Kids' Clothes for a Clothes Closet

I've been making some kid-sized clothes. I enjoy making them, honestly. I don't do fancy, complicated patterns, I do fun fabrics. Because I love them. Then, because I don't have any elementary sized kids living with me, I donate them.

bug skirt!

These days, many schools from elementary on up, have clothes closets as a resource for their students. Organ Mountain High School created a fabulous clothes closet for students to address their every-day needs, AND specific needs, like having an outfit to go on a job interview in. Students were not questioned about why they needed the clothing, or what alternatives they had, or anything. They were welcomed into the space and allowed to take what they needed. Yes, I have donated to that space, and may again some time. 

Denim pants with a decorative stitch detail

Most of the clothing I'm making this go-around is elementary school sized (more or less). Considering that elementary schools include kindergarten (and sometimes pre-k), to 5th grade, there is a lot of range of sizes. I usually determine the size of the garment I'm going to make by the yardage of the fabric that I am using. Sometimes I'm able to find a piece that will make more than one garment.

Red corduroy pants

I often recommend to new sewers to start with kids' clothing if they want to learn how to make garments. The patterns are often similar, but the kids' patterns can take LOTS less fabric, so if you mess something up badly, you aren't out as much money. I also like that the more you practice, the better you get at some of the details, and techniques that make the clothing nicer. You can practice collars, and button fronts, making a variety of pockets (kids like pockets in their clothes almost as much as I do), and other details. The clothing doesn't have to be fancy.

A skirt with attached shorts AND pockets! Some green leggings behind them

But for kids to be able to choose a new garment when they don't usually get to, it is pretty nice. I know that picking an item of clothing that is "home made" may not be every child's first choice. It won't be what all of their friends are wearing.  But, I feel like there are kids out there that will be happy to have something new, something happy, and hopefully, something in a style that they like.

Short sleeved top 

I've gotten to sew garments that make me happy, too.

Cactus shorts with pockets

I've gotten to practice skills, and build new ones. And share something with my community that I feel is important. Some time this week, I'll gather up these garments (and the ones I didn't take pictures of) and donate them to a school clothing closet, and when I come across a fabric I can't resist, I'll make something new.

Some years, I find like-minded sewists who like adventures in kids' clothes, too. Some years I don't. I appreciate the company, but I don't require it. I do what I like!