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: twohands
Date: 01-17-2005, 09:46 PM (1 of 41)
| Do you save money sewing? I started sewing mainly to make clothes fit me better, but also I thought it would help save money. Clothing just seems to have become so inexpensive now. When does the investment pay off? Do you have to have some sort of business on the side? If you were trying to figure out your final cost, how do you value your time? |
User: twohands
Member since: 01-16-2005 Total posts: 12 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-18-2005, 06:34 AM (2 of 41)
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I don't save a dime. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Dede
Date: 01-18-2005, 07:41 AM (3 of 41)
| The way I see it, my time is priceless and there's never enough hours in a day so I don't figure it out in the bottom line of a project. I still buy pants on occasions when there's a good sale on and when I say good sale I mean 50% off and more. Same applies for fabric, a good sale is 2 for 1 or 3 for 1. So the bottom line is, I too don't save a penny. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-18-2005, 07:46 AM (4 of 41)
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Two interesting questions. Do I save money sewing - absolutely not! I have a lovely machine that hubby paid a big price for. If you add in the price of fabrics I prefer, I don't save a penny. Do I have a business on the side - just this site and everyone knows what kind of money you make with websites. It is just not there. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: esrun3
Date: 01-18-2005, 08:20 AM (5 of 41)
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I don't save any money either but I love to sew. Plus it is my stress reliever and my family knows when I'm at my machine, don't bother me. that in itself is worth it's weight in gold!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-18-2005, 08:54 AM (6 of 41)
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I think my ancestors probably saved money. Making clothes and quilts from old worn out things would certainly do the trick. I once made my daughter a lovely little blue cotton dress with a lace apron overlay. Once this fabric was curtains. We are so spoiled now! MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Melanie T
Date: 01-18-2005, 09:44 AM (7 of 41)
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I found an embroidery design that says sewing is cheaper than a psychchiatrist. Maybe if you factor that in it saves you money, but I doubt it. There are sometimes that I lock myself in a room with my sewing machines and only come out if someone is bleeding or the house is falling down to keep myself sane on a crazy day. It keeps me from contemplating child abuse, not that I ever would anyway, but sewing gives me an outlet/escape and that is priceless. Patching clothes for the kids (as opposed to buying new jeans every week) helps, but it still doesn't pay for my fancy embroidery machine. If you factor in everytime you hem something up or sew a button on as opposed to paying someone else to you are also saving money. Even if I save money on one project, what about the fabric for the other 10 in my stash that I want to do but will never get to in this life? How is that factored in? I think that we just have to call it a hobby with a lame excuse. (I will save money making clothes - yeah, right). 
Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 01-18-2005, 09:59 AM (8 of 41)
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Do I save money sewing? Yes and no. If you figure in the cost of materials to make an item I can save a lot of money. My favorite dress I ever made for myself cost me less than $5 to make. The fabric was $1 yd. and the buttons came in a tub of buttons from Wal-mart. I am always making dresses and pants for my little ones from the remnant bins. That works out to a less than $1 for most pants I make and no more than $2 for a dress. I could be thrifty sewer. But the reality is that everytime I go to the fabric store I hit the remnant bin. I spend at least $10 on fabric that just sits on a shelf waiting for a kid to say I want pants from this or for me to get a creative idea. I've got $300 invested in a serger, $800 in a sewing machine another few hundred in shelving and other storage and furniture. When I start worrying that I am really not saving much money this way, my husband jumps in and says at least your hobby produces something useful. If you look at it like a hobby, then yes you are saving money on the clothing. If you had a different hobby you would have a lot of money tied up in that and still have to buy clothes. Does this make sense? It is kind of like a two for one. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Catalina
Date: 01-18-2005, 11:31 AM (9 of 41)
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Hi! I agree with all the above posters. It depends on what you sew. I saved a lot of money making my own nsg. white lab coats and pants, but since I only really wear jeans now(except for church) I don't have a need for a lot of clothes. If you sew for your children and have a need to wear dressier clothes for work I bet you could save money(kids clothes are more expensive now). I also save money on doing my own window treatments. I only buy fabric, notions and patterns when on sale. It is mainly a hobby for me- but its a fun creative outlet. Sewing is also very time consuming and is basically an alone hobby. I tried to maintain a balance and try to keep everything in moderation. I imagine some people make money sewing, but I would rather keep my sewing as a hobby as family and friends always want me to sew for them and sometimes I really don't want to, then it becomes something I have to do- Penny |
