3.14.2008

oh boy!


My friend Audrey has two boys. Says Audrey: "Melissa, you've got to make some boy clothes!" My response: "I'm not in boy mode anymore." 

I used to be in boy mode.  I used to sew and sew for my son when he was little. I made him courdoroy overalls, navy blue wool sailor outfits and hand-knit sweaters. Then he started to have an opinion about what he wore and my sewing-for-kids days were over, for a while.

Boys are trickier to sew for. Most boys wear very sporty clothes: heavy jeans with lots of grommets and industrial thread crisscrossing every seam. I prefer a european look: softer fabrics, fewer pockets, patches and belt loops, a more fitted cut. Here's one such creation made from a light-weight charcoal wool. This little outfit is modeled by my niece's gorgeous son.  My niece tenderly dotes over him (isn't she a beauty!)

21 comments:

Erica-Jane said...

Hello you two!

I'm back in the land of blog visiting! Wow, I've got alot to catch up on...I'm constantly a-m-a-z-e-d by the clothes! The twirly skirts, the Easter dress...wow!

Thanks for your sweet and lovely comments about Sienna-Rose!

Erica
xoxox

Mama Urchin said...

Oh he is a sweetie. I love those kind of clothes for my toddler son too.

Kristine said...

Gorgeous. Exactly the sort of look I love.

Linnea said...

How cute?!? I love the classic look for little boys, it is so hard to find stuff like that. That is exactly what I am looking for in an Easter outfit for my little guy. Once again I am impressed!

Audrey and the Boys said...

I love it Melissa. It is quite similar to something that I am working on that you of course inspired me to work on! I just can't bring myself to buy clothes from the store anymore after seeing the beautiful things that you make!

Anonymous said...

You have such a beautiful site. What a cute little guy in a wonderful little outfit. Tell your niece I think her velvet top is lovely. :)

Unknown said...

What perfect pictures!! Your nephew is adorable, melissa, and I love those sweet overalls. They are perfect.

Have a great time with them!!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous boy, gorgeous niece, gorgeous clothes, gorgeous sette!

Broe said...

Nicely done! He's a cutie!

Liz Harvatine said...

Everything about that shot is beautiful! The couch, her outfit, the boy...everything!
I really love your blog. I don't have kids but you make me want to start sewing my own wardrobe!

Dawn Elizableth said...

Love his expression! I love classic boy clothes too.

Rachael said...

Not having a son, I have not made any 'proper' boys clothes. However on seeing these gorgeous photos I think I will have to. My lovely friends boys will be looking a little more tailored this winter!

Leslie said...

I want to know where you are shooting. Pretty location! I have a little girl, but lately I have seen so many cute boy things. strange.

cookie said...

i have 2 boys with very distinct clothes choices(as you mentioned)
so i make things for all my friends little girls..
i wish my boys would wear something as gorgeous as that..
love

nathalie bearden said...

i think is is a great look. clean cut and very european. and i thought it would be harder to sew for girls. i never thought of boys wearing clothes with heavier fabrics. great point. and what a handsome little boy!

Lauren said...

I love it. I think boys should wear european clothing as long as you can keep them in those clothes. My J. - not yet 2 and a half wants to wear his soccer pants every day - the swooshy Nike sweats I bought him for his super soccer stars class.

Have fun with you niece!! Love the pictures.

xo

Bethany said...

My son will only wear nice fabrics for me when we are dressing up. I am so with you... I LOVE a European look... like Christopher Robin or classic outfits that never really go out of style. I keep children's catalogs like Papo d'Ango or Olive Juice for drawing inspiration because the clothes are just like that.

Anonymous said...

boy it is cute! very French or Italiena indeed!

Beautiful picture as well...

Anonymous said...

I've noticed that even kids' clothing stores have fewer boy clothes (and styles) than girl clothes (and styles). It's definitely harder to find and to make great boy clothes.

alexandra said...

I love it!

j. vorwaller said...

oh my goodness! little branman in his most dignified state! :) sooo cute.