Organizing Your Home - Purging and Sorting Childrens Clothes

By Rebekah Kogelschatz

Organizing children’s clothes is a never ending job. They tend to grow faster than the parent can keep up with their ever-growing bodies, especially in the early years when they seem to grow overnight. By keeping track of the clothes that fit and that do not fit, you can have an organized space for your children’s clothes without much hassle.

Here are tips of how to sort and purge the clothes that you no longer need.
First, you are going to sort the piles into two piles:
A: stained or torn and
B: good condition.

Second, you begin the sort. If you have been the recipient of hand-me-downs, there is a good chance you do not even wear many of the clothes that were given to your child. Sometimes they are not the style you would like or have a stain or two. Get rid of your guilt for not using the gift and sort the clothes into one of the two categories.

Third, check sizes on every piece of clothing. If it is the wrong size, sort it. If it looks like it could fit but you are not sure, bring the child in and try it on. Evaluate which category it belongs in and sort it.

Fourth, check the sizes on the seasonal clothes. What may fit now may not work for your type of weather. I have a lot of winter clothes that would currently fit my daughter when it is hot and humid, but will probably not fit in the winter. Take stock of what you can hang on to and sort the rest. You may want to find an alternative place to put seasonal clothes. Good options are the “space saver” bags or a sealing plastic container. If you are going to put them in the attic or basement, make sure they are sealed from rodents and moisture.

The next step is to evaluate the stained and torn category. If it is too shabby to give it away, make a rag pile and use the items for cleaning and messy jobs. It is hard to throw away good fabric, but if you must, do it.

Next, evaluate the good condition pile. There are now four possibilities for them:
1. Donate them.
2. Give them away to a friend or family.
3. Take them to the consignment store.
4. Sell them on eBay.

Only donate clothes to local organizations if they are wearable. Do not donate torn or overly worn clothes. The organization has to then dispose of them.

Family or friends may be ideal to take the clothes. Most people are willing to take free clothes and may pass along those they do not want.

Consignment stores and eBay are great ways to make some cash from your clothes. They may bring in more money that a garage sale, but they are more work. Most consignment stores have a “clean and ironed” policy and may require a hanger. Each eBay sale should be in the best condition possible to get the top dollar. Mostly only name brand items sell on eBay. Do your research before you take either of these options. Be especially careful on eBay with your shipping cost and do not lose money because you did not weigh the items.

With less clothes, the drawers and closets should be easier to maintain.

With these tips, your children’s clothes should be organized and neat with less hassle for morning dress times.

Rebekah Kogelschatz is a wife and a mom of two children in rural Florida. She is a co-founder of the site http://www.SmartMoms-SmartBusiness.com and the founder of a preschool activities site http://www.preschool-activities-everyday.com You can read her blog at http://the-day-of-a-mom.com

Save Money With Thrifty Tips on Kids Clothing Adjustments

By Basya Speshel

In a recent interview, we asked homemaker Nancy M. Wiley about sewing tips for adjusting children's clothing. This kind of adjustment can be made when an article of clothing becomes too small, or you purchase something that is not quite the right size. Some of her tips would actually be a great way to add design and special touches to any clothing item. Read on for Nancy's tips.

Nancy, how did you get started using lace for clothing adjustments?

I had two boys before the girl came along (4 1/2 years after the youngest son). I went right out and bought loads of lace! The lace stash (which I frequently add to) has come in quite handy as she grows and the dresses need lengthening.

What's your favorite way to use lace for adjusting your daughter's dresses and skirts?

I like to look at the dress and determine the most suitable method of lengthening that will keep in character with the dress. Occasionally there is a dress with a wide white collar and adding lace on the bottom would be out of character. So I'll find a suitable scrap of white fabric and add about 5 or 6 inches to the hem. Then it looks as though it were purchased like that. I will also add a bit of trim such as braid or rickrack to the inevitable hem line from dropping the hem to cover up the evidence that I've lowered it (I may add more somewhere else on the dress to tie it together). It's unfortunate that method just won't work with my boys' pants!

