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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: MaryW
Date: 07-23-2005, 08:27 AM (1 of 39)
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I have compiled a number of tips and hints on how to sew and save money. My original idea was to have an e-book on the site but now I find out they are not popular. So, I am going to have a frugal sewing article for the site. If anyone has any tips for saving money while sewing feel free to post them here. If I can use them I will give you full credit in my article. Thanks in advance. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: beachgirl
Date: 07-23-2005, 01:28 PM (2 of 39)
| Mary, I have thread cutters on my machines but seldom use them even though they are handy. I keep a small pair of scissors at my machine & clip the thread with those. Also when doing embroidery for the bobbin thread. It's amazing how much thread you save to use. My thread cutter is on the side of the machines not the automatic one. Good quality thread is expensive. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: dudsanddoodads
Date: 07-23-2005, 02:13 PM (3 of 39)
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Hi Mary, Zippers from outgrown blanket sleepers are always worth taking out...they come in tons of colors and you can always bar tac along the bottom to make them the length that you need.  If I find sleepers at yardsales for cheap that are stained or whatever, I always pick them up and remove the zipper.... ten cents for a sleeper or even a quarter sure beats the 2.00+ you pay to buy zippers.Also, I've taken to using white in my bobbin thread on casual and play clothes...you can get a big spool for a dollar at Wal-Mart versus spending a couple of dollars for a little spool....better yet, cone thread used on the sewing machine is even more cost effective. JoAnn's sells a really cool gadget that hold the cones and extends the thread up over your machine so it can be threaded. Dawna your not the only pebble on the beach-Harry Braisted
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User: dudsanddoodads
Member since: 07-29-2003 Total posts: 4 
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-23-2005, 02:54 PM (4 of 39)
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When my husband & sons outgrow or have torn breifs I cut the elastic off & use inside casings for pajama pants. It is usually still good & soft enough to use again. The rest goes into the rags for dusting.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 07-23-2005, 04:50 PM (5 of 39)
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Keep all the buttons from the shirts, dresses, etc in a button jar. Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-23-2005, 06:02 PM (6 of 39)
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I keep a small plastic bucket next to my machine and any small pieces of trim, hem tape, bias tape, laces, etc go in there for doll clothes , small craft items, etc.. Sometimes 3 or 4 inches is enough for a small craft item, or doll dress or blouse..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: beachgirl
Date: 07-23-2005, 09:08 PM (7 of 39)
| I save anything that's useable again, I string matching buttons & tie in a knot to drop in my jar. That way I don't have to dig for ones that match & I know how many matching ones I have. I save material scraps that are large enough to use in a quilt, save trims, zippers,you can make things out of empty spools or give them to camps for kids to make things, used needles are good for sewing on papers,paper clips work where you don't want straight pins,hair clips work also, I save old jeans,demin skirts & shorts, they are good to make lots of things,I save the water solvy scraps & add some water to make a brush on solvy for embroidery,I'll stop for now but know there is lots more but I think everyone saves what they can no matter if they need to or not. I have lots of clear bins to store things for later use. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: bridesmom
Date: 07-24-2005, 01:08 AM (8 of 39)
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I tend to buy a lot of patterns at 2nd hand stores, especially for kids patterns and craft patterns. I can get them for 25 cents each and find lots that have never been used. I also check out 2nd hand stores for fabric remnants, zippers, bias tape, etc and always check out my local fabric stores for remnants, especially on sale! Sometimes I have been blown away at what I can get for a few dollars! Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-24-2005, 08:20 PM (9 of 39)
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The white selvege (sp?) edges of cotton quilting fabrics make great stabilizer tape for shoulder seams in knits or other stretchy garment fabrics. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 07-24-2005, 10:39 PM (10 of 39)
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Save all buttons!!! but instead of putting them in a jar, buy one of those cabinets in the tool section that men use for bolts and nuts, etc. I sat one day and sorted thru all my buttons and put them by colour in each bin. Now when I want say, blue buttons, I have only a small bin to look thru to find out if I have enough. If I seem to have a lot of one kind, I do string them together and then put them in. The odds and ends are great for decorating quilt tops, or I use them on the back of my wall-hangings because I put loops on my to hang over a wrought iron rail. I sew onto a scrap of material at the end of each seam. Saves an awful lot of thread and I never have to worry about the ends getting caught in the teeth when I start the next seam. Easy to hold on to the scrap to get started if necessary....especially if you have arthritis. I'll think of more later. Just got back from a weekend trip with all my kids/gr kids and boy are we tired...happy but tired Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: Laurieb2851
