kids clothes week challenge

April 19th, 2010

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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).

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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?

168 Responses to “kids clothes week challenge”

  1. Kim Says:

    Count me in! I’ve worked on/been working on things for my daughter, but I definitely think that it’s my son’s turn now :-)

  2. tracy Says:

    with every best intention. i’m in.

  3. MelanieO Says:

    Count me in! It will be a great motivator. I’m currently trying to work on kids’ clothes once a week, but an hour a day seems doable :)

  4. mon ami Says:

    Sign me up! This is the kick in the pants I need to get started. Otherwise it will be mid-July when I finally get around to it and that is when those patio cocktails are really flowing;)

  5. annri Says:

    Yes! Please count me in! Awesome.

  6. Terri Says:

    I am in!!!! It is perfect timing. We will be leaving to Florida at the end of the Challenge Week! Thanks for inspiring me! : )

  7. Kirsten Says:

    I’m in. I was planning on doing this soon anyway. Yippee, something to keep me on track!

  8. Mary Jo, Five Green Acres Says:

    Awesome. I’m in.

  9. Andreae Says:

    Well, I’m going to sign up provisionally. I’m due with my third kiddo May 13th, but I suspect this baby is going to be a week late (don’t ask me how I know, I just do). Since I’ll be trying to divert my attention from the fact that I’ll be 9 months pregnant, I’ll dedicate an hour a night for the week, or until the newby arrives – whichever comes first!

  10. karen Says:

    I’m in. I like that you use random jars as pattern weights. Same here.

  11. jess Says:

    I would love to sew along with you! Thanks for the invitation!

  12. Annika Says:

    I want to play (sew) along!

  13. Morgan Says:

    I’m new to sewing, but I’ll try! :)

  14. Kristen Says:

    I would love to try this!

  15. Jen F Says:

    Great timing! I just picked up some cute patterns on sale, hopefully this will inspire me to do something with them. :-)

  16. amanda Says:

    yay, I’m definitely in! I just bought some o+s patterns :)

  17. Karin Says:

    Totally, I’m in. It’s also the last week before my babysitter cuts her hours in half, so being productive would be a good thing.

    Asking for boy tutorials, babe & toddler!

    Karin

  18. freckled hen Says:

    I like this idea. Hopefully I won’t feel lazy that week!

  19. AngieK Says:

    Count me in- this is just the motivation I need!

  20. Shana Says:

    New to sewing but was thinking about using old clothes to make new ones…any patterns for that?

  21. tracy Says:

    little apprehensive, but here i go. count me in.

  22. Cook Clean Craft Says:

    Count me in (for winter clothes for my little man, here in Australia). I have a heap of material and thrift items to repurpose, and this is just the motivation I need to get it done.

  23. Staci Says:

    Great idea – I think this will motivate me to actually create some stuff instead of just dreaming about finding time (and energy) to do it.

  24. Rochelle Says:

    I’m in! This is just the push I needed!

  25. leslie Says:

    count me in, too!

  26. Fiona Says:

    Yay! I’m in.

  27. Stephanie Says:

    I’m in! I just cut a pair of comfy pants for myself. I’ll stitch em up and then get to plannin’!

  28. April Says:

    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.

  29. Kyrie Says:

    I’ve been thinking about this too (love how quick and simple it is to sew for three dress-loving girls!). I’m in!

  30. Anna Says:

    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!

  31. Projects | neurosesgalore.com Says:

    [...] 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. [...]

  32. Jennifer Says:

    I love this idea! And yes! I do need to get my butt motivated. I’m in.

  33. tessa Says:

    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.

  34. Sandra Says:

    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!

  35. britt Says:

    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!

  36. Andrea Says:

    count me in I need some blogspiration

  37. Monique Says:

    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!

  38. stephanie Says:

    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?

  39. kate Says:

    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?

  40. ~Heather Says:

    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

  41. samlamb Says:

    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.)

  42. trula Says:

    Great idea. I am definitely up for the challenge. My kids need summer clothes – urgently.

  43. Rebecca Says:

    Oooh I would really like to participate. Maybe this will finally get me off the couch and sewing.
    Looking forward to it.

  44. craftytammie Says:

    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.

  45. nanette Says:

    hey there meg, think I might give this a go too!
    hope all is good in your world. xx

  46. Melissa Q. Says:

    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!!

  47. pamela Says:

    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!

  48. Beth Moore Says:

    I’m in. I have a list already!

  49. Roxy Says:

    ooo – yes! I would love to do this! I’ve got so. many. darn. things to make. Thanks!!

  50. heather Says:

    why not! sign me up….now let’s just see if i can stick to it.

  51. Anja Says:

    Oh, I’m so IN! Just found your blog and I’m here to stay :o)

  52. Suzanne Says:

    ooh great idea, count me in :)

  53. Many A Mickle Says:

    Absolutely (at least in theory!!!!)

