Today I’ve got an amazing post from Mie at Sewing Like Mad…Fun times!!! -Emily
Hi there!
Today we have a bit of a silly and very colorful story about Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons that actually has a very clear and simple message. Noooo, I am not going to tell you! You will have to READ it yourself.
My Mom have told me they read to me every night and I do have some memories of it being a bit older. I don’t know if that was what did it but I certainly became a book lover when I learned to read by myself. And I was ecstatic when a library opened in the little town where I grew up. I remember going there the first week they opened and found like 20 books and put them on a BIG pile on the check-out desk. The librarian looked at me very tired and said: “You need your parents signature to get a library card.” Ha, can you imagine. I was furious. But cycled home and I guess I got my library card because I have soooo many memories hanging out there. I still remember the smell there.
I am hoping to give the same love to my two daughters. My oldest Wilma, which you will see in some of the next photos, is starting in Kindergarten in a few days and it is weird to think that she will be reading within the next year. I can’t wait for her to do some of the before-bedtime-reading sessions! Chapter books are a new development for us and we have started with oldie but goodie Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. The kids LOVE it. Especially all the silly names the parents have makes Wilma laugh every time.
Okay, let’s get back to Pete the Cat and then I will tell you about the dress I made for this series afterwards.
“My buttons, my buttons, my FOUR groovy buttons. My buttons, my buttons, my FOUR groovy buttons.”
Did Pete cry?
Goodness, no!
Buttons come and buttons go.
And Pete keeps singing about his now THREE groovy buttons.
Did Pete cry?
Goodness, no!
Buttons come and buttons go.
And Pete keeps singing about his now TWO groovy buttons.
Did Pete cry?
Goodness, no!
Buttons come and buttons go.
And Pete keeps singing about his now ONE groovy button.
Did Pete cry?
Goodness, no!
Buttons come and buttons go.
Pete looked down at his now buttonless shirt, and what did he see?
His belly button!
And he kept on singing!
Because:
Yup, buttons come and buttons go. But do we cry? Goodness, NO! We keep on singing.
I have a feeling he is not just talking about buttons, haha.
So what did I make? Man, I struggled with what to make. I struggled because I am not very good at making costumes. I simply don’t enjoy it much. I think it is the idea of spending a lot of time on something that is not going to be used that much. I know kids LOVE costumes but still, argh, not enjoying it.
So I loved the message and illustrations of Pete the Cat but I really did not wanted to make a yellow shirt to Wilma with 4 different colored big buttons – totally clown shirt. She would never wear that again (if it was up to me at least). So I decided to do a yellow shirt more my style. I started flickering through my new but already very beloved Japanese Sewing books and in Japanese craft book. “Girl’s Clothing” #2890 by Akiko Mano I found the shirt Wilma is wearing in this series.
Originally it is kind of a oversize style and the bodice is suppose to be way wider and the sleeve seam being way further down on the arm. I knew I would not be happy with that so I made it a size 100 (cm) in stead of her usual size 110 (cm) plus I ended up cutting a whole inch (2.5 cm) of each side and sleeve seam. I also shortened it quite a bit after first fitting in the thin cotton lime corduroy because the fabric is super bright and quite frankly a long version was a bit overwhelming.
The yoke, collar and colar stand is made of this lovely neon yellow polka dot cotton from Michael Miller.
I am actually not quite sure if she will wear this again. I love it but you know 5 year olds have their own ideas and I have not felt any interest for it yet. Oh well, maybe little sister Evelyn?
If you jump to MY BLOG I have a little extra for you. I have changed the buttons and sewed some ‘fancy’ leggings to go with it. You know the way I would imagine it styled and worn in daily Kindergarten life.
Thank you Emily for inviting me to this great series and to you readers for your attention.
Happy reading!
Love love love!!! Thanks Mie… It’s been a real pleasure having you here today! Make sure you go check out all her amazing ideas…
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Looking forward to seeing you around the blog…. don’t be a stranger!
Mie Brindle says
Thank you so much for having me Emily!!
Shannon says
You are such a fantastically creative mom, Mie. I love this look for a little girl. Excellent job!
Pam @Threading My Way says
Awesome photos, MIe!!! Looks like you had a lot of fun with the photo shoot. I’ll have to see if I can source ‘Pete the Cat’.
Annie says
The shirt is beautifully made, and I LOVE the photos!
Sinea Pies says
Such a fun post and the photos of your daughter are adorable!
Chelsea B. says
super cute! I am enjoying this series so much. Tons of creativity and talent!
Mel@Mellywood's Mansion says
So fun, my goodness the little model is cute and did a fantastic job of expressing the story
Tammy N says
Love the idea of story themed clothes for kids. What a fun post.
Jenya @ While she was sleeping says
hahahaha love it!
celina bailey says
I loved it! Love the photos, the story, the outfit!!! Awesome post.
Diana - FreeStyleMama says
I love Pete the Cat! Love it! So cute!!
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