I don’t know about you but finding appropriate clothes for a tween can be slightly tricky. My daughter is developing her sense of style, but is at that awkward stage of outgrowing the clothes ranges we usually shop at (she in age 12 clothes). As a mere 10 year old teenager ranges are not suitable for her in style. I find clothes buying and making rather stressful.
So the opportunity to take part in this Growing Up Handmade tour seemed a great idea, focussing me to sew for a tween. The challenge for her and I to find patterns and fabric she likes the look of. Children come in all shapes and sizes, sewing for her means I can adjust patterns to fit her shape – she often finds sleeves a little tight on the arms.
We both fell in love with the pattern by Love Notions called Li’l LDT. The options seem endless, a shirt, tunic and dress with five different sleeves and four different necklines. The size range is impressive too, ranging from age 2 to 16, great value for money. I bought mine from Etsy here.
I have made her two items. We started with knit fabric I had in my stash to create a dress with a fabulous hem line and cowl neck. My daughter LOVES this dress, she has worn all weekend every weekend!!!
May be because she lives in black leggings and this black jacket?! They pair so well together.
Secondly she loved the idea of a hoody (personally ??? what? where did that come from??!), I ordered this navy jersey from Minerva Crafts. It has a slight texture to it, adding a touch of detail.
I adjusted the pattern a little, sewing a 12 I shortened the sleeves and made the hood slightly smaller. With the remainder of the fabric I managed to squeeze an age 3 dress out for my niece.
I have loved sewing for a tween – the team effort of fabric choice and pattern resulted in two items she practically lives in. Such a win win – plus of course it’s such a versatile pattern from which I can sew many more items for her. I hope this blog tour will inspire you to sew for a tween.
There is a fabulous giveaway running alongside this blog tour, with some great prizes from various sponsors:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday – April 17th
Handmade Boy | Paisley Roots | Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing & Crafting
Tuesday – April 18th
Beri Bee Designs | Phat Quarters | Sewing By Ti | Sew and Tell Project
Wednesday – April 19th
The Wholesome Mama | Rebel & Malice | Vicky Myers Creations
Thursday – April 20th
Pattern Revolution | Skirt Fixation | SewSophieLynn | EYMM
Friday – April 21st
Round Up and Giveway Winners
Kayleigh
Monday 24th of April 2017
The red dress looks fantastic! I think I'll sew one for myself LOL
Genie Smith
Saturday 22nd of April 2017
Those are great choices. I particularly love that red dress...that shade and style are perfect for summer, but work equally well with her leggings and jacket for cooler weather. Well done!!
Audrey
Wednesday 19th of April 2017
I've found when sewing for tweens, their input is a MUST! Love the garments you sewed for her.
Susan Spiers
Wednesday 19th of April 2017
Great pattern-I always let my kids pick out their pattern and fabric-then any change suggestions came from them and I would let them know if it was doable! Thank you, Susan
Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting
Wednesday 19th of April 2017
I LOVE that red dress! It is so simple, yet so gorgeous! The cowl looks fantastic and is really great for layering. Great choice! :) Lisa