online, but I’ve made these often so I just whipped them up – so easy!
These tops are fabulous. I love that they’re of the same spirit but not identical. I did make things harder for myself by hand-stitching the neck binding and sleeve cuffs for both tops, but I’m very proud of the neat finish. They’re comfortable, and though my version borders (as per usual) on maternity wear, I think with the scarf and boots, I can get away with it in cooler temps.
The photoshoot was tricky because I always try to keep K’s face cropped out and with our height difference, I had very few images to select from. But we got kind of creative, no?
I also made the jeggings for K, and I have now used up the last of my beloved denim knit. I’ve made a skirt out of this same fabric for K before and it gets serious wear and matches everything. I need to get some more once my fabric fast is over. I used this book for the jeggings, though at this point, I could make leggings in my sleep.
I am especially in love with K’s outfit. She looks so stylish and ready for autumn, don’t you think? I was a little sad that she ditched the boots which you can see in the photo where she’s twirling, saying they were too uncomfortable and not as fancy as her patent leather black flats – I want a pair of those nautical galoshes for myself.
These were fun outfits to sew, and now I think I have to go make myself more tunics because it’s mega-comfy and will become a fall outfit staple! Thanks for coming up with the idea Yeka! You should jump on over to her blog to see her adorable creations, below is a little sneak peek — what about you, do you like to dress in matching/coordinating outfits with your little ones?
Hi Sanae. I found your blog recently and really like it. This time’s outfits are so lovely and stylish. Both mama and girl look really nice.
Looking forward to your next sewing projects. Wish you and K a nice day.
Hi Norah! So glad you’ve found my little blog
thanks so much for your sweet comment!
Love love love it!
Thank you thank you thank you, Heidi
Gorgeous! I love the orange fabric! They are such stylish tops, and co-ordinated without being matchy matchy. I love k’s pout, and you were very creative indeed with your photo shoot!
Isn’t the linen great? It’s a heavier weight linen so it’ll be perfect for when the temperatures dip. K and I are sweating like pigs in these shots because it was something like 80 degrees
AWWWWWW! these are just the sweetest tops ever. i love the clean look of linen and am so jealous of your ability to create items that can be mixed& matched easily together.
mae
Thanks, Mae! I was pretty excited when these turned out the way I I signed them!
I WANT!!!
you always choose the best fabric – that linen looks amazing! the two of you are adorable!!
Oh, thanks Gail! This was definitely a fun photoshoot
it’s so cool that the love you two have for one another comes across so clearly, even on something as impersonal as a computer screen. your photo shoot together is just awesome . . . and I think K has some serious modeling skills. that photo with her arms crossed looking to the side? so great!
this linen . . .how my fingers itch to feel it! You always have the best fabric, and this time is no exception. and I love it that you handstitched the bindings. sometimes it’s nice to step away from the machine and do more meditative work. These tunics are fabulous and look so great paired with skinnies. The perfect level of mother/daughter outfits without going overboard!
I’m frequently astounded at how much of a natural model she is – she’s even vocal about props and styling! In fact, sometimes I think the only reason the clothes look good is because she’s the one wearing them! Thanks as always for your lovely comment!
oh, these are both so great! the fabric looks luscious!
Luscious fabric indeed! I could live in this linen…
Fantastic work Sanae! this tunics are adorable. I can almost feel the linen draping beautifully, like leafs in the trees. You are right they are perfect for Autumn. You should be so proud of your job with the hand stitch finish, that is amazing, time consuming but the result I can see is fantastic, as I said. The pictures are so lovely, you have a wonderful model, my one cries every time I ask her to try on the things I made…
Thank you, Maria! Hand-stitching the binding does take crazy amounts of time but I was watching Oblivion (with Tom Cruise) with M while stitching so it went by pretty fast
And it’s so hard to get kids to model. K’s often reluctant too…
I love the coordinated outfits! The fabric is super nice. I’m curious about your hand-stitched binding (sounds so luxurious) – how did you do it?
Thanks Morgan! I just slip-stitched the binding onto the neckline and sleeve cuffs (with teeny tiny stitches). The end result is much neater and “couture”-ish than if I had tried to machine stitch them.
Very stylish! I admire women who have the figure to wear tunics and leggings. The outfit looks lovely on you.
Oh, thanks for saying that Bernadette! I wasn’t sure if I was deluding myself into thinking it didn’t look like a muumuu.
Just So Beautiful! I so love the photo K standing behind you. It’s so cute. You guys are so adorable. So are outfits!
Haha, that one made me smile when I saw it so I had to include it. Thanks Shino!
I really love these. Such beautiful linen. I made it to stitches when I was there in the spring and they had loads of beautiful linen. Can you tell me where you got your denim knit? It looks perfect.
Thank you, Clover and you’re so right, Stitches has a great collection of linen. The denim knit is from Pacific Fabrics and I had both black and blue. I love that knit!
Yes, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! And especially the energy, joy and love between the two of you. So much more than just sewing and showing clothes! And if I had a little girl I would love matching outfits like yours.
And please tell, which size did you sew for your tunic? And did you like how the pattern came together? It is also on my list and I am curious!