  54. elisabeth Says:

    i’m in … looking forward to seeing what other’s sew for their little (< age 2) boys.

  55. Candace Says:

    okay. count me in!

  56. elsie marley » Blog Archive » learning to sew and french macarons Says:

    [...] her post on learning to sew, even if you learned a long time ago.  And if you’ve joined the Kid Clothes Challenge (and yay there are so many of you already!) or are thinking about it jump over to this post about [...]

  57. Mojavi at Simple Things Says:

    I am totally in! I have been calling April skirt month… so I am excied to actually start

  58. suzann hembree Says:

    I am in too! By little grand babies will have a nice new summer wardrobe …great idea

  59. Georgi P. Says:

    I’m in – this sounds great! I’ve had fabric for my son for a year now and I keep sewing for everyone else but him – hooray and thank you!

  60. Ellie - Petalplum Says:

    Oh, I have a whole lot of things on my to-do list – but this is just such a lovely thing to participate in. So, I’m signing up! Can’t wait to have the motivation to sew those clothes my kids keep asking me about. Perhaps I’ll also finally sew something for myself as well.
    {Finally might use some of those excellent books I have for sewing kids clothes}.

  61. sophie Says:

    Sounds good, I love a challenge!

  62. erika Says:

    Yes count me in, my girls have grown so much and are in need of a new summer wardrobe!!!

  63. hillary Says:

    Yeah, I want to do that!

  64. gabrielle Says:

    I’d love to play along in the fall clothes category

  65. kiona Says:

    Count me in,I can’t wait!!!

  66. Zenzhetty Says:

    I’ll play along. I am not sure the boys will be thrilled that I am making them clothes….but maybe I can find a few things they will actually wear! The search is on!

  67. Jules Says:

    What a fab idea! I’ll be joining in but making winter versions of clothes for my girls – the commitment of an hour a night sounds wonderful!

  68. Ellen Says:

    I’m in!

  69. Islay Says:

    Count me in! I’m always promising to make clothes for my poor son, and have yet to create him a single thing.

  70. Kari Says:

    In. I’m pretty excited about this type of committment to sewing!

  71. Addie Says:

    I’m in, too! I love sewing for my little ones. =)

  72. Jenny Says:

    ooh ooh ooh! I wanna play! I have this red gingham calling my name and a little girl who has fallen in love with dresses. All I lacked was the motivation, so I’m in. Thanks!

  73. jennifer Says:

    already started my week since May will be too busy – working on a dress pattern to share :)

  74. Stephanie Says:

    What a great idea!

    I’m in. I’m in NZ, so I’ll be making Fall/Winter clothes for my two nearly-one-year-olds.

  75. kari Says:

    I have two daughters I’ll be sewing summer wardrobes for. Count me in!!!

  76. tara Says:

    this sounds like a lot of fun!!!

  77. Louise Says:

    sounds fun – i’d like to try! thanks!

  78. laura Says:

    giving it a go for my 2 yr old gal!

  79. Deven Says:

    Me! I’m in!

  80. mrspilkington Says:

    i’d like to give it a go….thanks for organizing and motivating!

  81. Wanett Says:

    I’m in!!
    Which may result in me failing my Me-Made-May challenge, or I will be a sewing dynamo for the entire month of May and everyone (excepting Hubby) will be decked out in handmade goodness!

  82. Rachel Says:

    count me in :)

  83. erin Says:

    Yes! This is just the thing I’ve needed to motivate me to do some more sewing.

  84. Lisa Says:

    Sounds like fun, count me in…

  85. cheryl Says:

    sounds great! count me in!

  86. Beth Says:

    Okay, I really really want to do this-my son is all set for summer clothes, but my daughter…not so much. And I have a ton of patterns that I’ve meaning to use. Great motivation!

  87. sarah Says:

    I’m in! I find it so easy to make cute stuff for my friends’ daughters, and not so easy to make cute stuff for my own 10 month old son… I believe some fun summer pants for him are in order.

  88. dottycookie Says:

    I am so in. Yay!

  89. Casey Says:

    I’m in! Maybe it will move me from the list stage to the actual sewing stage…

  90. Michelle in Northern California Says:

    I started early, but I’ll keep up the momentum until and through May 17th! Great, inspiring, idea!!!

  91. Sarah :: greenclogs Says:

    I may fail, but I’m in. I can do this with a 5 week old baby, right? Right.

  92. Belly Says:

    I’m in. I have a few patterns I’ve been wanting to try for a few weeks, and now I’ll have motivation!

  93. Jacqui Says:

    Yay, count me in! I’ll be sewing the autumn/winter clothes so may have to have a handicap of a couple hours each night to get the same result, as lovely light and simple summer clothes are so much faster! Will be fun to see what I can get done.

