Jute Suit

RJ turned five recently and we've somehow lost all his dress pants (hoping they're at Grandma's or something) so I thought I'd make him a new summer suit.

Getting clothes for your birthday as a little boy is as exciting as getting toilet paper, so obviously he didn't love the gift, but I guess it was something he needed and gave me a deadline to get it made.

I had planned a blazer, as I made him the corduroy and Real McCoy ones in the past which he grew out of.

But for the heat of the summer, I thought maybe just a vest would be good.

So I guess when I say "suit" it's just pants and a coordinating vest.

I used a jute colored pin stripe, thinking the lighter color would be a good spring/ summer option.

It's a basic vest and for the trouser--the pants being another pair of Grandpa pants.

I'm so glad I actually cut a paper pattern when I drafted the first ones, because this is the third pair I've made for him.

Those original gray pants have received far more compliments and other moms asking where I bought them than any other article of clothing I've ever sewn.  

Grandpa pants are definitely my "go to" pants for this kid.  

When we go out of town I always bring them for double duty from play to church and everything in between.

I'm shocked his original pair have worn so well and don't have holes in the knees like most of his jeans.

We both like them so much he needed another pair.

 But the vest first of all:

I drafted the vest from his measurements, which was weird to discover his chest is now 1" wider than his waist.

He's morphing from toddler into this boy body!  

I didn't do anything interesting on the best.  

I thought about adding a collar or making the hem straight, but just went with traditional points. 

Most vests have the back piece from the lining silk fabric, but I like to do it in the same fabric.

No real reason, just my preference. 

I did add welt pockets to the waist like usual and a smaller chest pocket.

Occasionally he'll put his dad's pocket watch in there, but most of the time he thinks it's for candy to eat during church.

I also drafted the front to meet what seemed higher than other vests.

I like room for more than usual 2 to 3 buttons.

I know vests and suits should always be worn with the bottom button undone, but I have to say it kind of never feels right. 

On to the pants!

Some changes from the first Grandpa pants are the addition of belt loops, and the welt back pockets instead of patch pockets.

Other than that, these have the zip fly, front pockets, and elastic waistband.

I always ask him whether he wants a button, snap or hook/eye on the waistband closure, and he seems to prefer the hook.

His belt is a little small, but it's my husband's childhood belt so we're wearing it as long as possible.

The back belt loops cross and I encased the tops in the seam to make them stronger on top with this lighter non-denim fabric.

Hope your Spring is going well!

This would have been good for Easter, but I'm behind schedule on my "need to make" list it seems!