Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 02-19-2004, 10:02 AM (1 of 28)
|
What frugal things do you do when sewing. I use weights instead of pinning. These can be anything from a tin of tuna to coffee mug or book. This saves on buying those ridiculous weights or the time it takes to pin. I interface patterns I use a lot to keep them in good shape. This saves on buying patterns. I sometimes take an old favorite garment apart and use it for a pattern for a new one. Also saves on patterns. I have not bought fabric in quite a while. I am determined to use up what I have. I cut the buttons off of old garments to use again. I also will use pieces of embroidery or pockets fronts from old garments. These are neat to sew into kid quilts. What do you do to cut costs. Any new ideas. I'm thinking of putting all our ideas together for a newsletter. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 02-19-2004, 11:06 AM (2 of 28)
|
I just got some old underwear from my dad's & was cutting it for rags. I saved the elastic to use in boxers & pajama pants. it is still in good shape & soft enough for comfort. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
|
From: colojd
Date: 02-19-2004, 02:59 PM (3 of 28)
|
I have done all of the ones you mentioned, too! I just can't see if you are throwing away a shirt that you don't take a few moments to remove them to reuse, if they are still in good shape. I also have removed zippers such a jean zippers and saved those too if they were still good. I also go regularly to thrift shops and can find patterns that are new and have never been used. As we all know, patterns can be expensive, so this is a good way to get some for just pocket change. Thrift shops sometimes also have grab bags of sewing notions and these are great for stock ups on basic things like snaps, zippers, hooks and eyes and so forth. I have also found vintage sewing items at the thrift shops or at garage sales. These sometimes are not useable but can make interesting items to place around the sewing room as decoration or framed. Joyce |
User: colojd
Member since: 05-03-2002 Total posts: 83 |
From: Raine
Date: 02-19-2004, 03:14 PM (4 of 28)
I piece the backings of some of my quilts. On my last quilt, I made large crazy quilt blocks to use up the leftover fabric. It's a great way to use up odd-shaped scraps.
|
User: Raine
Member since: 04-19-2000 Total posts: 259 
|
From: brendalou
Date: 02-19-2004, 05:40 PM (5 of 28)
|
I save money by buying as many things as possible in bulk... Thread stores great in ziplock bags, Wax paper - Costco sized. I made my own softweights with scrap fabric rice and lead weights in the fishing dept at Kmart. I love paperpiecing with my husbands old shirts I prefer the Art store/Office Depot to the fabric store for marking pencils and permanent markers Buy as much as possible on-line. I go to Goodwill & Other thrift stores at least twice a month... you would be amazed at the fabric you can find there... I got 10 yards of 60" denim for about $4 with tax. Go to the office supply stores to buy Vellum - great for printing paper piecing patterns onto. Instead of buying a point turner, I used the deveiner for shrimp. You would be amazed at the amount of sewing notions that you can buy at the office supply store and the art store. ==Brenda Lou
|
User: brendalou
Member since: 10-07-2002 Total posts: 2 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 02-20-2004, 12:33 AM (6 of 28)
|
What a great thread! I stopped buying fabric too, until I use what I have....I also love garage sales and thrift stores for sewing patterns and notions. I never ever pay full price for a pattern - either I get it on sale for 99 cents, or I make my own. Of course, I don't do garments, lol. My very favorite place for buying needles [I buy 100 at a time] and thread is www.marathonthread.com. They are very friendly, and quick, and have excellent prices. "onward through the fog"
|
User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
|
From: Larysa
Date: 02-20-2004, 01:27 AM (7 of 28)
|
I save money by making patterns by myself. Also, I save money by buying fabric for lining the vests in the thrift stores. I really enjoy using men's ties for sewing and crafts. The recycled ones are very inexpensive source of quality material for trim. The fabrics used in ties are so beautiful! That's a source of fine trim that many people have never given any thought to, and they're certainly a lot more beautiful than any commercial bias trims I've ever seen! Also, I use men's ties to make the covered buttons. When using a small-scale print, center the motif on the button. I added the instructions about how to make the covered buttons to my Tips& Pattern page on my site. http://paturydesign.hotusa.org/ The other day I finished working on my last sewing project- it is a 7 Combination Triple Vest. I made the top vest from 2 recycled men's ties. Vest's back center piece is made from hand painted recycled pure silk man's tie. Creating a Wearable Art exhibit "Birds at Sunset". You can see it here: http://paturydesign.hotusa.org/images/graphics/jpg/examples/vests/page4/7combinationtriplevest.htm |
