orphanslifeline.orgTo help you solve your child’s wardrobe issues quickly and easily, I’ve organized the projects in this book by common problems: ill-fitting clothes, stained or ripped clothes, clothes that fit during the wrong season, and clothes that are seemingly unusable. Many of the fixes can be used for boys or girls, so think outside the box! Then mix and match the patterns (For all printable patterns or digital content, click here.) for endless creative expression.
As you get ready to jump in and start a project, keep an open mind about selecting materials. I use almost entirely recycled fabrics and notions in my sewing, and I love the unique flavor it lends to my projects. Need flannel for a project? Use a man’s old shirt! Need a lot of fabric for a ruffled skirt? Try a gorgeous vintage floral sheet. I even love to salvage colored elastic from thrift store suspenders or stretchy belts.
With this book you’ll have tons of alteration ideas at your fingertips, but don’t let it stop there! Your mind is a great resource, so put it to use and get creative. You never know—you might find a few fixes for your own wardrobe as well!
What about Donating?
With all this talk about saving our kids’ clothing from the “donate” pile, I definitely want to say that I am a huge fan of donating. After all, part of the joy in receiving our blessings in life is the opportunity to share them with others. But altering your kids’ clothing does not mean you can’t donate them to others when you’re through with them the second time. In fact, you may find that you’re donating something that is even cuter than before. To donate your child’s clothing, check your local area for donation sites or contact one of these great service organizations:
Orphan’s Lifeline International orphanslifeline.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters bbbs.org
American Red Cross redcross.org
Goodwill Industries goodwill.org