Date: 07-25-2005, 03:29 AM (11 of 39)
| I find unbelievable fabric for hardly no money at my local thrift store. Imagine getting 25 yards of brand new Waverly decorator fabric (with large beautiful magnolias) for only $4.99 - that's $4.99 for 25 yards!!! I knew there was more at my local fabric shop for $15 a yard, but I waited for it to go on sale and bought another 20 yards for $5.99 a yard. I am going to be using this fabric in my sewing room for curtains, and slipcovered large & tall book shelves. I also found 20 yards of beautiful medium weight curtain/drapery fabric for $10.99 in a beautiful solid ivory color. I know that particular fabric was going for $6.99 a yard on sale. I also have found wonderful fabric on eBay and have found tons of thread and zippers on eBay as well. It is not unusual for me to get 100 zippers for less then $10. My secret for finding unbelievable bargains such as this is to shop often. I hear people say they never find anything at a thrift store - I say if you don't find something the first time - try again. Try and find out when they put out new stuff. |
User: Laurieb2851
Member since: 03-08-2005 Total posts: 16 |
From: pucktricks
Date: 07-26-2005, 10:54 AM (12 of 39)
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I just found this one: Shop the seconds area of outlet stores. I just found a dress and skirt that have minor problems on them that make them unsellable, but I'm going to change the dress into a skirt and use the fabric in the skirt to make a shirt or something. I've heard you can get old bridesmaid dresses from goodwill and do similar things. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
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From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 07-27-2005, 10:39 PM (13 of 39)
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I shopped at the Thrift store this year for items to repurpose. I bought 6 pairs of women's plus size jeans that I will take apart and cut down for jeans for my 5 & 8 year old dds. They were $2.99/each. I really like the ones that have cute details. 1 pair was 3 hues of blue blending on the way done--the girls are fighting over who gets that one! I also was able to salvage a pair of junior size 3 pants my 13 yo dd just outgrew---I made capris AND a skirt for 5 yo dd from those: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/PrincessJenny/pantsrepurposed.jpg and I bought a lovely deep rose women's plus size knit top, and repurposed it into a knit shirt for 8 yo dd: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/PrincessJenny/s4565.jpg This was an enormous help with my school clothes budget this year. Jen |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263 
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From: beachgirl
Date: 07-28-2005, 12:05 AM (14 of 39)
| Good job Gal!!! Your DD is sooo cute. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: bren
Date: 07-28-2005, 04:43 AM (15 of 39)
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Hi Jen...Your daughter is adorable...and your thrift idea is great...cute outfit
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489 
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From: mamagoose
Date: 07-28-2005, 08:05 AM (16 of 39)
| Use throw-away clothes for muslins. Men's sizes work great for smaller ladies and kids. You can piece and splice if need be before cutting out your pattern. |
User: mamagoose
Member since: 01-26-2002 Total posts: 168 |
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 07-28-2005, 10:48 AM (17 of 39)
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Thank you for the nice compliments It is so much fun sewing school clothes for them, because they get so excited and happy over what I make. Does wonders for a girl's self-esteem- lol!!!! Jen |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263
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From: Longblades
Date: 07-29-2005, 10:21 AM (18 of 39)
| Wow, Jen. I didn't know it was possible to buy a chesterfield 10 ft. long. LOL. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 07-30-2005, 12:04 PM (19 of 39)
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Lol! The couch is only about 6' long----they have just found a way to peacefully coexist on it!!! You should see what happens when you are sitting on the couch, and they decide to snuggle on your lap!! This happens more often than not; to me, my dh, and my 3 dds!!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/PrincessJenny/ronnagetssnuggled.jpg ***Please excuse the rough look of our livingroom in this pic---we are getting ready to move out of state, and in the midst of doing a little remodeling to our home before placing it on the market*** |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263
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From: patti2
Date: 08-01-2005, 10:39 AM (20 of 39)
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I use old, soft sheets that have a rip or worn area in them for crib sheets, so soft. Crib sheets are expensive! You can do the same with flannel pj"s, they make soft recieving blankets
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User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: Longblades
Date: 08-02-2005, 10:55 AM (21 of 39)
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Re. Thrift Store Clothing I've used old men's shirts for pocket linings, etc. You can sometimes get nice matching patterns as well as solid colours. Just be careful to stay well away from the armhole. Can be stinky, even after washing. You'll notice it when you iron. This applies to your own shirts as well. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: blackie
Date: 08-02-2005, 03:37 PM (22 of 39)
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I have enjoyed reading these frugal tips! Here are my meager offerings: 1. Low stash. I calculate yardage carefully in order to avoid remnants. I also very rarely buy stash fabric. Right now my "stash" consists of two small shelves worth. 2. Finish UFOs. There are *so* many times I want to buy a bunch of fabric for my new project, but I force myself to finish the current one. I think this helps me keep disciplined about my sewing addiction and more serious about what I commit to. It keeps my husband happier, too. 3. Use adult clothes to make kids' clothes. My husband wears out the hems and the crotch (HOW, I don't know?!) of his pants. Plenty of good leftover chino or khaki to make pants for my li'l ones. Same with t-shirts (see tip #4). 4. Two words: t-shirt surgery (http://www.livejournal.com/community/t_shirt_surgery/). You can make tops, skirts, purses, anything out of t-shirts. Go to the thrift store and buy a shirt for $1. It is also tremendous fun. Last weekend I went to my 10-yr. high school reunion wearing a t-shirt skirt and got tons of compliments. I am against shopping at Walmart by principle, but I would be lying if I don't sometimes feel curious about all the cheap fabric there... Which reminds me! One more tip: 5. When I sew for someone else I keep the scraps (sometimes a half a yard or more) for my own use. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-02-2005, 03:49 PM (23 of 39)
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Blackie -- Like you, I won't shop at Wal Mart and the only thing I miss is the fabric. Our new Hancocks sure helps there. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 08-03-2005, 02:16 PM (24 of 39)
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When my DD was younger I found cheap t-shirts & tank tops & added a cotton skirt to the hem. If there was enough fabric I made shorts &/or put an applique on the top. She had some really origanal outfits for not much money.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
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From: Bama
Date: 08-03-2005, 03:49 PM (25 of 39)
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You can make pattern weights by cutting small squares from scraps and stuffing with B-Bs or small pebbles (like for aquariums) I also cut buttons off of old shirts before throwing them out, as well as some laces and trims. I save it for crafts and crazy quilts. Old wool skirts and blazers found at the thrift store are great for recycling into wool quilts or penny rugs. (wash them first to felt the wool) The prices for wool items are especially cheap in the summer time. I have a new policy for doing free sewing, hems, or alterations for my mom, dad, sisters, friends etc. They have to buy the thread and/or fabric and I keep what is left. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 08-03-2005, 03:56 PM (26 of 39)
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Great idea on making your own pattern weights. I currently use tuna cans. (4 out of 5 of us are vegetarians---so I have these for quite awhile before dh decides to eat the tuna in them-lol!) I also like your policy for free sewing---Good for you!!! Jen |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263
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From: ellymolin
Date: 08-03-2005, 10:18 PM (27 of 39)
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I keep an eye out for sleeveless knit tops on sale, lightweight fabric, and get them for $1 or $2. Or sometimes I use the tops that have been sitting in my dresser, and never been worn. These I use for the top of nighties I make. For the bottom of the nighties I use remnants from the fabric store or from my stash. I don't even need a meter for the bottom. Using my serger, all I have to do is gather the bottom part of the nightie to the top, and then serge a hem at the bottom. A little leftover lace or ribbon at the neckline finishes it off. A new nightie in no time, and very inexpensive. Elly |
User: ellymolin
Member since: 01-13-2005 Total posts: 37 |
From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 08-03-2005, 10:48 PM (28 of 39)
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why won't some of you shop at Walmart?? Is that just for fabric or for anything?? Just wondering~ mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 08-04-2005, 07:21 AM (29 of 39)
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Friday -- For me -- and my family -- not patronizing Wal Mart is a moral and ethical statement. Probably meaningless to others but at least it's something to me. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: blackie
Date: 08-04-2005, 10:38 AM (30 of 39)
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I don't shop at Walmart because they treat their employees lousy and most of their goods come from slave labor overseas! I don't want to sell out my fellow man just so I can save a few cents! It my budget is so tight (and it is!) I'd rather go without a few things. The Lord knows I have enough things in my life! < / soapbox> From an article online, Ten Good Reasons Not To Shop At Walmart : 1. Wal-Mart is notoriously anti-union. Even though it's illegal, Wal-Mart fires and harrasses workers who want a union. 2. Wal-Mart has been found guilty of forcing thousands of workers to work off the clock and not paying them overtime. 3. Wal-Mart discriminates against women. Although 2/3 of Wal-Mart's workers are women, only 1/3 are supervisors, according to a lawsuit filed on behalf of workers. 