User: Larysa
Member since: 02-02-2004 Total posts: 21 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-20-2004, 07:58 AM (8 of 28)
|
This thread makes me feel like a real spend thrift. I do very little to save money sewing. Well, if there is a sale I'll buy lots of stuff (does that count -- my husband says not). I do save buttons from old clothing -- but it's because they are special buttons. I also buy very expensive buttons if they go with an outfit. I also always hit the sale tables when I am in New York's garment district. But if something catches my eye in the other part of the store I might buy that too. Sewing is my one of my three major indulgences (the others are books and music)and I spend as much as I want and can afford on it. When my kids were little I sewed to save money. Now I spend money to sew. That doesn't make me a bad person -- just a broke one. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: colojd
Date: 02-20-2004, 08:07 AM (9 of 28)
|
One note that I did want to add was about buying additional fabric. Some have stated that they won't buy more until they use up what they have. I used to own and operate a fabric and craft store for six years. Often, people would come in to browse and like a particular fabric, could have put it to immediate use, but would say that they didn't want to buy it because they already had a stash at home. Then often, they would return a few weeks or months later, wanting to finally buy the fabric and it was sold out or discontinued. This happens a lot with quilting fabrics - the quilting industry is so competitive that they will issue a fabric and then it won't be available for re-order because they have moved on to the next group of fabric they are offering. I have a large stash as most sewers and quilters do, but have learned if you see a great fabric that you might not be able to get again, it probably is best to grab it before its gone. I do try to limit what I can buy today because of space reasons, but I also do take the time periodically to go through the stash and make some things as well. This might be a good challenge topic for us to try - how many things you can make from your stash in a month or two; or go to your oldest pieces and make something. Might be fun to try! Joyce |
User: colojd
Member since: 05-03-2002 Total posts: 83 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 02-20-2004, 12:00 PM (10 of 28)
|
I also save buttons, if they are pretty or unusual, or something I consider useful enough. I keep them in a big antique glass jar that is footed and has a lid. Friends are always looking at it to see what I have! I use a ball of crochet thread I bought at a sale to and lay it in a line where I want to gather something and zigzag over it, then pull to make gathers. After I stitch the gathers in place I usually pull out the crochet thread and re-use it. I will take short pieces of elastic and stitch them together if I don't have a long enough piece I can use. I use my stainless steel tableware to weight fabric for cutting. I keep paper that has been printed only on one side to use to print out jokes from my computer or other things I want to take to our Thursday morning ladies coffee, like recipes I have promised someone. I save thread cones and large spools to save pretty package ribbons and odds and ends of yarn, etc. Some things I just can't bear to throw away! MariLynn Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
|
User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: MarysRose
Date: 02-21-2004, 01:15 AM (11 of 28)
|
What a wonderful discussion! I too save buttons, my granddaughters love to look at them all! I always save men's shirt buttons because my dh is famous for popping a button and having no idea where it went! lol I sometimes say I will not buy more fabric until I've finished all the projects I've already started. That's a joke! I switch between sewing and crochet/embroidery. Every time I buy more material my DH moans...."Can she possibly need more material?" I too started sewing for my girls to save money. I really don't like sewing for boys and men that much. Hubby has begged for a 3 piece suit. I guess I'm just scared of it. He would wear it! LOL! Now I sew because I love it, and because someday I will have a home business...as soon as I figure it all out  Laura Laura
|
User: MarysRose
Member since: 06-19-2003 Total posts: 37 
|
From: kaykay
Date: 02-22-2004, 12:35 PM (12 of 28)
 I've learned to make my own zippers for my alterations. By buying zipper tape and the parts, I can make any length I need, for much less. Then, if I rip out a long zipper with, say, a damaged tooth but otherwise OK, I know how to shorten it and use it elsewhere later. Kerry Originality is undetected imitation
|
User: kaykay
Member since: 02-12-2002 Total posts: 33 
|
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 02-22-2004, 07:32 PM (13 of 28)
|
