PR&P Week 4 - Boys Week

The Theme

BOYS WEEK at Project Run & Play (you can go vote for your favourite design until Sunday)!!  

I absolutely love sewing clothes for my boy!  When I was pregnant with him and started sewing his little, bitty clothes, I could not believe the lack of commercial patterns for boys, let alone patterns that were actually stylish.  This is what led me to eventually start drafting my own patterns for him.  I love creating one-of-a kind garments for him that you just won't find in any store, and this week's outfit is no different.  

ABCs, Trees, and Autumn Leaves

The creation of this look was inspired by the beautiful east coast autumn scenery.  I love the rich, warm colours and wanted to replicate it in each piece.  Everything has either a hint or pop of crimson, my favourite fall colour.

The Coat

I adore duffle coats.  I think they are just so classic, cute, and well, very expensive!  I've been eyeing them this season, and knew I wanted to make Tobias one, because I knew there was no way I would dish out the $ to buy a good quality coat like this.  Yes, it's time consuming, but hopefully, it will last him into next year.

I wanted to spare no details in making this coat, because I really want it to last.  I spent a lot of time on the construction, and yes, a lot of time with my seam ripper, because I just couldn't be satisfied until it was just right.  But, seeing him in it, I know the work was worth it.  

I included these features:

• full lining
• deep flat front pockets with button closures
• button closure on the hood (because it gets cold here!)
• flat felt seams

One of my favourite features is the lining fabric.  It's called Mayfly Buddies and has all these adorable critters adorning the alphabet.  Tobias is big into letters & reading, so I knew this lining was a perfect fit for his tastes, and he loves it!

I got really personal with this coat in other ways, too.  For example, my local fabric store didn't have the right colour for the toggle cord, so I took matters into my own hands, and dyed it...with coffee!  And also, the buttons:  I wanted them to have that rustic look to them, so I thought, why not burn them a bit?!  Out came the lighter, and now, they are just the way I wanted them.

I really had fun personalizing this coat, and know there will be that awesome feeling of satisfaction, each time I see Tobias wearing it.

The Trousers

When I saw the rich, toffee coloured wale corduroy, I knew in an instant that it was meant to be these pants.  They were the first thing I made for this outfit, and all the other fabrics/garments were planned around them.

Now that I've learned how to do a zipper fly, I feel so unlimited when it comes to making trousers.  I have to yet again, credit the clean slate pants, although, this time, since I've made them a few times, I felt comfortable redesigning them so to speak.  I used the patterns pieces, and zip fly instructions, but other than that, I changed up the style by adding personal embellishments (unique pockets, belt loops, contrasting stitching, plaid accents/detailing).  

The Shirt

The shirt is my idea of a perfect transition garment for all seasons.  I plan to layer it with a long sleeve jersey shirt underneath when the weather cools, so Tobias will get plenty of use out of it.  But, I didn't want something typical, so I pieced the front with contrasting fabric and made the button tabs in bright red, to match the unexpected buttons.  

The Hat

The toque (pronounced toooooooook) is my signature Canadian piece for this look.  It was so easy to sew, and tied in the colours nicely.  I'm so glad I made it a last minute addition to the ensemble. 

Not bad, eh?!  (please excuse the Canadian humour...and spelling)

:)

Project Run & Play is the place to go for voting until Sunday night.  

If you vote for my look...THANK YOU!!