4. Wal-Mart doesn't give workers adequate health care coverage. About 2/3 of all Wal-Mart employees can't afford it because they're paid too little. 5. Wal-Mart was caught using illegal immigrants to clean its stores. 6. Wal-Mart hurts union workers by forcing them to compete with poverty level wages and lousy benefits. 7. Wal-Mart destroys communities by putting small businesses, the lifeblood of local economies, out of business. For every 2 jobs Wal-Mart creates, 3 get destroyed. 8. Wal-Mart sells products made by exploited workers and children in third world countries. 9. Wal-Mart has become the "cultural gatekeeper" of America by refusing to sell products they deem "offensive." 10. Wal-Mart has been caught over 75 times destroying, altering, and hiding evidence in lawsuits brought against it. I am really, really sorry if anyone is irritated at this post - I agree it is a tangent! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: MaryW
Date: 08-04-2005, 10:55 AM (31 of 39)
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Let's just keep it focused on frugal sewing.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: DorothyL
Date: 08-04-2005, 12:02 PM (32 of 39)
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There ya go -- she said it all. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: e50e
Date: 08-04-2005, 11:02 PM (33 of 39)
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I just want to say that I appreciate their comments because the main reason I took up sewing was to reclaim my place as a producer in this highly consumerist-driven society. While women's labor is being exploited elsewhere to produce the goods that I wear, I think it's a conscious effort on my part to fight back, as a woman and an American, by sewing my own clothing. I understand the need to stay on topic though--- I buy the majority of my fabric at thrift stores. I find GREAT stuff at very low prices. You are guaranteed to find prints that you would never see around today--and that's a good thing! |
User: e50e
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 21 |
From: blackie
Date: 08-04-2005, 11:19 PM (34 of 39)
e50e, great post. I think that's a wonderful way to look at sewing and "woman's work" craftsmanship. I'm glad a couple people liked my comments... I knew I was a bad girl for being OT, but I went ahead anyway!  .Back to frugal sewing. My thrift stores in town are lame, fabric-wise. I found yards of great denim at a garage sale last summer for $1. Garage-saling is time consuming, though! My husband likes to take the kids and "just look". I admire his discipline! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: e50e
Date: 08-05-2005, 04:03 AM (35 of 39)
| It does require discipline to just browse garage sales and thrift stores! I don't think I can do it. I often visit 4 or 5 different thrift stores and sometimes more during the month. I live in the city though so there are many. I have really just found the best stuff! I've never found any at garage sales though-----but now that I'm looking more for clothes to alter or reuse I think I might start picking up more "fabric" at them. |
User: e50e
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 21 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-05-2005, 07:48 AM (36 of 39)
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I've got to admit I am not a thrifty sewer. I was thrifty for a long time when my kids were little. Now I figure I can afford an indulgence or two and sewing is it. I buy expensive buttons when I want to -- although, like every sewer, I save the ones off of old clothes. I have even been known to pay $40 for a yard of fabric (silk brocade and silk velvet hand pieced blocks that made a beautiful purse). To be fair, it was half price. I don't like garage sales and thrift shops. Blackie told you most of the reasons I don't shop at Wal Mart. But as I said -- I do miss the fabric section there. I guess it wouldn't be a statement without some sacrifice. Jo-Ann, Hancocks and a small locally owned shop (my favorite) all have good sale racks in the back and I always check them first. I buy patterns when they are on sale for a buck or two. And I am lucky enough to go into New York a couple times a year to hit the shops in the garment district there. That's where I really save money although it is hard to explain to my husband while he is lugging bags of fabric through the subway that I saved a lot of money by spending $150!! But, even though I make all my own clothes, I don't think I save money by sewing and I usually don't make much effort to save with sewing supplies. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: acdngydr
Date: 08-14-2005, 10:22 PM (37 of 39)
| My thrifty-ness was to use tshirts (which seem to multiply in the laundry!) to make pillow covers. The designs on the tshirts were cute (kittens, flowers) and I just cut the front and back, added a zipper, and covered the throw pillows in the rec. room. The kids loved them because they were soft! |
User: acdngydr
Member since: 08-14-2005 Total posts: 8 
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From: beachgirl
Date: 08-14-2005, 11:22 PM (38 of 39)
Now that's a real thrifty nifty idea with those T-shirts. So easy to take off & wash too. 
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User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: bridesmom
Date: 08-14-2005, 11:50 PM (39 of 39)
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I've seen that done with old sweaters, using the front and back, cut into squares, serging the edges and putting pillows into them. I did it with a real funky 70's sweater I picked up at Value village for $2, added some buttons and it turned out really cute.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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