That said, I do understand.
Many of their peers seem to have endless clothing budgets, they buy and discard clothing, much of it unworn and a majority of it sweat shop produced, seemingly continually.
My own mother sewed for me, at times and I often found it just didn't feel right/fit right. Her sewing was very good, it was my teenage self's problem.
Add to the mix, I am not as patient as I could be. Juggling toddlers and teens is very rewarding but can be pretty bloody tiring too.
Anyhoo, I made Elsa a shirt.
It was drafted from an unpicked Jeans-West shirt Elsa purchased for herself a few years back.
She did all the unpicking herself.
I have to admit, it had some really nice details.
Lined yoke, back vent, two piece sleeve placket, roll up sleeve with strap...
And it looks lovely on her!
I went to quite a bit of trouble drafting it, I added the seam allowance and made sure to alter the pattern pieces as I altered the shirt.
I would have liked to pinch a bit from the shoulders but Elsa liked the ease.
Lidia happily gave Elsa her piece of Liberty.
She figured she would get it handed back sooner or later anyway.
~Elsa's Verdict~
First off Lidia is never getting the shirt, not because I'm being selfish (well maybe a little bit), but I plan to always fit into this shirt because hello? It's AMAZING, like mum said it use to be a Jean-West shirt that fitted amazingly for a store bought piece. Unfortunately the lace on the back piece died really quickly and I am not confident enough to wear the Canadian Tuxedo (denim on denim). So mum, being the amazing women she is (with a little bit of convincing), made this amazing shirt which will ALWAYS be mine! Thanks mum, x
Aww, thanks Else.
xx N
Honestly you must have the patience of a saint, not only to mind all these little ones but clothe them in your handmade garments! I get it must be tough that your girls have reached that age when their peers are wearing something totally different...
ReplyDeleteI look back with respect at my parents who must have really struggled when I wanted what my peers were wearing when we just didn't have the money. I'm sure all your children will have fond memories of their mum sewing for them, just as you do.
Thank you Siobhan.
DeleteI could be a lot more patient, I know I could but it is so hard. When you put your time and love into sewing a garment it is really hard when it is rejected. You know it is the garment being rejected not you but it still feels like it is you.
We both keep trying and I am supposed to be the grown up here.
I do hope they realise, one day, I was truly trying me best.
Thank you, again, for your thoughtful comment.
xx N
Oh my giddy aunt you are AMAZING! Seriously want to grow up to be like you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, you are lovely.
Deletexx N
Fantastic, and you gotta be happy with that assessment, right?!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely awesome!
Deletexx N
Wow, Nicole! This is so great! The fit is perfect! And I love Elsa's assessment! What a sweetheart! She's lucky to have such an awesome mom!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachel, I really hopes she keeps on liking it ;)
Deletexx N
I think you absolutely hit the nail on the head with that shirt.
ReplyDeleteThank you very, very much.
Deletexx N
Well done you. And well done to the unpicker. She too has the patience of a saint. But a great lesson in persistence and goal setting for Elsa ... and the new pattern will provide shirts for E, Z and lucky Lids for years to come. Elsa that style on you is amazing - it is a style that will always suit you. Fabulous to have found it now - -and what a generous younger sister you have in the Lid. Lids I hope Elsa thanked you profusely. Can't speak highly enough of the outcome. Great team work as a family.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
DeleteOne for team work, I think. I hope to make many more of these shirts, and very enjoyable sew.
xx N
All the love for everything about this!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Deletexx N
Yes Elsa, it's amazing ;o)
ReplyDeleteDo you think she likes it?
Delete;)
xx N
It is such a classic style it should be a favourite for a long time. I like this style of shirt as does my daughter. I sew for my daughter but only make what she wears regularly and this is usually sweatshirts and tees being a student. They aren't always the most interesting to make but certainly gratefully received. Fortunately at 20 she now realises that what I make is far better in quality to anything she can afford to buy so is gratefully received. Sewing for my teenage sons though seems to be a different beast altogether. They are far more fickle and less appreciative of my efforts.
ReplyDeleteI hope it is. Elsa handed on nearly everything I sewed her during her last turn. I swing between not wanting to sew for her to wanting to rise to the challenge.
DeleteI think you are right. I should just sew singlet tops and City Gym shorts, then I KNOW they will be worn.
My teenage boy is easy, so is Jed, they love getting dressed up.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
xx N
Beautiful outcome, emotionally and literally. Hats off to you both!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Robina.
ReplyDeletexx N
Oh, I was reading the post expecting to hear that she didn't like the shirt after all and I was going to be all "BUT WHY NOT? IT'S FANTASTIC." Whew. Glad she loves it - it's SO nice on her.
ReplyDeleteYou never, never know Masha. I was not sure how it would go which is why I let Liddy donate her Liberty, I figured SOMEONE would wear it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your girls as they become teens, they can be harsh.
xx N
PS Thank you!
Oh, Nicole!!! (Sorry, I got a bit behind on my blog reading there!) This shirt is KILLER. I mean, look at it! It fits her perfectly, and it is just so HER. I am not surprised to hear that she plans to never give it up. Like Masha, your beginning had me worried that she would reject it! Thank goodness she didn't, because it's fantastic!
ReplyDeleteInder, from the last lot of sewing I did for her, http://fiveandcounting-motherof5.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/elsa-round-up.html , the dress is worn and that is it!
ReplyDeleteThus my frustration although I do try to hide it.
She has worn this shirt and it does look lovely on her and Liddy will love it if she doesn't, so, deep breaths.
Thank you!
xx N