Fabrics

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But I don't sew very well!
 
 But I don't sew very well!
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What fabrics tickle the girls?

Probably the same ones that tickle you!

As you might expect, the girls like pastels and bright colors in pretty or silly prints — or solids. It seems wise to choose fabrics that can be laundered easily and can stand up to some play time. Cotton/polyester blends are a good bet for dresses that come out of the dryer in wrinkle-free splendor.

Remember, the joy of this effort is that you make the choices according to your own taste and abilities. Another appealing aspect is that kids' fabrics are generally easier to sew and more cheerful to "play" with in the sewing room than some of the sophisticated fabrics that grown-ups wear. These fabrics all make sweet, practical clothing for youngsters:
  • Gingham
  • Bright children's prints
  • Stripes
  • Floral prints
  • Corduroy
  • Sailcloth
  • Denim
  • Twill
What about knits?

Some people have good luck (yes, they'll claim that it's really skill) with knits, and they do make cute, comfortable, easy-care dresses. Someone who is good with knits can also avoid some of the hassles of zippers and buttonholes, because stretchy knit dresses can be made to just pull over a girl's head. And the sizes are more flexible for knit dresses — fitting one girl longer than a woven dress could. If you have that knack for knits, you probably already have some fabrics in mind, like pretty interlocks and jerseys. The girls will love 'em!

Where can I buy children's fabrics?

Local fabric stores are always a good bet, and there are probably lots of good choices at the same store where you buy fabric for your own clothes. If you don't see what you need, ask the manager. When you support local stores, you ensure that they'll be there for you in the future. But, if you are looking for something that you just can't find locally, you might check under children's fabrics at Sewscape: http://www.lyonslpgas.com/sewscape/.
 "Sewing is love made visible." — American Sewing Guild