Posts Tagged ‘embellishment’

There is a beautiful jacket hanging in the closet of my work room.  I meticulously matched the fabric pattern at each of the seams – the only time I have successfully done so.  I also lined it and finished it by hand.  It represents many hours of work.  And yet, I’ve never worn it.  For almost 4 years now, it has remained in the closet missing only a button.

There is a pin in the place where I intend to place said button, but, I am stuck.  Few things cause me to leave projects unfinished; they are typically small tasks that have the potential to cause disasters, rework, and frustration.  Making button-holes tops the list.

I’ve learned that many other people – including through recent Twitter exchange with @Soph4Soph – do not like making button-holes either, and may even resort to outsourcing the task to an expert.  To be honest, it’s a pain.  And for me, particularly now that my sewing machine has also given up on button-holes, it is easy to leave the task undone.

But, don’t get me wrong here.  I have to distinguish my feelings toward making button-holes from those towards the buttons themselves.  I love buttons.  Like fabric, they represent possibility.  They can be functional or decorative.  They can turn an ordinary item into one with flair.  They can add interest to an almost-hidden or often-ignored aspect of an item.  They can be understated or flamboyant.  In short, they can be anything you want them to be.

Storm's Button Box

A year ago, I went to San Francisco and visited Britex Fabrics near Union Square.  While my mom waited patiently for me, I spent the better part of an hour just scouring the button trays.  I couldn’t help but walk away with a pile of buttons for which I had no plan.  They just appealed to me, so I bought them.  It’s the same motivation that’s led to my accumulating 7 bins of fabric that I will make something out of “one day.”

ABC-Button.com

Anyway, I digress.  This morning, I ran across ABC Button company from Germany by way of Steve Hoefer’s blog “Made“, which prompted me to write this post (though it took me a long time to come back to the inspiration).  The ABC Button is a 9-holed button that allows you to sew it on to things in letter form.  It’s great for kids’ clothes, embellishment, or even for stuffed toys I would think.  Whatever the choice, it’s a button that allows freedom.

While I can’t find a place to buy the ABC Buttons, Steve sells his version on Etsy under the name Grathio.  I also stumbled across a DIY post from Design Sponge on how to make 9-hole buttons yourself.  You can always go back to ABC Button to download the button stitch patterns.

Finding ready-made children’s and baby clothing is as simple as going to the nearest department store, mass merchant, or children’s boutique. Finding items that are as unique as you child is a more challenging task. The following are some ideas for finding or creating a very personalized look for your child, as well as a handful of example resources.

Have their clothes custom-made. Custom-made children’s clothing often costs more than ready-made, but if you need a unique look, a perfect fit for a child that doesn’t match the size charts, or a special occasion outfit, this may be a great option for you.

• Over the years, I have run into a number of women in my community that take on sewing projects in their homes. Search your local classified ads or ask around at fabric stores for reputable sewists/seamstresses in your home town.
• A. Anichini, a children’s clothing boutique located in Italy offers beautiful ready-made children’s clothing. Understanding that some children do not fit their sizing perfectly, they allow you to submit your child’s measurements and order clothing tailored to your child’s unique measurements. I’m sure there are similar shops in the U.S.
• Metta Creations, is a mom-owned custom children’s clothing business based in Massachusetts. The owner’s focus is on everyday children’s wear and technical gear for kids.

Sew your child’s clothes yourself. Sewing is the next best thing to having someone else custom make your child’s clothing. My last post highlighted free children’s clothing sewing patterns available on the web. If you are new to sewing, look into a class at a local fabric store, university continuing education or other community learning program, or organizations focused specifically on home arts education. Here are some examples – search for something similar in your city:

• Make – a NYC workshop offering design, art, and craft classes for children and adults.
• The Finishing School – a Salt Lake City program offering sewing (as well as other domestic arts) classes for adults.
• Central Piedmont Community College – offers continuing education classes in sewing, clothing alteration, etc.
• Look to books for possible starting places: Amy Butler’s Little Stitches, Making Children’s Clothes: 25 Stylish Step-by-step Sewing Projects for 0-5 Years, or Carefree Clothes for Girls: 20 Patterns for Outdoor Frocks, Playdate Dresses, and More (Make Good: Crafts + Life)

Look for almost-custom clothing for kids. Some companies offer hybrid clothing. They typically allow you to choose from standard designs and sizes, but customize the overall look.

• Hand Picked Pumpkin – pick a garment, choose a size, customize with your choice of fabrics and trims.
• IzzyB Designs – hand-sewn clothing in standard designs and sizes with numerous color and embellishment options from monograms to bows and trim.

Add embellishments like applique, embroidery, or other add-ons that help customize off-the-rack items. You can do this yourself, visit a local embroidery shop, or look to online stores that specialize in embellished children’s wear. Here are a couple of examples:

• Luv-me-know boutique – offers embellished girls clothing ranging from emboidered diaper covers and tutus to appliqued tees and dresses.
• Dandy-lion Designs – offers ready-made clothing that has been embellished with fun trims and sparkles; similar to the almost-custom shops above, they also offer mix-and-match outfits in your color and garment choices.

Please share your tips for getting that unique look for your child. And, if you are aware of other custom shops, classes, or similar resources to the one’s named above, please let us know.