Last summer, my sister and I embarked on a road trip along the California coastline with our three kids in tow—my 6-year-old nephew, 5-year-old niece, and my own 3-year-old daughter. While driving back southward, we stopped in Santa Rosa for a quick bite to eat and fortuitously found ourselves parked right across from a fabric store where I often purchase materials online. To my surprise, this shop not only sold fabric but also had a physical location! Inspired by the selection, I persuaded the kids to give me some time to explore by letting each choose their favorite fabric. Initially, I intended to start sewing these fabrics into garments as soon as we returned home, but, like many of my ambitious plans over the past year, this one got pushed aside.
Fast forward to the holiday season, and those charming fabrics chosen by the kids were still waiting patiently on my shelf, almost as if they were giving me a gentle nudge to get started. With one of the fabrics—a delightful sushi-themed print—I crafted a Sketchbook Shirt (View A with short sleeves) in size 7 for my nephew. Creating this shirt was an absolute joy; its intricate details, such as the pleated back and curved hem, make it look fantastic whether tucked in or left loose—something I’m sure he’ll appreciate during his active days.
This project also involved six buttonholes, which initially intimidated me. Honestly, the thought of tackling buttonholes had been a significant reason why I procrastinated on this project for over a year and a half. However, after consulting my sewing machine manual and practicing a few test runs, I discovered that creating buttonholes wasn’t nearly as daunting as I’d imagined. In fact, it turned out to be quite straightforward, leaving me feeling rather silly for having let such a small detail hold me back.
For the finishing touch, I used buttons salvaged from a memory quilt I’d made for my mom using old button-down shirts belonging to my late aunt. These reused buttons added a sentimental value to my nephew’s shirt, making it even more special to me. Additionally, before attaching them, I sought guidance on proper button-sewing techniques and found a helpful video tutorial by Liesl, which greatly simplified the process.
Turning my attention to my daughter and niece, I decided to sew two Swingset Skirts. For my niece, I chose a vibrant unicorn-patterned fabric and created a size 5 skirt, while my daughter received a size 3T skirt with an 18-24 month waistband. The unicorn fabric was ideal for showcasing its bold design without the need for complex pattern matching, which the Swingset Skirt’s simple structure allowed perfectly. Matching outfits between my children are always a tradition, so naturally, my daughter also received a Swingset Skirt.
This sewing project was incredibly enjoyable and surprisingly swift. With only three pattern pieces to work with, assembling and cutting the fabric was a breeze. Like the shirt, these skirts featured buttonholes, but thanks to my recent practice, they posed no challenge this time around. For beginners or even seasoned sewists hesitant about buttonholes, don’t let this aspect discourage you from trying this pattern—it’s worth every effort. Both my niece and daughter adore their new skirts, and I couldn’t be prouder of how everything turned out.
As I reflect on this experience, I realize how much confidence I gained by overcoming my initial fears. Sewing these garments not only brought joy to my family but also strengthened my skills and passion for crafting. Whether it's mastering buttonholes or repurposing cherished items, each project teaches me something new and enriches my creative journey.
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