User: Catalina
Member since: 01-06-2005 Total posts: 119 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-18-2005, 11:33 AM (10 of 41)
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save money??? NOPE NOT HERE!!!!!! I am to the fabric store what a teenager is to the mall on Saturdays!!!!!! |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-18-2005, 01:20 PM (11 of 41)
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I don't think it is in the saving of money anymore..it is in the fit and the finish and the individuality of the garment. Sewing allows us to be more expressive in our clothing. There was a time that if you didn't sew you didn't have things to wear..or you had to pay terrible prices for the garments. Those times are not only gone, you often find the same fabrics in the stores as in the fabric stores, so it is more in the creativity and fit I think. When I was sewing for people, most of the people I sewed for were either hard to fit or they needed something that wasn't available in their size...or in the case of brides' maid's dresses, something in the range of sizes they needed. The other type of customer I had was someone who because of design or specialty of the garment, couldn't get it easily in our area. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: bunzino
Date: 01-18-2005, 01:28 PM (12 of 41)
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No way. But I have been doing this for a long time, and am now willing to invest in very good quality fabric. So no more excuses there. But I get what I want in the colors I want, in the fit I want, in the style I want and it's relaxing, creative and fun !!!! Other parts of my life should be so rewarding  nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: cake
Date: 01-18-2005, 02:42 PM (13 of 41)
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The only thing you will really save money on is with evening wear I've found. Or other really individual pieces. Otherwise I only sew for the excitement of having a new top/skirt/other that no one else in the world does! Plus if I've been lucky it will fit perfectly too Pudge99 makes a lot of sense: regard your sewing as a hobby that happens to save money for itself! Katie |
User: cake
Member since: 03-24-2003 Total posts: 27 
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From: mommydionne
Date: 01-18-2005, 04:17 PM (14 of 41)
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It used to save me money when I was broke and in school and had a $300 machine and bought my fabric mainly from the remnant bin. But now... since I have the "day job" and can afford the toys NOPE, but it's fun and it is something that I do for me. I think the last thing I saved money on was my wedding gown 10 years ago. but hey sewing is still cheaper than most men's toys! check out the price of some woodworking tools or a harley  Plus I still love the rush when I tell people I made something they just complimented me on 
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: GreenDragonLady
Date: 01-18-2005, 04:31 PM (15 of 41)
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Not to mention the clothes hold up a lot better than some of the junk you can buy in the stores, and if something does happen to a seam (which I've never had happen yet) you know how it was put together, so you'll be able to fix it. I enjoy making things from other things. I made my daughter a fancy beaded top for her concert from a wedding train that cost me $13. photos.yahoo.com/greendragondesigns
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User: GreenDragonLady
Member since: 07-29-2004 Total posts: 495 
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From: paroper
Date: 01-18-2005, 06:52 PM (16 of 41)
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Well, I'm about to make my DD five tailored suits that with interfacings, linings, patterns, buttons and all will run about $165.00. I guess that is saving.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: sable
Date: 01-18-2005, 10:24 PM (17 of 41)
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I have just started making my two sons fitted nappies from fabrics I was given (at least I don't remember buying them myself), remnants from outfits I made myself and the nappy squares I bought b4 the boys arrived (with the idea of using them instead of disposables, how dumb was that?). The way I figure it, this will save me a fair amount per month on disposables. I may still have to use them at night, but that's still a fair few less to buy. If I can come up with my own pattern, I may even look at selling them. I also save my sanity through sewing (with a toddler and an infant you need something!). I am also trying to reduce the stash to save space! |
User: sable
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 76 
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 01-18-2005, 10:51 PM (18 of 41)
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I don't save a dime by sewing. But I enjoy it and have been sewing for so long it is part of me. I like so many of the rest here, feel what I make is better quality, to my liking, fits ! and is one of a kind. Now maybe when I was in high school or college it was cheaper, but not now. One thing I feel is when I make something for someone, it is more personal than going to the store and buying something. May not be cheaper, but means more to the receiver, and gives me great pleasure to have done it.
