Making kids clothes from my old clothes!

Lizbetty

Hi everyone! I'm pondering this one as I've only just mastered sewing on buttons...but I have LOADS of clothes which I've been storing up to sell 'one day' but by now tbh they're probably not saleable as they'll be out of style.

There's lots of lovely fabric though, and my mum reckons it's quite easy to 'knock up' some clothes (esp dresses for summer) for my toddler and new bubba from old skirts, etc.

I have no idea where to start. Does anyone know of any books which show you how to make clothes step by step, and are easy to follow (foolproof n other words!)? Or is anyone doing this themselves and can offer any tips?

I begrudge paying the Mothercare, etc prices and get lots of 2nd hand clothes anyway, but it's hard to find stuff that's not pink and fluffy, so making stuff from my old clothes would save a fortune and solve a problem!

All advice anyone has on this would be appreciated - I don't have shed loads of time with 2 little uns to run around after but would love to get started on this, as I think it'll be good to learn so I can show dd1 as she gets older. My mum offered to do it for me but she's only just finished a newborn cardy for dd1 who's now 20months old, lucky we have another newborn now who'll fit into it instead! She's just too busy with work etc.

Thanks in advance, folks! Finger's crossed it's not too above me (Bearing in mind I can't iron...!)

Lucy

sairy2005

Get a cheap pattern. (Look on Ebay) which has several different garments on it. i.e. skirts, tops,dresses or whatever. The toddler is the best one to start on as their clothes are fairly easy and they are not too fussy. (If it is a girl it is also much easier)Then unpick a garment or cut carefully as close as possible to seams and see how much fabric you have. Follow the pattern to the letter to start with. Then when you get better you can take short cuts.

madmum33

Do you have a sewing machine? That'll make it much quicker and easier - I saw Woolworths are selling one with all the basic stitches you'll need for about £50.

I used to look for magazines with sewing patterns, Prima was a good one, and buy it when the pattern looked useful. You might find some on ebay.