  94. beth lemon Says:

    I will try. I will try my best.

  95. odessa Says:

    This is totally what I need to get around to sewing all those cute little things I’ve been meaning to sew.

  96. Lia Says:

    Yippee! I’m in. Now I just need to hold myself back until May. That’s going to be difficult.

  97. Mama Urchin Says:

    Count me in.

  98. Kimberly Says:

    Oooh, I’m in! This sounds like lots of fun. And my little girl could definitely benefit from Mama’s dedicated sewing time.

  99. Rachel Says:

    …like the countless others – I’m in too!

  100. Robyn Says:

    Sounds like a real challenge! I need to get some sewing done so maybe the group momentum will spur me along.

  101. Sarah Says:

    This sounds like a fabulous idea. I need some major motivation.

  102. Laurel Says:

    I’d love to give this a go! I’m fairly new to sewing but have a pile of fabrics waiting to be made into cute clothes for my 3-yr old daughter! Maybe I can actually make something for my little guy too! Thanks for organizing!

  103. Katherine Says:

    I’m in. My daughter grows like a weed and is in desperate need. I might just add some in for my niece and nephew, too. Hope nap time goes well as that is my best sewing time.

  104. Hillary Says:

    Count me in too!

  105. Kathleen Says:

    I’m going to give this a whirl. I have enough fabric, patterns and well, kids to keep myself extremely busy that week! Thanks for the push to get it done!

  106. ginevra Says:

    Me too! An hour a day, I reckon that’s achievable even if I’m busy.

  107. Jennifer Says:

    You betcha! I’ll have to get my final grades in before then, but I’m publicly saying I will. So now I have to. Whee!

  108. Kayanna Says:

    I’m in! I really need the motivation to get some clothes done for my kiddos. I’ve got all of the fabric and patterns just needed a little push…

  109. shisomama Says:

    sounds like fun! i just got some new fabric for this very purpose, and we’re going to be somewhere hot hot hot where our regular clothes won’t be appropriate. count me in too!

  110. LiEr Says:

    Hi Meg,

    Came over here from Wee Wonderfuls today. This is such a fun Sew-a-long!
    I’m afraid I was two months too early to play along. Pity! We went on a trip to visit family in Singapore (tropical island, almost at the equator) in February and Target hadn’t stocked their summer clothes yet. So I gave myself one manic week (it was all I could spare) to make summer clothes for the girls, and then start packing. Here is the post:

    http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/02/whole-lotta-clothes.html

  111. Shannon Says:

    It took me awhile to get around to saying so, but I’m in too. This will be so fun.

  112. Tami Kubisz Says:

    Sure-I’ll give it a go!

  113. Audrey Says:

    I am in! I have been making clothes already, but I think it would be fun to devote an hour a day for a week. Yay!

  114. Brooke Says:

    Ooooh goody! I’m in!

  115. Rhea Says:

    I am in – summer clothes are on my ‘to do’ list and now I have a timetable. Thanks!

  116. Courtney Says:

    I would love to join– is it too late?

  117. Chrissy Says:

    I would love to join in! Thanks!

  118. Imene Says:

    Please count me in. That’s exactly the nudge i need!

  119. Chantal Says:

    This sounds really fun. Is it too late to join?

  120. Gail Says:

    I just found your blog, and I am sooooo in! I need a kick in the booty to get off of the computer and get sewing :)

  121. Knock, Knock, Anybody Home? « mama urchin Says:

    [...] here so I want to try to get my groove back. What have you all been up to? I’m doing the kids clothes week challenge and looking for inspiration. I’m thinking shorts, pajamas, swingy tops, what [...]

  122. Claudia Says:

    Super-great idea! Just what I needed to renew my energy for sewing!

  123. Grace Says:

    Me, me! I want to join!!!!

  124. Grace Says:

    PS: How weird that the comment right above mine is one of my real-life best friends; we didn’t even discuss this in advance. :)

  125. Grace Says:

    (or at least the last published comment, i guess.)

  126. Marina Says:

    Oooh, I’m in – hope i’m not too late to sign up.

  127. meg Says:

    would you believe there are already 160 of you signed up! blazzam!

  128. Valeria Says:

    Really challenging, an hour a day, uau. I think I’ll give it a try…

  129. Shanee Says:

    Please sign me up!

  130. Mr. & Mrs. | Made by hands Says:

    [...] gearing up to participate in the Kid’s Clothes Week Challenge (or in my case, girl’s clothes week challenge), so I thought I’d better check in with [...]

  131. jackie Says:

    i would love to join in.

  132. Katherine Says:

    I want to participate too! I think this is just the motivation I need. :)

  133. The Artful Parent Says:

    Yes! Count me in!

