My daughter, Kristen, is a challenge to buy clothes for...so I often sew them. I liked this jumper in our local Bass Outlet but knew it would be too short for her. I decided to use a similar pattern from my stash and copy it.
The most difficult part of the project was finding cute corduroy dress-weight fabric. I used to be able to find it everywhere this time of year but not so anymore. I finally found four choices at JoAnn Fabrics and got to work.
The pockets on my pattern were plain rectangles so I modified them to mimic the ones in the jumper from Bass.
When my sisters and I were children, Mom saved money by sewing most of our clothes (and they were beautiful). I think one of the reasons that I had difficulty finding corduroy dress-weight fabric is that fewer and fewer people sew clothes today because it is no longer cost effective to do so. The jumper at Bass was $50.00. Cost to sew the same jumper: 3 1/2 yards of fabric at $10.49 per yard = $36.72, 1 package red trim = $1.99, four buttons = $2.97, dark brown thread = $1.99...total = $43.67 + tax (without the cost of a pattern as I used one I had). No savings there.
This photo is not the best...I was rushing to bring the jumper to Kristen and the lighting was poor... but here my the finished jumper. I copied the trim around the neckline and pockets from the inspiration jumper at Bass.
In spite of the cost and time, I still make time sew clothes for my daughter. She is very difficult to fit and today's "slinky" styles for Juniors don't work for her at all. By sewing, I can adapt patterns and styles. I also enjoy sewing as a creative outlet...when I'm in the mood to sew, that is. It's fun choosing colors, fabrics, textures and trims to make a unique garment.
But, most of all, I like sewing for Kristen because I love to see her smile!
"Never underestimate the power of a woman with a sewing machine!"
Cheryl her smile says it all! What a cute jumper! My Mom sewed most of my clothes growing up and they were wonderful. I don't sew and sometimes wish I did. Hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful job...you have a wonderful, creative, gift. Oh how I wish I could sew...I've tried so many times but I CANNOT follow a pattern worth beans...should have paid more attention in Home Economics when I was in school. I do however knit so I'm not completely without some knowledge of creativity in that department. Your daughter looks lovely and especially when you see her sweet smile and she is happy...that's all any of us mothers want.
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