Kitschy Coo: beware, they may just meet your needs

For a moment there, I thought I was safe when I came across Kitschy Coo: everything on offer was absolutely beautiful, but it only went up to a size 3T. Phew! Too small for my daughter.

How was I to know that one quick email would confirm my downfall? Edinburgh-based mum Amanda would be quite happy to scale up the garment of my choice, and make it in whatever fabrics I stipulated.

My daughter is now the proud owner of a - quick breath - reversible swing coat with asymmetric collar in black and white polka dot corduroy on one side and an Ikea orange birdy print on the other. We've had it two days, and it's already paid for itself in admiring glances.

You can peruse the rest of Amanda's work in her Etsy store or on the UK-based Folksy. Note that due to the recent CPSIA update, you'll find all the stuff with buttons, zips or snaps on Folksy, where, of course, UK law prevails.

If you don't see quite what you're looking for, drop her a line. Like I did. You need not end up spending heaps of money, though: the thrifty option is to purchase one of her tutorials and make your own.

I was impressed with the speed of delivery, Amanda's communication, and the quality of the garment. Times like this, I love the internet - because where else are you going to find something so distinctive?