1.Do you make any clothes for your children for the new school year?

2. Do you have a favorite pattern that you use?

3. What items of clothing do you make, and how many items do you make of each piece? Several tops, pants, underwear?

4. Have you thought of making a backpack or lunch box?

5. Have you ever made children's clothing by cutting down an adult sized article of clothing? 

6. Have you ever thought of making a coat, maybe one cut down from a larger size?  

Your experiences might be helpful to someone starting out with sewing, who also may have children to clothe and a tight budget. Share you experiences and ideas. Edey 

Mom used to make my clothes. She made most of my skirts and jumpers. She bought my underware, blouses, socks, and sweaters.

One year I grew taller and she remodeled 2 of my jumpers. She cut off the top part and she formed a new waistband. They became skirts.

I don't sew. It's been a long time since Mom sewed. Mom used patterns she found in pattern books. I think that if she were sewing for kids today she would buy those multi-sized patterns that you trace on something.

My mother made me a couple of sundresses for school (one had a pair of matching shorts under it so I could play on the playground without showing my underwear).  This was when I was old enough they'd not let us wear shorts to school anymore--even though our school did not have air conditioning.  So these dresses were cooler than pants! 

I make my clothes for work now.  Mostly dresses, because those look best on me, but some pants with elastic waists.  Both are easy to make. 

elovestea:

1.Do you make any clothes for your children for the new school year?

2. Do you have a favorite pattern that you use?

3. What items of clothing do you make, and how many items do you make of each piece? Several tops, pants, underwear?

4. Have you thought of making a backpack or lunch box?

5. Have you ever made children's clothing by cutting down an adult sized article of clothing? 

6. Have you ever thought of making a coat, maybe one cut down from a larger size?       

When it costs less to sew, I sew skirts, dresses, pants, blouses, vests, jumpers, and coats. However, I can't report how many items I make of each piece because it varies.  I'm more likely to shop when the sales are better priced because it costs more to purchase fabric, and quality fabric often cannot be found in shops.  At yard sales, I buy adult garments to repurpose into other garments.  Cutting and repurposing an adult coat is worth my time.  Lately, thrift stores may charge as much or more for used clothing as I pay for new on sale.  Are there many who sew on the forum?

thyme2save:

Are there many who sew on the forum?

That's what I was looking for - how many of us have sewed, are sewing, or are planning to in the near future. Edey

my mom used to sew and knit our clothes when we were little. some knitting and sewing later too but not as much. I haven't made anything for the kids. cheaper to buy the clothes then the fabric.

 My son is not at school yet. But I do make some of his clothes. Often it is cheaper to buy at thrift stores though. You can get good quality clothes for very little.

Hand-me-downs are awesome too. Never say no to them! You can find fabric at Thrift stores too. This will work out cheaper than buying quality fabric from a store. I have also cut down adults clothing for the fabric. I mainly use these ideas for fabric with some new stuff when on sale.

I make shorts/shirts/ tops/ pjs/windcheaters/trackpants. Buy jeans (sale or thrift), socks and underwear (although plan to make some for the next size up- just model of existing pair). I think he normally has an outfit for each day maximum. Maybe less windcheaters. So 3 -6 bottoms and 6 tops (plus stuff for cooler weather) and a couple of 'better' outfits for parties/church etc. The amount they need depends on how often you wash too. I wash once or twice a week only.  I think I only had 3 outfits when I was in Primary school in the late 70's early 80s. we were quite poor then. Clothes from shops are cheaper now too.

Here in Australia most schools have a simple uniform, so when at school they need less clothes really. 

I sew from commercial patterns mostly.  A lot passed down from my mum (she sewed all my clothes as a young girl) 

Check out www.craftster.com. The childrens section of the clothing section is pretty full of ideas. And there is a list of free patterns on the web at the top.

Hope this is helpful to someone!!

Ruth 

I am sewing a few pieces for my girls this year. I just made a school skirt for my daughter and I am going to make a couple fleece outfits for my 3 year old to wear this winter. I got lucky and found decent quality fleece for just $1.49 a yard at hancocks recently on a remnants table. Man did I stock up. I generally shop thrift stores but it can really be hit and miss.

 We are moving to northern Michigan next summer so I am planning to get really friendly with fleece and other warm fabrics because there will be very limited shopping options up there.

digginout:

just $1.49 a yard at hancocks recently on a remnants table. Man did I stock up.

That's a good way to get some economical sewing done. If you buy pieces when on sale, say 3 yard pieces or an amount you usually need for making a blouse or skirt or other item, then you have them ready and waiting for sewing. The left over fabric can become another project; placemats, hotpads (but not potholders from the fleece, it won't protect your hands), airchair covers, quilting pieces, art and craft projects, pillowcases, pillows, decorations.

With cotton, I always wash it first; clipping each corner on an angle, which for some reason cuts down on the raveling when it comes out of the washer or dryer. It also shrinks it before it gets sewed up, so that the article of clothing doesn't shrink after its made.

For patterns that I use often, I have found it easier to make a copy of each pattern piece out of non-woven interfacing and then keeping the tissue pattern as a master copy. I'm not fond of working with the tissue patterns; using something like Pellon to make a copy takes more work initially but is better in the long run for ease in use. Pellon doesn't tear, can be bought in several weights, can be easily marked on and cut and pinned. It also doesn't blow around as easily as a tissue pattern does, especially in hot weather with fans blowing. It lasts longer than a repeatedly using a tissue pattern for each cutting.

Edey