One of my very favorite projects from 2015 was James’s pink seersucker suit that I made for Handmade Boy’s Boys Can Wear Pink Season 1. I loved the challenge of it- intellectually, artistically, and technically. Can I tell you how thrilled I was when Kelly announced that she wanted to do this again? I think I may have been the first to sign up – if not, it’s only because my internet is slower than my heart. Since I gave a full history lesson last year, I won’t repeat it here. Check out our awesome sponsors- giveaway info including the link to the Rafflecopter is at the end!

This year’s inspiration is not nearly as vintage as last year- there are only so many Redford/ Gatsby moments floating around out there, and I wanted to focus on interesting, wearable pieces that fit well into my son’s wardrobe that also challenged me technically. My ex-husband moved to Long Beach last year, and since then James has been able to spend quite a bit of time at the beach- even if it’s too cold to swim he can climb on the rocks and play in the sand. Therefore, my inspiration is Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze in Point Break. Is 1991 vintage enough? There may not be a whole lot of pink to look at, but the casual good vs evil vibe, shifty morality of the movie appeals to me as a theme. Too heavy for a 2-year old? Keanu says naaah…

Here’s the run-down on the pieces:

Rashguard: Streamline Tee by Terra’s Treasures

• Size 18M with one size up for neck opening
• Modified to include pink piping in the arm seams- piping is just a 1 1/4″ strip of fabric folded over; no cord insert for better wear while wet
• Fabric is charcoal and fuschia swimsuit nylon from the Fabric Fairy; black performance mesh  also from the Fabric Fairy (I got 1/2 yd of each and have plenty left over)
• I also sewed clear elastic into the hem to help keep the shirt down even while splashing in the waves

I’m pretty sure this means he likes it!

Swim trunks, Long Beach Board Shorts by Terra’s Treasures

• Size 18M, one size up for length
• Fabric is brushed polyester microfiber in silver and black from the Fabric Fairy; fuschia swimsuit nylon from the rashguard also used as piping here (1/2 yard of each, lots left over)
• I added a mesh underwear liner using the dri-fit mesh from the sleeves and the Fishsticks Undercover Boxer Briefs. I left off the leg bands and waistband and sewed it directly into the waistband of the trunks

Boss of the beach with his “skateboard”

Such a cooperative model this time!

Sleeveless hoodie, Lyric by Elliedactyl

• My 2nd Elliedactyl pattern and I love it just as much as Jadyn’s Jammies– and even better news, this hoodie is available in ladies’ sizing as well!
• Main black fabric is scuba leftover from my Sundance Jacket purchased from Michael Levine Loft in downtown LA; applique and accent fabric is 95/5 cotton lycra from Smoogie (Stained Glass Lace and Sail Away); pink and sand solids are random scraps; wave caps are white fleece
• I modified to be sleeveless with arm bands, and omitted the snaps to have a nice, casual opening for easy on and off

YEEESSSSSS! I love this applique so much!

I’m pretty sure he was supposed to be showing his muscles in this shot

The Stained Glass Lace is such a great accent! I will use *every* inch I have

 

Pockets! Everyone loves pockets!

Here’s the link for the Rafflecopter– be sure you enter to win all the awesome prizes including: