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I suppose I should know better by now, but sometimes I don’t slow down enough to listen to myself. Clothing and patterns just aren’t made for me, and especially not clothing patterns for women in a Japanese craft book!
When I visited my dear friend Anna in Seattle (Anna, are you checking up on me here yet?) we reconnected over sewing and blogs. She has been making some of those lovely bibs from Angry Chicken’s book, Bend the Rules Sewing, as well as working on a quilt (a sewing feat I have steered clear of so far). Talking of how I happened into this world of blogging I told her the story of my friend with the Japanese craft books and then the links that followed via email. Sweet friend that she is, upon learning my love of those books (if you’re not familiar with them, check out these blog postings for more pics and info: mollychicken, weewonderfuls, or angrychicken) drove me (our kids in tow) across town to the Kinokuniya Book Store, where Japanese craft books galore were to be had. And have I did. As it was my birthday week when I was visiting I bought myself a couple that day. And then, yes, the truth must be told… I returned with my husband the following day on our way out of town for another stop and a couple more books. I know I overloaded, but I have promised myself no more until I sew from each of the ones I brought home.
Cover of the book
Feeling that sewing pressure, and anxious to crack open a book I decided to try an adult pattern from Dress made of My Favorite Cloth by Machiko Kayaki. I have sewn in the past a few outfits for my daughter (boy clothes books are not as inspiring, but i”m working on it) but I had never sewn from one for myself. I especially liked the look of this dress (okay, the sleeves were really what got me) and decided to give it a try.
the dress!
First I measured myself, and then try to align that with their measurement table to determine my size. That the sizing runs on the petit side cannot be stressed enough. But I estimated, adjusted, and began cutting. Most important for me is usually length. At 6′ 1″ most patterns don’t fit me, but I added about 3-4 inches of length to each piece thinking it would be enough. It was not.
As I didn’t have any of “my favorite cloth” I was using some nubby fabric I had bought a while back (probably with some project in mind at the time, long forgotten) and was attempting to try out my serger a bit more with this project. What I ended up with looks okay, but does not fit. The bust area is darted well above where it needs to, and the whole piece is much, much too short– the line that is supposed to fall below my bust, cuts it almost in half. In my serging I also lost some of the gathering, and it has rather a flat look. On the bright side it went together rather quickly. On the downside— I have already begun cutting it apart (it is lying in pieces as I type)– trying to salvage it but knowing that it may not be possible.
I do, however, still love the sleeves.
You will probably note a flurry of sewing in the next couple weeks. My semester starts the last week of August and I can feel my sewing time dwindling and so many unfinished projects still staring me down. I decided that I would dedicate this afternoon to finishing the lunch mats for my children. The decision to focus on the lunch mats was strenghened when I came across a picture of some lunch mats in one of my newest Japanese craft books:All Your Kids Need
I like the one on the top right
These are a slightly different set up than mine, and give me something to try another time. I see lots and lots of embroidery work here, as well as all over the blogs I’ve been reading, and perhaps I will give it a whirl one day. My favorite from the book is the one with the embroidered spoon and chopsticks to show where they go.
With that inspriation I began my work this afternoon. It was quick and easy sewing and I have finished them all! Five for each of my children, so that we may make it through the weeks with clean mats and napkins for their lunches. Hopefully I won’t fall behind on laundry this year!
Hers
His
It was in fact such an easy project that I decided to let my daughter sew one for herself. She received a sewing machine for her 7th birthday last January, but we have just carved out the time for sewing lessons starting this week. We had a basic lesson a couple days ago, and today we dived right into her first project. I helped her as I’m a bit nervous still to let her go at, but she did stupendously and will be on her own soon enough. Today I handled the iron, but I do need to give her a chance to try that soon.
My proud girl!
As I was sewing the rest of them I began playing around a bit- trying pinking shears on some for finishing, my serger on others (I’m still using the serger in it’s most basic way as I haven’t had time to explore it more yet). I tried out a snap and a tie on my son’s, but after having him try to undo and then redo them, I’ve decided that no clasp or closure will work better. Sometimes, simplest is the best.
Pinking Shears
serger action
The main problem I’m finding with making something for my kids that lasts year after year is that I have to start thinking of other things to make for them, because I do love sewing things for them that they will actually use. So while the lunchbags I made for them 2 years ago are still holding up well (used in alternation with their metal lunchboxes from Noni), I was ready to do a little back to school sewing. Lucky for me there is more I can supply them with!