Do you have other tips for adjusting clothing for a modest child?

I also found that ladies' petite sizes fit my daughter. That offers more selection in the search for modest clothing, since adult clothing styles can be found to be more traditional. On short skirts, I've occasionally found that if I order a size or two larger but in the slim, I get the length she needs. Now that she is old enough to sing with the family, it's fun to find sweaters and or skirts (sometimes making them) that match and dress alike as mother and daughter.

How about your sons? Do you have tips for boys clothing?

Some of my sewing escapades include altering a tuxedo shirt for my oldest son last year(he is a freshman majoring in organ performance). The neck was too small and the sleeves were too short. I have a large stash of sheets I purchased just to sew with because of their higher thread count and poly/cotton blend that withstands wrinkles. I found some white that was as close a match as one could want for the shirt. I removed the old collar and sleeves, cut (I love single edge blades for this) open the seams and used them as a pattern. I reused the cuffs, as they were fine, and lengthened the new collar and sleeves. After changing the neck line on the shirt just a tad, I reassembled the shirt. He just about left the tux home when he was packing for school, but I insisted! He's now glad that he took it, as he wore it for the orchestra the other day for their first concert (he plays violin as well).

Thank you, Nancy, for your valuable tips!

Copyright (c) Basya Speshel

About the author:
Basya Speshel writes for http://www.sewmodestclothing.com about topics in modesty and sewing. Check out the free beret pattern and directions, and the free snood pattern with sewing directions.

Getting The Best Deal On Kids Shoes

By Morgan Hamilton

Parents often need to buy their children new kid’s shoes because most children grow fast. Young children can grow a size every year, making it necessary to buy new kid’s shoes every time you turn around. At least young children are not fashion conscious and you do not need to buy them expensive shoes. However, pre-teens and teenagers would often ask you to spend your whole salary on expensive footwear.

There are a lot of places that offer thrifty kid’s shoes. Payless is a good source for great looking shoes, but keep in mind that they might not be durable or high quality. These kinds of shoes are ideal for youngsters who outgrow their footwear quickly. However, Payless shoes would not be suitable if you need running shoes for sports or gym class. If you want to give your child expensive shoes, you can search for bargains online.

The only problem is that your child cannot try these kid’s shoes on before you buy them, and in some cases, shipping is slow. But if you want to give high-end, brand names shoes as a present for your son’s birthday, online bargains can be useful. Hop on online sites like eBay for some great deals on kid’s shoes.

If you are planning to purchase kid’s shoes from retail stores, you should keep a few things in mind. Since your child’s feet are constantly growing, it’s not wise to choose a pair that fits perfectly. You have to give them space to grow, but you don’t want your kid’s shoes to be too large that your children will trip over them when they walk.

Have your child try on the shoes, and let your child walk in them for a bit. Feel to see how much extra room there is, and ask them if they feel comfortable in their shoes. To make sure that your child’s footwear will not wear out quickly, remember to have a pair for school, and a spare pair for dirty play. Some detergent and a toothbrush are effective in keeping most shoes clean.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning fashion. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Kids Shoes

Baby Clothes Home Display

By Ron Maier Jr.

To add a touch of heritage to a child’s room, why not display some of their own baby clothing. These little memories of made of cloth look great on a display hanging rack made for a tabletop or dresser. As the child grows older they will love to use their own clothes for their dolls to play dress up. To make your own display rack, these are the things you will need:

• 2 porch spindles

• scrap wood

• hanging rod (for a closet; a wooden dowel will also serve)

• screws

• drill with screw bit

• scrap fabric

• spray adhesive

• 2 rosettes (used for closet bars)

• wood glue

• 2 decorative knobs

• paint (color is your choice; you can also use a wood stain if the wood is nude)

