Running With Scissors: boys clothing

Tutorial: Vest Construction

8:48 AM

Today I'll be sharing the tailor's method for constructing a vest. It's incredibly fast, it doesn't require any hand sewing (unless you count buttons), and the best part of all is that it can be altered in about 35 seconds if needed. (For this tutorial I used a self-drafted pattern).

1. Cut out the pieces: 2 front pieces, 2 back pieces of both outer fabric and lining.

2. Press on fusible interfacing along the front outer edge of both front pieces.

3. Stitch the center seam of the back pieces. Leave a 4" opening in the middle of the lining.

4. Lay the front and back pieces face to face. Stitch around all edges except the side seams and shoulder seams. Clip the curves and corners.

5. Turn the front pieces right-side out and press.

6. Slip the front pieces inside the back section through the side seams.
(The outer fabrics should face each other and the linings should face each other.)

7. Pin the side seams and shoulder seams into place.

8. Stitch the shoulder seams and side seams. Clip the corners.

9. Now for the magic. Pull the entire vest right-side out through the hole you left open in the lining.

10. Top stitch or whip stitch the hole in the lining closed.

11. Stitch buttonholes and attach buttons.

12. All finished!

If the vest requires alteration in the future, all you need to do is open the back seam of the lining and pull the side seam straight out. Since everything is attached, you just stitch down each side seam once instead of having to adjust the lining and outer separately.

boys clothing

Seersucker Vest and Trousers

11:57 AM

Hello! I've done loads of projects this summer, but I'm just getting around to sharing them with you guys. I made this little seersucker outfit for my boy back in June and it has come in handy for weddings or the surprise family date that my man plans out for us. I made the shirt out of an old sheet and I found the seersucker in one of my scrap bins. It's simple, cute, and best of all: washable!

In the next day or so, I'll share a great method for constructing a vest!

boys clothing

Toddler Swimsuit

8:55 AM

My boy has extremely sensitive skin, so I always try to keep him covered as much as possible. I thought a vintage-style swimsuit to cover his back and belly would be just the thing this summer. I took him with me to the fabric store to get the lycra. I was looking for navy and grey stripes, but when he saw this print with wales and crabs on it, he started pulling at it and laughing, so we got kid pirate print instead. It's so wonderful to see him growing up and shouting his opinions.

boys clothing

Handmade Trade

8:16 AM

My best friend's mom is incredible at knitting. She made these amazing sweaters for my Striker boy and I love them so much.

To show my appreciation, I made these two little outfits for her new grandson.

And best of all, Striker loves his knitted sweaters.

boys clothing

Play Clothes for Striker Boy

8:14 AM

My boy Striker has outgrown all of the button-down shirts that I made for him. The weather has warmed up and he loves to be outside. All the time. The back doors are left open most of the day and he plays on the porch for half and hour then comes in for a snack, then he's back outside to dig in the garden and chase the chickens around, then in the kitchen for a drink. At the end of the day when I tell him it's time to come inside, he cries, "No! Mama!" Then in the morning before he eats breakfast he finds his shoes and bangs on the back door until it's time to start playing again.

With so much time spent in the dirt, I usually have to change his trousers a few times a day, so I've made loads of play trousers and a new shirt for him.