Children grow so fast that we feel like it's impossible to keep them in clothes that fit.  Think about how many dollars you spend on new clothes to replace the old outgrown ones.  Now let's think about some ways the life in those clothes can be "extended", which will end up saving you a ton of money.

**The length of skirts or dresses can be let out.  If you press the hemline there will not be the crease there.  IF there happens to be a crease remaining, or the fold line a little bit lighter than the main skirt, you can add a couple rows of rick rack along and below the hemline to cover it.

**A second idea for lengthening the skirts and dresses would be to sew a row of lace along the hemline after taking out the hem.  Next add a couple rows of lace to the bottom of the garment to make it look like the "insert" of fabric was intended and not simply done to lengthen the skirt.

**Jeans that become a little short, but still fit in the waist and hips can be cut off and re-hemmed to make either capris or shorts.

**Jeans that are ripped or stained in the legs can be cut off at the crotch line -- add gathered tiers of pretty fabric to make a skirt.  OR, use those jeans to make jean purses, and make yourself some extra money to buy another pair of jeans.

**A favorite long sleeve winter blouse that you know won't fit next year can have the sleeves cut off and made into either a short sleeve summer top, or cut the sleeves off a little higher to make "cap" sleeves for summer wear.

I'm sure there are many more ways to extend the life of children's clothing -- if you have any special methods, please let us know, as I'm sure our readers would appreciate all the help they can get in the "saving money" area.