summer sewing: linen overalls, “homemade not in a good way”

This has been the summer of sewing for me, and I am sort of surprised by how this newfound hobby of making clothing for my children really brings joy. After sewing for the girls I started working on a jumpsuit for the boys, starting with one for Langston out of this delicious green gingham linen from iseefabric. This was a very challenging pattern for me, after feeling like the two gowns I made the girls were pretty easy. I found the pattern from Red Creek Kids, who also seems to periodically sell these rompers. I went into this project with pride, which is typically a recipe for disaster. I plan on making one for Teddy, but will be adjusting the pattern a bit to make it more beginner friendly. I really struggled with the bias tape around the neckline and ended up skipping it for the armholes. By the time I was close to done it was looking pretty rough to me.

I felt determined to finish it last night while the kids watched a little show after dinner. I got a bit frustrated by the snaps, but it was done before bedtime. At this point I was still thinking it looked okay-ish, but then LJ went to try it on and it was apparent that it probably could use some more work. Seth and I were looking at each other from across the room, trying not to laugh and then I’m trying not to cry because as soon as LJ put it on he was elated. It was this incredible moment of humor mixed with endearment and a little bit of embarrassment.

“this is a JUMP suit! it makes me jump HIGHER! I love it! I want to wear it to bed!” 

He was so excited I could barely take a few blurry phone photos to send my mom and Rachel. I told him I still needed to adjust the snaps a bit, but that I’d have it done by morning and he could wear it all the next day. I sent my mom a text with photos, lamenting about the quality of my sewing. She replied, “it doesn’t look so bad to me, what I see is how happy he is. He looks so loved.”

When I came downstairs to show it to Seth again I started telling him that it looked “homemade, but not in a good way.” I know there’s this saying out there, about how so much of homemade garments are ugly or homespun– the connotation usually being negative. Seth wrinkled his brow, “what do you mean ‘in a bad way?'” It never occurred to him to connect something done at home with an item having less value. I think there’s more underneath all of that perspective I desire to uncover. I know so many of my creations that I make for my children are far from boutique quality, but let’s face it, fancy fabric covers a multitude of sewing mistakes.

Seeing LJ so happy in it, loving that I made him something so simple, that surely someone might scoff at– it reminded me so much of how despite the ideal results, that I can show up for my family in my imperfections and find grace and acceptance here. Sewing feels so grounding, I love listening to folklore podcasts (Our Numinous Nature!) while I work on pieces at my desk in our homeschool room.

Still making notes for when I sew for one for Teddy. I love my family so much. Thank you Rachel and mom for encouraging me so much in my sewing journey.