A good set of clothes for your little ones

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/02/2019 (2757 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

What happens when a civil engineer mom of three boys gets fed up with poor quality, ill-fitting clothing options?

You get Petit Bonhommes.

Erika Collet, a Royalwood resident, had never sewn a stitch in her life. But after the birth of her first son, and while expecting her second, she was determined to put an end to ripping and tearing, excessive sweating, and rashes.

Starting in 2015, Collet used her training as a civil engineer to draft and deconstruct patterns, take measurements, and add seams.

“I got started to make items I couldn’t find and transform them to something more modern but still comfortable. I first made slippers, booties, and clothes for my family,” Collet said.

“Soon I was getting requests from extended family and friends. My husband and I decided to market online and at craft shows.”

Collet imports bamboo and cotton blend fabrics, buying wholesale from outside the province. Her creations are intended to stand the test of time as “investment pieces.”

“Everything is breathable, durable, lightweight, and machine washable. I make boy, girl and neutral items, but as a mom of three boys I always make sure I have lots of cute boy articles and prints as I found so many companies cater only to girls.”

Repeat customers and being a part of growing families is what means the most for Collet.

“It’s the people who come back, it’s so cool and it touches my heart,” said Collet.

“I’ve made something that is going to be in family photos and memories. When someone tells me that my clothes are on their wish list and shares pictures, that’s amazing.”

Recently, Collet learned that she is in fact carrying on a family tradition.

“My grandma passed away after a long, fulfilling life. At her funeral, I was told that she and my aunt sewed and imported fabrics. So it’s in my blood.”

Petit Bonhommes also offers clothes for adults. Collet will take custom orders for any shape or size, including pets. Watch for Petit Bonhomme’s winter sale on Etsy, Facebook, and Instagram.

Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood.