Toddler Dress-up days

For those of you who know me, you know I love a good theme and occasion to create a brand new outfit. 

I. Love. Dress-ups! 

But my toddler, very big in his “I don’t” era, refuses to wear any of my super extra creations. 

Getting him to wear any form of jacket in winter was a challenge on its own. He now sports three of the exact same design jackets in different colours. The pull? He got to choose the buttons. As long as the jacket has his choice of buttons, he will wear it. 

That’s my sewing hack now - let him be part of the process, and I might have more luck getting him to wear it.

The school had a Biblical character theme dress-up for the Easter lunch. I spent all week teaching my boy about Joseph's technicolour coat. I really thought I had won him over. 

On the morning of the dress-up, what does he say to me? “I don't wear this coat - it’s Joseph's coat”. I may have reinforced that it is Joseph's coat a bit too much. PS: This weekend I asked him what colour coat he wants me to make for him because he asked for a coat, and he said “all the colours”. Funny bunny.

He sure keeps me on my toes.

The next opportunity for me to be a little extra is Book Character Day! I decided on a simple ensemble, one where I might just get him to wear it without him knowing it's for a dress-up! Peter Rabits' blue jacket. 

I used my toddler button-up jacket pattern with a little extension and half-lining at the buttonholes. For all my son knows, he is just wearing a blue jacket to school! Of course, the bunny tail (pom-pom) will be attached to his tracksuit bottoms with a press stud before he notices, and the ears will be in his school bag. The teachers have some type of magical power and get him to wear the thing he says “I don’t” to at home! 

They can also dress as their favorite rhyme character. I had my hopes set on a dungaree with colourful gumdrop buttons for a gingerbread man, but I already know there is no chance he will wear it! No amount of prep will get him to buy into this idea! 

Moral of the story:

When you love sewing, and God gave you a boy… You'd better find some interesting buttons! 

Low-key Peter Rabbit dress-up