Seeing as it is near impossible to find cute little boys’ patterns, it was a total delight to open up Little Things to Sew by Oliver + S‘s Liesl Gibson and find this great vest with lots of pockets to stuff treasures and curiosities.
One thing that usually really works when choosing fabric to make things for boys is to peruse the Kokka home decor weight linens. Even though it isn’t made for clothing, it works just fine for garments that have a bit of body to them, as boys’ clothing so often does. The prints, like this robot print we chose for the Little Explorer’s Vest, are cute yet cool. The colors tend to be a little bit more sophisticated than most of the fabrics I come across that are made for boys, but not at all boring. Once you wash these linens a few time they soften up and feel good next to the skin.
Liev’s vest is lined with a narrow slate blue and white striped seer suckered cotton. We couldn’t resist adding something that wasn’t included in the pattern in the book but definitely adds to the design: a small, secret inner robot pocket to put that extra treasure that you might not want everyone to know about. Liev is obsessed with this little pocket and whispers things that he will be putting in it.
As for the large back pocket, we’re still working out what might live in there. In time, without doubt, my little dude will figure something out. For now, he is feeling good about finally, finally getting something sewn especially for him.
28/03/2011 at 6:16 am Permalink
Oh this is too cute! I have to try and make this.
28/03/2011 at 8:28 am Permalink
Perfect for your little explorer. I too have no doubt that all those pockets will be soon filled!
28/03/2011 at 8:41 am Permalink
Love, Love, Love this! Thanks for the reccommendation about the Kokka home decor linen. I’m definitely making the vest for my nephews’ birthdays and filling the pockets with little treats!
28/03/2011 at 10:36 am Permalink
There is no denying who is mother is. He is a mini you.
28/03/2011 at 10:44 am Permalink
Love, Love, Love. I wish I had the talent to sew, I would so make this. I wish you sold them. I would buy one no doubt! If you like diffrent boys clothes, check out Polarn O Pyret.
28/03/2011 at 4:30 pm Permalink
Hi Cate,
Maybe that back pocket is a perfect place for a wallaby.
Hope all is well with you and your (growing) family.
D
28/03/2011 at 7:23 pm Permalink
I love the back pocket and the extra pocket you added (should have been there in the first place!).
Have you seen the new family reunion dress? I just ordered fabric in anticipation of it’s release.
Also, the Oliver + S blog mentions that Leisel & Co will be at the NYC public library this coming weekend…are you going to go??? I wish I was in NYC for that!
29/03/2011 at 6:31 am Permalink
Lovely, with all those pockets…that´s perfect to bring all you need with you.
30/03/2011 at 1:20 pm Permalink
he is so blonde and your mira is so dark! nice mix!
we are so jealous at our house of your “animal day”. we just spent a fortune over xmas ridding our surroundings of skunks but my husband does still find them terribly cute (oh gawd!)
i could get excited about a wallaby too! cheers!
31/03/2011 at 8:50 am Permalink
Perfect to play with tigers
and lovely
06/04/2011 at 7:35 am Permalink
Great style and so playful! Precious model, looks like his tiger likes it too:))
We were just in your neck of the woods and thought of you. Unfortunately was too short but we hope we can meet up with you and your yummies on a next and longer visit. NY was really fun and we’re excited to go back:))
Happy days and week, thank you again for your thoughts and wishes for us and for Japan.