kids clothes week challenge
April 19th, 2010
One of the most popular post here on elsie marley is kid clothes week. I was inspired by this post from Soulemama where Amanda sewed one garment a night for a week for her daughter’s summer wardrobe. The goal I set for myself was just one hour a night (or day) spent in my studio working on summer clothes for my kids. It’s the getting started part that’s always been hard for me, so after that first hour was over I usually stayed another and by the end of the week I had a bunch of clothes for my kids. The momentum actually lasted for the next week and the one after too (I hoped it would continue through the summer, but evening cocktails on the deck killed it, oh well).
Now for the Challenge!
On the second week of May (May 10-17) I challenge you to spend an hour each day working on clothes for your kid’s–or kids’–summer wardrobe. This challenge is great for those new to sewing and seasoned seamstresses alike–we all have trouble getting off the couch (or off the computer). Summer clothes are super easy and don’t take much time or fabric, so you might have a whole wardrobe by the time the week is up! edit to add: Sorry I didn’t mean to leave you southern hemisphere folks out–fall clothes are cute and easy too! You have three weeks to daydream about what to make and then after a lovely Mother’s Day where your children are beautiful and well behaved and give you very cute presents, you can sew some shorts or skirts or dresses or tank tops with some of that ridiculously cute fabric you have been saving.
If you are interested in playing along (sewing along?) just leave a comment or drop me an email. I will write up a big list of participants and their blogs–though, of course, you don’t need a blog to play along. I’ll try to make a button too, so you can show everyone you are in the kid clothes week challenge. From now until the second week in May I will post some tutorials for kid’s clothes that I’ve used or that I really like. So what do you think, sound good? Are you in?
Yay! I’m in.
I’m in! I just cut a pair of comfy pants for myself. I’ll stitch em up and then get to plannin’!
I’m in. I got my sewing machine out a couple weeks ago, (buried under yarn and other projects), and all I’ve done is mend. ugh. Time to make some fun things! Bloomers, for sure. Lots of bloomers this summer.
I’ve been thinking about this too (love how quick and simple it is to sew for three dress-loving girls!). I’m in!
I’m in, I’m in! Oh, I think that’s how I originally found your blog through your kids clothes week post (way back when). I can’t wait to see the tutorials you’ve used, although I somtimes feel like it can be a waste of time sewing for my oldest at least, she is sooo picky!
[…] I only buy patterns when they’re on sale. They usually go on sale for 99 cents or $1.99. It almost makes them disposable. If i make one item from the pattern I feel like I got my money’s worth but I don’t necessarily like thinking that way. So I’ve been tracing the ones I really like so that I don’t have to refold all the stupid tissue that never quite fits back into the sleeve. I’ve been using sew-in interfacing but today I picked up something new to try at A Fabric Place. Apparently they just started carrying it. It’s just like the interfacing only a little more lightweight and it comes on a nice long roll so it’s easy to make your pieces fit. I might just re-borrow some of those Burda magazines. What I need is a copy of Burda for kids, that’s what I need! I paid ten dollars for a five yard roll which is about twice what the interfacing costs on sale but it’s twice as wide at least. So far so good. You can check out the challenge here. […]
I love this idea! And yes! I do need to get my butt motivated. I’m in.
count me in- time to stop squirreling bloomer and bib fabric and get sewing- maybe this will motivate me to make a dress too… does a laundry bag count? I want to make one just for bibs because aagh pureed sweet potato everywhere aagh.
I’m in!!! I’ve been slowly making stuff for my little guy, but this is a great motivator to actually get things done. Great idea!
i don’t know if i will stick to it, but sign me up. i just bought a sewing machine, this would really get me using it!
count me in I need some blogspiration
I’m in! I’ll have just finished Made by Rae’s summer top challenge, and I’ll be ready to do some sewing for my small people.
tip for the person who has a hard time getting patterns back into their envelopes: Iron them as you fold them up. They get flat and tidy and fit ever so nicely back into their home!
I would love to sew along and make clothes for my 7 year old son but where are the good patterns? Girls clothes seem much cuter. Any suggestions for boys?
I’m in – the sewing machine is tuned up, iron cleaned, and studio is ready! I plan to sew only from the stash. It’ll be easy to sew for the 5 yr old girl and 3 yr old boy but what to make for the sullen 16 yr old boy/man. Any suggestions?
Oooh, this sounds exciting! Does patching and mending clothes count as well? ~Heather
I’ve been wanting to try this tie & vest for my lads:
http://www.purlbee.com/little-boys-tie/
and
http://www.leilaandben.com/vest.htm
ooh – i’m in! you’ve already got me sewing a bunch of 90-minute-shirts, so i would happily make more summer clothes. and challenges are the things that get me going.
(proof: i am finally making a shirt for myself thanks to the spring top week. if only i could motivate myself, by myself. oh well.)
Great idea. I am definitely up for the challenge. My kids need summer clothes – urgently.
Oooh I would really like to participate. Maybe this will finally get me off the couch and sewing.
Looking forward to it.
i’m in! we just found out it’s a boy in the belly, and i want to make him some stuff. and the older boys need shorts, too.
hey there meg, think I might give this a go too!
hope all is good in your world. xx
Damn it. I totally don’t have time for this but I’m in, it is exactly what I need to get doing something I want to be doing anyway. Love the idea. Thanks!!
i’m officially in! i just finished my first shirt for my girl and will be posting about this on my blog asap : ) thanks for the inspiration!
I’m in. I have a list already!
ooo – yes! I would love to do this! I’ve got so. many. darn. things to make. Thanks!!
why not! sign me up….now let’s just see if i can stick to it.