Owen’s Flame Shirt

So, I’m packing boxes instead of sewing for Kids Clothing Week. boo hoo.

But, I have this shirt that I originally posted as part of Me Sew Crazy’s K.I.D.S. series that fits the bill…. 🙂

I absolutely love this series and was thrilled when Jessica asked me to play along this round. Creating with my kids is something I love to do and am always wanting to do more often.

When I asked my boys to draw something, my four year old opted out, but thankfully, my eight year old son Owen, was willing.

He came up with a couple sketches. A tear drop shaped bag and a romper for Natalie (which he called those shorts thingies that are all one piece) :). I teetered back and forth between the two ideas but eventually chose the romper. The bag had cool details, but he already has a few bags, and I thought it was sweet that he designed something for his sister. I had the romper half figured out and partially cut, when my daughter got sick.

Not wanting to have her model anything right now, I had Owen go back to the drawing board.

I told Owen to really go for it this time. I encouraged him too draw anything…a jacket, pants, or shorts with any crazy detail he wanted. I was surprised to see that what he came up with was a simple, red, long sleeve tee with a flame design on the front.

I asked him if he was sure he didn’t want me to make anything else…. He was sure. 🙂

Looking back at all his drawings together, I guess I shouldn’t be that surprised. All his designs follow a similar theme and he is already developing his own aesthetic. Simple, minimalistic, colorful, comfortable, and bold.  I love that this challenge helped me learn that about him. 🙂

So, I whipped up a long sleeve tee using my own pattern (yep, still working on that neckline : / ) in red ribbed knit. It was my first time sewing with ribbed knit, so I was pleasantly surprised when the edges didn’t roll up. This made cutting and sewing a tad easier and lended itself nicely to a serged hem.

I added gray ribbing to the sleeves and neck, because the red ribbing in my stash, clashed with the muted red of the ribbed knit.

Owen didn’t seem to mind that change, but he did mind that I did not include the black outline to the outside of the fabric painted flame. I made this shirt while he was at school, so I admit, I started taking creative liberties :).

When I started taking pictures, he pointed out the missing detail, which I quickly fixed with a fabric sharpie.

He was satisfied. (phew)

Since I usually “design” the photo shoot when I design the clothes, I asked Owen to plan the photo shoot this time as well.

He opted to take pictures doing one of his favorite things. Going outside to play and ride bikes.

Good choice Owen.

I made another shirt for Owen for Project Run and Play, which he wears all. the. time. Out of the ten or so shirts he owns, he always seems to make sure he wears that one at least once a week.

It makes my Momma heart happy to make him another shirt stitched with love. The fact that he designed it this time, makes it doubly special.

Thanks for bringing us together in creative ways with this awesome series Jessica!