- The Nappy Network Forum -

by **Sharonnz** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 8:54 am

Give me the low down, ladies. What's the CHEAP way of sewing clothes for my kids that doesn't involve buying an expensive pattern for each separate piece?

Is it worth buying an expensive book of patterns? If yes, which ones? Has anyone used the Spotlight Get Creative clothing patterns? (I've only used the Costume ones.)

TIA, Sharon

by **Darny** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 9:45 am

I highly recommend the Kwik Sew books, they have a master pattern you trace onto other paper/ vyaline, and ou can mix and match/ alter/ adjust to your hearts content.
The only issue I'd see would be that you'd need two of the books, sewing for toddlers (I'm sure your lad would fit the T1 size clothes) plus the sewing for children, as the sewing for toddlers only goes up to T4 (about 4 yrs).
The books still seem to be the same price I paid for them yonks ago, around $30 a book - from what I've seen anyway.
I've had the books for ages (over 11 yrs) and I still use them as my main source of sewing patterns for the kids, I'm really looking forward to sewing for the baby now too

by **Stacey** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 9:47 am

Kwik Sew have a great basic pattern book. Once you learn the basic pattern pieces, you can mix and match them, draw up your own patterns and add 'bells and whistles'. If you can find one second hand - grab it! They are a bit expensive new - but a heck of a lot cheaper than buying each seperate pattern.

by **Sharonnz** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 9:48 am

Do they have these at Spotlight or do I need to go to a "proper" sewing store? Sharon

by **Dunners** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 9:53 am

I've seen the Kwik Sew books at Spotlight (and Fabric Barn) for around $37.

I was able to pick up both books for under $10 each including postage from TradeMe (saved a favourite search for Kwik Sew, so I'd be emailed when a Kwik Sew pattern turned up - one was a buy now for about $7, the other for about $8 - didn't even wait for auction to finish).

Abby (Tom's Mum) has made stuff out of the Creative books. I've adapted a boy's sweatshirt from there to make a larger long-sleeve bib. Haven't used any of the other patterns yet as they're more for 3-4 years+.

by **Gaia** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 11:23 am

Hi!

I love the Octobre Magazine.
Has sizes in it for all the kids.
To me it is well worth the subscription.

cheers
~Heather~

by **Pookee** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 11:25 am

Sharon I have the Kwik Sew for toddlers book - I'll bring it tomorrow and you can have a look through it (I'll leave it with you)...won't be any good for the girls but for Gus it should be

by **Sharonnz** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 11:35 am

Awesome...thanks Mel. What a helpful lot of ladies! Plus I just discovered a freebie trackies pattern in a free Get Creative mag I'd been sent by Spotlight so feeling pretty chuffed about that.

Sharon

by **Callum's godmother** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 5:33 pm

Hi Sharon, I can loan you books with kids patterns, also remember that we have the lycra factory shop here in Levin with sweatshirt fabric, t-shirt, tog fabric etc I am down in Wellington frequently for my job and can easily get you stuff. I also have lots of stuff here in cupboards - just waiting to be given to a good home - fabric, cotton, buttons, zips, lace, elastic ..... I can hear you laughing!

by **LemonNZ** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 7:29 pm

I love my Kwik Sew books for basic patterns and I have found that I can swap sleeves and hoods on some of their patterns to create just what i am looking for.

They are $30+ in sewing shops but check Trademe as I picked mine up there for $5.

Also they often have second hand Top Kids and Ottobrae magazines for $1 reserve. These have tonnes of patterns to draft off.

I have also borrowed Top Kids mags from my local library so a great FREE way to get patterns.

I found the best tracing paper to actually be a Collins Desk top pad at Whitcoulls. The paper is thin enough to trace through but is all kept tidy on the pad until you rip it off the pad.

Michelle