Thanks, Ute! So I made the medium size but I think it’s a little too big for me. To be honest, I gave up on the written instructions because they were poorly written. I followed the construction from the kid’s pattern book and for the front keyhole, I kind of guesstimated and made modifications that made sense to me. The pattern pieces were also slightly off again, but it wasn’t a big deal. I think my only beef about the way it came out is that the back gathers make me look almost hunchback with massive shoulder pads, but otherwise it’s a great top!
As predicted, you made very stylish outfits, perfect for a fashionista girl! :). To see your tunic, it reminds me I have to make one for myself too, thank you for this sew-along Sanae!
So fun, Yeka! Great idea!
linen and stripes! impossible to go wrong, and i just love the muted and subtle colors for fall. love them. this stash is remarkable and i’m excited to keep watching you tame it! i used to think matchy matchy was absurd, but now i do it all the time, partially to use up fabric (i have the opposite of the stash issue; i just love to burn through fabric), and largely because bean and i have a lot of fun wearing matching outfits. i know those days are numbered–enjoying it while i can
Thank you, Ashley! I think matchy matchy could be super cute, but I’ve never been able to feel like I can pull it off
I love the matching outfits you’ve made!
So very lovely! I love the contrasting scarves and the linen is beautiful! It’s as if the outfits show how you and K really complement each other–one without the other wouldn’t be whole.
Oh, that is so sweet Irene – thank you! K does feel very much like an extension of me but I’m also careful to foster her individuality. K was actually disappointed that I didn’t make exactly matching outfits for us and her doll
I really love these; that fabric is gorgeous! I used to make fun of my eldest sister for making mom and me clothes, but I admit that it’s tempting now that I have a daughter.
Thanks Jams! I can see why it’s so fun to make mom and me clothes – it almost feels like dress-up and K was way into it!
What beautiful tunics and gorgeous fabric! I love how you coordinate without being too matchy. I often end up dressing like one of my girls or one of them will match another because I’m tight and want to use every last scrap from a cut of fabric. I don’t know what I’ll do when I don’t have a kid small enough to dress in remnants!
I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with my scraps too, Cate! Perhaps we should take up quilting?
I’m afraid that might be where I’m headed, but the process drives me nuts!(love the end result though)
so so great! your linens are gorgeous. making the tops similar but not the same, like they’re from the same collection, works well.
Thanks, Tara! Nothing makes my heart flutter more happily than hearing the clothes I make referenced as a “collection”
One day, Tara, one day, I will design my own line…
This is stunning!
Can I ask though where your boots come from/what brand they are? They look perfect for fall
These boots are awesome! I got them at Re-Soul a few years ago on sale, and they’ve held up really well. It looks like the brand is “Ming” but it doesn’t look like they carry this brand or style anymore.
Love these!! I am slightly obsessed with how awesome K looks too; can I steal it? Great to see you yesterday!
So good to see you, Keli! I’m getting pumped for Oct. 13th! And of course you can steal our looks – it’ll cost you some fabric though
oh no no no, shaking my finger, I am not going to help you break your fast:).
These are lovely! I’ve spent the last few days reading through your archives and have enjoyed your sewing and your honest reflections on life/sewing/etc posts so much. And, you’ve motivated me to try out Japanese sewing books. I bought two today and am so excited to start. If life with a three year old and newborn isn’t too crazy, I hope to take your class this fall to learn even more. Thank you for providing so much inspiration!
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Elizabeth – my archives are becoming unwieldy and I’m so honored you took the time to go through them! I’m excited that you’re venturing into sewing from Japanese sewing books. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, I’m happy to help in any way and it would be amazing if you’re able to take my class
Both tops are fabulous!! You guys totally look ready for fall.
Thanks, Liza Jane! It’s actually already feeling like fall these last few days…it even rained a couple of days ago. Highly unusual for August in Seattle…
Hi Sanae,
it’s been a while since my last comment, i was burried under so much work for the first day of school around here. My son Sander is now a big kid, a proud first grader. So today i read every post i missed, and have to admit: wow! WoW! The monday outfit for K is just lovely, those little frills on the placket, sigh! And your matchy matchy tunics tempted me to make some for my daughter and me. I especially love the color combo. I wore a lot of mango or coral tones lately (mainly as scarves, or on the caps of my beloves suede balet flats), its such a cheerful color. The grey one is also on my alley. My husband always say that my closet is a variation of a greywhiteblackmarinegreigetaupe-theme, you know what i mean?
So i hope to comment some more now that all becomes a little bit calmer here, because i know: comments are the bloggers applause, aren’t they?
Sendung you hugs
Marit
Hi Marit! So wonderful to read your comment! The beginning of the school year is always so hectic, isn’t it? I’ll be in the same boat next week. And so funny about your wardrobe – mine is the same…
xo!
I love the style. It looks very good on both of you.
Where did you find the pattern book for K’s tunic? I checked the link you posted, and, after looking at it, I just want the same book!!!!! I can see my own daughter in a few of these tunics and dresses. I have other japanese pattern books, mostly published in France. They are fantastic, so full of fresh ideas, and always with fantastic fabrics. I wish I had the time do to all these beautiful clothes!
Thank you Sylvie! I get all of my pattern books from Kinokuniya here in Seattle – I have quite the collection!
You two are a gorgeous twosome. I know your Mom is having a proud moment, just in time for Mother’s Day!