The idea behind the K.I.D.S. Series all started when my eldest daughter, Chloe, came up to me with a drawing she had made from her Strawberry Shortcake coloring book…
She is always showing me her artwork, so proud like every little child is. And I am always displaying them all over my sewing space, the fridge, or anywhere else we might have a bit of spare wall. But this time it was different, as I was looking at this drawing I realized I could do something with it. Something bigger than just hanging it on the wall. I wanted to give my daughter something back. Something that would show her that I valued her precious little fingers always drawing Mommy masterpieces, I valued her love and her creations. And more so – that her designs are worthy and esteemed in my eyes. Looking at this photo, I realized I could make this for her.
The very first Chloe designed original jacket.
It took me 2 whole days to make this jacket, not many people can inspire me to sew that many flat felled seams after all. Only my children…and maybe Tim Gunn. But as I was sewing this jacket, I also realized I was more excited over making this than I had been over anything else in a long time. I simply couldn’t wait to give my daughter this gift.
I often worry about the world our children are growing up in. A world where girls can not know their own self-worth, where boys struggle trying to define themselves as a man, and where parents (even me sometimes) can get too busy to notice the little things they are doing every day to try to get our attention. To have their confidence built and their love assured.
K.I.D.S. was my small way of saying thank you. Of getting our kids involved in our own creative process and letting them know that their input has value.
That when everything else is gone, they will be the true blessings we are left with. God willing, someday when I am an old fart – I highly doubt I will be talking about whether or not I was featured here or there. No, I will be reminiscing on those little hands. And all of the sweet fruit they brought me in life.
Nothing is more important to me than cultivating her dreams, and helping mold her into the person God has created her to be. Then letting her know there is a plan and purpose for her life, and that above all else – she is loved.
So in this month of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for our kids. They are our biggest inspirations in the littlest packages.
They make us smile, they make us laugh, and they even make us crazy. But without them, all would be for naught.
This Series has grown very near and dear to my heart, and is quite possibly the very favorite thing I have ever done on this blog.
A special thank you to all of the incredible guests who were a part of K.I.D.S. I know how much time and effort goes into doing a guest post, so from the bottom of my heart – thank you.
Thank you so much for stopping by.
Wishing you all a very Happy and Wonderful Thanksgiving filled with memories, turkey, hugs and more.
Until next time…
Happy Sewing!
This is a really lovely post and so true. Your daughter’s jacket is amazing. Great series
Great series!
I’ve enjoyed this series.
I mean, for as long as Bit can remember, I’ve been making clothes for her–especially dresses because she’s simply too tall for RTW to be a decent length. (Her bottom hangs out of most RTW!) She’s long since figured out that if there’s something she wants, her Aunt Laura can make it for her. My brother still doesn’t believe me about her winter dress request–last year, she asked for a “purple corduroy apron dress”. She was three. I never managed to get to it last year, but I am this year!
This jacket is seriously adorable and I have LOOOVED this series. Maybe one of my favorite things on this blog, too (though it’d be hard to pick)! I can’t wait till my kid is old enough to do something like this with too! Very inspirational.
I have loved this series. It has been so fun to see the drawings and then see what the mom’s have come up with within the drawing. Thank you for doing it. I can’t wait to see it again. It has inspired me to try to take my kiddo’s drawings and make them into something real for them to wear or use.
This jacket is adorable. Something your daughter will treasure forever.
Thanks again! And have a Happy Thanksgiving.
This has been one of my favorite series to read – I can’t wait to start making things inspired by my kids designs and tastes. Everyone who participated created something truly unique and amazing!!!
This jacket is so sweet, but the post is sweeter…what a great series and a great mama. Happy Thanksgiving!
You’re such a sweet mum and so many of the things you say are so true. I’m sure Chloe will always remember this and the jacket is amazing, so true to her drawing. This has been such a great series.
So sweet! Such a wonderful series!
I love all your words, photos, jacket! The whole sha-bang! You did fabulous and chloe did even better with that design!!! Love y’all!
That is so sweet! I love that she designed it.
Oh you’re such a good mama and a gal after my own sentimental heart. Great post. I love seeing Chloe’s design and I’m so honored that you invited me to participate in this series! It was so great seeing the joy on all these little guys’ faces as they modeled THEIR designs. Really special. I just love being able to pour my heart into making things especially for my kids, and it seems a lot of sewing mamas out there share that sense of mothering by making. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Jessica! That is SOOOOOOO cute!
Great job!
And Miss Chloe looks ADORABLE in it!!
Jourdan
Love the coat, the post, the pictures, and this series!!
Awwww, such a sweet post girl! Love the sentiment and I LOVED doing the post. Thanks for such a fun and creative series. It was so great to be a part of it! My daughter has been taking her purse to school everyday and telling everyone she designed it and her momma made it. So precious!!! Thank you for giving us that
So sad it’s over
I so enjoyed looking at and being inspired by everything! Love what you wrote and thanks for sharing 
xo
summer
This was such a fun series! I love this wrap-up post, your words are so wise <3