The Spunky Sun Hat

I devised this one when Summer suddenly seemed to arrive one morning and we discovered that none of our daughter's sun hats from the year before would fit any more. It's reversible so in essence it's two hats in one.

This one is made from an old hippy shirt but any fabric is a possibility really. I prefer to recycle fabrics from other things and am happy to use fabric I source but am even happier to turn something of yours into your child's new hat. If you want me to source the fabric then let me know if you have any colour/image preferences. Of course, every single one will be unique

The two-way dress

This is a very simple pinafore dress, but with the extra benefit of being reversible. After coming up with the sun hat above I decided that kids clothes that go two ways were the way to go. That way when you're out and about and one side gets smeared with something unmentionable you can just whip it off, flip it over, slip it back on and hey presto, your child is presentable once more!

The dress pictured is yellow corduroy with an applique flower on one side and printed cotton on the other, both sides with yellow buttons. The corduroy side gives it some weight making it suitable for summer or winter use. One that was cotton on both sides might be more of a fair weather choice.

Fabric options abound with this one, so get in touch if you'd like one and we can see what we can come up with!

Cost guide:

All sizes up to 3 yrs £14 plus fabric cost (anything from £2 for recycled fabric to £12 for designer prints).

Simple applique such as the example pictured is included but there may be an additional cost for complex designs.

The Zippy Dungies

I love these. No two pairs will ever be the same, because each and every pair is recycled out of an old pair of adult jeans or trousers. Of course, this isn't an absolute requirement - I can make them out of new fabric if that would be your preference, but by recycling old jeans you not only get to do your bit by reducing waste but you also get unique wear patterns on the fabric that simply can't be created from new and extra features like the re-used pockets on these pairs.

I'm happy to source suitable jeans on request, but the real joy to be found from these dungies is when they're made for a child you love from a pair of your own old trousers. This only works if there's enough fabric in them, of course. A regular fit womens size 14 pair of jeans will probably only provide enough fabric for up to a 6-12 month pair of dungies. A large, loose fitting pair of mens jeans may well cater for a 2-3 year size depending on the cut. If you'd like a pair from your own trousers but aren't sure if they'll provide enough raw material then get in touch to discuss it.

These dungies look great with contrasting colour zips and lining, and they don't have to be denim. Corduroy works wonderfully too (as in the pair in the not so wonderfully clear bottom picture which also features double central pockets and crocheted flower embelishments).

Cost Guide:

All sizes up to 3 yrs £16 plus fabric cost. (Anything from free if you provide the jeans/fabric to £15 for designer prints.)