About a year and half ago, when my son was attending a coop preschool, I was helping the children during their snack time on my workday for that week. One little girl had the most adorable placemat and napkin in her handmade lunch bag. Really, I was drooling over it. I sat with her a couple times over the next couple weeks so I could look at it closely (fortunately four year olds aren’t that concerned by adults inspecting their lunch gear). It wasn’t complicated, but perfect.
Later in the year I got to know the mother of that child (no, not just to get a pattern from her) and a couple sewing conversations later she turned me on to Japanese craft books, which were the inspiration for her lunch time crafting. While I haven’t been able to get my hands on the craft book she had, I have taken a first stab at replicating her nifty idea– perfect for my kids’ snack time, which is eaten in their classrooms.
I have only completed my daughter’s, but some for my son, and a couple more for her will follow. They are a two sided placemat, with a sewn on pocket to hold her utensils and napkin. It folds up to fit in her lunch bag, or box, and hopefully will have a snap or tie to keep it closed (although I haven’t gotten there yet, and not sure it is neccesary). Although I am not a germ-phobe, it is nice to know they can eat their snack off this instead of their desk. I also like that it will keep their utensils in one spot so I don’t have to root around their lunchbags for the sticky spoons.
Lunchmat Tutorial! (let me know if you use this tutorial if I can improve it in any way by leaving a comment)
If you would like to make your own you can follow these easy directions, or make it up as you go along.
1. Cut two rectangles from coordinating fabrics approximately 14 x 12 inches or 14 x 10 (or what ever size suits you!) At this point decide which fabric will be on the outside, and which fabric will be on the inside (where the pocket is); consider them fabric A and B respectively. Cut an additional small square from fabric A- approximately 4 x 4 inches. Cut another square from either fabric, or for a two sided napkin, 2 squares; I made my napkins approximately 6 x 6, but anything up to about 8 x 8 would work.
2. Iron the pocket square (square cut out of fabric A) folding over the edges on all for sides to create hemmed edges. Sew the top edge, leaving the others creased, but not sewn.
3. Pin it to fabric B about 3/4 of an inch from the bottom (raw edge) and 1 3/4 inches from the right (raw) edge; be sure to have the sewn edge on the top edge of the pocket. Starting at the top sew the two sides and bottom of the pocket to the fabric B rectangle.
4. Pin right sides together (pocket will be on the inside) of fabric rectangles A and B. Sew all around the rectangle leaving a small gap (maybe 2 inches). Inside out, pulling the fabric through the gap. Iron. Top stitch around all for edges closing the gap as you do.
5. Serge, or hem the edges of the napkin (or make a double sided napkin in the same fashion as the placemat). Fold the napkin and place in the pocket. Find the best way to fold your lunch kit. I fold mine in half longways (top comes down to bottom)- and then do a rolling fold. Iron it when it is folded to your liking to help it keep the folding creases.
Yes, it has been one of those days. It started right off when sewing my daughter’s shorts for soccer camp. I was bringing the waist in just an inch or so, when, somehow, I managed to send the needle through my finger. I’ve never quite had that experience before of seeing my finger pierced through by a needle, and it did send my head spinning for a moment. However, I’ve made it through this day and the finger is doing well, although my arm is a bit sore from my tetnus booster. There are somethings you just can’t plan for!
So, in part because of throbbing finger, I am not posting as I hoped, but am instead just going to update my drawstring bag tutorial with photos.
And to think, I was hoping to give my daughter a long awaited lesson on her sewing machine this week. I’m hoping my mishap won’t deter her!
As the mother of two school aged children we attend our fair share of birthday parties. My children both love visiting the toy store, or the book store to pick out presents, but sometimes it gets a bit tiresome to have to negotiate with them regarding a) the price or appropriateness of a gift and b) that it is not their birthday and they won’t be leaving with a toy for themselves as well.
It also can become quite a strain on the pocketbook, and so, as my time has allowed, I have been trying to think of alternative gifts that I can make at home that will have less of an impact on my budget. I have made thus far an apron and a couple sets of p.j.’s, which went over well at the parties and didn’t require too much of my time. My children also seemed quite content in giving these gifts so it has been a win-win all around.
This weekend we had two overlapping 5 year old boy birthday parties to attend and I had only a day to contruct suitable gifts. Flannel pajamas in the summer didn’t seem as appropriate, but I remembered some capes I had made for the preschool last winter. After a quick trip to the fabric store and about 2 hours at the sewing maching (which included about a half hour rethreading my serger; I’m hoping that will get easier soon!) I had two completed superhero capes!
I estimate that each reversible cape cost about $6, and could certainly be done for less, if you can find cheaper fabric. It takes approximately 2 yards of fabric (1 yard of each fabric, although for smaller children you could probably get away with using less), and I found some suitable ones for abut $3/yd. The only other materials needed are thread and velcro for the closure. I originally found the idea for these capes at puking pastilles. She has posted some awesome photos and templates with her tutorial. When I made these for the preschool, I wanted to speed up the process even more (I had 8 to make in one evening) and so instead of using her machine instructions, I used my serger. Using the serger saves some seam cutting time, and ironing, but even using the machine directions it should be a very quick cape. Once everything is cut out and ready to go (machines threaded) I think each cape only takes about 15 or 20 minutes, including the appliqué.
The applique superhero symbol is of course highly important to the child, so be sure you pick a good one! Puking pastilles has a Batman, Superman, and princess one. I also found some more at a Martha Stewart tutorial on towel capes that came up on my search for a template. For these capes I used a hand drawn lightening bolt (click for pdf template if you’d like to use it). 
Now my son is wanting his own cape, of course. I guess avoiding the toy store doesn’t really solve everything.
Ingenious bag made by a craftier mom than me.
Last spring we attended, or rather I carted my children (who were attending) to a birthday party. The very talented mother, instead of the usual plastic goodie bags had done something ingenious. That ingeniuity I, of course, quickly decided to copy ruthlessly. She made for the children fabric goodie bags with a ribbon drawstring. I had almost gotten there on my own with my son’s party; I made fabric bags, but mine were a rough set, with unfinished tops and certainly no drawstrings. As I said: Ingenious!
Well, as my children’s birthdays are clumped in January we haven’t made it back around yet for me to try these out for their parties, but I’ve been thinking of different ways I can use these little, inexpensive bags (really, they can be made for probably 50 cents each). After the party we repurposed those bags as toy holders. One is used to hold Hot Wheels on the go. When my son wants to bring toys in the car, to a friends, or on an errand, he is allowed to fill the little bag. Another has been used to corral our unruly gang of finger puppets, and they seem very happy there.
And now, today I found an excuse to make one of my own. The domino box, stepped on one too many times, was ferried off to the recycle. But what to do with the dominos, scattered here and there about the floor? A drawstring bag of course!
It was a quick job. I did however take it just one stop farther and sew some little awkward looking dominos on the front (no mistaking where they get cleaned up to now). I’m not one for handsewing so the domino dots, which probably could have been done very cutely and neatly with an embrodiery stich, I just put on with the machine. Crude, yes. But did the job in the little bit of time I alloted this bag.
The dominos are now at home in their little bag. Now what else could use its own bag?
I think that my reference to Martha Stewart projects as sources of “inspiration” was spot on. I’m glad I saw their “Easy Beach Bag” project, but it really only served as inspiration for the final project as the directions did not end with the type of finished bag I wanted. If you followed their directions you would end with a drawstring backpack, but their pattern for it did not meet my standards (which I honestly hadn’t realized were terribly high). So I had to work it out on my own, based loosely on theirs, and pulling some tricks out from when I made lunch bags for my kids a couple years ago using this pattern. The main difference in the end is that I wanted the seams hidden on the inside of the bag, so that the lining is inserted rather than sewn together, and I wanted the holes where the drawstring comes out to be finished. A little tricker, but worth the effort.
Here is my tutorial on how to make this more finished version of a drawstring backpack. I’m working on some step-by-step pictures to go with this tutorial that I will get up soon. Let me know if you use this tutorial and if I can improve it in any way!
Materials Needed 1 14 x 32 inch piece of preshrunk cotton or other fabric (I used decorator weight fabric I had lying about)* 1 14x 32 inch piece of nylon or cotton (use nylon if you plan to put wet suits, waterbottle or other damp items in the backpack to prevent a soggy pack)* 2 4-inch lengths of cord 2 50-inch (+) lengths of cord
*You can customize the size of the back by changing the size of your rectangle, just be sure to remeber your bag will end up about 1/2 the size of your rectangle– so figure out your dimensions and double the length and add seam allowances. Also, don’t forget to change length of your cord if you lengthen the bag.
