The challenge: a summer-weight suit in linen for my daughter for her travels. The suit should be casual but have structure; cool and breathable. Above all the garment must be sturdy to endure her active lifestyle.
My seven year old daughter loves taking the train; she is an adventurer at heart. The weather has warmed up, but already fall approaches. I wanted to make her a suit that could travel in the summer heat, but be ready for layering in autumn. I found a 100% yarn-dyed linen with a subtle stripe and fell in love. The linen was too lightweight for a suit, so I chose a red cotton batiste to underline and the same color Bemberg rayon for the jacket lining.
The batiste, which I handbasted to each pattern piece, gave the garment just enough structure; it wears well with a minimal amount of wrinkling. The patch pockets were underlined in a fine grey cotton so no red would show. Each seam was double-stitched to make sure the rayon would not ravel. The end result is just as I’d envisioned, although I must confess keeping the grain straight in such a fine, loosely-woven linen was a bit of a headache!
My daughter loves the suit and wore it today to fetch her uncle for a birthday party. I will definitely be using this pattern again, it lends itself to a unisex structure that looks classic on any child.
I blogged the project here: http://kelly.hogaboom.org/?tag=linen-traveling-costume
This 'travelling suit' is BEAUTIFULLY done!
Your handsewing and technique are flawless, I love the fact that you included photos of the INSIDE.... when a garment is finished as nicely on the wrong side as the right side, I think it says alot about your work.
I'm sure this will be a favorite garment of your daughter.
(and I LOVE the first photo with the bunnyeared cap!!!!)
What a darling suit! Your workmanship is of the highest quality. Wonderful job.
This is so charming and heartwarming! ( as well as beautifully made of course)This should be an heirloom garment in your family for sure.
How wonderful to please your little daughter with a lovingly made suit and to grant her request for a polar bear hat. The whole thing brings a smile to my face.