the cutest undies ever

My family likes Target. We shop there fairly often, and even buy our groceries there (now that have to live without HEB.) But honestly, I'm getting really tired of all the character stuff for kids. My kids love this stuff, but I can't even walk down the pasta aisle without seeing Cars macaroni and cheese or Toy Story soup. My son doesn't even really know what this stuff is, but he wants it, just to have something with that picture on it. And it's even worse when we start looking at clothes. If Rosemary had her way, she would only clothes with princesses on them - nightgowns, underwear, t-shirts, you name it. Same for Hugh. His favorite clothes have Lightning McQueen on them. And don't get me wrong... I don't want to deny my kids stuff they love. (and I love the Pixar movies too, by the way. and Tangled.) But I just get tired of all the characters on everything. It seems to leave less room for imagination (and style).

So... when I heard about this child-sized underwear pattern from That Darn Kat (via Zaaberry) I had to try it. I've been making upcycled shirts for Hugh from large men's t-shirts (more on this later) and in doing so, I've become more comfortable working with knit fabrics. This pattern only uses small amounts of fabric (for tiny bums) so I was able to splurge on some knits for both kids. I found some for Rosemary and a really amazing little sewing shop in Dripping Springs called Vallie and Kate. I found Hugh's at Joanne's fabrics. The pattern was very easy to follow, with photos of each step. And I'm so pleased with how they've turned out. So far I've only made one pair for Hugh (because he only uses the potty when the whim strikes, and he's more fond of his Superman undies), but Rosemary now has about 6 pair, and they are in constant rotation. It's hard to explain how deeply satisfying it is for me to make something useful and beautiful with my own hands, and then to see that the recipient loves it too. Every time I see Rosemary wearing these I smile.

A side note... I don't have a serger, and although I'd love to get one someday, I'm finding it's not really necessary for knits. A serger definitely creates a more finished look and a cleaner seam inside the clothing, but really, these clothes are durable and lovely even with just my regular sewing machine. So... in conclusion... power to the people! The people who want to do cool stuff and don't have sergers (yet).