1. Fold each piece of fabric in half, width-wise. Iron to make a nice crease, then pin. For the interior fabric (the nylon lining) sew up the sides.
4 inch loop, as it should be set inside the folded exterior fabric
2. On the exterior fabric piece you will need to tuck in the loops before sewing. Fold one of the 4-inch cords in half; place inside one of the bottom corners, matching up the raw ends of the cord with the raw edge of the fabric, the loop tucked inside facing toward the center of the fabric. Pin in place as you see fit. I snuggled a pin very close to the loop so that the loop wouldn’t slide out of place.
loop inserted, pins holding it secure
Repeat on the opposite side. Sew up the sides sewing over the cording to lock the loop into place– I did a little back and forth over the loop to make sure it wouldn’t pull open the seam there. 3. After finishing your seams as you see fit (pinking
exterior & interior with finished seams. Mine have bottom seams because did not fold fabric but rather sewed two pieces together.
shears, zig-zag stitch, serging, etc) inside out the lining so that the seams are on the inside– Do not inside out the exterior fabric. Slip the lining inside the exterior so that right sides are facing. Pin the top raw edges to secure. You will be sewing around the top, but need to leave two gaps, one largish one (perhaps 2 inches) and one smaller one (perhaps 1 inch or 3/4 of an inch). These gaps should be evenly spaced from the side seams on one side of the bag– space them about 1/2 and inch from the side seams. 4. About 5/8 inch from the raw edge sew from one mark just behind one side seam around to the other mark on the other side of the opposite side seam. Now sew the interior from the end of one gap to the beginning of the next on the unsewn side.
The lining pulled through...
5. Through the larger gap pull the lining through, and inside out the exterior fabric. You should now have a long piece that looks like to right-sided bags sewn together. Tuck the lining inside and iron the joining seam to make the top edge crisp and defined, folding the fabric at the gaps in and ironing them to match the sewn parts. 6. Starting at the far edge of one gap topstich right near the top around to the beginning point of the other gap, crossing both side seams, sewing through both the lining and the exterior fabric. Start at the end point of the first gap and topstitch through the other gap until only 3/4 of an inch remains of the 2nd gap (it should match the first in location and size.
stitch completely around to create channel for cording
Now stitch completely around at the top about 3/4 of an inch from your top stitching. You should now have two evenly spaced and sized gaps at the top of the bag and a channel formed from the two series of stitching you have done. 7. Using the saftey pin method or one of those handy dandy threading tools, thread one 50 inch cord from one gap all the way around so that both ends come out. Working from the other gap and in the opposite direction thread the other cord through.
8. Pull one end of the cord down and through the small cord loop and back up tying the cord ends together. Repeat on the other side.
finished bag with strings tied
finished bag with lining
finished bag with strings pulled partially
Today was a day of little accomplished except enjoying summer. We swam, visited family and ate ice cream– twice. While I didn’t get much of anything done this afternoon, I did find time to see a few things I’d like to do this week.
First up is trying these banana crunch muffins from an issue of FamilyFun that I received last Fall but have just been able to crack open now. Hopefully for my son can munch on these on the way to his 1/2 day soccer camp this week. This recipe appealed to me as it didn’t have tons of sugar and did have whole wheat flour & bran. I’ve been making a poppyseed banana muffin for the last 2 years from one of my favorite cookbooks, Once Upon a Tart, but this one looks promising.
Next I’m hoping to try this cute little bag from Martha Stewart’s website for one of my daughter’s first sewing projects. Looks fairly straight forward, but will be a satisfying end result for her– I hope. It is something she can use right away, but we won’t get a chance to take a crack at it until next weekend as she is going to her first summer day camp this week.
All this thinking about actually doing things has made me quite tired. I think I’ll call it a day.
One of my favorite things about these summer days is the time to do art and crafts with my two kiddos, who are now at an age to really get into and take off on their own with just a little nudging. First up was this quick little 4th of July project— from this Martha Stewart idea. Now I don’t claim to be Martha, and my kids certainly don’t either, but she can’t be beat for inspiration! Ours didn’t turn out quite the same, but then, our budget and crafters were both a little smaller. 
I made a slightly sloppy, but very quick, table runner out of some cheap white muslin (1.99/yd) and about 4 minutes at my machine and serger. Then using some fabric paint and scrub brushes the kids went at it, making “fireworks” all over!
Next up were the paper fireworks to set on the table runner.
We used construction paper and straws instead of the vellum and skewers called for, mainly because of budgetary reasons, but also because they were to be had in our cupboards. Both kids loved it and were able, after the first one, to do them on their own.
To make a firework: 1) take a piece of colored construction paper or other colored paper (not cardstock– we tried some it is was a little too stiff) 2) fold it in half lengthwise 3) using that line as a guide, tear or cut it in to two skinny pieces 4) fold the smaller piece in half lengthwise again 5) make mall cuts along the length leaving the folded edge uncut (this is sometimes called fringing) 6) tape straw end to paper end 7) role paper around straw with fringe end pointing up 
tape to secure 9) roll some of the outer fringes down & squash others. Homemade fireworks!
Surprisingly, both of my kids declared that the paper fireworks (or pom-pom’s as Martha calls them) were more fun to make than the more expensive and labor intensive table runner! All in all this project, ringing in at about $6, was much cheaper then an art day camp for both of them! Plus, I got to have some fun with them and they got to see Momma doing something besides cleaning house!
The kids and I are really revving up for school. We’ve previewed their classrooms, went shopping for school supplies and it’s time to start planning lunches and snacks. This has me thinking about what I really started thinking about last year- zero waste lunches.
In my many little “green living” things I do, this is one that I think will carry over in many ways to other people and their habits. First of all my children. As they get used to reusing their containers, lunch bag, water bottle, etc, instead of consuming and tossing the “remnants” into the garbage it will become second nature for them to do so. I’m hoping it will become strange for them to grab a juice box instead of pouring a cup of juice. I hope they will also make an impact on the children around them by making it more normal to not have the juicebox, prepackaged cracker snack and so on. Modeling behavior is very important at all ages, but especially at the younger ones.
If you are not familiar with the concept of a zero waste lunch check out this site or this one for general ideas and information. Or Google the term- trust me you’ll get tons of sites. I’ve done only part of the things I need to do so far to move in the direction of zero waste, but it is a journey.
First off, last year I made them cloth lunchbags that can be washed (shown above in the “ian-only” fashion of around the neck). I lined mine with nylon for easy wiping out and used a thermal layer to help keep in the cold as well, but neither step is necessary. I got the basic idea from this about.com article, but there’s another easier (unlined) idea at this site using oilcloth. Mine held up all last school year and are entering their second year. Thea (my first grader) is a bit peeved at not getting a new one, but it was a good conversation starter on why we don’t need to or should buy a new lunch bag every year. Or a backpack with rollers–no matter how much she wants one! Reuse, wear out!
I also got Thea a thermos last year and Ian and myself ones for this year (the style I got them are actually termed food jars). That will be used for soup in the winter and anything else I can think of to put in there. Double bonus- less waste and wholesome, nutrious and WARM lunches for my kiddos (and me at school)! Last year also marked the purchase of aluminum water bottles for both kids to eliminate the plastic water bottle problem. I was bothered by them because of leaching and germs (especially in the reuse of them) and mass quantities of recycling we would have. Now this summer I have seen multiple articles on the plastic consumption fueled by these. So a good switch all around! I had previously bought myself one a couple years ago at Target but they don’t seem to carry them anymore. I have seen them at REI and Whole Foods (I think they carry the cute but a little pricey Sigg brand), but we found some “cute” ones at Border’s that coordinate with their cutsy stationary (which we did not however purchase). You can also search them at Amazon and come up with too many choices.
Regarding packaging food for the lunch bags I had to make some changes. I’ve always used wax bags (since I was a child and my father who excels in zero waste living in general set the example– see I told you modeling worked) because they are biodegradable. Problem is they break down so easily that if your food is too “wet” it will make a hole in the bag by lunch time- which can be messy. I use to use the wax for “dry” foods (crackers and p.b.& J.) and ziplocs for the wet, but last year I got some smaller plastic containers, including one I really liked that is square that can hold a sandwich or has 4 little compartments you can add so it can hold say 1/2 a sandwich and some cherry tomatoes and crackers. I also used the teeny tiny ones for dipping sauce, small veggie and fruit cuts, yogurt and so one. Of course the plastic leaching thing is always a concern, but I couldn’t find anything else- of course I’ve found the stainless steel ones now courtesy of angry chicken’s blog (but you can read my delimina on that on my previous post on green living).
This year I’m making at least 3 additions to last years changes.
1. I purchased some juice box substitutes (albeit plastic ones). I had previously still used juice boxs in additon to the water bottles, but this year I will fill the reusable “juice boxes” from a large jug. Apparently juice boxes use excessive packaging (like everything else!).
2. I am going to cut down on other excessive packaging handy snacks like cheese sticks and yogurt tubes and perhaps even granola bars. While they make my mornings a lot faster they do create a lot of trash (hence all the wrapping/droppings in my van).
3. I have always tried to send a cloth napkin with my children (when I remember) but this year I’m improving on that. Inspired by one a fellow preschool mom, Carolina, made her daughter last year I ‘m going to make them a rolled placemat that will have slots for their reusable silverware (as needed) and a pocket for their cloth napkin. I’m hoping this will make it even more fun for them to use the cloth napkin and eliminate some germ contact (although I’m not really a germ-phobe).
One last note is that a good place to get ideas on zero waste lunches is this blog- veganlunchbox. Even though her focus is on vegan lunches, there are many good ideas to be “stolen” or used as inspiration.
As long as you leave no evidence behind.
Each year my daughter’s school puts on a Nutcracker preformance by the kindergarten classes. Last year Thea participated in this charming event and even got to have a line!
I helped to make some costumes including the nightgown she wore in it (that we donated for future use) and the tin soldiers hats. I asked at the time if there was any other costume needs and the teacher’s mentioned that the Nutcracker’s cape was only a loan and they could use one for future years. I promised one by the end of the year.
Fast forward 8 months. Having promised this cape I have been plagued by guilt at not having delivered it. Holiday crazies led to the birthday months, then the flu and cold-ridden months, then Easter, spring break and end of the year crazies followed by summer vacation travels. So here I found myself in August still not having sewn the cape. Not even having bought the fabric for it. (But not having forgotten it for which I shall give myself a few gold stars.) So in this flurry of sewing I’ve been doing- newly inspried all around– I made the trip to JoAnn’s and bought the material. And sewed the cape. And folded it and set it near the door to deliver to the Kindergarten teachers next week when school starts.
But what to my wondering eyes should appear? But a miniature prince with no fear. He stole past me with a smirk and a giggle and dawned that cape in one little wriggle! It was love at first sight, and who am I to put up a fight!
Ian has truly been enjoying the cape. I had no idea he would like one so much. I had made him a Robin Hood one last year which got some play time but I think it is the gold lining that has really got him enamored with this one. So I guess it is back to the fabric store for me- quick before I lose my steam!
If only he were as quick to clean his room as he is to find new treasures!
Well all my creative juices must be flowing! Blogging and sewing! I can’t but help thank a fellow mom- Carolina- for getting me back into sewing and turning me onto blogging as well (and you too Sarah!). She shared with me some fantastic Japanese craft books this month. (Check out more on them here or buy a couple of them here.) I was so enamoured with them that I had to make a special trip on my birthday last month to by myself a few. I can’t recommend these enough for inpiration and for simple patterns for simple classic clothing and crafts for children and adults. The beautiful photography is a bonus as well.
Around the same time Carolina showed me those books we started talking about crafting and she shared with me the links to a few wonderful blogs written by fellow crafters (weewonderfuls, angry chicken, soulemama [I know, I know I already mentioned her] and posie gets cozy)– I’m hooked! We had a great discussion one day about blogging, journaling, sharing our projects and stories of our children- and well.. here I am.
The result of all that inspiration besides this blog? That skirt above- a project I’ve had sitting for about 6 months on my overflowing sewing table. It is just a simple circle skirt with contrasting waistband and pockets, but it promises to me so much more sewing to be had this year! I didn’t use a pattern- rather I looked online for simple pictorial instructions on how to cut out circle skirt and then found a way to use some cute contrasting fabric on the waistband and pockets. I’m all about details and those two simple additions did the trick for me this time. My little Thea wore it today (already broke it in with a few drops of spilled nail polish on it as well!) and loved it. “Look!” she said to me, all smiles as she twirled, “It spins out!” She has discovered the great joy of a “spin-out” skirt!
Is there really anything better?
