1001 Pursuits

Hollis’s play apron is modified from a pattern for a sleeveless top; his trousers are made from recycled materials from his dad’s pants.

At the risk of turning photonicsmedia.net into some crazy crafty new mother’s blog, I venture to put a post up about children’s clothing. A quick glance at contemporary craft will attest to how serious crafters are about the politics of their practice. I don’t claim to know much about this, but my feeling is that, like DIY, making-your-own puts you into the role of a producer-consumer. But the act of production brings immense satistifcation that is quite unlike what solely consuming can offer.

I remember seeing an advertisement on the side of a tram as it passed by and it said, ‘The clothes you need for the life you lead…’. If this is true for anyone, it has to be toddlers. With their intense exploration of everything and vast amount of physical activities they do, they certainly need clothing that is ready for anything. That’s partially why I started making Hollis’s clothes. Making-your-own also allows me to modify patterns to suit his needs as well as recycle clothing and materials.

It’s not news that mothers are increasingly unhappy about the hyper-gendered children clothing and the ‘mini-me’ range offered by boutiques and chain stores alike. Some parents have taken to op-shopping, others to designed vintage clothing. But why not make your own? Really, sewing takes no genius, it just takes practice.

When I find on a good pattern, I often make multiples.

Hollis is wearing an interesting combintation of a light long-sleeve t-shirt and a pair of bloomers. He thought: why not try on some big shoes… as well?