Many times I scroll through an online fabric shop‘s stock and see licensed fabrics – Princesses, Avengers, even Dr Who – and I scroll right past.
It happens every time. Not sure why? Maybe it’s the cartoon-y look, or the overabundance of princess gear everywhere? If my kids are with me they immediately notice, “Mommy, go back! Up there! I think I saw – insert character here -.“
Last month, an email from The Fabric Society showed up in my inbox. They asked if I’d like to work with them. I clicked over to their site and sat scrolling through their huge stock of licensed fabrics – sitting, for once, with no other option. I realized the reason I don’t use licensed fabrics is not immediately clear to me. I realized it’s not all about me, I may not generally use licensed fabrics, but my kids LOVE them!
Going forward, there will be more stopping and less scrolling.
Since I love making my kids happy I changed my mind. I wrote back to The Fabric Society saying, “… I’m sure one or both of my girls (or even my husband!) would love to have something made with your fabrics.” #truth And that is how my youngest ended up with a My Little Pony and Marvel Immortals reversible skirt – with pockets. (Pockets are super important!)
“It’s not all about what I think, I may not generally use licensed fabrics, but my kids LOVE them!”
The perfect pattern to use for these (non-sleepwear) fabrics is the Potato Chip Skirt from Tie Dye Diva Patterns. I bought this pattern last year, I think, and have made it twice already. It comes with or without the all-important pockets and you can make it unlined, lined or reversible. I love that it will last you a long, long time because it comes in sizes 12-18 months through 13/14!
The instructions are well thought out and easy to follow. The finished skirt looks professional and so cute! I love the a-line shape and the fact that the elastic back does not need fasteners for dressing. I can see using it a lot more – maybe making a denim one with back pockets or adding front patch or inseam pockets to a linen version. Honestly, I’m pretty sure there isn’t anything I didn’t like about this pattern. I followed all the instructions exactly each time. The only thing I changes was to lower the front rise by 1″ – which seems to fit my kids better with most patterns.
“Honestly, I’m not sure if there is anything I didn’t like about this pattern.”
When I sat down to look through fabric options with my kids, it took 45 minutes for them to decide on their favorites! We linked and saved and scrolled back, over and over (and over) again. After much (much) debate, my youngest chose My Little Pony and Avengers. My oldest has some Cinderella and Star Wars fabric waiting in my to-do box as well! The girls didn’t want to leave my husband out, so they chose something for him too – not sure what for yet, but I’ve added it to the stash. It will likely turn into another pair of pajama pants.
Join the conversation! Do you sew with licensed fabrics? Why or Why not?
One day soon I will post about the other two skirts. For now, I’m still recovering from my weekend away at BlissDom – a social media and blogging conference. It was amazing and I’m hoping to write and tell you about it later on this week.
Follow #alongforthreadride!
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Disclaimer: The Fabric Society provided the fabric for this skirt at no charge in exchange for a mention in this post. My opinions are my own and I will not support or write about anything I do not love or believe in. Thanks for reading! (Privacy Policy)
Cute AND cool!
Well done,
Kathrin 🙂
Thanks so much Kathrin! My daughter thinks so too 🙂
The skirts and fabrics are adorable! I feel the same way about those fabrics, but seeing how happy it makes them melts a mama’s heart!
Can’t wait to hear all about the conference!
Looking forward to sewing together soon!
Thanks Nicole. I’m excited to sew more too! After we get back from vacation I think! Then maybe we can plan some extra ones apart from the Sewcial if you want? I don’t think there will be a ton of these fabrics in the future…. but more than I have previously allowed!
Definitely! Have a wonderful vacation!
Darling model, fun & pretty fabric.
I’m glad you like it Patricia! Kids love showing off their favorite characters too 🙂
Right now my little guys wardrobe is fully stocked thanks to grandma and handme downs, but the day is coming for all thst cartoony stuff. I personally don’t dig it.
Yes Melissa! I remember having sooooo many hand-me-downs when my kids were smaller. I hear you about “don’t dig it” bit. I don’t see every piece becoming licensed, but the odd one will show up more often over here!
I can only think back to how precious my Wonder Woman undies were, and how much I loved my Mickey Mouse sweatshirt. I’m sure my mother cringed at these items, but I loved them! I use licensed fabric but my preference are for less cartoon-y stuff and for fabrics that don’t make the item I make feel mass produced.
I was recently asked to sew an Elsa fabric dress for my niece and I really couldn’t get behind it, I actually went to Walmart and found an Elsa dress for less than the fabric would have cost me… so what’s the point?
Love this Laura! It’s so true 🙂 I agree. I added some really cute hand drawn Anna and Elsa knit in my stash that will be much less mass produced looking!
oooh, my little girl is frozen crazy. Please share details on the fabric!b
Hi Melanie! I found the knits at Funky Monkey Fabrics – http://funkymonkeyfabrics.com/search.php?search_query=frozen The “Sketch Knit” ones at the top of the search results 🙂
Hi Sherri,
Love the sweet model with her curls, thanks so much for the skirt pattern link 😉 I hope the wedding went over well. Hallowe’en on the weekend 😉 Christmas just ahead 😉 Take care.
Ann in Ajax