Mary Rose , I have never made a man's suit, and I am never going to. I used to do custom sewing (I'm retired now and sew for fun) and did lots of bridal, but I too preferred not to sew for boys and men. I had 3 daughters and they kept me busy enough without sewing for my DH (now deceased) or my 4 sons! MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
|
User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: HeatherL
Date: 03-16-2004, 10:00 AM (14 of 28)
|
I typically only buy patterns when they're on sale for 99 cents (hooray JoAnn's!), and fabric that's been marked down. In fact, unless it's for a special piece, I refuse to spend more than $3/yd for fabric. Most of my stash was $1/yd or less, and is all of moderate to good quality. You just have to dig through the bins sometimes! I save the thread that I pull out of basted pieces and use it for hand-sewing hems or buttons. (now THAT'S cheap!) I buy my neutral-color threads at Family Dollar. Spools are 5/$1! I save (or buy at yard sales, thrift shops, etc.) old sheets, tablecloths, towels, etc. for small projects, testing patterns for alterations, and whatnot. I buy notions in bulk. http://www.homesew.com has great grab-bags of zippers, bias tape, and more. I also snip buttons from garments. I buy long shoelaces at the thrift store to use as drawstrings for pajama bottoms. |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: colojd
Date: 03-16-2004, 10:17 AM (15 of 28)
|
Wow! you are a serious money saver! I have bought from Home Sew for many years and find their things are always great quality. However I still do buy from local fabric stores. I used to own and operate my own fabric shop for six years - it was fun but hard work, too! Be careful of the Dollar General thread - bargain bin thread is one thing that you should never use in your sewing machine. The texture is uneven and can ruin your tension on your machine. Plus it has more fuzz than regular sewing threads and this also can build up in your machine. Good quality thread is worth what you pay for it, I think. What you might save on the cost of a spool of thread can cost you more in repairing your machine. Great tips, though - sounds like you have thought of a lot of ways to save money on your sewing. I also love to go to Thrift shops and can occasionally find something nice that a person has donated for very little money. |
User: colojd
Member since: 05-03-2002 Total posts: 83 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 03-16-2004, 10:48 AM (16 of 28)
|
I've done pretty much all the above too, except the bargain thread bit. No way will I use bargain thread. I remember when I was little (one of 7) my mother bought an XXL yellow eyelet dress (which should never have been made as an XXL) at the end of the season for next to nothing. She took it apart and made me a dress and a couple of tops from it. That had to be almost 50 years ago but I remember it well. I used to take my dtrs into the department stores and they would point out what they liked and didn't like about the current fashions...sometimes I would make a quick drawing of a neckline or design... and then go home and make it for them for a fraction of the cost. Violet 
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: colojd
Date: 03-16-2004, 10:55 AM (17 of 28)
|
My Mom loved to sew, too and made wonderful clothing, dolls, doll clothes and other things for my little sister and me. She also taught both of us to sew and I am so grateful to her for that!! When we got to be teenagers and had little money for the expensive fad clothes, sewing was a way to get new things within our budget! I still sew and quilt to this day and it is one of my favorite pasttimes! The economy may get tougher soon and they always say when the economy is difficult, more people get back to sewing or try it for the first time! Joyce |
User: colojd
Member since: 05-03-2002 Total posts: 83 |
From: bsisemore
Date: 03-16-2004, 11:02 AM (18 of 28)
|
I didn't know what I was doing had a name --I'm a Frugal sewer. I have always re used everything, my mom did and so I just grew up thinking this is what you do. I remember her making my sister sun dresses out of the backs of my granddad's shirts. (He was a rolly polly) and he ran a country grocery store so he'd mess up the front of a shirt to bad to wear in the store and my mom would use the front to get that sun dress. My husband works for a company that gives him shirt also, so when he messes on up I use it for a number of things from shorts for my 4 year old to sun dresses depends on how much usable fabric I have, plus I have matching buttons already there. I have always re used snaps, buttons, elestic. Waste not want not, right! |
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004 Total posts: 26 
|
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 03-17-2004, 12:22 PM (19 of 28)
|