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-18-2005, 11:29 PM (19 of 41)
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It realy depends on where you buy your fabric & what you are making. I watch the clearance racks & wal Marts $1 & $2 tables. I am making a suit (jacket & slacks for myself) 3 yds of fabric@$1 plus 1 yd lining @ $3. I get a suit for less than $10 with notions. But DD was going to buy denimn for a skirt 2 1/2 yds. @ $3 yd. She found a skirt on clearance for $5 (didn't buy the fabric.) I think sewing seems to save me money because I have such a big stash that I don't usually have to buy for a project unless I need to match a color for lining etc. I have a large stsh of buttons, zippers, bindings, elastic (don't throw away mens underwear without cutting it off. It makes good pajama/boxer elastic.) Like other people have said it also saves on my sanity & I found that when I sew I don't snack which is good for my weight. Sewing room is upstairs so I get exercise going up & down the stairs. I hope this kind of answers your question. You can save money if you know where to look. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
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From: Sailorliz
Date: 01-19-2005, 08:05 AM (20 of 41)
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When my three daughters were young and I was just learning to sew, I would buy only clearance fabrics. I would buy lots of it for my stash. Then I would sew them little short sets for the summer months and pants and long sleeve shirts for the winter months. I saved money on buying them clothes. Then as they became teenagers, we would shop for patterns and material together, so that they would wear what I was making them. Sometimes that was cheaper and other times it wasn't. The one thing that I did save money on was all of their dresses for dances and the proms. I made them all and that was cheaper than buying ready made at the time. Now, do I save money? No, probably not as I'm into sewing clothes for myself. I buy fabrics that I like that might be at regular price than a clearance or sale price. Plus I have been adding new sewing machines, tools and a cutting table to my sewing room. So lately it has been more of an investment than a savings. But, my children are grown, so I can afford to treat myself. 
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386 
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From: smessier
Date: 01-19-2005, 10:52 AM (21 of 41)
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I used to save lots of money sewing clothes for myself and my family. That was when I lived near an old fabric store that has an upstairs with fabric for $1.99yd. or less! There is also a factory outlet near there where you can buy quality home decor fabrics for no more than $3.50 a yard and that was for the 90" to 108" fabric!! Now that I've moved to Maine, the bargains are hard to find. I don't have an expensive sewing machine though...just a Janome that I paid about $400 for several years ago. I've also got an old Kenmore for tough jobs and a second hand Juki serger. I stock up on fabric when I go back to visit my family...and honestly...I could probably sew from my stash for a year! I still think I save money by sewing my own window treatments, duvet covers, slip covers and cushion covers. I get to have exactly what I want, they're custom made, and for a fraction of the cost. I don't have a business on the side really, but I do occasionally sell items I've sewed at craft shows or on Ebay. So it all evens out in the end I guess...At least that's what I tell myself, cuz I'm not giving up this hobby anytime soon! Happy sewing! Sandy |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: Barb@Topaz
Date: 01-20-2005, 06:49 AM (22 of 41)
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Don't know if I save money but I'm having a great deal of fun. I have 7 Chinese Crested Dogs. These dogs are hairless. I used to buy them polar fleece outfits at the dog shows or order from a woman who has been sewing these outfits for years. Each outfit would cost at least $20. Now I can make the exact same outfits for maybe $2.00 each. That might sound like I'm saving money but my dogs really do not need the amount of outfits that they now own. However, it's fun and I keep finding new colors of fleece and ribbing and so I keep sewing more outfits for them. I'm going to start on crate pads next. I could save money there but I probably won't because I'll go overboard and make more than I really need. Barb |
User: Barb@Topaz
Member since: 01-15-2005 Total posts: 4 
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-20-2005, 07:06 AM (23 of 41)
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Hi Barb and welcome to Sew Whats New.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Bellerose
Date: 01-20-2005, 09:58 AM (24 of 41)
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Most of the time I am not saving money when I make things myself but the pleasure I get from creating something from scratch is so very rewarding. I have only been seriously sewing for a few years now and I have developed quite a stash of fabric, notions and equipment. It really makes my life easier when I get the urge to make something and I have the things I need without having to go out and buy them. The cost of fabric & notions are expensive so I try to purchase things when they are on sale, but not always --sometimes I "just have to have" such and such. I see it as my hobby and EVERY hobby is expensive. My husband is very supportive and he encourages me to do what I love to do. Life is good! ~Dolores |
User: Bellerose
Member since: 01-20-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-20-2005, 07:30 PM (25 of 41)
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So far, I don't think anyone has mentioned the largest money saving item of all if you have sewing as a hobby or avocation or vocation... The largest money saver of all is ... are you ready??? The money we save from not having to go to a Psychiatrist ! ! !
