Ultimate Mum Action - School Trousers

So this week was a biggie in our house.  Thing One started "big school" on Tuesday :)

This is the first of our kids to start school so we weren't really on the ball with the purchasing of uniform.  Seemingly the done thing is to buy the "branded" or badged items from the uniform shop (polo shirts, hats, rugby top) but to get the shorts / skirts / trousers from somewhere like Target or K-Mart as they are just cotton drill cargo pants or similar anyway.  This means those items sell out pretty quick at the start of the year and there are very few left by February (when I went to look), especially in the smaller sizes.

So...given that I sew I figured I would make them.  Obviously Spotlight was out of cotton drill in navy (they had twill but it seemed too heavy to me).  I ended up getting some navy stretch bengaline (think work pants fabric - lightweight but with some stretch) which should be really comfy for her.  I made the Sewing for Boys suit pants without the cuff and omitting the fake fly.  The pattern is pretty similar to the Mimi's Boy Shorts (see here for discussion of that pattern - much of which applies here, given their similarity in construction and instructions) and it was easy to follow and quick to sew.

I cut a 6 / 7 and the length was good, though I should note I didn't replace the length lost by omitting the cuff.  The width was heaps too much, which points to larger than normal sizing for me (she is usually around this sort of size).  I took a fair bit (possibly as much as 1.5 - 2 inches) out of the side seams, inner seam and around the crotch.  I had to back and forth with construction a bit so she could try them on for sizing so they took longer than they should, though now I know I will make her another pair once the weather starts cooling down and they won't take much time at all.

While Short Stuff has been going to childcare for a long time, this is kindergarten at a different school - different uniform, different kids etc.  I couldn't help myself but add a little touch of Mum love to this rather boring article of clothing :)

So you look inside the pockets and what do you see?  Angelina Ballerina - that's what!

And also inside the waistband for the facing.  Angelina and her best friend Alice, doing cartwheels and twirling ribbons :)

I know this isn't really what school uniform is about, but I figure it won't be very long at all until the sewing of clothes for her is SO uncool.  I hope that doesn't happen but am realistic about the possibility and I know the wheel will turn again at some stage anyway.  A big part of making things for the kids for me is that moment where they see whatever it is and tell you how much they love it - if that isn't happening for a while I can just make stuff for me!!  So I am even more into making it special now, even if it's just the pocket and waist facings :)

Finally, before I can't resist - here she is on the first day. She isn't wearing the pants as it's too hot here still, but they will get a run soon am sure!

How's that for a proud little smile?  You should have seen mine...