kcwc retropost day 1: pimp that target sh-- er, embellish that target merchandise

the kids could use some long sleeves and pants for the early mornings and late evenings.  i have plans, and even yarn, to knit them some items, but as discussed, knitting takes quite a bit of time.  i'm not yet skilled enough to sew jackets (without a lot of cursing and throwing things, at least), and target makes some really cute, inexpensive items--cheaper than i could probably even sew them.  but i still like the idea of personalizing my kids' clothing.  so, these jackets are not exactly handmade, but they are hand embellished.  well, machine-hand embellished.

cherokee 3T blazer with joel dewberry heirloom voile opal in blush lining the back, pockets, and cuffs with a little flower on the lapel.  i snagged this the second i saw it with the intention of lining it with something really feminine.  i don't like to dress bean in a ton of pink, but i really love the look of little flashes of it.  the blazer is a cozy sweatshirt material, so sewing the voile onto it was somewhat challenging, but super soft and comfy results.

circo 18 month hoodie lined in amy butler chinese lanterns in grass.  i had a mere shred of a fat quarter left of this fabric from making myself a wallet, and it was literally the only boy appropriate fabric i had on hand, because i didn't think of lining this until the kcwc challenge and lining bean's.  i love the contrast of the bright green with the navy and had just enough to do exactly this and no more.

for both jackets, i really totally guessed the process and slapped the item on the liner and outlined it in chalk, then cut a seam allowance.  somehow the hoodie was the easiest thing i've ever made, and the big lesson from bean's blazer is when you line something stretchy with something not stretchy, cut more than you think you need of the liner since the linee, you know, stretches.

obviously, my kids are no strangers to the camera.  but, they've never been in a "real" fashion shoot before.  toddler fashion shoots are quite entertaining.  aside from the jackets, they both styled their own outfits, right down to the sock/s.  fortunately, they were both excited to wear their new jackets.

                                

reese really had his own artistic vision for this shoot, and could not be posed, so i snapped what i could of the hood lining.  he cares more about his wardrobe than his sister and brings clothes to me in the morning proclaiming, "wear it!  wear it!"  he has been known to disapprove of my selections for him and make me change him before leaving the house.

bean, however, was a natural model and did a perfect job following my curious commands...

of course, smile!  then i ran out of ideas.

                                    

and....look....surprised!

                                               

where are your pockets?

                                                   

"mom, how 'bout jumping?"  even reese respected this brilliant suggestion.

overall, very pleased with how these jackets turned out, and they were pretty quick projects, especially the hoodie (even with my first meager attempt at making my own bias tape for the pocket detail).  we'll see how they hold up to toddler wear and tear, but it can't be any worse than unembellished target quality.  now it's off to class--our day to bring snack!

but just a few more pictures.