Tuesday 28 April 2009

.New (cheap) tops.

I have the same dilemmas each time a new season arrives and I head out to buy the kids new clothes:

1. I want to spend as little money as possible, but don't want to dress them in cheap, trashy-looking clothes that make them look 5 years older than they really are.

2. I don't want them to be wearing the same clothes as every other kid at playgroup/church.

3. I am NOT a fan of character clothing. Socks, underwear and pyjamas are fine...hand-me-down playclothes are okay, but I'm not spending money on a top advertising Thomas the Tank Engine or Dora the Explorer.

4. I am really picky.

This year? Problem solved! Every time I go to Target I keep my eye out for good-quality, plain coloured long and short-sleeved tops. They are usually around $5-$7 each, as opposed to paying $15-$30 for a pre-printed top.

I came up with some cute little pics to applique and $20 + a few fabric scraps + 2 hours later, here are the results...
I was a little worried that Oscar wouldn't like his, but he thinks they are great! It is so hard choosing appropriate "boy-friendly" fabric and designs, but I think I did pretty well this time!

Lilsy especially LOVES her sleeping rabbit top...she has a thing for rabbits and anything with its eyes clothes at the moment, so this one was a real winner with her!


P.S. I'm more than happy for you to use any of my applique ideas for your own personal use!

15 comments:

Watson said...

They look great! I love them.

Delightful Domestic Science said...

Super cute Toni! The bunny one would be my fav too.
Cotton On Kids often has some great inexpensive tops too and pants.
I agree I don't like and won't pay for dora, barbie, bratz (gag!)or any other silly character.

Bianca Jae Makes Stuff said...

Fantastic! I often do the same thing, great little presents. Target tops are the best xox

Bianca Jae Makes Stuff said...

Hi again! I have added a link to this post from my blog. Thanks xox

The Kings said...

Tone - they look so great!!!! You clever girl!

Kelly said...

They are lovely. I am doing the same thing. It is nice for them not to dressed like all the other kids :)

Cass said...

They look great, I do exactly the same thing

Cullis Family said...

Toni, I am so with you on the character clothing.

The tops are totally awesome. Now I just need you to do a tutorial on how to applique.

The Bartons said...

why are you so creative! i want to be creative!!!!

2paw said...

What a great job, they are so much nicer than the printed ones!!

Wisdom.Courage.Love said...

Awesome tops and I to agree with your views on clothing. So much easier when they are younger though, mine now 14, 11 and 9 we have a completely different ball game but I still continue to not purchase Bratz, HSM adn the like!!!

Anonymous said...

I completely agree!! Love your appliques really inspiring.

WhitneyRaye said...

love these tops tone! soo cute :)

Amber Mann said...

These shirts are adorable. I especially love the bunny and the rocket!

Rachel D said...

These are super cute! I have boys and have the darndest time finding good tops for them. Thanks for the ideas.

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