I confess I wasn’t the most enthusiastic ever when the new season of PRP was announced. I wanted it to be a teeny bit later because I wanted to work on some items for me first. And Pokemon? So not my thing. I know it’s a big trend right now what with the app and all but I didn’t buy said app (no need for another time waster) and the girls aren’t really into Pokemon.
Thankfully, there are just about an infinity of Pokemons to choose from so I set out to find one that I could turn into an outfit for E. An outfit that wouldn’t scream Pokemon. I found the cuteness that is the Poliwag.
Seriously! How cute is it? I had some blue jersey leftover from last year’s Unikitty costume for V and decided to use that. It’s more turquoise than the Poliwag but it would do.
I made a good old Jalie 2805 and did a reverse appliqué white circle in the center. The spiral was painted on with a freezer paper stencil (if I’d had the time, I would have cleaned up those edges). I actually drew the circle and spiral in Illustrator and printed that out. It served both as the template to cut out the freezer paper and pattern piece to cut out the white jersey. I did the edges in a black zigzag stitch, mainly because I didn’t have a coordinating blue thread to keep things invisible. I repeated that feature on the hems (and of course, the picture shows just where the stitching went a bit wonky…)
For the pants, I went with McCall’s 7113 in black jersey. E’s waist measurement would technically put her in something like a 4 but I went with a 6 (biggest size in my envelope). Since there’s elastic at the waist, I figured I could just make it tighter there. The pattern is pretty simple: 3 pattern pieces (back and front waist yoke are identical). I read the instructions but the elastic channel was confusing so I just did it my way. I didn’t even read the bottom elastic instructions and just serged it to the edge, folded to the inside, and stitched it in place.
(I blew out the next picture to show the yoke.)
Simple and comfortable. I like the way the slightly bubbled silhouette calls back to the Polliwag’s round shape. And how it makes a change from E’s usual leggings.
I have to say though, leggings are still the best for playing. I know some people find them too form fitting but that’s exactly what makes them perfect for active children. The only thing that would provide better range of movement is nothing.
You can see the way the fabric shifts and pulls as E swings around on the bars. It’s still comfortable because I used stretch jersey (the same I would use for leggings) but I get why she never wears woven pants.
I need to get going on next week’s project now! I have plans that might take some time…
Creative mommy at home to two wonderful little girls, trying to juggle family, sewing, exercise, family, knitting, photography, and did I mention family?
Deux souriceaux 
Very creative adaptation of the Poliwag spiral! I noticed that you used a Jalie pattern for the t-shirt. Does that pattern run true to size? If my granddaughter wears a size 8 in the stores, would an 8 from the pattern fit too? I agree that stretch knits are great for children’s clothes.
Deborah @ Sew Much To Give
LikeLike
Thank you! Sorry it took me so long to get back to you for the sizing. I just compared the Jalie sizing chart with the Gap one and the chest sizes are the same (23″-24″ for XS at the Gap, 23″ for age 4 / 24″ for age 5 in Jalie). So it should work. The pattern I used here has 0 ease though I think. I measured it once a long time ago. So if you want a looser fit, size up (I did because I like leaving some growing room).
LikeLike
What a fun outfit. Comfy clothes that kids can move in are essential. It’s just enough Poliwag without being super obvious and I like that you used multiple techniques to embellish the shirt.
LikeLike
Thank you! I really didn’t want it to be too recognizable because then, my daughter might get asked about Pokemon when she hardly knows a thing about them!
LikeLike
we love Jalie at our house too! that looks like such a comfortable, wearable outfit 🙂
LikeLike
Aren’t Jalie the best? They’re my absolute favorite for knits.
LikeLike
The shirt is adorable! I haven’t made any Jalie patterns yet but my best friend LOVES them and I really need to get some!
LikeLike
Thank you and you do need some Jalie in your life! The instructions are very concise (no hand holding) but they’re very clear. I’ve gotten good results with all the patterns I’ve tried. Oh! And some of the patterns have the exact same armscye so sleeves can be interchangeable.
LikeLike
A fun make for someone like me that doesn’t have a Pokemon attachment. Your little Poliwag is definitely cute and you did a nice job channeling it into your top.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
I’m not into Pokemon either… I love how subtle and wearable this is!
LikeLike
Thank you! I really didn’t want E stuck answering questions about Pokemon because she knows next to nothing about them (i.e. she only knows about the inspiration one).
LikeLike
Super cute! I love the park pictures to show how wearable this is!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
So cute! I love that color on her. The Polywag spiral is perfect!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Great interpretation of the theme!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
I love how practical and easy to play in this outfit is! You did a lovely job. I like the Poliwag design on the front of the shirt, and how it was a subtle nod to Pokemon.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Poliwag is a favourite in our house! This is going on the list.
LikeLike