HI everyone,
Thank you SO much for ALL your ideas for James’ outfit. I WAS STUCK! You gave me so many suggestions I’m going to have to go back and write down all the ideas for another time.
My time was limited today as we have a big staff Christmas party/dinner tomorrow evening. (Wednesday) I was making mini quiche’s and getting fruit washed and pulled off the stems. I’m also taking my Sweet Potato Souffle.
I couldn’t find my Christmas fabrics and discovered I had put them upstairs. I looked through what I had and didn’t see anything that would work for James, so I searched in all my drawers again. I stopped and thought, “what fabrics would a boy wear?” I opened a drawer and I saw some red corduroy! BINGO! That’s what the “red” is that James is wearing.
I used the basic part of the pattern I drafted for Freida’s denim jacket several weeks ago… This one…
…only I left off the sleeves, added a stand collar and I didn’t make it a princess line jacket. I butted the side front and the center front piece together and made it boxy for James…
It seemed a little plain so I added a pocket that went down to the hem of the jacket.
I used some of my tiny antique gold (or brass) I forgot… buttons and added them down the front and on the pockets.
You may have noticed I “untucked” James’ shirt… (I don’t have time to make him a pair of lower waisted jeans, so untucking the shirt will have to work.)
I found some red rayon bias binding in my stash… it was vintage… NINETEEN CENTS! It was a PERFECT match to go around the armhole area.
This was one of those “fly by the seat of your pants” designs… (otherwise known as “making it up as you go”) and when I got so far on it, I decided it was too short, so I added the pockets and the longer tail in the back…
Here is a picture of the inside of the unlined vest… I didn’t know how I was going to make it when I started, so it was kind of like some houses you see… a little bit added on here and a little more added there… until it finally worked. I tried to make it as neat as I could…
James’ hands won’t quite fit in his pockets. (his elbows don’t bend enough) I’ll have to find something to put in them…
You may have caught a glimpse of some different shoes on James. I had made these for him back when I first got him. I copied the pair he came in and drafted a pattern. They are kind of a blue green but I think they look “sort of” like a boot and are probably better than the black dress shoes.
I haven’t had time to think about what I’ll do next, but when I get a few more hours sometime, I’ll be back on it! :o)
Thanks everyone,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, yes, red corduroy would be perfect for a boy! It would be hard to find a piece of red wool that wasn’t too thick for him, and fleece might be a bit too thick, too–unless you stumbled upon some micro fleece, but I haven’t seen much of that around in quite some time. So the corduroy is a nice compromise.
Hm, I wonder what will be next?!!
Perfect, Jeanne! At this time of the year, a cute Santa hat would look good! I like the way you took the shirt out of the pants, looks more “real” and what a boy would do!
The shoes work just ifne, and I think you have a winner here for those who have boys to dress for the holidays!
James is a handsome guy. I am sure he will be happy with whatever items you add to his wardrobe.
I like the red vest and slip-ons. You do such nice work, even “by the seat of your pants.”
That’s sweater is perfect! I just love it. You should add an occasional sweater vests to your shop! Can he be holding a wreath? He’s helping his family decorate their house for Christmas?
Yea! I think my comment will go through this time!
The blue green shoes are perfect, color and style. Looks like the color matches his shirt. They would look good for the girls too. Especially casual or for school uniforms without the clunky penny loafer look. I love ‘em. With the stand up collar the vest turned out great. I’m still hoping for a fun stocking hat.
Lost my comment again.
Says wordpress jetpack server can’t be found.
There is actually a shirt company called “Untuck It” (not sure of the exact spelling) and James’ shirt untucked looks like it came from there. I love the vest. I like the ideas for a Santa or stocking hat and a prop such as a wreath. This outfit is a real winner.
My Siblie Callie arrived the other day to complete Sara’s family. With her and my two new L’il Dreamers I think I’ve spent my dolly bucks for this year. Sure hope I don’t get another attack of dolly fever. I don’t like unrequited dolly fever.
Hopefully Joy’s problem will be fixed. We don’t want to miss out on any episodes of “Dolls of our Lives”.
Yes, boys often wear shirts untucked. James’ new vest looks bright and cheery and perfect for Christmas decorating.
Yes, hope whatever is wrong with Joy being able to comment is fixed fast.
Okay, trying yet again. I think I’m over being ticked off about WPress being unavailable.
Anyway, James looks much better untucked. The outfit much more like a real boy would wear. I wouldn’t add anything to the vest as I don’t think a young boy would want anything too decorative. I would still like to see a crocheted scarf or some kind of scarf and that Santa Hat I mentioned yesterday. The green shoes aren’t fitting in though. I think the black shoes looked nicer, and a pair of boots would be even better for tromping around in the snow or woods to find pine bows for decorating.
Can’t wait to see what Jeanne comes up with next.
Now to see if this goes through. And you can bet I’m saving it this time. )
Perfect, perfect, perfect!
I like what is going on here, Jeanne. I am not in favor of adding anything “cute” to the vest. Like Joy, I prefer the black boots, but do not favor a Santa hat unless it is a second option along with a red corduroy newsboy cap.
Now. Let’s see if my comment gets posted. On Thanksgiving it just didn’t work. It used to be so easy.
Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving!
James is SUCH a cute doll, I find his adorable face distracting! But I love his jeans and the vest is perfect.