Kids Clothing Week Challenge Wrap-Up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is finished. And, oh my goodness, did I sew! And sew. And sew. I was even dreaming about sewing by the end. It was fun and inspiring and definitely got my creative inspiration flowing. It was also frustrating at times, especially when there were conflicts between my ideas and my small band of side-kicks/models. I let go. A lot. Over and over again.

Gray got increasingly better at scaling my sewing area and accessing sewing notions I thought he surely couldn’t reach. I got increasingly better at diverting his attempts. Who knew how entertaining bags of buckles, webbing, and elastic could be to a 15 month old? Very. I suspect I will remember this some rainy afternoon.

It became increasingly clear that this week wasn’t just about my creative vision or my ‘list’; it was also about how I want to parent. With sensitivity for their needs and sensitivity for my needs of course. But also one of the things I most want to give to my children is lots of exposure to adults engaged in meaningful activities. Making, growing, gathering, creating, building. I see them inspired by my activity (and the activity of other people around them). I see them engaging in their own projects and goals and visions and it fills my heart with joy. I see how much they want to be included in ‘adult’ activities and work and I do my best to include them.

And I saw this week how so many other people are trying to do the same thing. So many people taking the time to make something for their children. Making something with love and attention and creativity and beauty. Showing their children the process of a garment’s creation. I think that’s a powerful skill to show children. It sinks in deep in their consciousness. Take fabric and cut it and pin it and stitch it together and you can make actual clothes that you can wear. My daughter is already planning what clothes she will sew. She’s already sitting on my lap at the sewing machine and learning. She’s already cutting out and pinning fabric. She’s already absorbed the idea that she can envision something and then set out to learn the skills to make it. I learned the same thing from my mom. And it is a huge honor to pass it on to her and to my son, who is clearly itching for his turn at the sewing machine;)

 

 

 

To all you mamas and dads who are taking the time to sew things for your families. It was lovely getting a chance to see your creations. You have definitely inspired me!

 

(details about each of the garments’ construction, patterns, and fabrics can be found in the photograph’s description on Flickr)