You are right about bargain thread. It can be very bad for your machine. I simply do not try to save on thread and I NEVER baste anything. I use pins or the narrow disappearing double-sided basting strip that comes in a roll.I used to buy it in the 1/8" width, but it is hard to find now except in the 1/4". Why do they always remove the really useful stuff from the market? When I want to gather fabric, I zigzag over a length of crochet thread (bought at close-out sales) and after I pull up the fabric into gathers and stitch it to whatever it needs stitching to, I pull out the crochet thread and re-use that! MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
|
User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: bsisemore
Date: 03-17-2004, 01:03 PM (20 of 28)
| I use the cheap fishing line (can get at wal mart in sporting goods section) to gather with. Then even if I can't get it all out it's clear and not easy to see. I use (not the thinest, but one in between. I also use a little heaveier one for edge ruffles. |
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004 Total posts: 26
|
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 03-17-2004, 01:40 PM (21 of 28)
|
I will try the fishing line if I ever use up all this crochet thread!! MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
|
User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 03-17-2004, 04:14 PM (22 of 28)
|
Be careful with the fishing line. If you don't get it all the ends can be very scratchy. My DD won't wear anything with nylon thread because it bothers her.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 03-17-2004, 09:31 PM (23 of 28)
|
Yes, nylon thread can be bothersome, which is why I mostly use it as a top thread. As a bobbin thread, some of it can be scratchy. Some is not, however, and usually you can tell by the feel of the thread whether or not it will feel scratchy on your skin. I usually use it for couching and ribbon embroidery, with another thread on the bobbin. MariLynn
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
|
User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: bsisemore
Date: 03-17-2004, 11:07 PM (24 of 28)
|
It's pretty easy to pull out unless you're doing 8 to 10 yards of ruffles. Which was why I swapped to fishing line, you sure don't want to have a ruffle that long half pulled and the middle break. I need to get some pictures done. |
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004 Total posts: 26
|
From: bsisemore
Date: 03-17-2004, 11:28 PM (25 of 28)
|
okay I took a couple of a small pageant dress. there are 10 yards of ruffles on one of these and that's under a size 5. This one is old ( about 15 years old) I made for my oldest when she was little. I have to wrestle the baby down to get a dress on her. You can also see the edges with the thiner fishing line run in as a hem. http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=180171079583934805/l=24889447 |
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004 Total posts: 26
|
From: MarysRose
Date: 03-18-2004, 02:15 AM (26 of 28)
I bought my granddaughter a dress for her Birthday with some kind of plastic line in the hem. Of course her mother let her wear it for Halloween! sheesh! and she ripped the hem in several places and the fishing line is coming out. I have no idea how to repair this; as I don't have a serger (yes I know ...how primative!) Any suggestions?
Laura
|
User: MarysRose
Member since: 06-19-2003 Total posts: 37
|
From: bsisemore
Date: 03-18-2004, 08:54 AM (27 of 28)
| you can try pulling it back in first just stretch the hem and see how much of it you can work back in, next just clip the pieces that are hanging off, then zig zag across the hem again, you'll need to set the zig zag close togather or just hold and pull to get a desired stitch. |
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004 Total posts: 26
|
From: mamahoogie
Date: 03-18-2004, 09:07 AM (28 of 28)
|
This is how I make a gathered ruffle, or for gathering a full skirt to the bodice, etc. ...I use the invisible flat elastic. Take a piece of elastic (usually 1/4" or 1/3") and mark with a ball point pen 5/8" from one end. Lay it on top of the pattern as flat as you can and mark centre points and any other meeting points and mark the end and then add the 5/8" ...and I leave extra on for ease of holding onto it..Just be sure to make the end of seam. Clear elastic stretches over 3 times it's length and is very strong. (store it in air tight container or bag until ready to use) Cut the ruffle out making sure you have all the same marks on it. Pin the elastic to one end (right side of material) matching first points and stretch elastic while sewing, stop with needle down, stretch to next point and stitch again. Keep going to the end and trim off extra elastic. Now, your ruffles should be evenly distributed and will fit exactly onto where you are too add it. The elastic will be inside the seam if you put on the right side of the material so you will never have it near your skin if sewing clothing. Clear as mud?? I made my granddaughter all kinds of little dresses using this method and it's amazing how even all the gathers or ruffles are. Violet
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-12121.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft