Une Envie de Sel

So, a while back, at the nudging of some friends, I signed up for a sewing class. I had some nice vintage fabrics, and I thought it would be nice to make a dress for Q now and then when the mood struck. Shortly after the second or third class, however, I got busy. Very busy. I had one too many jobs, and time at home became exceptionally tight. I had to drop out of the class.

The instructor was nice enough to offer me make up sessions during a future term of classes, however work has yet to let up, and I have finally moved out of the denial phase I've been in for so long, and realized that I am not likely to have time to sew anything until Q is maybe in college :)

A couple of weeks ago, I had a brilliant idea. Why not, instead of trying to make up those classes, ask the instructor (and accomplished seamstress and pattern designer) if she might want to adapt and sew a few of my designs for Q. She readily agreed.
You know how it is that a mother knows what suits her child? For a three-year-old, it becomes important - what goes on easily and stays on, what is comfortable for your child's activity level and personality, what suits. Well, it occurred to me that I could design a few (very few) simple, combineable and interchangeable pieces that would make a working wardrobe for a season.

For Q, dresses are best at this stage because she is still in that iffy stage of potty training where the rapid and easy removal of clothing is of essence. She is, however, a tomboy and an athlete - always on the move. Put anything binding or fussy on her, and you're in trouble. Her legs need to be free to run and climb, and everything she wears has to be comfortable and simple - no superfluous buttons, bows, frills or ties.

My solution:

- A faux-leather tunic with a deep vee neck and zippered front

- A short, swingy peasant dress that slips over the head, made in three or four different fabrics for variety, to be worn under the faux-leather tunic

- A faux-fur hooded poncho to be worn over all for warmth
Accessories include a stocking cap, legwarmers, and long fingerless gloves, maybe in a light stretch cream-colored wool, and an obi-style belt to be wrapped over the peasant dress when it is worn without the tunic.

I figured, for about the same as it would cost me to purchase a winter wardrobe in the stores, I could have these simple pieces tailor made for Q. All I'll need is warm tights, and we're set for the season. I have an appointment with the seamstress next week, and I have to say I'm excited. Today, we woke to the first cool day of the late summer, and with the scent of apples drifting through the windows, I can begin to imagine the crisp days of the Colorado fall. Now all I have to do is find the time to look for fabrics...

SPEAKING OF WHICH: I have a request for you! Please if you don't mind, share your favorite online fabric sources with me. I need to know!