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: mamadus
Date: 01-21-2005, 04:24 AM (26 of 41)
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I don't think I save anything.. the truth is I don't sew that many garments anymore... but I supposed I save on Christmas presents, although sooner or later, I think people are going to say.. okay, okay.. no more embroidered boxers!! But I do so enjoy it, and it is a great stress reliever.. and when I'm tucked away in my sewing room, I'm in my own little world. Not to mention its a great place to get away from the snow and the cold this winter!! ah, what the heck... its cheaper than my dh's golf and poker night!! and its a heck of a lot of fun!! just my 2 cents.. MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-21-2005, 06:50 AM (27 of 41)
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Hi BelleRose, welcome to Sew Whats New.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Londa
Date: 01-21-2005, 09:01 AM (28 of 41)
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The very most delight I get these days is digging into my stash and creating from it - or at least adding designer touches with using my stash to new garments I'm making. I never throw hardly anything away any longer. Since I'm making and selling garments - this is double excitement for me! Sew.... My advice is think creatively - even see clothing you don't want any more as 'fabric'! I just cut lining in purple out of lining for an old coat that was in my stash - the sleeves will be black lining, as I couldn't get them out of the purple - but that's OK with me. Londa Londa
www.londas-sewing.com www.alondaoriginal.com |
User: Londa
Member since: 05-26-2004 Total posts: 39 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 01-21-2005, 11:07 AM (29 of 41)
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Londa -- I have a lot of things with the sleeves lined in a different color. Sometimes I did it because I didn't have enough of the lining fabric. Occasionally my lining isn't very slippery and I find if the sleeves are slippery I can still slip in and out of jackets easily. In one case the lining is a very expensive silk and I didn't want to use it where it doesn't show. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: twohands
Date: 01-21-2005, 11:10 AM (30 of 41)
| Thank you all for confirming what I have been expecting. I have been able to save money on a few things. Just the type of things you need much of. I am always please when I have enough scrap left over to make something a little extra to match. I think thats really where the benefit is. Oh well, at least it helps me keep my peace. |
User: twohands
Member since: 01-16-2005 Total posts: 12 |
From: TammyE.H.
Date: 01-21-2005, 01:09 PM (31 of 41)
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It's funny that this thread got started now... I recently had a 'conversation' with an employee at my local fabric store that I think you might like to read: My friend and I were at our local fabric store. My friend was buying some GORGEOUS asian brocade for a chinese-inspired outfit for a wedding. It'll be STUNNING. And we got into a conversation about how expensive it is to sew. I mentioned that I sew for several reasons, mainly for fun, also for fit. But that it's no longer a money saving situation. WELL! The employee at the cash got REAL offended. Launched into a whole diatribe of fabric quality and durability and so forth... I tried to explain to her that even if a piece of fabric lasts 20 years, I'm STILL not going to get 20 years of wear... She then 'accused' us of comparing quality fabric made into a quality garment by an 'experienced' seamstress or tailor to... and I quote: "Your WalMart stuff"... Meanwhile, we're in the middle of paying for over $200 worth of fabric!!! Now, I know that she was tired and stressed, since it was 'late open promotion night the day after inventory... But come on... Can you believe it? |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 01-21-2005, 01:22 PM (32 of 41)
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Tammy, Anytime I shop those crazy sales, I ignore anything that a stressed sales person says. Most often they have been on their feet all day and are in dire need of a break. If it helps them feel better to vent on me so be it. I know when I go in there next week that she will be her normal self. You were probably one of many people that day to "complain" about the price of fabric. Your comment was just the one that finally broke her. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-21-2005, 06:34 PM (33 of 41)
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Our churches support a children's home. The home has its own staff and school. I don't know if this is still done there but the girls that took home ec had to take something from the donated clothing and remake it into something entirely different (to wear) before they could shop for new fabric and make their first garment. It was an excellent learning experience.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Writer
Date: 01-22-2005, 12:15 PM (34 of 41)
When I got back into sewing (thanks Joanne!) I thought I'd save lots of money. Nope. Unless you count the times I actually repair something! Yesterday I went to buy fabric for drapes thinking for sure I'd save money doing that. I came home discouraged and without fabric. Of course if I'd seen excatly what I wanted I would have bought it anyway. Why? 'Cause it just feels good to say "I made it."  Diana |
User: Writer
Member since: 01-16-2001 Total posts: 184 
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From: TammyE.H.
