| Sewing is coming back into vogue. Many people are | | | | regularly for a dollar. You can often get them free with |
| tired of the cookie-cutter type clothing found in retail | | | | the purchase of your fabric. |
| stores. They want something unique, and want to | | | | If you are careful with your choice of style, you won't |
| show off their creativity. | | | | have to purchase as much fabric. |
| Sewing was once considered the economical way to | | | | Fabric, at stores like JoAnns, is always on sale, usually |
| dress. You could buy fabric at JC Penneys, as well as | | | | for at least 50% off retail. If it is not on sale, you can |
| most of your local dime stores. | | | | usually access a coupon for 40-50% off one cut of |
| In the last few decades, we've seen fabric pulled from | | | | fabric. |
| all our department stores and other retailers. Many | | | | You can also buy fabric on the Internet. Most Internet |
| fabric chains have gone out of business. Those left | | | | stores will have a free shipping sale a few times each |
| with fabric are either quilt stores, or lean toward calicos | | | | year. |
| and other quilting fabrics. | | | | Another negative can be sewing space. If you don't |
| What happened, and is it still worth sewing my own | | | | have a place to sew, other than the dining room table, |
| clothing? | | | | it will be messy. If you have small children, you are |
| As with so many other items, cheap labor abroad has | | | | going to have to be very careful, as pins and needles |
| reduced the price on the clothing found in our retail | | | | are hard to keep from falling on the floor. |
| stores. When clothing goes on sale, you can find quality | | | | If you do have a dedicated sewing space, however, |
| garments at very affordable prices. This has made | | | | that place may become your haven, and you will |
| sewing less desirable. | | | | thoroughly enjoy every minute you spend there. |
| Sewing is work, takes time, and the outcome is not | | | | Sewing can become a passion. Buying fabric can |
| always certain. When you purchase an item in a retail | | | | become one of life's greatest joys. ( I quilt- don't ask |
| store, you have the luxury of trying it on first, to make | | | | me about my stash) |
| sure that the fit is prefect, and that the outfit is | | | | To me, being frugal has always meant saving money |
| flattering on you. | | | | on the things that don't matter to you so that you can |
| When you sew, you don't have that luxury. You must | | | | have the things that do matter to you. |
| know beforehand that the fabric you are buying is | | | | So is it frugal to sew your own clothing? Perhaps yes, |
| going to work for you, and that the pattern you are | | | | perhaps no. I think the real question is "Do you want to |
| making has lines that will both fit and flatter your body | | | | do it?" |
| type. | | | | Sewing is a very versatile skill. Even if you don't want |
| Added to this is the assumption that you are an | | | | to make your own clothing, you have other options. |
| accomplished seamstress, and that you will not have | | | | Children clothes are great to make. Just learn a few |
| any problems with the construction of your garment. | | | | basic pieces, and you can make them in different |
| Having said this, there are many reasons people may | | | | fabrics and sizes. Most patterns come in several sizes. |
| still want to sew their own clothing. | | | | Great seamstresses can pull apart adult garments and |
| The price of a basic sewing machine is still very | | | | reuse the fabric for children's clothing. |
| reasonable. For a few more dollars, you can buy a | | | | Special Occasion Dresses can be very expensive and |
| machine with many extras, like decorative sewing | | | | hard to find in the store. If you fabric is very expensive, |
| stitches, and computerized features. | | | | make your outfit in muslin first so that you know it will |
| Sergers, a little more expensive, give a professional | | | | fit. Then, pull it apart and use the muslin as the pattern |
| finish to a garment, resulting in increased satisfaction | | | | for your expensive fabric. |
| with your work. | | | | Sewing for your home can result in significant savings |
| You may want to sew your own clothing if your figure | | | | and beautiful, unique decor. Drapery panels are easily |
| is hard to fit, or if you have trouble finding colors you | | | | made with simple straight stitching lines for hems. The |
| like. | | | | only hard part is dealing with so much fabric. |
| On the negative side, if you pay full retail price for the | | | | Easier to make are pillow, shams, tablecloths, napkins, |
| notions and fabric you need to sew an outfit, it will be | | | | table runners and even bedspreads and dust ruffles. |
| expensive. | | | | Bottom line- sewing is a great hobby, and can even |
| There is a huge markup in both patterns and fabric. | | | | turn into a home business. If you enjoy it, do it. If you |
| You should never pay full retail price for either. | | | | don't, shop the sales and don't feel guilty. Either way, |
| Patterns, marked to sell at over $10, go on sale | | | | you win. |