Take the porch spindles that you might have purchased at Home Depot or somewhere similar and paint them whatever color you wish, keeping in mind the colors of your child’s room or furniture. Then, cut two pieces of wood for the base of the rack and the top. The size depends on the size of rack you wish to build. To hold three or for garments, the base should probably be about 18x8 inches. Set aside the top piece for now. Fasten the spindles to the base using screws through the bottom of the base. To make sure that the base will not scratch your furniture, attach a piece of fabric to the bottom with adhesive. Sit the rack upright and screw on the rosettes. Now place the bar on the rosettes as you wood in a normal closet. Take the top piece of wood and fasten it to the spindles with screws. Lastly, you can glue the knobs on top of the rack as decoration. Of course you can be creative and pick any decorative items you wish.

Now you have made a fun new display rack for your children’s clothes. Place your kid’s clothes on the rod using baby clothes hangers, and the project is complete (wooden hangers may be the most decorative). Perhaps you will keep it in their room or perhaps you want it for your own. It quite possibly will become a family relic that will go on for generations.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the owner of Only Kids Hangers, a leading provider of childrens clothing hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlykidshangers.com.

Summer Clothing for Children

By William Brister

Whether you are planning on spending a day at the poolside, frolicking on the beach or simply running under the sprinkler, cool swimwear for hot lazy summer days is a must. Land’s End is a popular place to shop for swimwear and accessories. The other well-known sites are webclothes.com, swimsuitsforall.com guaranteed to give you the best bargains and wide varieties. Keep the heat at bay and look stylish and hip throughout the season. The tips listed below will help you to liven up your children’s wardrobe with latest in summer clothing and other accessories.

Summer clothes for girls Lets begin with the most basic of summer requirements – Shorts and Cropped Pants - The rising temperatures seek out the rising hemlines to make a hot fashion statement. Bermudas, both short and long, and a variety of cropped pants; capris, gauchos and ankle length pants are in this summer. The Roxy Rio Grande at Nordstorm has great value offers.

What better way than to make a splash in the summer with Swimsuits, Water Side Shoes and Beach Cover-Ups. Whether it is a dunk in the pool or the sea, grab a colorful Roxy Tango two-piece swimsuit, beach cover-up, some flip-flops, sun hat and you are ready for a nice summer day.

From Mary Janes to flip flops, there are several hot summer shoes for girls this season. Land’s End Kid’s Solid Action Sandals, Crocs in delightful array of colors and Adidas sneakers are some of the popular fashion styles for today’s girls.

For summer clothing choose soft cotton tees and tanks. Whites and pastels are best for the hot, sweltering summer days and something a little more colorful for the evenings.

Summer clothes for boys Shorts are a must have in every wardrobe and especially a boy’s summer collection.

Although, the tradition has always preferred solid colors in shorts, there is an increasing trend in patterned shorts, camouflage shorts as well as plaid cotton shorts. Boys prefer their shorts to be long and roomy and knee-length being the most popular.

Paired with shorts are button downs to look cool and stylish all summer long. Tees are the most popular and come in a variety of styles like raglan, ringer, yoke, and muscle and of course the plain tees. Graphic images and printed tees are ubiquitous and attaining a niche of its own.

The shoes to match the ensemble can be as exciting as the clothes themselves. Everything from high performance all-terrain sandals to elegant suede to leather Polo flip-flops are available online. The Stride Rite Terrapin at Zappos.com are the most preferred brand amongst the boys, both comfortable and ideal for running, jumping and playing.

Whether you are planning on spending a day at the poolside, frolicking on the beach or simply running under the sprinkler, cool swimwear for hot lazy summer days is a must. Land’s End is a popular place to shop for swimwear and accessories. The other well-known sites are webclothes.com, swimsuitsforall.com guaranteed to give you the best bargains and wide varieties.

William Brister - http://www.kidsclothes.tv - Branded Clothing for Children