Date: 01-22-2005, 01:05 PM (35 of 41)
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Tammy, Anytime I shop those crazy sales, I ignore anything that a stressed sales person says. Most often they have been on their feet all day and are in dire need of a break. If it helps them feel better to vent on me so be it. I know when I go in there next week that she will be her normal self. You were probably one of many people that day to "complain" about the price of fabric. Your comment was just the one that finally broke her. Hi Pudge, I know... I spent 10years in Retail... Then I RAN SCREAMING NEVER TO RETURN AGAIN... But I think it's high time for people to realise that sewing is not what people do who can't afford to shop RTW, it's a form of art. So I accept the cost of fabric, try to save when I can but only use quality. Just like most Painters won't use dollar store Oil Paints... (With exceptions of course...) Ladies, gentlemen, face it; YOU'RE ARTISTS!!!!! (Now some of us are less talented than others... but that's okay) YAY! Tammy |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51
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From: SBEAR
Date: 01-23-2005, 06:50 AM (36 of 41)
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I Would Definitely Say That Sewing Has Saved A Lot Of Money Over The Years, Even Factoring In The Cost Of A Very Good Sewing Machine And A Serger That I Bought On Sale. I Sewed Stacks Of Clothes For My Little Daughter, Stacks Of Clothes For Myself, And Did Home Dec Projects Every Once In A While. Did You Ever Run All Over Town To Look For A Specific Piece Of Clothing In A Specific Fabric And Color? During Those Times I Could Have Bought The Fabric, Pre-washed It, Cut And Sewed It In The Time I Wasted Driving All Over! I Think The Trick For Me Is Never Ever To Pay Full Price For Anything! When I See Fabric On Sale In A Useful Color And Type, I Buy It And Wash It For The Stash. I Sew It Up When I Need The Garment Or When I Have Some Extra Time To Do So. An Antique Dealer Once Told Me That Many Retired People Spend Their Time Drinking And Going To Casinos. I Sew And Have Many Very Good Quality Items To Show For It. Usually I Figure That I Produce An Item For 1/9 Of What I Would Pay For An Item Of Similar Quality, That Is, If I Could Find A Color/style/fabric That I Liked. Another Advantage Is That I Can Produce Garments Out Of Pre-washed Material That Do Not Shrink In The Wash! |
User: SBEAR
Member since: 09-15-2004 Total posts: 31 |
From: lilac
Date: 01-24-2005, 07:44 AM (37 of 41)
| I know I am loosing money but it is good for my brain as it gets a workout and it is a hobby I can do at home and not have to leave to go anywhere else. I will never get back my investment but will be able to make something special that my kids can hold onto after I am gone by making them each a special quilt. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: ksnative
Date: 01-24-2005, 08:38 AM (38 of 41)
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No, you probably don't save a lot of money in general. If off the rack stuff fits and suits your taste that probably is cheaper. But I sew for may husband because he is hard to fit. He is also quite the clothes horse and loves to have clothing that is different than what everyone else is wearing. And he loves compliments about his clothes and appearance in general. If I compare his shirts to lower end off the rack stuff, then no, I probably am not saving. But is I compare to custom made or even higher priced menswear stores that carry special sizes then I am saving a bundle. I also made a few things for myself because I am an artist and like my wardrobe to make a statement, but I do often buy my fabric on sale. |
User: ksnative
Member since: 01-24-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: Marlyn
Date: 01-25-2005, 08:28 AM (39 of 41)
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I use up many articles of clothing that have been 'gently used' or in some cases just not worn too frequently. I used a tartan housecoat my husband once had to make a jumpsuit for my daughter when she was two. My daughter gave me some fabric she had from a previous pair of curtains she had made for a home they lived in. I kept it for a while, and when her daughter was about three used the fabric along with a scrap of material I had to make her a sundress. It was her favourite. Cost "0", just my time and I love sewing. Particularly when I am making something for little ones. Using your imagination you can be very creative. In my stash are many pieces of fabric that someone had left over, old curtains (light weight, usually cotton) and so much more. You never know what you can make. I am thinking of taking some of the heavier weight material to fill with the little beads for hot pads for casserole dishes, etc. and give them as Christmas gifts for next year. 
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User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37 
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From: beachgirl
Date: 01-25-2005, 03:45 PM (40 of 41)
As a rule I don't save money sewing. Did when my kids were young & fabric wasn't as expensive. Sewing hadn't caught on as a pleasure & computerised machines weren't for sale then. I do save sometimes, like my gd prefers the night gowns I make her & I'm remaking the drapes in my living room. Expensive material, plenty of it so they will look completely different & only cost me my time & thread. Saving enough on that so my dh can make me more cabinets in the sewing room. Sewing is expensive but I enjoy it & it saves my sanity. ( I think ). Also I feel like I'm saving money like when I buy a blank blouse & then do embroidery work on it.That would cost a lot more off the rack & not done as well. I guess it's just how a person looks at sewing. 
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User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: Hogmami
Date: 01-25-2005, 04:32 PM (41 of 41)
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Sewing Is heaven. I can be depressed or unhappy, go to my sewing room and start a project and come out in a different frame of mind. I know I don't save money, but I look at it this way, I can't take the money with me and my kids aren't going to remember me for the money, but for other things. Both kids enjoy everything I make for them. And I feel thats how they will remember me. Besides, why should I save money, my husbands toys have costed a heck of alot more than mine.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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