Elisabeth from Growing Home is here to share her A-DORABLE John John DIY with us. See, BOY STUFF! Isn't it the cutest? I'm starting to think I can get excited about boy clothes! Take it away, Elisabeth...
If you are a boys' mom, you know that the options for little boys clothes are a bit limited. You can buy inexpensive clothes with words and graphics printed on them (not my always my fave) or you can pay an arm and a leg for one among the handful of traditional offerings that look masculine enough for a boy. I usually settle for shopping consignment sales and haunting the racks at TJ Maxx. [If any of you out there are looking to start a business, please note that there is a gaping hole in this market!!] Because my life isn't exactly aligned for an entrepreneurial venture at the moment, I'm trying out a different tactic: do-it-yourself boys clothes. And right now, this style is my favorite accomplishment...the John John.
This style goes by lots of names (confusingly many): romper, coverall, jumpsuit... The most common name, however, comes from John F. Kennedy, Jr., who wore these outfits during his father's presidency. Here in the South, little boys wear smocked or appliqued versions of the John John for dress up. You can add those things to it (I'll discuss appliqueing below; Jim does not allow smocking unless it depicts football, trucks, or other equally masculine things, so it hasn't seemed worthwhile to learn:)). The greatest thing about the John John it is that it is relatively easy to make and will only cost you about $15, if you have sewing supplies and another John John (to use for your pattern) on hand. That's right, about $15...not $60 (or more). This is reason enough to learn to sew, my friends!
There are two parts to the process: making the pattern (which you can use over and over) and constructing the John John. My guess is that, if you worked without stopping (not even close to a reality in my life), it would take you about four hours...IF you're a beginner. If you're a macho-sewista, it will likely take you far less.
Little Brother was so thrilled with his new airplane suit that he decided to take a romp in the yard on Sunday afternoon...and then a test flight down the block. He worked so hard that he thoroughly wrinkled himself and sweated through his clothes. So...hurray! Our creation passed the boy test. And now I'm going to go wash it:).
See the full instructions (including a bajillion pics of the process) after the jump.
And don't forget! Leave a comment on this or any post this week and you might win the Wool-Blend Felt pictured up there on the left.
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Labels: All Things Boy, Baby, Clothing, DIY, Easter, In One Evening, Sewing