  134. Two Pockets Says:

    This is just the challenge I need to turn part of my giant project stack into wearable clothing!

  135. wendy Says:

    is it too late to be added in? I’m just finished up with a play production, and at total loose ends with what to do with myself. Sewing for my daughter sounds like a great idea!

  136. Emily Says:

    If it’s not too late I would love to participate! I have been daydreaming about summer clothes for my boys, and this is just the motivation I need to get going!

    Thanks!
    Emily

  137. Jessica Says:

    I’m in! I love sewing kid’s clothes!

  138. Courtney Says:

    I’m in. I’ve been meaning to finish filling in the wholes in my daughters summer wardrobe and haven’t gotten to it – here’s my motivation! Thanks so much.

  139. Susan Says:

    Count me in!!!

  140. Tanya Hein Says:

    An hour a day. I can do that. I WILL do that! Thanks for the motivations!

  141. Shael Says:

    I will really, really do my best to be a part of this challenge… mantra to self. I have summer dresses started and fabric picked but have been stuck at the point where I get my kids to stand still for 2 seconds for me to size them properly, ugh. No excuses! I’m marking that week on the calendar right now.

  142. emily Says:

    sign me up please!!

  143. ash Says:

    Yes please!

  144. Michelle Says:

    I’m in!

  145. Natasha Says:

    Oh my goodness! I hope I’m not too late. :S
    I don’t have kids, but I sure do love sewing for them!

    I’ll be posting my projects at http://earlyhandmade.blogspot.com

  146. Sara Says:

    just discovered your blog today! this sounds like fun…I have plenty of projects waiting to be done, this will be great motivation!

  147. Kim Says:

    Count me in, I am looking forward to the motivation.

  148. heather Says:

    Great idea. I have already started. visit my blog for free clothing tutorials: http://callmecraftymomma.blogspot.com/

  149. miktha Says:

    Better timing, my kids need new clothes..
    This gives me more motivation.

  150. Abbie Simpelo-Dyer Says:

    Count me in!! I really need to start sewing more clothes for my own kids :o)

  151. andrea Says:

    I am in! Can’t wait to get started!

  152. Zuri Says:

    A challenge! Count me in! I need to cush up the Lillies wardrobe for the warmth, so this is a great way to make sure I don’t make any more excuses!!!

  153. Julie Says:

    I am definitely in… great incentive to get sewing… thanks for the nudge ;)

  154. Katie Trott Says:

    Oh my goodness Elsie! Count me in :D I feel like I’m just in time too! Thanks for the fun and wonderful inspiration!!

  155. Melanie Says:

    Ooh, this is perfect for my personal challenge of using up all the fabric I have hoarded around the apartment! I am in!

  156. Christie Says:

    I found your blog through Sabra at Sew a Straight Line. I’d love to participate in this! I’m sad I only just found your website, but excited to browse around!

    I have a couple kids tutorials. I just posted The Sunshine dress here:http://alemonsqueezyhome.blogspot.com/2010/05/sunshine-dress-tutorial.html

    I sewed some bowties for my boys and have a tutorial here:http://alemonsqueezyhome.blogspot.com/2010/04/bow-tie-tutorial.html

    So yes, count me in! I’m excited to play along!

  157. Taking the plunge… « Havenly Says:

    [...] 4, 2010 in Uncategorized First sew-a-long coming up next week… Elsie Marley’s Kids clothes week challenge! Daily [...]

  158. Ruth Says:

    Hi there,
    Just found you, hooray for me!! I would love to join in, thanks!
    :)
    Ruth

  159. Emily Flippin Maruna Says:

    Is it too late to join in? I’d love to!

  160. Motivation « The Handmade Experiment Says:

    [...] to start on your summer sewing for the kids, don’t miss out on elise marley‘s kids clothing week challenge. You just have to commit to sewing one hour a day every day next week. Post your finished projects [...]

  161. Kids Clothes Week | Hickety Pickety Says:

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  162. crazyestonian Says:

    I would love to join as well. I have been dragging my feet about starting a new big sewing. The last big batch got done in the fall and the dresses from last summer are now tunics…
    Thank you for the inspiration!

  163. Pati @ A Crafty Escape Says:

    Please count me in! I’m excited to see the fruits of our labor.

  164. Erin Says:

    This sounds like fun. I need a reason to get their summer clothes done.

  165. A New Chapter « Mommy2munchkins’s Blog Says:

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  166. Through The Looking Glass » Blog Archive » Kids Clothing Week Says:

    [...] Kids Clothing Week at Elsie [...]

  167. stacy Says:

    I’m in! Just posting my first pics in the pool. Thanks for the inspiration.

  168. Heather Says:

    I joined really late as I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it. I am so glad I joined. I will post pictures when I have modeling compliance.

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